fun activities

In-Person Events + Activities On Campus = FUN! Winter Semester, Here We Come.

There have been so many great virtual events that have happened over the past two years, but we’re excited to share that more on-campus, in-person events and activities are coming to AC! Here are a few of the things that you can look forward to this winter.

Getting Active

With the opening of the new Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre there are a whole bunch of classes available virtually, but now, also in-person! Try out zumba, yoga, muay thai, boxing, and more!

If you’re attending the Pembroke campus you’ll be happy to hear you can now get back to using the fitness areas and climbing wall! See their website for full details and to book a timeslot.

Socializing

Social Nights are back at the Pembroke Campus! We’re also excited to see that the Students’ Association is planning on hosting most of their events and activities in person across all of our campuses, starting with the upcoming winter semester! Check out their calendar for full details.

If you’re looking for socializing activities that could be in-person or virtual, don’t forget to check out the clubs and groups listing and join one today!

Enjoying Music or a Show

Live performances are back at the Algonquin Commons Theatre and shows are scheduled well into 2022. There are lots of options from musical performers and musical theatre to comedians and more. Get your tickets today!

Like attending events from the comfort of your own home? Maybe in your pyjamas? While we’re looking ahead to an increase in on-campus, in-person events and activities, virtual options aren’t going anywhere, including the beloved Dirty Bingo.

We like lounging in our PJs too, but we can’t wait to see everyone on campus for the return of live events and entertainment. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss out!

Throughout this exciting return to campus, the health and safety of everyone in our College community remains our primary concern. All of our planning will continue to be guided by public health guidelines. Make sure you’re ready to join us on campus this winter. Click here for more information about what you need to do.

10 reasons why your next on-campus meal should be at Restaurant International!

Located in H Building, Restaurant International is Algonquin College’s culinary teaching restaurant and a hidden gem of the Woodroffe Campus.

The restaurant offers a wonderful on-campus dining experience while giving students a hands-on learning laboratory that allows them the opportunity to practice and apply the skills they learn in their programs. Menus are created by students and faculty from culinary and hospitality programs in the School of Hospitality and Tourism, and food preparation and dining services are facilitated by students as part of their studies.

The ACX Team had the chance to visit Restaurant International recently and we have 1o very good reasons why you should make it one of your go-to spots on-campus to grab a meal!

1)The prices are unbeatable

Where else can you get an appetizer, main, and dessert for lunch for only $18? Or a three-course dinner for between $20 – $27. Most of the time you’re looking at more than $12 for fast food these days, or even $15 + for a main dish at a local casual restaurant. The value of what you can get at Restaurant International is really hard to beat.

2)Students get 25% off

That’s right! Not only are the prices already incredible for what you’re getting, you also get 25% off as a student!

3)It’s delicious!

Seriously! So good! It can easily be compared to the quality you would find at a casual fine-dining restaurant. Our ACX Team made sure to try a wide variety of the options available, and we were all so impressed.

4)Dietary restriction and allergy friendly!

If you have dietary restrictions this is the place to go! The restaurant takes dietary restrictions very seriously and can make accommodations and adaptations of many of their menu items.

5)You’re helping students learn

This is one of the ways that culinary and hospitality students get real world experience and can practice their skills before entering the workforce. By visiting the restaurant and eating tasty food you are supporting the learning process, so you can pat yourself on the back for your good deed 😊

6)Great for date night & special occasions

Restaurant International recently made some lovely updates to their dining room and paired with their exquisite food and lovely service, makes for a great option for a nice date night or special occasion. If your family comes to visit from out of town, this should be your go-to spot, it’s certain to impress your guests!

7)Also great for everyday

While it’s the perfect spot on-campus for date night, family visits, or special occasions, it’s also relaxed enough for an everyday visit. It doesn’t feel too formal, and the restaurant offers a nice ambiance to grab a tasty meal with a few friends during a break between classes.

8)Lots of healthy food options

If you’re looking for healthy food options, the restaurant has you covered! Get in your servings of vegetables and proteins to help fuel your studies! Being a student is hard work and your brain needs all the fuel it can get! Meals at Restaurant International are made completely from scratch so you can count on them avoiding pesky preservatives and other ingredients that you might find in more processed or pre-prepared food purchases.

