photo : david jackson (# 4 ) |
1 . national Birthday Bash : Canada Day is always one of the Capital ’ s big parties , but in 2017 that party will begin early and last all year long to commemorate Canada ’ s 150th anniversary . Get ready for an interactive and entertaining loot bag . From giant , mechanical beasts to Sky Lounge , a gourmet dinner served 150 feet in the air , to new and exciting permanent legacy projects ! www . ottawa2017 . ca
2 . P is for Parliament hill : Canada ’ s iconic government buildings are a hotspot for democratic and physical activity — from official tours , to going up the Peace Tower , to breathtaking multimedia productions in the summer and winter . You can even take in free yoga classes on the lawn during the summer . Strike a pose .
3 . The rideau Canal : The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world ’ s largest naturally frozen ice skating rink , and includes a scenic pavilion at Dow ’ s Lake , home to boat and skate rentals .
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The canal is also a magnet for boat cruisers , kayakers , and canoeists .
4 . outdoor action : Home to three rivers , the region is a recreational water world . Running through the city ’ s heart , the Ottawa River is a mecca for paddlers , including Canada ’ s national team for training . Ottawa City Rafting , operated by Wilderness Tours even offers a whitwater rafting experience in the downtown core . Outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy everything from golfing and bungee jumping to mountain biking and zip lining at nearby Camp Fortune .
5 . Cordon Bleu : North America ’ s only Le Cordon Bleu campus is located in Canada ’ s Capital . In addition to their diploma programs , private group cooking classes are also possible , and their Signatures Restaurant offers groups special menus and private Chef demonstrations !
6 . Feet Friendly : Ottawa is one of the most walkable and bikeable places in the world . The city ’ s
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historic downtown and central neighbourhoods are pedestrianfriendly , and well connected by parks , avenues and waterways . A 600 km . ( 372 mi .) network of recreational pathways allows you to explore both the natural and urban wonders of Ottawa at once . In the spring and summer , Sunday Bikedays closes more than 50 kilometres of roads to cars , opening them up instead to cyclists , in-line skaters , runners and walkers .
7 . Farm in the City : Ottawa ’ s Central Experimental Farm contains four-square-kilometres of fields , forests , gardens , and historic buildings — including the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and its friendly livestock . The adjoining Arboretum and the Fletcher Wildlife Garden allow visitors to escape the hustle and bustle without leaving the city .
8 . gatineau Park : A 361-square kilometre ( 139 square miles ) nature park in Québec whose main entrance is only a 15-minute drive from downtown .
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The park is a sanctuary for more than 100 species of plants and animals at risk .
9 . one-of-a-kind spectacles : Only in Ottawa can you visit an underground-bunker-turned-unlikely-museum ( the Diefenbunker , Canada ’ s Cold War Museum ), a former gallows turned haunted Ottawa Jail Hostel , and take an opencockpit biplane ride at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum .
10 . Central Festivals : Ottawa ’ s multi-stage , multi-genre outdoor festivals offer scope and star power — while Bluesfest even rivals Bonnaroo or Coachella — but are set only steps away from downtown amenities like hotels , restaurants and public transportation . The Capital ’ s international fests welcome everything from world-renowned musicians to children ’ s performers , to the world ’ s largest chamber music festival .
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