Ottawa Awe -inspiring
This quaint capital city of Canada has so far been its best-kept secret, but the country’s 150th birthday celebrations throughout this year has ensured that Ottawa finds its way into the itineraries and hearts of Indian travellers.
Year 2017 is Canada’s 150th anniversary and the celebration lasts all year long! By virtue of being its capital city, Ottawa is where the biggest party is happening… and everyone’s invited. An estimated half a million people attended the celebrations in July in Ottawa, where the government spent approximately half a billion Canadian dollars on the festivities. Canada’s most populous province, Ontario is home to nearly 40 per cent of all Canadians. It is also home to Ottawa, Canada's capital, known for Parliament Hill’s Victorian architecture and the National Gallery, featuring Canadian and indigenous art. Ottawa is not only Canada’s political capital but also its cultural capital which lies 450 km away from Toronto. The city has also evolved into a technological centre of Canada while still retaining its old-world charm. According to studies, it is the most educated city in the country and is home to a number of post-secondary, research and cultural institutions, including the National Arts Centre, the National Gallery and numerous national museums. Ottawa has the highest standard of living in the nation and low unemployment. It has been ranked second nationally and 24th worldwide in the quality of life index and is consistently rated the best place to live in Canada. With so many bests to its name, it undoubtedly makes for a fascinating destination to visit. Winter, of course, holds special significance for Canadians and they love to make the most of the snow they get. So, a large part of the Ottawa experience lies in winter sports activities. Like they say, Canada is cool, not cold!
WINTER IN OTTAWA
Travellers can beat their winter blues when in Ottawa. From rock climbing to outdoor skiing
and skating, there are many ways to enjoy winter in Canada’s capital region. Canadians enjoy Winterlude, an annual celebration of winter that spans three fun-filled weekends every February. There are exciting things to see and do during this snow-covered season. A special highlight for children of all ages is Snowflake Kingdom located in Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau with its collection of huge snow slides. Not to be missed either is the International Ice Carving competition where carvers from around the world descend on Confederation Park in downtown Ottawa to transform blocks of ice into spectacular works of art. Visit during the day and again at night when the sculptures are lit up, for two very different perspectives. Ice skating on the naturally frozen largest skating rink in the world is a ‘mustdo’ on many visitors’ bucket lists. The Rideau Canal Skateway is open to skaters daily from roughly late December to February, weather permitting, at no charge and there are change huts, skate rental shacks and snack stations all along its 7.8 km (4.8 miles) length.
Skating: If ice conditions don’t allow for skating on the canal, visitors can head to Ottawa City Hall where the Senators Rink of Dreams—a refrigerated outdoor skating rink—is open from November to March from 0800 hours to 2300 hours complete with LED lighting, a heated change hut, picnic tables and benches. Lansdowne’s Skating Court also offers a longer skating season that stretches from roughly mid-November to mid-March. Skate rentals are not available at these sites.
Cross-country skiing: Ottawa offers cross-country trails right in the heart of the city and there are over 150 km (93 miles) of cross-country ski trails in the Greenbelt area encircling Ottawa.
Visitors can use the trails for free and all are suitable for beginner and family outings. Just across the Ottawa River from downtown, Gatineau Park is a mecca for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, with over 200 km (124 miles) of groomed trails and heated shelters. Pick up a ski pass (daily or seasonal) at the Visitor Centre in Chelsea, Québec. The Gatineau Loppet will take place from February 16-18, 2018, and is Canada’s largest cross-country ski event, bringing some of the finest distance racers from Canada and the world to the Ottawa-Gatineau area. For super endurance, consider the Canadian Ski Marathon from February 9-11, 2018. This three-day, 160 km (99 miles) event is open to skier participants of all ages.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding: For downhill enthusiasts, Ottawa is like an urban resort, with challenging hills within easy driving distance of downtown, including Camp Fortune and Mount Pakenham.
Snowshoeing: Gatineau Park has trails reserved especially for snowshoeing; so strap on your snowshoes and go! Pick up a Snowshoe pass (daily or seasonal) at the Visitor Centre in Chelsea, Québec.
Dog-sledding: Come enjoy a memorable dog sledding experience at Escapade Eskimo in the scenic Outaouais region, only 75 minutes from Ottawa.
Hiking: Gatineau Park offers three groomed trails for winter hiking and is a lovely place for a walk in a snow-covered forest.
Winter camping: Gatineau Park also provides adventurers with campsites, cabins, yurts and fourseason tents accessible via ski and snowshoe trails. Reservations are required, so be sure to book ahead!
Indoor rock climbing: Altitude Gym brings the world of indoor rock climbing to another level and to a one-of-a-kind location.
COLD WAR MUSEUM
Ottawa’s most unique historical site, the Diefenbunker (or the Cold War Museum) is a four-storey, 100,000 square foot underground bunker, built between 1959 and 1961. During the Cold War, it was intended to house 535 Canadian government officials and military officers in the event of a nuclear war. For years, it protected the Canadians from 75 feet underground and they knew virtually nothing about it. Experience how close the Canadians came to a nuclear disaster, although a lot has changed since 1961.
WHITE-WATER RAFTING
Renowned as the Whitewater Capital of Canada, the Ottawa Valley is home to more than 900 lakes and four major river systems, including the mighty Ottawa, Madawaska, Bonnechere and Petawawa rivers. These are popular spots to raft, kayak, canoe, surf and fish.
NATIONAL GALLERY OF CANADA
Arachnophobes, rejoice! The National Gallery of Canada is home to more than 40,000 works of art (by over 6,000 artists), home to the most comprehensive collection of Canadian art and strong collections of indigenous, Asian, and international works.
BYWARD MARKET
The ByWard Market is where Ottawa was born. Established in 1826, the ByWard Market is one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets. Today, it is Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction and residents and visitors alike visit the market for shopping, dining, arts, entertainment and professional services.
ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCES
Aboriginal Experiences offer visitors a unique look at First Nations’ culture in a native village, including traditional native cuisine, powwow dance performances, guided tours, and craft workshops. Programmes offer a rare opportunity to experience the rich culture, teachings and history of Canada's First People from their perspective. It is open from May 1 to October 31 for groups of 25 or more.
LE CORDON BLEU
Cordon Bleu Ottawa is housed in a historical 1877 mansion, which exudes class and old-world charm. Le Cordon Bleu’s demonstration experience is interesting as it gives you an insider’s look at how the institute’s world-renowned chefs are trained.