9)Local and seasonal ingredients are utilized

The restaurant takes advantage of the wealth of options and suppliers when it comes to sourcing their ingredients. You can always count on seeing seasonal ingredients in meals in addition to some locally sourced products.

10)Dark Chocolate Lava Cake

Four simple words but a scrumptious dessert that alone is worth the trip to the Restaurant. Seriously, get the Lava Cake.

Restaurant International has limited hours in order to fit within timetables and student class times so make sure to check out their website and make a reservation to guarantee your table. Currently, they are open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday lunches and Wednesday through Saturday evenings. When attending Restaurant International, guests need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination along with a photo ID.

Your guide to exploring the best of Ottawa in Autumn!

Whether it’s on your own, with a group of friends, on a date, or even with visiting family, there is so much to experience and enjoy in Ottawa during the Fall. Here is a round up of a wide variety of activities that range in price and proximity but that are all wonderful ways to enjoy this fantastic season!

Illustration of an Algonquin College student enjoying fall weather - on a photographic background of a park during a bright fall day with colourfull leaves.

Get into Spooky Season!

Are you a scaredy-cat and like the more wholesome spooky activities? (Me too) Try out Saunders Farm Haunting Season activities! They have pumpkin patches, hedge mazes, hay rides, whimsical play structures, an open-air spooky trail, and lots more. Want to pair spookiness with a tour of Ottawa? Try out one of the great haunted walking tours of the city. Looking for a fun spooky challenge with friends? Book a spook-tacular Escape Room experience. Want to experience 7000 pumpkins artfully carved and crafted? A little drive out of Ottawa will bring you to Pumpkinferno at Upper Canada Village, a “mesmerizing installation of artist-inspired, glowing pumpkins”.

Are you a full-on spooky season, give-me-all-the-scariness kind of person? Well then you’re going to love Fright Fest Nights at Saunders Farm! They have had 30 years to hone their terrifying scary scenes, so be ready for lots of scary fun. Want to delve into the paranormal? The Haunted Walk offers two, five ghost rated (that’s very spooky), paranormal public investigation tours. Explore the Mill of Kintail in Almonte, or head to Cornwall to venture into Historic SDG Jail (aka the Cornwall Jail). Closer to home to can get your fill of scary from The Sawmill at Lansdowne, another great haunted experience put on by the folks at Saunders Farm.

Enjoy tastes of the season.

Fall is another phenomenal season for flavours, fresh produce, fun beverages, and of course tasty treats!

Head over to Hintonburg & Wellington Village and experience some of the great local offerings with the Taste of Wellington West, one of the best Ottawa food festivals. This year they are offering both online and in-person events, and have an array of fun resources to point you to your new favourite tasty treat!

Get fully immersed in the season by going on a pick-your-own experience! Ottawa is central to some stellar offerings, there are a variety of places to choose from to go apple picking or to find yourself the perfect pumpkins.

Don’t forget about your local farmer’s market! Ottawa is home to four Farmers’ Markets, Orleans (Thursdays), Barrhaven (Sundays), Westboro (Saturdays), and Lansdowne (Sundays, Year-Round)!

And finally, while the weather is still agreeable, take advantage of the last of patio season! There are so many local spots to try and many of them offer seasonal dishes or spirits for you to enjoy.

Get active!

Walking and biking around Ottawa is a great way to see the sights and get to know the city at any time of the year. If you’re looking for a few extra fun active things you might enjoy doing this season, we have you covered!

Try out some challenging mountain biking and hiking up at Camp Fortune in Gatineau Park. Head out for a hike on one of the many trails through Ottawa, in the Greenbelt, or in Gatineau Park! Go adventuring in caves or try out the zip-line and high-ropes courses at Arbraska, just 30-minutes outside of Ottawa. Or try something completely unique at Eco-Odyssée’s paddle-boat water maze!

Enjoy the Fall Rhapsody!

Rhapsody
noun
1) an effusively enthusiastic or ecstatic expression of feeling.

