Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Bordering the Ottawa River |
Bégin St (along Ottawa River) Ottawa, ON J9A 1C4 Canada |
Nestled along the Ottawa River in Hull, this park is special because of its historical significance. The great explorers and voyageurs of Canada used the Ottawa River as a gateway to the interior and the west. John Franklin, David Thompson, Alexander Mack enzie and Simon Fraser all would have paddled into or out of the site of this park. Just four kilometres past the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the park is not difficult to find. Follow Laurier Street and Taché Boulevard west. Turn left onto Bégin Street, which leads right to the river's edge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Camp Minutes Away From It All |
81 Bayview Road (Near Scott) Ottawa, ON K1Y 4L6 Canada +1 613 236 1251 / +1 613 724 6096 http://www.lafleur.ca/ |
Imagine camping in the shadow of the Parliament Buildings! It's the perfect option for travelers who want to be close to all the action and don't mind "roughing it." The campground is two hectares of fenced-in land, with 24-hour security, just minutes from downtown Ottawa. You'll enjoy meeting and sharing stories with other travellers around a campfire after spending the day exploring the Nation's Capital. Washrooms and showers are available on site and firewood is free. A small snack bar sells limited food and beverages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Fun for the kids |
100 Laurier St (Museum of Civilization) Ottawa, ON J8X 4H2 Canada +1 819 776 7000 / +1 800 555 5621 http://www.civilization.ca/ |
Visitors to this one-of-a-kind museum are given passports, which they can stamp as they go on an interactive tour through a series of exhibits representing different regions of the world. Activities include playing African musical instruments, decoding hieroglyphics in a miniature pyramid, shopping in an international marketplace and constructing a Balinese shadow puppet. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 All things philatelic |
100 Laurier St (Near Hotel-de-Ville) Ottawa, ON J8X 4H2 Canada +1 819 776 7000 / +1 800 555 5621 http://www.civilization.ca/ |
Founded on the belief that postal systems have been an important component in human communication over the course of history, this expansive collection of philatelic objects is now a branch of the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, just across the river from Ottawa and Parliament Hill. Admission is included in the Museum of Civilization: CAD10 adults; CAD7 seniors; CAD6 students; CAD4 children 3-12; CAD22 families of four, maximum two adults. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Fitness, fun and friendship |
Various venues throughout the city Ottawa, ON J8X 3X5 Canada +1 819 770 6556 / +1 877 770 6556 http://www.csm-mcs.com/?flash=yes |
The Canadian ski marathon was founded in 1967, designed to be the longest in the world. You don't have to do all 160km to celebrate Canada's winter season, though. You can do as little as 15km just to sample the trail through Western Quebec. The tour usually attracts up to 2,000 skiers, from ages 3 to 84. Although competitive at times, the event is really a family affair. Participants are supported with free snacks and wax services along the trail. The event is free for spectators, but participants must register for fees ranging from CAD46-190. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Lakeside oasis year round |
1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway Ottawa, ON K1S 5K7 Canada +1 613 232 1001 http://www.dowslake.com/ |
This large pavilion at the edge of the Rideau Canal's picturesque Dows Lake offers relaxation and recreation. Two restaurants with large patios offer casual food, drinks and a wonderful view, while a full-service marina offers fuel, pump out and slip rentals. In winter, the lake becomes part of the Rideau Canal skating rink and the pavilion rents a variety of winter sports equipment, including skates, sleighs and cross-country skis. During the summer, the marina rents canoes, paddleboats and inline skates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tamara McIntyre |
 Photo: hungrysquirrels  |
 Photo: Ian Mackenzie |
 Photo: milmo |
 Photo: Shermin Negari |
 Photo: John Talbot |
 Photo: Arjun Mehta |
 Photo: Maggie Tam |
 Photo: Athena N. |
 Photo: Christopher Porter |
 Photo: Canadian Family |
 Photo: Martine Ng |
 Photo: Simon Jones |
