Ottawa Tourism Travel Trade 2012

Ottawa: A unique combination of Urban Convenience and Accessible Nature -Canada’s Capital, fourth largest city with 1.1 million people -located in the province of Ontario, across the river from Gatineau, Quebec -walkable city core with a blends of 2 cultures; 2 languages (English and French), 2 provinces, perfect for individual or family exploration -Ottawa- Landmark capital sights, a rich collection of cultural attractions, and a beautiful green natural setting – all wrapped in a relaxed urban vibe. – three rivers: Ottawa River, Gatineau River & Rideau River -Rideau Canal runs thought the urban center of downtown Ottawa -Ottawa River separates the two provinces, Ontario and Quebec and the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau Ottawa acts as a convenient hub for trips to: -Montreal and Kingston (both 2 hours by car), -Toronto and Quebec City (4 1/2 and 5 hours respectively) -U.S .border 1 hour drive Direct international connections by air to: -Ottawa - London -Ottawa - Frankfurt
Parliament Hill -working Parliament open for public tours; Canada and Germany are the only 2 G8 countries that allow observation of a working parliament -open year round for public tours, free admission, allow 1 ½ -2 hour for visit due to security checks; tour one hour -Summer months: leisure visitors can book a timed visit to allow for more free time to explore; pick up free tickets at the large tent located on the lawn of Parliament Hill -Changing the Guard ceremony in front of Parliament Hill, 10 am daily, end of June- end of August Sound and Light Show -projected on the front of the Parliament Buildings -nightly from July – September; 1 hour, free admission -features the heroes and story of Canada through sound and light -seats available on bleachers or take a blanket and sit on the lawn
Rideau Canal -June 2007, Rideau Canal became UNESCO World Heritage Site. -Ontario ’ s first and only UNESCO heritage site -Rideau Canal links Ottawa and Kingston, 202 km (126 miles); system of lakes, rivers and 49 locks at 27 stations -Rideau Canal remains the best preserved example of slackwater canal in North America and it is the only canal dating from the early 19th century to remain operational along its original line with the most original structures in tact -Parks Canada (national parks) preserves, protects, maintains and operates the canal -Rideau Canal runs through the centre of downtown Ottawa -Recreational pathways along the Canal offer bike and walking paths -Paul ’ s Boat Lines offer Rideau Canal cruises (May-October) operate for 1 ¼ hour tours -Canoe, paddle boats and kayak rentals available at Dow ’ s Lake, located along the canal Boat Tours (Ottawa River and Rideau Canal) -Paul’s Boat Line-Rideau Canal and Ottawa River -Capital Cruises- Ottawa River; multi-lingual headsets, meal cruise options -Lady Dive amphi-tours
Canadian Museum of Civilization -most visited museum in Canada -world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles -explore 1,000 years of Canadian history; life-sized townscapes -home to the Canadian Children’s Museum, Canadian Postal Museum and the IMAX Theatre -suggested visit of 3 hours or more; cafeteria and restaurant on site Canadian War Museum -one of the three most impressive war art collections in the world -Canadian military history from the earliest times to the present; Canada ’ s story of it ’ s contribution in the British Empire -Life and time stories for the women and families during war. -Stunning architecture, the museum is in the shape of a bunker which points to the Peace Tower at Parliament; sod roof -See military equipment: Hitler's car, jet, tanks -The Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Canadian War museum offer a combination pass
National Gallery of Canada -Centrally located;10 minute walk from Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market -Permanent Canadian and Inuit (aboriginal) art exhibits as well as European and American collections -Modern granite and glass structure designed by Moshe Safdie offers natural lighting on all floors; (unique lighting channels that flood light to ground level) - Attraction is popular for groups and individuals; caf é and cafeteria offer scenic location to view downtown Ottawa - Multi-lingual headsets available Canadian Museum of Nature - This magnificent gothic castle opened it’s doors a century ago. -Beginning in 2004, major renovations were undertaken to update the museum to meet the needs of a modern museum. -The Museum continues its renewal with the opening of the Water Gallery and Earth Gallery in May 2010, exploring Canada’s greatest natural resources. -Already open are the new Talisman Energy Fossil Gallery, Bird Gallery and Discovery Zone. -On May 21, 2010, the Museum will be fully re-opened as they celebrate the building’s 100th anniversary.
Gatineau Park -located 15 minute drive from downtown Ottawa, located in Quebec -363 sq km (140 sq miles), the protected natural reserve has over 40 lakes (roughly the same size as Cambridge, England) -170 km (100 miles) of hiking trails, with 237 species of birds, bears and the highest concentration of beavers in North America . -visited by locals and visitors for hiking, canoeing and camping in summer and cross-country skiing (200km/124 mi of groomed trails) and snowshoeing in winter -Popular in the fall (September and October) for the vibrant leaf colors known as Indian Summer for visitors and Fall Foliage by the locals.
Rideau Canal -Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest natural skating surface in the World (2005) - skate hire available at locations along the Rideau Canal -enjoy a hot chocolate and BeaverTails – a famous pastry treat with sweet or savory toppings (sugar and cinnamon is popular) Winterlude -1 st 3 weekends in February -Ottawa’s winter festival celebrated with international ice sculpture competitions in downtown parks, concerts and ice skating on the Rideau Canal -Huge snow park with castle size ice slides suitable for youth and adults -With over 200 km of groomed trails and hosting Canada’s Largest cross country ski event – the Gatineau Loppet, during Winterlude, the Gatineau Park truly is cross-country paradise! www.keskinada.com -a multitude of activities such as snowshoeing, skating, down-hill skiing and dog sledding are available in the region
Canadian Tulip Festival -Over 3 million tulips bloom in Ottawa in May -Legacy of a gift of tulips from the Dutch Royal Family after the Second World War as a thank you to the Canadian government. During the war, the Royal family were in hiding in Ottawa. Canadians played a pivotal role in liberating Holland. Tulip bulbs continue to be given to Canada. -Ten day festival in downtown parks -New festival component called Celebridée brings top-notch speakers and thinkers as part of the program; music, entertainment and foods (Embassies from all around the world take part in the International pavilion). RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest (early July) -one of Canada’s largest music festivals -11 day, multi-stage (5) in a set up along the Ottawa River next to the Canadian War Museum; 300,000 fans -eclectic mix of music styles featuring world famous musicians TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival (June-July) -located in a a cosy downtown setting in Confederation Park located next to the Rideau Canal and City Hall -presents some of the most dynamic jazz artists; traditional to avant garde music Ottawa Chamberfest (July-August) -largest chamber music festival in the world -presented mostly in downtown churches, beautiful venues with great acoustics -16 days with approximate 130 events

Ottawa Tourism Travel Trade 2012

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Ottawa Tourism Travel Trade 2012

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