Weather conditions, road closures, and top headlines in the Ottawa Valley on August 1st
Ottawa Valley and Ottawa Area Weekend Guide: August 2-4
This weekend in the Ottawa Valley and Ottawa area is filled with a mix of exciting events and significant road closures due to the Ironman Canada-Ottawa triathlon. Here's what you can expect:
Events and Activities
- On Saturday, August 2, from 10 AM to 4 PM, the 613flea market at Lansdowne Park (1015 Bank St.) offers a marketplace with makers, bakers, craftsmen, vintage vendors, and food, free to attend.
- On Sunday, August 3, from 4 PM to 9 PM, "Race for Wishes" at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa (4837 Albion Road) is a fundraiser with live music, harness racing, kids’ activities, BBQ, silent auctions, and raffles supporting Make-A-Wish Canada. Admission is free.
- Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park near Cumberland Village is open until October 31 and offers walking trails amid sculptures in a wooded ravine, with admission between $7-$10.
- Other notable Ottawa summer events include the ongoing Les Grands Feux fireworks festival over the Ottawa River, with Saturday night (Aug 2) featuring Japan-themed fireworks. This international fireworks festival runs Wednesdays and Saturdays until August 16, with tickets needed for viewing at the Canadian Museum of History.
- August 3 marks the day for Ironman Canada-Ottawa, starting at 6 a.m. with a 3.8 km swim at Britannia Beach, followed by a 180 km bike ride and a marathon through the city.
Road Closures and Traffic Impact
Due to Ironman Canada-Ottawa (Aug 3 at 6 a.m. to Aug 4 at 1 a.m.), major road closures are in effect including:
- Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Island Park Drive, Carling Avenue, Wellington Street, Colonel By Drive
- Mackenzie Avenue (closed Aug 3 6 a.m. - Aug 4 7 a.m.)
- Sussex Drive (between Murray and St. Patrick Streets, closed Aug 3 5 a.m. - Aug 4 6 p.m.)
- Rockcliffe Driveway, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Prince of Wales Drive, National Capital Commission Scenic Driveway, Arboretum Roadway
Bridge closures include:
- Alexandra Bridge (closed Aug 1 9:30 a.m. - Aug 4 noon)
- Champlain Bridge, Chaudière Bridge, Portage Bridge, Pretoria Bridge
These closures likely affect traffic flow significantly, especially around downtown Ottawa and the event venues, so plan travel accordingly.
Local News Context
- The triathlon and the related road closures are the big story impacting the city this weekend.
- Cultural and recreational activities such as the flea market, fireworks festival, and sculpture park offer family-friendly options outside the race schedule.
For updated weather forecasts and real-time traffic alerts, please consult local resources or official city websites.
Additional Information
- Highway 17 in Laurentian Hills is estimated to reopen for 4 p.m. after being closed due to a sinkhole on July 30.
- Tonight, clear skies are expected in Ottawa Valley with a night time low of 11 C.
- The sun will set at 8:33 p.m. in Ottawa Valley tonight.
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- The Ottawa Valley offers animal experiences, outdoor adventures, and more for the long weekend.
- Despite the Ironman Canada-Ottawa triathlon causing significant road closures, there are several entertainment options available this weekend, such as the 613flea market, the Les Grands Feux fireworks festival, and the Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park.
- On Saturday, August 2, attendees can support Make-A-Wish Canada at the "Race for Wishes" event at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, featuring live music, activities, BBQ, and more.
- For those interested in sports, don't miss the Ironman Canada-Ottawa triathlon on August 3, starting with a swim at Britannia Beach and continuing with a bike ride and marathon through the city.
- As the weekend approaches, weather forecasts and real-time traffic alerts are important resources for planning travel around the Ottawa Valley and Ottawa area, including the Ironman road closures and potential delays caused by the Alexandra Bridge closure and the expected reopening of Highway 17 in Laurentian Hills.
