NATURAL WONDERS
Canada ’ s four-season splendour is best experienced in the National Capital Region . From shimmering lakes and serene trails , to city beaches and urban outdoor adventure , Mother Nature works full-time as Ottawa ’ s tour guide . Just a few minutes ’ drive east of downtown lies the bilingual region of Prescott-Russell , a treasure trove for taste buds — from strawberries and cheese curds to wineries and craft breweries .
the urban outdoors
Take a walk on the wild side … in the heart of Ottawa . Natural wonders are part of daily life in the capital .
Marvel at the Canadian outdoors while indoors — and downtown — by exploring the Canadian Museum of Nature . While everything from live insects to dino skeletons are on display at this national museum , its Landscapes of Canada Gardens gives you reason to venture back in the sun . Nearby Ottawa parks are also must-visits year-round and the site of major festivals . Confederation Park , a stone ’ s throw from Parliament Hill , is home to Winterlude and the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival . Meanwhile , Lansdowne Park in The Glebe attracts the annual Canadian Tulip Festival in spring and CityFolk in fall . Lansdowne also houses TD Place , a stadium that welcomes arena-style concerts and outdoor spectator sports ( see Outdoor Sports on right ).
For those who prefer their seats to be moving — and a soft breeze in their face — the city is a cyclist ’ s dream come true . The Rideau Canal , Ottawa River and Rideau River form the scenic heart of the city ’ s bike paths , but they branch out in nearly all directions along the Capital Pathway Network — often touching down in key neighbourhoods . Rent a bike from RentABike , and explore this 600km network , or take a tour with Escape Bicycle Tours .
An urban oasis awaits in The Arboretum and adjoining Central Experimental Farm . Maples are a national treasure , but you can branch out and discover thousands of tree species from around the world at The Arboretum , located on the west side of the Rideau Canal by Dows Lake . Several marked paths allow visitors to explore less tamed beauty in the adjacent Butterfly Meadow or Fletcher Wildlife Garden . Meanwhile , the neighbouring p h o t o : m a j o r ’ s h i l l pa r k ( k a e l r e b i c k )
24 www . ottawatourism . ca