Visit the Westboro Gateway Mural

Work on this prominent Westboro landmark began in the middle of the pandemic and it was ready for viewing in late fall. However, public health restrictions meant that mural afficionados were not able to attend an unveiling of the piece. Now, though, you can walk to the corner of Churchill and Byron to admire the creative work of Style Over Stylus, who have beautified walls between Ottawa and Montreal. Long-time Westboro residents will recognize lots of images from our community, like the heron at Westboro Beach, old Nepean City Hall and the trolley that used to run along Byron Avenue. Go with friends and take a group selfie at this new historical landmark!

Westboro Beach

The chances are that if you’ve lived in Westboro for any amount of time, you’ve spent an hour or two at Westboro Beach, but visiting the beach seems a little different this summer. Maybe the water is bluer, the sand is sandier and the bike paths are bikier. Make sure you don’t miss out on this Westboro classic.

Whether you prefer to explore the 40 kilometres of bike trails, kayak off Kitchissippi Lookout or simply relax with a cool beverage at the Westboro Beach Café, Westboro Beach offers activities for the entire family.

History buffs can check out the Nile Voyageurs memorial plaque, commemorating the volunteer rivermen who joined a military expedition to relieve besieged British forces in Khartoum, while entomologists can bask in the Kitchissippi Pollinator Garden.

There really is something for everyone at the beautiful Westboro Beach.

Bate Island

With well-known waterfronts like Mooney’s Bay, Westboro Beach or even the Rideau Canal available to Ottawa residents, it’s easy to forget some of the lesser-known gems. One place close to home is Bate Island.

Bate Island is a stone’s throw away from the Champlain Bridge off Island Park Drive and is surrounded by the rushing waters of the Ottawa River. The picturesque surroundings, manicured property and bubbling rapids make Bate Island an ideal spot to try your hand at fishing, kayak through the rapids or read a book under a canopy of mature trees. For larger groups, there are picnic tables and a gazebo; and there is plenty of free parking.

Wall Space Gallery

If you enjoy art, you will love the variety of pieces on display by emerging and established Canadian artists at Wall Space Gallery.

The gallery opened its doors in 2004 and is dedicated to making contemporary art accessible to everyone and building community by supporting local artists. At the writing of this article, Wall Space Gallery will be exhibiting “Celebrations of Summer”, featuring work from Peter Colbert, Elizabeth D’Agostino, Erica Hawkes, Tanya Kirouac, Lori Richards, Ava Roth, Dan Ryan, and Amy Shackleton.

If you’d like to beautify your own home or office, Wall Space Gallery offers art consultation – helping enthusiasts curate a collection that reflects their personal aesthetic.

We hope that a trip to one or two of these nearby places helps you celebrate summer and reminds you of the creative, historic and simply gorgeous spaces that make living in Westboro such a rewarding experience. When the day is done and you’re heading home, stop off for a drink or a meal at one of the neighbourhoods’ best patios.

The post Four fun activities to help you reconnect with Westboro as Ontario re-opens appeared first on Westboro 2 (Scott Street) Blog.

To get you started, we’ve curated a handful of social distancing “must-do” activities that are not only close to home but will get your legs moving and help you shake off the 2020 blues.

La nature en ville Westboro Nature Walk

Launched in June 2019, La nature en ville Westboro Nature Walk is an urban adventure that connects wildlife with Westboro. Wildlife photographer, Michelle Valberg licensed nine of her eye-popping photographs to beautify nine of the utility boxes scattered throughout Westboro. The images depict some of the nature scenes that we see in our backyards and in Ottawa’s vast green spaces including sunflowers, butterflies and tulips. Michelle’s work can be seen at the following locations:

• Richmond Road at Patricia Avenue
• Richmond Road at Kirkwood Avenue
• Richmond Road at McRae Avenue
• Richmond Road at Athlone Avenue
• Richmond Road at Churchill Avenue
• Byron Avenue at Churchill Avenue
• Richmond Road at Roosevelt Avenue
• Byron Avenue at Roosevelt Avenue
• Richmond Road at Golden Avenue

Westboro Beach

Soak up the sun at this popular Ottawa hot spot. Even if you can’t dip your toes in the water, you can enjoy the cool breeze coming off of the Ottawa River. And it doesn’t stop here. If you’re a shutterbug, join in on the weekly photo challenge. The Westboro Beach Community Association is holding its first annual photo challenge. Each week has a different theme. Check out their Facebook page for more details and upcoming events.

If you get tired of the rays and want to seek some solitude, check out one of our passions – BEES! Take a short stroll to the adjoining Selby Plain Pollinator Garden where you can go on a photo safari to capture bees, birds and butterflies!

Bate Island

Bate Island is one of three small islands found by the Champlain Bridge, and one of the area’s best kept secrets. The island has undergone several changes over the years, and more recently has received some improvements. Visitors can expect a nice inner-city escape where they can take in views of the Ottawa River or be on the lookout for many species of migratory birds. The island features picnic areas and connects to the Trans Canada Trail.

Remic Rapids

A stone’s throw from Hintonburg and Westboro, Remic Rapids is not only home to dozens of balanced rock sculptures, but is also rich with many species of plants, animals and migratory birds. The rock sculptures created by John Felice Ceprano, have been beautifying the shoreline since 1986.

Make a day of it – there are bike racks and picnic areas so that you can enjoy your visit from sun-up to sundown.

Maplelawn Garden

Located at 529 Richmond Road, Maplelawn is an historic house constructed between 1831 and 1834. Built by the Thomson family, Maplelawn was the centre of their farming estate. The house is now a designated national historic site, but many of you will know it as The Keg Manor! The property is known for its beautiful walled garden. You can learn more by visiting the National Capital Commission.

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