I’d say Fall Rhapsody is an accurate description for the amazing changing of seasons and the stunning colours and views that can be found while exploring just over the border in Québec. Don’t have access to a car to get out into Gatineau Park? No worries! The NCC is offering a FREE shuttle to some of the most popular Gatineau Park spots.

While you can go hiking or driving through the Gatineau Hills and other spaces over in Québec, these aren’t the only ways to enjoy the fall foliage. In addition to extensive active offerings, Camp Fortune has an exquisitely scenic chairlift that will take you soaring over the colourful leaves this season.

Whatever you get up to this season make sure to follow all public health guide lines for the places you are visiting.

6+ great social events to kick off the semester!

AC Day 1 kicks off the semester but this year that’s not where the fun and socializing ends! Student Support Services and the Algonquin College Students’ Association have a whole array of social events for all Algonquin Students to check out in the first week of school!

1) Virtual Field Trip with Little Ray’s Reptiles!

Get a rare, up-close look at animals with this virtual field trip! Meet snakes, lizards, alligators, caimans, sloths, and more. Little Ray’s Reptiles animal expert will travel through a few different habitats and environments covering information on the animals, their diets, and interesting facts along the way. Event will take place Wednesday, September 8th from 12pm – 1pm.

2)Dirty Bingo!

Meet new people, laugh, and have fun with Dirty Bingo hosted by the fabulous and famous drag queens Krystal Caring and Zelda Marshall! Enjoy some naughty hilarity and play for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Venus Envy. Presented by the Students’ Association this event will be hosted on Wednesday, September 8th from 8pm – 9:30pm. Register to get the link to your bingo card.

3)Food tips to fuel your studies.

Four-minute cooking demos to help fuel your body and brain to academic success? Sign me up! Learn about some nutritious, affordable, and simple options in this event from Health Services. Event will take place Thursday, September 9th from 10 am – 10:30 am.

4)Mindful Breadmaking

Get into the practice of mindfulness before the semester ramps up, plus learn to make something tasty. Learn grounding techniques and to create food with intention with Counselling Services on Thursday, September 9th from 1pm – 2pm.

5)Dealing with roommate conflict

Living situations can get tense no matter who you live with! Learn to work through this conflict and ensure clear communication between everyone with two guest speakers who know a lot about it! Join in and chat with Kiefer Collison and Phil Paquette from Big Brother Canada on Thursday, September 9th from 4pm – 5pm.

6)What to do in Ottawa this Fall!

Whether you’re new to Ottawa or have been a resident for years, Nina Near and Far has some great tips for getting out and experiencing all the fun that Ottawa has to offer in the Fall. Drop in and chat about all the great experiences to be had during one of the best times of year! Event is taking place Friday, September 10th from 11am – 12pm.

These are just a few of the great events coming up this week! You can also get tips on getting job ready, learn about NFTs, get Naloxone Training, and learn about the variety of academic resources available to students. Head on over to the Let’s Get Social webpage for the full schedule, details, and the register!

Let’s learn and have fun, with AC Day 1!

It’s almost time for AC Day One!! Coming up September 7th, 2021, AC Day One is Algonquin College’s (currently virtual) orientation day! It includes program orientation for new students to learn about classes and virtually meet professors as well as a multitude of virtual social activities and events for new and returning students!

There are useful information sessions, interesting workshops to attend, live local music, plus great activities where you can even win prizes!

Here are a few of the fantastic opportunities available during Fall 2021 AC Day 1!

Get Social!

Throughout the day there will be an AC Day 1 Discord Server up and running! Join the Algonquin College server for one day only – available from 9:00am until 5:00pm. Looking to make some new friends? Check out The Social Room! Connect with other AC students from across the world. Pop in anytime, introduce yourself, and chat with your peers. Everyone is welcome! Enjoy the live music by local artists and even a motivational speech to start your term off strong.

Workshops

Hobbiesville, Entrepreneurship & Pokémon

Join in a discussion with Logan Fournier, owner of Hobbiesville, as he speaks about his journey to entrepreneurship that started with a search for his old Pokémon collection in his parents’ basement.

Bonus: Win 1 of 3 gift cards to Hobbiesville during this session!

