So You Think You Can Dance Canada

What to do, who to see—the editor's don't-miss list

DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW
Jan. 10, 11, 17, 18
The stunning scenery of Gatineau Park provides the backdrop for a flurry of winter activities during Gatineau Park Ski-Fest. During this annual celebration of the cold season, visitors are encouraged to try out such winter activities as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and Nordic walking. From 10am to 3pm. 819-827-2020; 1-800-465-1867.

ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE
Jan. 27 to Feb. 14
In the foggy Scottish ancestral home of Belle Moral, young Pearl MacIsaac studies science by day and dreams of outlandish creatures and fantastical schemes by night. Ann-Marie MacDonald’s Belle Moral: A Natural History is a funny, enchanting play that combines mystery and magic to create one of the most charming and intelligent new plays in years. $37-$42; students: $20-$22. National Arts Centre, Studio, 53 Elgin St., 613-947-7000; 613-755-1111

BOYS WILL BE BOYS
Jan. 20 With seven successful television seasons and a hit movie under their belts, Canada’s own Trailer Park Boys are hitting the road. 'The Ricky, Julian and Bubbles Community Service Variety Show' is a live performance in which the three friends are forced to complete their court-ordered community service requirements by performing a puppet show to encourage audience members not to drink and use drugs, plus other hilariously hypocritical nuggets of wisdom. $43-$53. Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., 613-580-2700.

CAPITAL CUISINE
Jan. 29 to Feb. 22
Gourmands and gastronomes, get your utensils ready: Taste of Winterlude is upon us once again! This annual event sees 55 fantastic restos—such as Benitz Bistro, Courtyard Restaurant, and Empire Grill—create three-course table d’hôte menus at $25, $35, $45, or $65 per person. Diners can also experience the best of Ottawa’s food and wine scene through one of many Celebrity Chef and Sommelier Dining Experiences, in which restaurants create an exciting dining event that showcases multi-course dinners and wine pairings. Bring your appetite!

ROCKIN' CANUCKS
Jan. 30 and 31
The Juno Award-winning Sam Roberts Band have rocked their way up the charts with hits such as ‘Brother Down’ and ‘Where Have All the Good People Gone’ and become one of the most-loved bands in the country. Now, they’re touring in support of their latest album, ‘Love at the End of the World’. Don’t miss the talented Canadians when their tour brings them to O-town in January. With special guests The Stills. $33.50. Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave. 613-755-1111; www.ticketmaster.ca

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY Feb. 15 After a wildly successful season on television, So You Think You Can Dance Canada takes the show on the road. The top ten finalists—Allie, Arassay, Danny, Izaak, Kaitlin, Lisa, Miles, Natalli, Vincent, and winner Nico—hit the stage to perform their favourite routines in dance styles ranging from hip-hop to ballroom to contemporary. Scotiabank Place, 1000 Palladium Dr., 613-599-3267; 877-788-3267.

MUSIC MAN Feb. 5, 6, and 7 No one does it quite like Neil Sedaka. The pop legend has given us timeless hits such as ‘Calendar Girl’, ‘Breaking Up is Hard to Do’ and ‘Bad Blood’, to name just a few. Don’t miss the icon in action when he joins the National Arts Centre Orchestra for a spectacular multimedia performance to celebrate his 50-year career as one of the most important singer/songwriters of our time. Adults: $29-$86; students: $16-$44. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin St., 613-947-7000; 613-755-1111.