Schmap Ottawa Guide

Ottawa
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From the Canadian Tulip Festival to Winterlude to the Museum of Civilization, a city once considered the quintessential government town has recast itself, along with neighboring, French-speaking Hull, Quebec, as a vibrant, multicultural community.

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Alexandra Bridge

Into another province

From St-Patrick Street to St-Laurent Boulevard
Ottawa, ON

Although buzzing with cars today (and the wheels do actually create a strange buzzing sound as they travel from Ottawa to Hull), this bridge once carried trains between Ontario and Quebec as well. There is a generous wooden-planked footpath across the bridge. Take the time to stroll or cycle between Ottawa and the Museum of Civilization in Hull. The bridge is well lit at night by an illuminated Parliament Hill.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Peter Ellis

Alexandra Bridge photo by William Matheson

Photo: William Matheson

Photo: Geir Bjerke

Alexandra Bridge photo by Gregory Israelstam

Photo: Gregory Israelstam

Alexandra Bridge photo by Leigh Greenway

Photo: Leigh Greenway

Photo: George

Photo: mike_law22

Photo: Kris Zawadka

Alexandra Bridge photo by Adriana Garcia

Photo: Adriana Garcia

Alexandra Bridge photo by L. Ladron de Guevara

Photo: L. Ladron de Guevara

Photo: Dana Paul

Alexandra Bridge photo by Guilherme Tardin

Photo: Guilherme Tardin

Photo: Jay

Alexandra Bridge photo by ron.baxter@rogers.com

Photo: ron.baxter@rogers.com

Photo: David

Photo: kioskfan

Photo: --Joyce

Photo: Cleber Souza

Photo: Ryan Clay

Alexandra Bridge photo by Neethu J.Maheendran

Photo: Neethu J.Maheendran

Photo: yackulic

Photo: Mahesh Mehta

Alexandra Bridge photo by George Prytulak

Photo: George Prytulak

Canada Day

The nation's birthday 202 - 40 Elgin Street
Ottawa, ON K1P 1C7
+1 613 239 5555
http://www.capcan.ca/
info@ncc-ccn.ca Every country has important holidays that are distinctly national and Canada is no exception. Every July 1st since 1867, the year this nation became a country, the citizens of Ottawa have celebrated. Ottawa is home to some of the best celebrations in the country with Parliament Hill providing the venue for Canadians and international guests to take in fine performances from artists native to this land. Shows take place at noon and in the evening, leaving plenty of time to sample the ample nightlife and celebrate with Canadians. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Bob McCabe
Photo: Mona Ghassemzadeh
Photo: David Quick
Photo: Ming Wu
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Photo: Stéphanie Amesse

Canadian Museum of Civilization

Interactive History Museum 100 Laurier Street
(Near Papineau)
Gatineau, QC J8X 4H2
+1 819 776 7000 / +1 800 555 5621
http://www.civilization.ca/ Located on the shore of the Ottawa River, across from Parliament Hill, the Museum of Civilization opened to rave reviews in 1989 and is home to over three and a half million artifacts and exhibits of national historical and cultural importance. The museum is also home to the interactive Canadian Children's Museum. Several IMAX features are available. Admission: CAD10 Adults; CAD7 Seniors; CAD6 Students; CAD4 Children 3-12. IMAX Admission (/including museum): CAD9.50/17 Adults; CAD8/13 Students; CAD8/14 Seniors; CAD7/10 Children 3-12.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Canadian Tulip Festival

Tulips Fill the Streets 130 Albert Street Suite 1705
Events at Major's Hill Park and throughout Ottawa
Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4
+1 613 567 5757 / +1 800 668 8547 (Toll Free)
http://www.tulipfestival.ca/
info@tulipfestival.ca This free festival was born in 1945, when a grateful Holland presented Ottawa with 100,000 tulip bulbs in thanks for giving sanctuary to the Dutch royal family during World War II. It is now the largest event of its kind in the world. With five million tulips in full bloom and beautiful festival banners fluttering in the spring breeze, the streets come alive as Canadians awaken from winter hibernation and hit the streets. Highlights of the festival include a flotilla along the Rideau Canal and an 11-day concert series in Major's Hill Park.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Canadian Tulip Festival
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Fairmont Château Laurier

Classic Comfort 1 Rideau Street
(Near Colonel Bay)
Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7
+1 613 241 1414
http://www.fairmont.com/laurier/
chateaulaurier@fairmont.com For sheer history and elegance you can't beat the Chateau Laurier. This landmark Gothic-style hotel, located in the shadow of the Parliament Buildings, is within walking distance of the Rideau Canal and the Byward Market. It first opened in 1912; since then, it has played host to heads of state and has served as the setting for two movies. Each room is impeccable, with in-room pay-per-view movies, air conditioning and a choice of views upon request.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Photo: Jane Hogeterp-Koopman
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National War Memorial