Let’s Get Nerdy About Nature

Ross Reid of Nerdy About Nature will be speaking on using his skills in filmmaking and communication to spread awareness about the environment. During this session, we will chat about the importance of learning to communicate with others, learn cool facts about nature, and discuss the intricate role that humans play within the ecosystem.

Other events include: Trivia, an Escape Room, Comedy Show, and Stretching and Sketching. Register Today!

Information Sessions

Don’t forget to check out the super useful information sessions on how to use Library Resources and Brightspace, details on Health & Dental Plans, and of course your program orientation!

End the day with a BANG!

AC Day 1 Fireworks Live Stream

And finally, close out the evening and celebrate the beginning of a new academic year with a fireworks display. Hosted by the Algonquin Students’ Association (SA) and Algonquin Student Support Services, the firework display will take place on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 9:00 pm. Watch this live stream event with loved ones under the stars, or if you are located in the area, step out on your balcony or front lawn and be united by this beautiful display.

Sign up today for AC Day 1 and start your semester off right!

Vaccinated Ottawa summer bucket list!

As things in Ottawa start to open up a little bit more and vaccination rates go up we thought it would be a good idea to add a few more items to your Ottawa Summer Bucket List! Make sure to check out the Government of Canada’s safety guidelines for fully vaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals.

Adventures in the Outdoors

Looking for some outdoor adventures to try out? There are tons of opportunities all around Ottawa. Try out the brand new and exciting Interprovincial Zipline, Interzip Rogers! Or maybe you want something on the water, in that case check out the white water rafting and kayaking opportunities Ottawa has to offer!

If you’re more interested in hiking, with the lessened restrictions, you should now head out to explore a new trail in Gatineau Park. With a wide variety of trails at various levels of difficulty, there is a little something for everyone.

Ottawa is centrally located to a whole lot of camping opportunities, so if you’re a camper or an aspiring one, you’re in luck! There are lots of local provincial parks you can book with and … FUN FACT: Many provincial parks this summer are offering free day-use from Monday – Thursday, so if you need an affordable daytrip or adventure check them out.

Looking for something truly unique and exciting? Every year around the end of August, just across the river, Gatineau hosts its own Hot Air Balloon Festival! Head over to witness a sky full of hot air balloons, or even sign up to take a ride up in one.

Fun with Friends

If your friend group is fully vaccinated, it opens up a whole bunch of new opportunities for fun together. Ottawa is home to some really great patios that you should check out. Or if you want to try a variety of places why not join in on a tour? There are even some novel ones like the Thursty Pedaler’s 15-person party bike pub or coffee crawl.

If you’re looking for more of a relaxing day on the water, why not head over to Dows Lake for some pedal boating or to any of the Ottawa local beaches for a lay in the sun, frolic in the water, or just a simple picnic?

Have you ever been to a drive in movie? Well. if you have a car (or a friend with a car), grab some pillows, blankets and a group of friends and pile in for a super fun outdoor movie experience!

A favourite summer aspect for lots of us is fresh summer produce! And it doesn’t get much fresher than picking it yourself straight from the bush! Ottawa has lots of spaces in the surrounding area to go have some fun picking your own berries even well into August and sometimes the start of September.

Rainy Day Activities

Ottawa is home to a whole host of museums and galleries that have now reopened in Phase 3! They have wonderful regular exhibits to check out as well an array of special temporary exhibits to explore. There are often some really great student discounts so don’t forget your student card!

Need a break?

Maybe some time to really relax away from all your responsibilities? Nordik Spa Nature should be at the top of your list! A nordic style spa located just over in Chelsea, Quebec, it is the largest spa in North America, and is so immersive you will literally forget that you are only 20 minutes from home.

Want to treat yourself to a nice treatment closer to home? Algonquin College’s Salon and Spa is now open until August 20th.

Did someone say Road Trip??

Around Ottawa there are some stunning small towns and attractions that are definitely worth checking out and make for a great day trip or weekend getaway!

And it wouldn’t be a summer bucket list if I didn’t add Ice Cream!

We found this great round up of Ice Cream in Ottawa organized by locations! So, why not pick a part of town to explore and spot by one (or more) of these great spots!

