Jessica Exploring

  • Home
  • Jessica Exploring

Jessica Exploring Canada-Based Travel Agent and Former-Nomad Full-Time Traveller. Find me on Instagram ! Travel Agent, Content Creator, and Business Owner.

TICO: 2569684
Northstar Travel & Associates
201-678 Belmont Avenue West, Kitchener, Ontario N2M 1N6
Phone: 519-886-9111 Travel enquiries: [email protected].

OTTAWA WINTER EVENTS GUIDE (SAVE) ❄️⛸️🛷The time to embrace winter is NOW. Ottawa’s lineup of winter events is officially...
19/01/2025

OTTAWA WINTER EVENTS GUIDE (SAVE) ❄️⛸️🛷

The time to embrace winter is NOW. Ottawa’s lineup of winter events is officially here for January, February, and March and it’s looking to be the most exciting yet!

⛸️ All 7.8 km of Ottawa’s Rideau Canal Skateway are open!
❄️ Ottawa’s 47th annual Winterlude festival runs from January 31st to February 17th
🛷 Winterlude’s three official sites have been announced: Sparks Street, Byward Market, Snowflake Kingdom (Jacques Cartier Park)
☃️ Food, music, and winter sports events are happening weekly all across the capital city!

Be sure to SAVE this guide to Ottawa’s best upcoming winter events, festivals, and activities.

⁣ ⁣















OTTAWA WINTERLUDE GUIDE (SAVE) ☃️⛸⛷Ottawa’s annual wintery festival is back for its 46th year and is taking over Canada’...
08/01/2025

OTTAWA WINTERLUDE GUIDE (SAVE) ☃️⛸⛷

Ottawa’s annual wintery festival is back for its 46th year and is taking over Canada’s capital city starting January 31st! From snow slides to ice carvers to full-on ice bars, this year’s festival lineup is looking cooler than ever.

Be sure to SAVE this ultimate guide featuring everything that you need to know for Winterlude’s three weeks of celebrations.⁣










Your ultimate guide to the mini snow globe village of Old Chelsea, QC (SAVE) ❄️🍁🌲The epitome of all things cozy, Old Che...
23/12/2024

Your ultimate guide to the mini snow globe village of Old Chelsea, QC (SAVE) ❄️🍁🌲

The epitome of all things cozy, Old Chelsea is just a short trip into the Quebec mountains is the ultimate hidden gem when it comes to drivable winter wonderlands. Here’s a complete guide to SAVE for your winter getaway planning.

📍20 minutes from Ottawa
📍2 hours from Montreal
📍4.5 hours from Toronto

Things to Do:
🧖‍♀️ Recharge day at North America’s largest spa ()
⛷ Hit the ski hills at
🥾 Walk to trails at
🎿 Cross-country ski or snowshoe along the Chelsea Community Trail

Places to Eat:
🍽 (known for their 4-course experience)
🍻 (classic cozy pub)
☕️ (iconic pastries and lattes)
🍳 (breakfast and lunch)

Places to Drink:
🍸 (cocktail bar, museum, and distillery)
🍷 (cozy wine bar)

Places to Shop
🕯 (handcrafted candles)
🧀 (fromagerie)
🛍 La Grocerie (general marketplace)












2024, you’ve been a wild ride…Last year I spent some time organizing notes I wrote, thoughts I had, and photos from the ...
15/12/2024

2024, you’ve been a wild ride…

Last year I spent some time organizing notes I wrote, thoughts I had, and photos from the vault to recap my year. After such a year, it only felt fitting that I did it again.

At this time last year I was navigating the difficulties of reverse culture shock, trying to get my bearings again, and gearing up for a fresh start back in the city I love. What I didn’t know yet, was the ton of bricks I was about to be hit with. Bad luck, grief, shock, injuries- 2024 had a little sprinkling of all the tough stuff.

Although the hardest year of my life, this year brought me some of the absolute best chapters of my life too. It’s funny how that works.

This year I planned my wedding, and now we’re just 6 months away. I went on my first solo trip out of country…and then another. I booked so many of you on so many amazing vacations. I had the luck of being featured in the Ottawa Business Journal, and have connected with so many of you because of it. I attended events and had collaborations that I thought only existed in my dreams. I spent a year loving my little life in Old Ottawa South.

Now, I’m looking towards a list of fresh starts stacked high. A new apartment back in Centretown, a second year back working as a travel agent, the start of a passion project that I’ve been brewing. Luckily, the list just goes on.