Powerful war monument Confederation Square
(Elgin & Wellington Sts)
Ottawa, ON K1N 9N6
+1 613 992 7468 / +1 613 992 7470 Fresh flowers often grace the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an unnamed Canadian victim of the First World War. Towering above are 22 figures frozen in bronze as they rush forward into battle. Nurses, pilots, soldiers and sailors all represent tales of self-sacrifice and courage. Though prominently located in the busy downtown core, this triangle of space becomes the centre of attention every November 11 at 11am, when the country marks Remembrance Day in honour of the men and women who paid the ultimate price for freedom.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Nepean Point

Spectacular Lookout 380 Sussex Drive
(Behind the National Gallery)
Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4
+1 613 237 5150 / +1 800 363 4465
http://www.ottawatourism.ca/fo... Sitting high above the Ottawa River across from Parliament Hill, this lookout is topped with a towering statue of Quebec's founder, Samuel de Champlain. A French explorer, Champlain established Canadian colonies in the early 1600s. He also charted the seacoast from Nova Scotia to Massachusetts, and explored river routes in Quebec and central Ontario. Another building block in Canadian history was the trading of fur, which Champlain began by working with First Nation peoples. In the statue he clutches his astrolabe, an instrument used for navigation that historians believe he lost on a portage of the Ottawa River. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Notre Dame Basilica

Ottawa's oldest church 385 Sussex Dr
(At Guigues)
Ottawa, ON K1N 5H5
+1 613 241 7496
http://www.notredameottawa.com
info@notredameottawa.com Built between 1839 and 1885, this neo-Gothic cathedral situated on Sussex Drive on the edge of the Byward Market is the oldest surviving church in Ottawa. Its twin spires and gilded Madonna are easily identifiable from nearby Parliament Hill and the surrounding area. The interior of the church is brightly painted and decorated with carved features, exquisite stained glass windows and hundreds of statues of various religious figures. The church is open daily for self-guided tours and prayer. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Rideau Canal

Water Artery 1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON K1S 5B8
+1 613 283 5170 / +1 800 230 0016
http://www.rideau-info.com/
RideauCanal.info@pc.gc.ca Built between 1827 and 1832 without the aid of power machinery, the Canal is one of Ottawa's oldest landmarks; it runs from the Ottawa River near Parliament Hill to Hog's Back Falls on the south end of the city. During the summer a wide range of vessels, including tour boats, glide along the waterway, while people in-line skate, jog or stroll on the canal's picturesque banks. During the winter, the canal is transformed into the "World's Longest Skating Rink," and is a hub of activity during Ottawa's Winterlude festival.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Rideau Falls

Scenic waterfall Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1
Located across from Ottawa City Hall on Sussex Drive, these pretty falls mark the end of the Rideau River's journey from the St. Lawerence River. Although not as spectacular as Hog's Back Falls, the Rideau Falls are still picturesque in their own right, especially when they are shimmering lit up at night. The falls are located in Rideau Falls Park, within walking distance of 24 Sussex Drive and Rideau Hall.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Rideau Hall

Governor General's Residence 1 Sussex Drive
(Near Rideau Gate)
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1
+1 613 991 4422 / +1 866 842 4422
http://www.gg.ca/visitus/index...
guide@gg.ca Rideau Hall, which was built in 1838, has been the official residence of the Queen's representative to Canada since 1867. The grounds cover more than 32 hectares and feature a magnificent greenhouse and ornamental gardens. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or book one of the many guided tours offered from 10a to 4p during the summer months. There are a number of events hosted by the Governor General throughout the year. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Supreme Court of Canada

Highest Court in the Land 301 Wellington St
Ottawa, ON K1A 0J1
+1 613 995 4330 (Reservations) / +1 613 995 5361 / +1 866 360 1522 (Toll Free)
http://www.scc-csc.gc.ca/
tour@scc-csc.gc.ca A branch of the parliamentary system, the Supreme Court is the highest court for all legal matters in Canada. This imposing building is right next to the National Library on Wellington Street. Guided tours are available upon request. Court hearings range from the crushingly boring to the wildly exciting—you can sit in on most, as long as you are quiet! As massive as this building is, there are actually only nine Supreme Court judges. Admission is free. Call +1 613 995 5361 to confirm tour times or to book.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Winterlude

Skate, ski and sculpt 90 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1P 1C7
+1 613 239 5000
http://www.capcan.ca/winterlud... Who said cold weather is no fun? Winterlude, North America's largest winter festival, offers a flurry of activities for the whole family. The festival is based in and around Confederation Park across from Ottawa City Hall. Revellers can take in the many ice sculptures, afternoon shows and exhibits. Other activities, which take place along the Rideau Canal, billed as the world's longest skating rink, include a bed race, winter triathlon and a waiter and waitress race. Most events are free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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