So, which of these are you adding to your Summer Bucket List?

Don’t forget to grab your mask, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, abide by Ottawa Public Health guidelines, and get out to enjoy all that Ottawa has to offer!

Join in on the ultimate study session!

We’re getting down to crunch time for the Spring/Summer semester! There’s lots of assignments, large projects, and of course, exams coming up.

Anyone else miss having some study buddies to just sit around campus with and to help you focus on getting your stuff done?

While the majority of us aren’t yet back on campus, the AC Hub and the Student Learning Centre wanted to help recreate a bit of that atmosphere for students.

On July 28th, 2021 from 11 AM – 1 PM they are going to be hosting virtual study session live from Algonquin College’s Horticultural Building. Join the zoom call and enjoy the sights while also listening to some live music from musician Zachary Martin. He will be providing a live relaxing study soundtrack for attendees for the first hour of this event.

So tune in, because sometimes it’s easier to focus if you have a buddy or twenty to help keep you accountable and on task.

Need some help with what you’re working on?

In the second hour of this event, Student Learning Centre Coaches are going to be available in break out room workshops to offer academic support if you’re stuck on something or would like some assistance with:

  • Presentation Skills
  • Math
  • ESL Conversation Group
  • How to utilize the Library and avoiding Plagiarism
  • Writing

REGISTER TODAY

The AC Summer Market + other great AC Summer Events!

Studying this summer? Taking a break from school and working? Doing something completely different?

There are still lots of ways that AC students can stay connected and have some fun together this summer!

Want to learn about making Gelato? What about great places to eat in Ottawa? How about great places to get active outdoors? Want to destress with a free yoga class or by listening to some live music? Or maybe you want to hear from some passionate entrepreneurs? Or learn how to create a glamorous picnic retreat?

If any of those things piqued your interest you should check out the AC Summer Market!

On Thursday, July 15, from 10:45am-1:45pm, connect with the AC community in this virtual market that has a little something for everyone! Some sessions that have us super excited are:

Gelato 101

Nina Agostini of Farinella’s, trained in a Gelateria in Italy and will be showcasing how Farinella’s makes their famous gelato! (As a lover of gelato I cannot wait for this one!!)

Outdoor Yoga

We should all take some time to unwind and connect with nature. Bronwyn Lefebvre is a wonderful yoga instructor and current faculty member at Algonquin College who is offering a free 30-minute yoga class to help release tension in your neck, shoulders, and back, while connecting with nature.

Literary Travels

How did a passion for literature turn into a book bundling business? Jaimee Kettles, of Book Bundles by Jaimee, is going to be sharing about her experience starting a business and of course some books that you might have to add to your summer reading list.

Creating, Woodworking and Skateboarding

Andrew Szeto wanted a career that was tactile so he combined his love for skateboarding with his love for creating and has built a very successful business and online presence with his passions. Join him for chat about burning the midnight oil, woodworking using upcycled skateboards, and Ottawa’s skate culture.

The AC Summer Market is open to all Algonquin College students, employees, and alumni. Advance registration is required so go sign up today!

The fun doesn’t stop there! Here are a few of the other great events coming up this summer! For a full listing of events check out the Student Support Services event calendar.

Monday Lunchtime Yoga

Kick off your week with some Monday Lunchtime Yoga! Mondays from 12:05pm – 12:50pm take some time to care for your mental and physical health with these free yoga classes.

Traditional Drumming

Wednesdays between 2:00pm – 2:30pm, you can join the Mamidosewin Centre team for some online Traditional Drumming, songs, and social time. Bring your drum, shaker, voice, or just go to.

AC Virtual Study Space

Do you miss studying with others? Are you looking for a peaceful study experience with a stellar soundtrack? Check out the upcoming AC Virtual Study Space (July 28th at 11am), this event is going to be AMAZING! A local musician is going to be live-streaming a set specifically for students to study to from the gorgeous Algonquin College Horticulture Gardens (one of our favourite hidden gems on campus). The second half of this event will have Student Learning Centre coaches available to help support participants with questions and help get prepped for finals.

