Ottawa, Canada's Capital Travel Tips - Spring Newsletter
levi...@igs.net
Quarterly Travel Stories From Ottawa, Canada, Spring 1995
Information Provided by: Michael Levinson, levi...@igs.net
owner of:
Albert at Bay Suite Hotel, Ottawa 1-800-267-6644
Best Western Victoria Park Suites, Ottawa 1-800-465-7275
Note to the media : Here's an assortment of timely and newsworthy travel
tips about Canada's capital. For more information, call the telephone
number included with each story - or contact us directly.
50TH ANNIVERSARY HIGHLIGHTS DUTCH-CANADIAN RELATIONS: During the spring
of 1995, Ottawa takes a nostalgic look at the Second World War, as it
puts on spectacular events to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the
Liberation of Holland. Festivities begin with the "Canada Remembers
Weekend", May 6-8. A 40's-style street dance, stretching from Hull to
downtown Ottawa, a parade featuring military bands, and a commemorative
ceremony are scheduled. A 50th Anniversary Package is available from May
6-28 and it includes a Tulip Welcome Kit, a Riverboat scenic cruise, and
a Tulip Capital Tour.
Info: (613) 567-5757
ROYAL VISIT CROWNS FLORAL FEST: The '95 Canadian Tulip Festival will be
held in Ottawa from May 17-22. This year, the Dutch-Canadian "Friendship
that Flowered" is celebrated. Activities and attractions include
concerts, floral displays, the flotilla and for the first time, a
reconstructed Dutch village. One highlight will be enormous "Tapestries"
which are floral designs arranged by various colors. There will also be
special flower bed plants depicting Holland, Canada, and the Atlantic
Ocean. H.R.H. Princess Margriet of The Netherlands will preside over the
event, meeting veterans at commemorative activities and thanking them for
liberating her country. Special festival passes allow visitors to enjoy a
combination of activities at a reduced price.
Info: (613) 567-5757.
QUEEN'S COLLECTION COMES TO OTTAWA: The National Gallery of Canada is the
only North American venue for "The Queen's Pictures: Old Masters from the
Royal Collection." For the first time ever, masterpieces from Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II's vast and historic collections will be touring three
Common-wealth countries. Works by such celebrated artists as Rembrandt,
Gainsborough, Van Dyck, and others will be on display from June 23 to
September 10. Traditional English High Tea will be served at the National
Gallery.
Info: (613) 990-1985
START YOUR ENGINES! For the first time in its 13-year history, The Great
North American Race will add to the festivities surrounding July 1 by
starting on Sussex Drive in Ottawa. Over 110 vintage cars worth over $5
million, will participate in the gruelling 7,700 kilometre (4,500 mile)
race. Festivities leading up to the race include the "Trophy Run" on June
30 when racers will leave Rideau Street at 10:30 a.m. and arrive in
Cumberland at 12 noon. The first cars are scheduled to arrive at the
National Museum of Science and Technology at 2:30 p.m. and a public
display of the cars will follow. Racers, including six Canadian teams,
leave Ottawa on July 1 and travel to Washington, D.C. for July 4
celebrations. Racers then continue on to Mexico City in a daring attempt
to win over $250,000 in cash and prizes.
Info: (613) 237-5150
PUCCINI AT THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE: La Bohéme has been produced more
times world-wide than any other stage work. Ottawa's own Opera Lyra
brings its production of this timeless, tragic tale to the National Arts
Centre for four performances, on April 13, 15, 17 and 19.
Info: (613) 233-9200
CONNECT WITH "CONNEXIONS"! The young and the young at heart will be keen
to see "Connexions", a brand-new million dollar exhibit at the National
Museum of Science and Technology. Past and present communications
technology is showcased including telephones, telegraphs, televisions,
radios, and even virtual reality. Canadians' extra-ordinary achievements
and contributions are highlighted and many "hands-on" stations throughout
the exhibit allow learning by doing.
Info: (613) 991-3044
MYSTERIOUS MAYANS: A glimpse of daily life in a Mayan village is offered
when "The Mystery of the Maya" debuts at the Canadian Museum of
Civilization. Spectacular re-enactments of the enigmatic initiation
ceremonies staged by the Maya can be seen when this latest IMAX film
debuts on April 13, 1995.
Info: (819) 776-7000
PICTURE THIS: At the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography,
"Related Differences" explores the relationship between drawing and
photography while "The Zoo Portfolio" showcases photos taken in zoos.
The effect of light and shadows is examined in "Light Motifs" and the
exhibit "how far back is home..." contemplates the family. Exhibits run
until June 11.
Info: (613) 990-8257
AT THE ARTS COURT...