Thanks to all who have stuck around with me yet another year 🫶 In the words of last year, here’s to a rad and fab 2025. ⁣











NEW YEAR’S EVE IN OTTAWA GIVEAWAY (Hotel Stay & Dinner) 🎉🥂❄️In celebration of reaching 40K followers, I’ve teamed up wit...
09/12/2024

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN OTTAWA GIVEAWAY (Hotel Stay & Dinner) 🎉🥂❄️

In celebration of reaching 40K followers, I’ve teamed up with my favourites to launch a series of giveaways from now until Christmas! Next up…the ULTIMATE New Year’s Eve in Ottawa Experience (valued at $550) 🍾

We’re giving one lucky entrant the chance to WIN…

🎉 A 1-night hotel stay on New Year’s Eve at the Metcalfe Hotel in Downtown Ottawa

🥂 Dinner for two on New Year’s Eve at the delicious Cocotte Bistro

HOW TO ENTER:

1. LIKE this post

2. FOLLOW , , and

3. TAG a friend in the comments (1 comment = 1 entry). Entries are UNLIMITED!

BONUS: Share this post to your story for an additional entry. Be sure to tag so that I can see it. (Not required, bonus entries only).

The fine print: Giveaway is in no way affiliated with/endorsed by Instagram/Meta. Contest begins at time of posting and ends Dec 15, 2024 at 23:59 EST. Winner (1) will be contacted by with details on how to claim their prize. Prize valued at $550 CAD. Giveaway is open to 18+ Canadian residents only. Cannot be exchanged for monies. ⁣

MIRACLE ON ELGIN: ⁣New Ottawa Christmas Bar (SAVE) ✨🎄🍹Grab your Santa hats and ugly sweaters, there’s a new Christmas ba...
04/12/2024

MIRACLE ON ELGIN: ⁣New Ottawa Christmas Bar (SAVE) ✨🎄🍹

Grab your Santa hats and ugly sweaters, there’s a new Christmas bar in town and it is ALL things merry and bright 🥂 Miracle on Elgin () has popped up at Centretown’s .beerproject and it’s here to stay until the end of December!

This spacious retro Christmas has the option of both table or bar seating options 🍹

Their cocktail menu is huge (and oh-so cleverly named), but they also serve light snacks and nibbles like handhelds and appetizers 👏

They’re neighbours are which also makes your visit the perfect Christmas bar-hopping opportunity 🎄

⁣Happy festive cocktail sipping!






Ottawa Eve⁣nts for December: Markets, Lights, and Christmas Cheer 🎉🎄✨Your last Ottawa events guide of the year has OFFIC...
27/11/2024

Ottawa Eve⁣nts for December: Markets, Lights, and Christmas Cheer 🎉🎄✨

Your last Ottawa events guide of the year has OFFICIALLY dropped and it’s the most festive one yet. From holiday markets to light strolls, there’s so many ways to get into the spirit. Now we just need some snow!

Did I miss an awesome December event? Feel free to add it in the comments section below 💬



⁣ ⁣







Ottawa Winter Activities You Can Do Right Now (SAVE) ✨🎄🥂⁣Ready to bundle up and hit the town? Here are nine Ottawa winte...
22/11/2024

Ottawa Winter Activities You Can Do Right Now (SAVE) ✨🎄🥂

⁣Ready to bundle up and hit the town? Here are nine Ottawa winter activities that you can enjoy right NOW! 👏 From festive drinks to local shopping, this guide is sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

Did I miss anything? Add it in the comment section below!







The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Ottawa 🎄🎉Pull out your holiday sweaters and ignite that Christmas spirit! The season ...
12/11/2024

The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Ottawa 🎄🎉

Pull out your holiday sweaters and ignite that Christmas spirit! The season of festive markets, holiday lights, and cozy events is here.

Be sure to SAVE this ultimate guide to this year’s Christmas markets and celebrations in Ottawa.

Did I miss an event, market or festivity? Add it in the comment section below 💬










Thank you, Ottawa Business Journal 🥹…As you know, this year Ottawa announced the addition of an official Nightlife Mayor...
06/11/2024

Thank you, Ottawa Business Journal 🥹…

As you know, this year Ottawa announced the addition of an official Nightlife Mayor. From the moment I read that headline I was like, “woah, how do I learn more?” I loved the concept and loved the potential it had, because I just love this city. I don’t know what it was, but I’d never felt so passionate about a concept before. It was just so exciting. It lit a spark in me.

Throughout the process, I was greeted with oscillating emotions of excitement meets anxiety and optimism meets speculation. I just wanted it to be so good so bad. Ottawa deserves that. I shared a lot of my thoughts here…and a lot of you weighed in. I loved the conversation around it all.

Then, the mayor announced they were hiring a whole council to support the concept. I applied. I then got an email. I had the chance to sit down and chat candidly with the Nightlife Mayor himself. Although I wasn’t selected as a council member, a lot of awesome people were.

When I saw the list drop and my name wasn’t on it, my first thought was that this was something I cared too much to let be over. I had the pleasure of speaking with of the Ottawa Business Journal who allowed me to share about my talks with the mayor, what I want to see for the city, and what future plans I have in store.

I’m not sure exactly what that looks like yet, but it’s going to be something, and I’m so excited to share it with you when it is. The legend and I have a lot to say.

Love y’all always 🫶 Truly wouldn’t be here if you didn’t support me in the ways that you have these last five years. Not so Ottawa Newbie anymore.