 Photo: MervLapp |
|
Great City Escape |
40 Elgin Street Ottawa, ON K1P 4C7 Canada +1 819 239 5000 / +1 819 827 2020 (Visitor Center) http://www.canadascapital.gc.c... |
This natural getaway is only a five-minute drive from downtown Ottawa. Take the Chaudiére Bridge across the Ottawa River to Taché Boulevard and turn left. The park entrance is on the left, about two miles down the road. The park itself winds through a beautiful old-growth forest and features several nature trails, lakes and panoramic lookouts. The area is especially beautiful in the fall, when the National Capital Commission stages its annual Fall Rhapsody series of tours and lectures. There is limited handicapped access. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Broughton |
 Photo: Fabien Le Grand |
 Photo: Stephen K. Anthony |
 Photo: Dale Seaton |
 Photo: Earl |
 Photo: Tracey Nash, Ottawa. |
 Photo: ©www.johnpaul.ca |
 Photo: uberchuckie |
 Photo: James Charron |
 Photo: Kewima |
 Photo: dan jones |
 Photo: kev needham |
 Photo: Enoch Ross |
 Photo: Mark Demeny |
 Photo: Fig2007 |
 Photo: Karan Mehta |
 Photo: Susanna |
 Photo: brett_mumford |
 Photo: michael_sanford |
 Photo: Harish Rao |
 Photo: courtney cooper |
 Photo: Qian Wu |
 Photo: Ben Low |
 Photo: Angela Sokolova |
 Photo: boris herrera |
 Photo: Denis Duchesne |
|
Summon your courage |
44 Sparks St (at Elgin Street) Ottawa, ON K1P 5A8 Canada +1 613 232 0344 http://www.hauntedwalk.com/ott... |
An evening ghost walk is a fun way to learn more about Ottawa's history. Departing from D'Arcy McGee's Irish Pub on Sparks Street, the lantern-lit tour explores graveyards and old haunts during the 90-minute walk. Scary stories, all true, are the only things that are going to jump out at you; there are no unexpected surprises en route. It is a great family night out. Wheelchairs are welcome, but some assistance getting over a few curbs may be necessary. See their website for further information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A Celebration of Nature |
Various venues Ottawa, ON Canada +1 613 831 2253 (Coordinator) http://www.ncrwildlifefestival... |
Ask anyone around the world what they think of Canada and this country's rich natural endowment will most likely come up and for good reason. Some of the most beautiful treasures of nature are here, and this event celebrates this fact. Guided walks, photo exhibits and educational programs make this annual month-long festival memorable. Although Ottawa is an urban area, city, provincial and national officials have ensured that substantial natural habitat is preserved. The Canadian Museum of Nature is a good starting point. Most events are free of charge, though regular museum admission applies. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
All about Canada |
395 Wellington St (At Bay) Ottawa, ON K1A 0N4 Canada +1 613 996 5115 / +1 866 299 1699 http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/ |
A visit to this library could take you about 30 minutes, or it could be a multi-day experience. Open since 1953, the building houses two copies of every manuscript published in Canada, which totals more than 10 million publications. In addition to the library's extensive collection of books, there is also a music section that features records, tapes, compact discs, sheet music and even Glenn Gould's piano. Librarians respond to some 100,000 inquiries each year, so this is the ultimate Canadian information source. Settle down for a good read. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Canada's second largest busker festival |
151 Sparks Street (Sparks Street Mall) Ottawa, ON K1P 5E3 Canada +1 613 230 0984 |
Ottawa is a stately city that houses the country's business of government and diplomacy. During the August long weekend, however the Sparks Street Mall, a pedestrian-only street, is inhabited with buskers of all stripes, including storytellers, jugglers and fire-eaters. The acts, starting at 11a and ending past midnight, are fun, and only cost what you want to pay. The festival is located in a central shopping and dining district, so it's a perfect place to be entertained while drifting in and out of shops and restaurants. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Azzaelea |
|
Cruise Ottawa's waterways |
Ottawa River Locks (West of Château Laurier) Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7 Canada +1 613 562 4888 http://www.ottawariverboat.ca/ |
