Essential Ottawa Magazine Where Ottawa Essential 2018 | Page 8

C u lt u r e
Nordik Spa Nature
Le Baccara
at Casino Lac-Leamy
Uniquely Ottawa
one-of-a-kind experiences found only
in the national capital region
Casino Lac-Leamy
Entertainment, games, art, shows,
fine dining, dancing — Casino
Lac-Leamy offers visitors an un-
forgettable experience, and it’s just
minutes from downtown Ottawa.
The facility boasts the region’s only
CAA-AAA Five Diamond-rated
restaurant, Le Baccara, and world-
renowned DJs electrify the dance
floor on weekends inside club
Aléa. For those looking for a more
contemplative experience, simply
wander the grand hallways of the
adjoining Hotel Hilton Lac-Leamy
to take in the array of Canadian
art on display. Through August,
8
where
EssEntial ottawa
the casino’s annual Sound of Light
fireworks show pairs international
pyrotechnic teams with music to
create a dazzling display.
1, boul. du Casino, Gatineau,
819-772-2100, casinos.lotoquebec.
com/en/lacleamy
Diefenbunker Museum
On the outskirts of Ottawa, con-
cealed under a hill, lies Canada’s
Cold War command and control
centre. Built in the late 1950s, the
Diefenbunker — named after the
then prime minister of Canada,
John Diefenbaker — was designed
to keep key government officials
safe in the event of nuclear war.
The structure was developed into a
museum in 1998. Four subterranean
floors give visitors a glimpse into
what might have been if cooler
heads had not prevailed: sleeping
quarters, computer stacks, the Bank
of Canada vault, and even a peek at
the war room! Tours available daily
year-round. 3929 Carp Rd., Carp,
613-839-0007, diefenbunker.ca
Nordik Spa Nature
The ultimate relaxation experience
is just a short drive from the city.
Nestled on the wooded edge of
Gatineau Park in the charming
village of Old Chelsea, North
America’s largest day spa provides
near-endless options for rejuvena-
tion. Under the canopy of trees,
alongside cascading streams and
rock outcroppings, their collec-
tion of Scandinavian-style saunas,
hot tubs, cold and hot pools, and
massage and lounge areas is the
perfect getaway. Highlights include
a saltwater pool that provides a
weightlessness similar to floating in
the Dead Sea, an enormous infinity
pool with spectacular views of
Ottawa and the surrounding hills,
and their various dining areas.
16, ch. Nordik, Chelsea, Quebec,
819-827-1111, chelsea.lenordik.com
Rideau Canal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
and a National Historic Site of
Canada, the Rideau Canal is a
must-see attraction in the capital
— though it’s hard to miss, given
that it meanders through much of
the city’s downtown. In warmer
months, jog, bike, or stroll along
the canal’s bike and walking paths,
which run parallel to the water. Or
head to Dow’s Lake, a lagoon area
near Carleton University, to rent
paddle boats and canoes. When
the temperature drops, the canal
(photoluxstudio.com
Aléa at
Casino Lac-Leamy