Credit: Ottawa Tourism
Aboriginal Experiences
BY JEN MALLIA
Pealing bells ring out almost every day of the year from the Peace
Tower at the top of Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The songs from the
carillon are a charming reminder to locals and visitors that politics
and the running of a nation are not the only priorities in Canada’s
capital city; art and culture also take pride of place. And what a
lovely place it is!
The heart of Ottawa is undeniably Parliament Hill. To take a tour,
stop by the Visitor’s Centre across the street from the Hill at 90
Wellington Street. Tickets are free and can be booked on the day
of your visit. A climb to the top of the Peace Tower for a bird’s eye
view of the Parliament Grounds is an only-in-Ottawa experience.
On a summer’s evening (July-September), head to the Hill for the
nightly showing of Northern Lights, a stunning show of sound and
light projected onto the Parliament Building.
2017 marked 150 years of Canadian Confederation and many
legacy projects were created to celebrate. 2018 is building on the
momentum, but without the anticipated crowds.
Opened in the sesquicentennial are the stunning new entrance
to the National Arts Centre, the Arctic exhibit at the Canadian
FLYWASHINGTON.COM 48 SUMMER 2018
Museum of Nature that explores the Canadian North in interesting
new ways, and a completely revamped and renovated Canadian
Science and Technology Museum. Kids will love the Crazy Kitchen
and all the hands-on learning in the ZOOM section.
Aboriginal Experiences has been an attraction available exclusive
to groups, but starting in July 2018, all visitors will be welcome. The
site is set on Victoria Island and features several activities where
visitors can learn a social stomp dance, create a traditional craft,
tour the village and learn legends and beliefs from North American
Indigenous cultures. The Voyager canoe half-day tour offered
through Aboriginal Experiences is a Destination Canada Signature
Experience, uniquely Canadian activities that have been deemed to
showcase the best Canada has to offer.
For outdoor pursuits in the Capital region, the Rideau Canal has a
plethora of options. Take a boat tour on the canal — a UNESCO
World Heritage site, or enjoy a scenic stroll on the pathways running
alongside the canal. A jaunt across the river into Quebec for a taste
of Canadian wilderness in Gatineau Park leaves you marveling that
so much nature can be found just 15 minutes from downtown.