Festivals and Events

Émile Gauthier and Sébastien Lévesque of Distorsion, the podcast about strange stories of the digital age, explain how they research their podcast, TV series and books, talk about their new project on conspiracy theories and share unheard anecdotes. Friday November 20, 2026 at 7 PM, about 75 minutes, in French, for teens and adults. Free; reservation required.

Actress, host and director Bianca Gervais (Format familial, Les moments parfaits, MixMania: 20 ans plus tard) shares the big steps of her career, the challenges she faced and what she learned along the way. Sunday November 15, 2026 at 2 PM, about one hour, for teens and adults. Free; reservation required on the library website.

Meet Sébastien Diaz, the TV host, director and producer behind Formule Diaz, L'Effet Wow and Format Familial, in a conversation hosted by journalist Tifa Bourjouane with Radio-Canada, followed by questions from the audience. Saturday November 14, 2026 at 2 PM, about one hour, for all ages. Free; reservation required on the library website.

The National Capital Commission opens its free Urbanism Lab season with a panel on the stories that shape the capital's identity, from Bytown's origins to today, touching on heritage, public art and cultural memory. Wednesday Nov 25, 2026: doors at 11:30 AM, panel 12:00 to 1:00 PM, then questions until 1:30 PM, at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society building. Free, registration required because space is limited.

A free festive day for the whole family during Quebec Intercultural Week: pick up a passport, visit the different villages and collect stamps for a small souvenir. The program includes the immersive dome show Dounia, a percussion show by Kattam, a magic show, intercultural Kahoot quizzes and a family DJ dance party, plus community resources and face painting. Sunday Nov 15, 2026, 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM at the Maison du Citoyen in Hull.

Each week the Lucy-Faris library in Aylmer screens a notable film from the National Film Board of Canada, followed by an open, friendly discussion. Expect documentaries and human stories from here and abroad. Thursdays Nov 12 to Dec 3, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Free, no registration needed.

Come play, laugh and meet people at the board game club of the Guy-Sanche library in the Maison de la culture de Gatineau. Each evening is a chance to try new games or revisit classics, and no experience is needed. Thursdays Nov 5 to Dec 3, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Free.

Therapeutic Paws of Canada offers free monthly therapy dog visits at the Rideau branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Drop in any time during the visit to relax and recharge in the company of Ruth the dog and her handler. Wednesdays Nov 18 and Dec 16, 2026, 3:00 to 4:00 PM.

Celebrate the winter solstice season at Colborne Lodge, the 1830s villa at the south end of High Park, by making a historic holiday scent sachet while museum staff share seasonal stories. This City of Toronto holiday program is free, from December 9, 2026 to January 3, 2027, during museum opening hours.

Meet new people, play games and socialize at the Cumberland branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Coffee, puzzles, board games and adult colouring books are available, or bring your own. Tuesdays and Thursdays from Nov 10 to Dec 17, 2026, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Free drop in program.

A free festive visit to Gibson House Museum, the 1850s farmhouse of surveyor David Gibson, now surrounded by the towers of North York Centre. Drop by for a historic kitchen demonstration, crafts and holiday charm. Free, from December 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027, during museum opening hours.

Step into the holiday season of the 1920s at Spadina Museum, a grand historic house beside Casa Loma, festively decorated for the season. This City of Toronto holiday program is free, from December 2, 2026 to January 3, 2027, during museum opening hours.