On display until April 23, at the Ottawa Art Gallery is "Geographies of
Desire," featuring installations by Carmelo Arnoldin, Richard Purdy, Karl
Ciesluk and Deborah Margo. Until June 18, "Waterways," paintings and
drawings from the Firestone Collection of Canadian Art may be viewed.
This historical survey explores the fundamental presence of water imagery
in Canadian landscape painting. From May 4 until June 18, new works by
Evergon are presented. Using three separate personae, Evergon has created
a body of work that builds its political impact around issues of sexual
identity.
Info: (613) 233-8699
CYBERSPACE ADVENTURE: From June 12 to September 12, the Canadian Museum
of Nature invites visitors to penetrate the exciting realms of cyberspace
while they battle with "Toxicus." This high-tech exhibit "Earthquest:
The Planet's 3-D Adventure" engages visitors in a virtual reality video
game and encourages them to examine ways in which they can save the
planet! Info: (613) 566-4719
THE NATION'S CAPITAL TAKES TO THE AIR: The skies over Canada's capital
will buzz with the sound and excitement of the world's most sophisticated
flying machines June 24 and 25, at the 11th annual National Capital Air
Show. The air show takes place at Macdonald-Cartier International
Airport.
Info: (613) 526-1030
HIGH-TECH INFO CENTRES COME TO OTTAWA: In May, interactive touch-screen
kiosks, the first of their kind in Canada, will allow visitors to access
information on hotels, theatres, sports events, entertainment and
restaurants in Ottawa. Visitors can scan the entertainment possibilities
and even have their tickets printed at the kiosk. Sixteen kiosks will be
located in the downtown core. Info:Martin Winges, (613) 237-5150
GETAWAY PACKAGES CREATE PERFECT ESCAPE! Many Ottawa hotels have created
packages that make a weekend away fun and affordable. For more
information contact Les Suites Hotel about their special occasion package
at (613) 232-2000, Best Western Macies offers sport and Tulip Festival
packages, call (613) 728-1951 or ask Quality Hotel about their leisure
accommodation package at (613) 789-7511.
EASTER EGGS-TRAVAGANZA: Easter Weekend (April 14-17) will be a "hopping"
good time at the Chateau Laurier. Saturday's activities include an egg
painting workshop, an Easter parade and a Mad Hatter's Tea. On Sunday,
Easter brunch will be held in the Ballroom and Zoe's. For details call:
(613) 241-1414.
TOURING THE TOWN: Our most interesting corners and alleys can be explored
with Ottawa On Foot Tours, ask about their spring special at (613)
230-5229. Walking and shopping are combined in a tour of the historic
Byward Market. . Call (613) 241-7113 for information.
* * *
Infotrek Tours will create a personalized walking or bicycling tour. The
history of Ottawa can be combined with stops at chocolate and pastry
shops, or tour the market and partake of the fresh produce. Call Mary
Haydon at (613) 230- 2697.
* * *
A bird's eye view of the region is available by taking a tour in a
seaplane with Air Outaouais. For information call (819) 568-2359.
* * *
Departing from Ottawa, a relaxing five nights can be spent cruising the
Ottawa and St.Lawrence Rivers to Kingston with St.Lawrence Cruise Lines.
Call (613) 549-8091 ALL ABOARD!: A delightful half-day trip on the
Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield steam train can be taken from May to October. One
of the last remaining authentic steam-powered trains winds its way up
the Gatineau Valley from Hull to the picturesque village of Wakefield.
Call for days of operation and details. Info: (819) 77-TRAIN, (778-7246)
TECHNICAL TOURS CREATE NEW LINKS INTO HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES: Ottawa is a
world-class centre for computer products, telecommunications, and medical
and information technologies. The recently established Technical Tours,
provides enhanced access to these burgeoning industries by organizing
specialized facility tours and creating business to business contacts.
Info: (613) 744-6000, E-Mail: 74652.3467@ COMPSERVE.COM.
WHITE WATER ADVENTURE: In May, RiverRun will open the RiverRun Paddling
Centre for canoeists and kayakers. Beginners and experts will be able to
experience thrilling rapids and improve their skills under the watchful
eye of internationally experienced instructors. Info: (613) 646-2501,
reservations: 1-800-267-8504.
Esprit Rafting now offers "Three Rivers in Three Days." Join them for a
long weekend and experience a variety of whitewater on the Magnetawan,
Petawawa, and Ottawa Rivers. Call: 1-800-596-RAFT(7238)
TAKE IN A BALL GAME! The gates open at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 14,
for Opening Day festivities with the Ottawa Lynx at the Ottawa Stadium.
Join in the fun on Sunday, April 16, when an Easter Egg and Scavenger
Hunt begins at 12:30 p.m. Show your support for Earth Day and pick up
some tips on recycling and composting when you visit the ballpark on
Thursday, April 20. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Info: (613) 747-5969.
