I know most of you will not be in Ottawa for a long time, but I have made a list of some of the best things to see and do in the City if you have some extra time.
THINGS TO DO:
Canadian Tulip Festival
Concerts, an arts and crafts market, fireworks and millions of Tulips. Check out Major’s Hill Park, along the Rideau Canal and Dow’s Lake http://www.tulipfestival.ca/
Parliament Hill Tour
Just go in the doors under the Peace Tower to book a free tour http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/visitors/index-e.asp
Canadian Museum of Civilization & IMAX
Right across the river in Hull, you can see this museum from Parliament Hill and can easily walk across the bridge to it http://www.civilization.ca/visit/indexe.aspx
National Gallery of Canada
If you don’t have time to go see the amazing art in this gallery then you must check out the exterior of the building, there is also a very unusual sculpture outside of the building that is a must see http://www.gallery.ca/
Water Tour
Paul’s Boat Lines – cruises on the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal (613) 225-6781 http://www.paulsboatcruises.com/
Walk along the Rideau Canal http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/
Canadian War Museum http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/cwme.asp
Canadian Aviation Museum http://www.aviation.technomuses.ca/
Haunted Walks Inc. http://www.hauntedwalk.com/
COOL NEIGHBOURHOODS:
Byward Market/Downtown
Most of you will be staying in this area, it’s a great neighbourhood to explore on foot and there are many shops, restaurants and bars. The Downtown is very close to the Byward Market. Check out Sparks Street the pedestrian walking zone that runs through Downtown.
Sussex Drive
Sussex Drive starts in the Byward Market Area and if you follow this lovely boulevard you will eventually reach the Prime Ministers and Governor Generals Residence. Along the way you will see the National Gallery of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Notre Dame Basilica, a number of Embassy’s and other important buildings. This road is also on the way to the site of the wedding ceremony.
The Glebe
You can reach this beautiful neighbourhood with the number 1 or 7 bus from the bus stops on Rideau Street. Once the bus passes under the Queensway (HWY 417) you are in the Glebe. This area has beautiful houses and architecture, shops and restaurants.
Wellington Street West & Westboro Village
The number 2 bus from Rideau Street will take you to this eclectic neighbourhood which is filled with down-to-earth cafes and shops.