This 280 passenger, two-deck boat offers a variety of cruises on the Ottawa River, departing from Hull beside Jacques Cartier Park and from Ottawa near the Ottawa Locks. Daily one hour sightseeing cruises are guided by bilingual staff who will point out the points of interest along the way, including the Parliament Buildings, Museum of Civilization and the Prime Minister's Residence. There are also specialty cruises, including Sunday champagne brunch and the Museum Cruise Package. Admission: CAD16 Adults; CAD14 Seniors and Students; CAD8 Children 6-12. Consult the website for locations to buy tickets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Multimedia cultural history |
Wellington Street (Parliament Hill) Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2 Canada +1 613 239 5000 / +1 800 465 1867 (Toll Free) http://www.canadascapital.gc.c... |
For such a young country, Canada has a surprising number of national and international sources of pride. From the earliest aboriginal prehistory to the most recent peacekeeping mission, Canada's history is brought to life in this epic, multimedia event. Moving music and mega-projections grace Parliament Hill in a free production that speaks to both young and old. English presentations are first on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and French presentations are first the other days, July through September. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Hightower |
 Photo: SouthCentral |
 Photo: Karl Gajonera |
 Photo: swapnil hiremath |
 Photo: Aswin Gunawan |
|
Open roads for all activities |
1 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4 Canada +1 613 239 5000 / +1 800 465 1867 http://www.ottawakiosk.com/sun... |
Every Sunday morning, the City of Ottawa closes Colonel By Drive to motorists to make way for cyclists, runners, walkers and in-line skaters. Join hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts and travel alongside the Rideau Canal from the National Arts Centre to Dow's Lake. The city also closes the Western Parkway during the same hours. The Western Parkway runs along the Ottawa River, starting just west of the National Archives. Participation is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Highest Court in the Land |
301 Wellington St Ottawa, ON K1A 0J1 Canada +1 613 995 4330 (Reservations) / +1 613 995 5361 / +1 866 360 1522 (Toll Free) http://www.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 |
 Photo: Adrian Lee |
 Photo: Nancy Albert |
 Photo: Kip Guenther |
 Photo: Patrick Beaulieu |
 Photo: Paul Barrett |
 Photo: Shara Morishige |
 Photo: VincentC |
 Photo: jon144k.com a.k.a. jonpgh |
 Photo: Leeanne Morrow |
 Photo: Andre060 |
 Photo: Adam Martin |
 Photo: imposedminority |
 Photo: Dan Keeton |
 Photo: Ula & Jamie de Munteanu |
 Photo: Magnum_Dynalab |
 Photo: Ron Achin |
 Photo: Lidia Hordila |
 Photo: Anne Marie J. Watson |
 Photo: Nicole Winchester |
 Photo: Stacey L. Ryan |
 Photo: Amie Roman |
 Climbing the walls |
161 Middle St (Near Mill) Ottawa, ON K2H 8N5 Canada +1 613 569 3903 http://www.verticalreal.com/ |
Rope up and reach for the top at this relaxed climbing gym on Victoria Island; you will find a lot of young professionals working out their frustrations while pushing their bodies to reach impressive heights. Sign up for lessons that will teach you the safety systems, rent shoes and a harness, and you'll be set to do some climbing up any one of 100 climbing routes. The staff are friendly and safety conscious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Skate, ski and sculpt |
90 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1P 1C7 Canada +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 |
 Photo: James Norminton |
 Photo: Susan Jeschke |
 Photo: James Knox |
 Photo: Jim & Laura Sellers |
 Photo: Jennifer Toh |
 Photo: mirx |
 Photo: Hannes Chang |
 Photo: Claude Morris |
 Photo: Trevor Smiley |
 Photo: Justin Kerr |
 Photo: B. van Tol (Tripper) |
 Photo: Karen Rodgers |
 Photo: Yumi Webster |
 Photo: Sue Novotny |
 Photo: freezelight |
 Photo: congo100 |
 Photo: Cristina E. Pulido |
 Photo: Justin Deal |
 Photo: Jonathan O'Keeffe |
 Photo: Suzy Snow |
 Photo: Daniel Weinand |
 Photo: Michael Mandarano |
 Photo: Angela Mattos |
 Photo: Leslie Town |
 Photo: Mathew Ingram |
 Photo: Taetrak |
 Photo: Sylvain Leclerc |
 Photo: terryrozz |
 Photo: fernando farfan |
 Photo: jennyBunz |
 Photo: Roger Curtis |
 Photo: jakehyslop |
 Photo: Tyler Elliott |
 Photo: Jason Mulligan |
 Photo: Heather Mina |