Ottawa isn’t a big city. It isn’t world-renowned—in fact if you go just south of the border, a lot of people might be completely unaware of its existence.
Its largest stadium requires a car to get to it in under 45 minutes.
But don’t mistake a lack of flashy amenities and a low population as an indication that the city is boring. On any given night, Ottawa is your proverbial oyster.
This week alone, more than half a dozen galleries opened their latest exhibition and a bunch of punk bands played at Luneta Café & Bistro. Over the course of two weeks, two different Shakespeare-inspired plays hit the stage. We had theatre, music, burlesque, paintings, film, and various interactive fairs—anyone looking for something to do would find it.
Ottawa is the perfect example of how a city doesn’t need all the large amenities to have a thriving arts scene. In fact, smaller cities often have more personal, accessible art communities. Local venues, little cafés and bars, are transformed into galleries and concert halls.
It’s not unusual to be introduced to entirely new bands and artists for five dollars, or even for free. All types of art are readily available and accessible. This city offers up so much to the people who are living here, if they’re willing to take advantage of it.
Ottawa is not boring. Anyone who says otherwise is either boring themselves, or just plain lazy.