Dog Training 101

Not yet on the calendar (we have a inside source) but coming up is a Dog Training 101 event from local entrepreneur, Emma Murdock of Walk with Me Ottawa! Emma will be giving tips and tricks for how to train your dog. It’s sure to be a great event for dog owners and even folks who are thinking of getting a dog. Keep an eye on the Student Support Services Event Calendar for this event in the next few weeks.

The AC bucket list for first year students

You’ve accepted your offer and now you’re waiting for the fall to come so you can take the next leap towards your future – congrats! This is a huge deal, and while you may not know it yet, your life is about to change.

Despite the worries that you may have about the studying, assignments and exams, there are tons of experiences that are worth looking forward to.

Here’s a list of activities that you should take advantage of once you join us on Campus:

1. Take part in AC Day 1

AC Day 1

The first thing to check off your bucket list is AC Day 1. The event is for incoming full-time, first year Fall students, and as the name entails, this is your first day of school. Don’t miss out on one of our biggest days of the year where the campuses comes alive with tons of fun activities, free entertainment, games and more.

2. Compete in Open Mic, Trivia Night or Dirty Bingo at the Observatory

Dirty Bingo

 

The Observatory (or as most call it – “the Ob”) is the go-to place on the Ottawa Campus for a fun night out where you can enjoy excellent house-made food and drinks on a student budget. During the school year, they regularly put on events including Open Mic, Pub Trivia Night, and the ever-popular Dirty Bingo (what’s better than Drag Queens and fun prizes?)

3. Cheer on the Algonquin Thunder at one of several varsity games

Algonquin Thunder

 

Our men’s and women’s varsity teams compete province-wide in a variety of sports, including basketball, rugby, soccer, cricket, volleyball and even loggersports at our Pembroke campus. Whatever your jam is, come out and show support for your team at one of their many matches at our Woodroffe campus!

4. Give back and branch out by volunteering

Volunteers with kids in Kenya

 

Not only does volunteering help you meet new people, cultivate leadership skills and provide you with a meaningful experience, it’s also looks great on your resume! Our Volunteer Centre in the AC Hub is constantly updating their database with fun, local opportunities like Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and larger, global projects in places like Kenya and Guatemala. Eligible activities can also be applied to your Co-Curricular Record to recognize the work you’ve done and increase your employment opportunities.

5. Get pampered at the Salon, Spa and Boutique

AC Salon Spa and Boutique reception

 

One of the perks of having Esthetician and Hairstyling programs at Algonquin College is that you get to take advantage of deals like $15 for an express mani-pedi, $20 women’s haircut and blow-dry, and $10 men’s cuts. The Salon, Spa and Boutique is open to everyone and is operated by senior students alongside industry certified instructors.

6. Join an intramural team

Gymnasium

 

Intramural sports are the perfect way to keep off that freshman 15 and meet a bunch of new people. Our Ottawa and Pembroke campuses offers a wide variety of leagues, tournaments and off-campus activities throughout the academic year. Registration starts in September so keep your eyes peeled for sign-ups!

Algonquin Perth Campus students can enjoy free yoga, ice hockey, basketball and swimming available at local facilities.

7. Treat yourself at Restaurant International

Chef with culinary students around fiery frying pan

 

Guys’ night, girls’ night, date night, solo night – whatever the occasion, consider spending it at Restaurant International at Ottawa Campus. Chow down on a delicious three course meal for less than $25, provided by students and faculty from our School of Hospitality and Tourism.

8. Enjoy a show at the Algonquin Commons Theatre

Algonquin Commons Theatre

Instead of scrolling through Netflix for hours trying to decide what to watch, head over to the ACT. Open to the entire community, the Algonquin Commons Theatre is home to our beautiful 700+ seat auditorium that hosts a variety of events including comedy shows, popular Broadway performances, live concerts, celebrity meet & greets, free movie nights and more.

9. Join one of over 100 clubs and communities – or make your own!

students hanging out in AC Hub

 

Whether you’re into dance, e-sports, coding, we’ve got a club or community for just about every interest. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and make fast friends. And if by some off-chance that you don’t find one that you like, you can start your own!