There's still plenty to do in the capital region after the July 1 bash

When the fireworks and flag waving of Canada's big birthday bash are over, there is still lots to enjoy around the capital region.

Garden of delights

MosaïCanada150 at at Jacques‑Cartier Park.

8 years ago

Duration 1:31

Feast your eyes and renew your senses in this garden of imagination.

You don't need to be a gardener to appreciate the enchanting world of sculpted plants and exotic flowers that is MosaïCanada150. A feast for the eyes and the imagination, the spectacular exhibit is located on the sprawling grounds of Jacques-Cartier Park, where you can meander through a 900-metre route of lush, living and ever-growing wonderland crafted from greenery. 

The creation of Mosaïcultures Internationales de Montréal, an award-winning group known for elevating horticultural to an art form. The Chinese Embassy has a contributed a spectacular dragon sculpture to the landscape.  

​Where: Jacques -Cartier Park. The main entrance is at the corner of rue Laurier and rue Saint-Étienne in Gatineau.

When: Open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Oct. 15, 2017.

Cost: Free

Fools in the Park

A Company of Fools is back at it with their hijinks and high-spirited renditions of the Bard's plays in parks throughout the region. This summer's presentation of the Torchlight Shakespeare in the Park Series is the crowd-pleasing A Midsummer Night's Dream, a treat for kids and adults alike. 

"Expect a fun, physical, fast-paced romp through the forests of Athens, mystical fairies, fighting lovers, warring kings and queens, and a troupe of very bad actors, who put on a very bad play," said artistic director and actor Catriona Leger.

Where: Preview at the Merrickville fairgrounds on July 1. Officially opens at Strathcona Park on July 3. Check here for other dates and locations.

When: 6 p.m.

Cost: Pay what you can. Recommended donation is $20.

My Canada

Stroll along the Sparks Street Mall and take in a photo exhibition that encompasses the wide range of people who call Canada home.  

Ottawa Hub of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Community put out the call for Canadians across the country to submit their portraits and tell their own stories. 

"I think this is one way for people to see their own country, see a chance for them to be represented here," said Ali Tejpar, one of the organizers.

"Here, pluralism is not some abstract ideal but a commonly held Canadian ethic at the center of our collective identity,"

Where:  Sparks Street Mall, between Bank and O'Connor streets

When: Until July 3

Cost: Free