- Jess

This is your sign to add Newfoundland’s Irish Loop to your bucket list 🍁🇮🇪🚘 (SAVE)Can you believe this is in Canada? Nam...
29/10/2024

This is your sign to add Newfoundland’s Irish Loop to your bucket list 🍁🇮🇪🚘 (SAVE)

Can you believe this is in Canada? Named after its huge population of Irish residents and near identical landscapes, this driving loop is just south of St. John’s and is home to iceberg sightings, whale watching, and endless coastal backdrops.

🚘 Length: 312-kilometers and can easily be done in one day. Just follow the 🍀 signs!

🐋 Sightings: Whales and puffins (May - October) and icebergs (April - July)

📍Pit stops: Ferryland Lighthouse, Witless Bay Eco Reserve, Mistaken Point, and Cape Race

🔑 Overnighter options: Saint Bride’s, Placentia, and Ferryland

🚘 Driving: Just follow the shamrock signs! This route follows just one continuous roadway and is easily drivable with any rental car












Coming to you speechlessly live from the most beautiful place I’ve ever been 🥹🍁🌲 I am in the ‘The Rock’ for the next WEE...
27/10/2024

Coming to you speechlessly live from the most beautiful place I’ve ever been 🥹🍁🌲 I am in the ‘The Rock’ for the next WEEK and friends, I’m in love! Should I move here?

The hype is real. I feel like I’m in another country, but also feel the essence of Canada that I’m used to at home. Travel as much of Canada as you can, just do it.

Okay real talk though. We’re starting our journey in the lovely (and most welcoming) St. John’s and then taking on as much of the coast as we’re able to in the next seven days.

If there’s any specific Newfoundland content you’d like to see, or if you have any fun recommendations add them in the comments! I can’t wait to share all about this exciting adventure with you 🫶






Ottawa Events for November: Festivals, Markets, and Holiday Cheer 🍷🌲🛍️Your November calendar of events has officially dr...
25/10/2024

Ottawa Events for November: Festivals, Markets, and Holiday Cheer 🍷🌲🛍️

Your November calendar of events has officially dropped and it’s all things cozy, festive, and fun! From annual ticketed events to the start of the holiday shopping season- this month is full of exciting weekend activities. Be sure to SHARE and SAVE this guide so that you can refer back to it all month long.

Did I miss an event or have a suggestion for next month’s calendar? Add it in the comments! 🗓️









Your Guide to HALLOWEEN in Ottawa 🎃👻🎉From spooky soirées to mega parties and all in between, Ottawa’s Halloween lineup i...
14/10/2024

Your Guide to HALLOWEEN in Ottawa 🎃👻🎉

From spooky soirées to mega parties and all in between, Ottawa’s Halloween lineup is live and it’s looking scary good. Be sure to SAVE and share this ultimate guide to all four days of celebrations!

Did I miss an event? Add it in the comment section below!












Ottawa, it’s time to party and give back! (GIVEAWAY) 🎉🚒The annual Ottawa Firefighters Calendar is back and this year and...
08/10/2024

Ottawa, it’s time to party and give back! (GIVEAWAY) 🎉🚒

The annual Ottawa Firefighters Calendar is back and this year and they’re throwing a MASSIVE party to celebrate!

Last October, a fire broke out the NICU ward in the Ottawa Hospital and firefighters had to move 17 babies down 8 flights of stairs to safety. One year later, those brave babies and firefighters are reuniting together for 12 months of calendar photos and it’s all in support of the NICU ward! 👏

Tag a friend in the comments for a chance to win FOUR tickets to the launch party at the Bronson Centre on October 18th!

🍻 19+ event
🎙 Hosted by from
🎶 Music by with a bumping dancefloor
🎁 Hot prizes
🚒 Firefighter fun and games
🎉 All proceeds go to charity


⁣Giveaway is in no way affiliated with Meta/Insatgram. Value is $133 and cannot be exchanged for monies. 19+ entrants Ottawa Area entrants only. Giveaway ends Oct 20, 2024 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be contacted by this account directly.








Ottawa⁣ Events for October: Halloween, Markets & Fall Festivals 🍂👻🎃Get ready for cozy markets, pumpkin spice, and fall f...
26/09/2024

Ottawa⁣ Events for October: Halloween, Markets & Fall Festivals 🍂👻🎃

Get ready for cozy markets, pumpkin spice, and fall frights- your official events lineup for October is here. This just might be the most exciting list of the year! Be sure to SHARE and SAVE this post to refer back to all month long.

Did I miss an event happening in October? Add it in the comment section below! 💬










⁣Your Ultimate Guide to Quebec City (SAVE) 🍁🚡🎉From patio hopping along the cobblestone streets to tobogganing down their...
25/09/2024

⁣Your Ultimate Guide to Quebec City (SAVE) 🍁🚡🎉

From patio hopping along the cobblestone streets to tobogganing down their 140-year-old hill, Quebec City is one of Canada’s most famous year-round destinations. Here’s a mini guide that you can SHARE and SAVE for your Quebec City trip planning!











Address


Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Jessica Exploring posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Jessica Exploring:

Videos

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Videos
  • Claim ownership or report listing
  • Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?

Share