GOLFER'S PARADISE: With 65 golf courses within a one hour drive, Ottawa
has a golf course for every playing level and every budget. The variety
of golf courses available is impressive; terrain ranges from flat
alongside water to rocky highlands, or play in the scenic Gatineau Hills
at Le Club de Golf Mont Cascades. The terrain surrounding Ottawa has
inspired designers, including Graham Kirk, who designed the Canadian Golf
and Country Club.
Info:National Golf Course Association,
(613) 826-1046
HIKING IN GATINEAU PARK: Starting June 24 and continuing until September
4, Gatineau Park Chairlift Rides will operate 10:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
From the peak you can access over 200 km (125 miles) of marked trails
with equipped shelters. Ticket price is $5.00. Mountain bike rentals are
also available for the marked mountain bike trails through Gatineau Park.
The Camp Fortune Summer Concert Series starts on June 24.
Info: (819) 827-1717
FAMILY FUN!!
POWERFUL DISPLAY: The Cumberland Museum's "Heritage Power Show" on May 26
and 27 will feature eastern Ontario's largest display of operating
antique tractors, gas engines, cars, and steam engines. Live
entertainment and great food will be available all weekend. Fun for the
whole family. The Cumberland Museum is located just east of Ottawa, less
than 30 minutes from downtown. Info: (613) 833-3059
ACTIVELY SUPPORT THE CIVIC: The 21st National Capital Marathon gives the
city of Ottawa the chance to run, walk, in-line skate, or wheel through
green spaces and along picturesque waterways. Race dates this year are
May 13-14 and there's a race length to suit everyone. Something for the
whole family.
Info: (613) 234-2221.
A ROYAL AFFAIR! Queen Victoria's birthday will be celebrated on May 21 at
Upper Canada Village, Morrisburg. From 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.,
festivities for this fun-filled 1860s style birthday celebration will
take place including a parade, music, a fire engine trial, games for
children and a vivid demonstration by the Village's Total Abstinence
Society. Spring tours of Upper Canada Village, Morrisburg, will take
place from Saturday, May 6 until Friday, May 19.
Info: (613) 543-3704
SPRING FUN: Beautiful Kingston, located two hours from Ottawa has many
exciting events for the whole family. Run away with the circus on May 12
and 13 when the Shrine Circus comes to town. Acrobats, clowns, and circus
animals, will delight all ages. Fort Henry's Summer Kick-off Event on May
21, will include a First Commandant's Parade, Children's Military Muster
Parades, guided tours and the firing of the cannons. "Dinosaurs, Dragons
and Dreams" is the theme for Kingston's Annual International Children's
Festival held June 1-3. On June 3 and 4, a traditional Pow-Wow presented
by the Katarowko Native Friendship Centre will take place at Kingston's
Lake Ontario Park. Drums, dancing, and native cuisine can be enjoyed.
Kingston's annual celebration of ethnic traditions, food, and dance, will
take place from June 9-11. The Kingston Heritage Tattoo Society will
present Heritage Tattoo '95 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the
end of the Second World War on June 24, at the Royal Military College
from 7:30-10:00 p.m.
TAKE A TRIP TO THE SUGAR BUSH: Fulton's Pancake House and Sugarbush is
sponsoring Family Fun Day to be held on Sunday, April 23, 1995. All
proceeds from the event will be donated to the Almonte General Hospital.
Local performers will keep you entertained and radio and television
personalities will compete in the "Sugarbush Olympics." And of course,
delicious maple treats will be available.
Info: (613) 256-3867
10TH ANNIVERSARY OTTAWA VALLEY BOOK FEST: From April 21 until May 5, the
Ottawa Valley Book Festival offers a number of activities including a
Literary Bus Tour, a discussion about the Internet and multimedia,
readings, luncheons, carnivals, a book fair, and much more.
Info:(613) 241-4032
CARNIVAL OF CULTURES: From May 12th to May 14th, Ottawa comes alive with
Carnival of Cultures - the National Capital Region's largest
multicultural festival. Eleven cultural pavilions will appear around the
city featuring food and drink, folk treasures, and dynamic entertainment
- an International Carnival Passport ($5) allows access to all pavilions.
Info: (613) 523-2690WHODUNIT? YOU HELP FIGURE IT OUT! The Marble Works,
featuring delicious informal dining in a beautiful heritage setting,
hosts the Eddie May Murder Mystery Dinner and Show every Friday and
Saturday year-round. Meet eight crazy suspects and help solve the crime
when one of them is murdered. Info: (613) 729-8832
CANADIAN IDENTITY CRISIS: What ails Canada? Find out when "Cheap Shots"
is performed by the Great Canadian Theatre Company from May 3 until May
20. This political satire takes a caustic look at what's wrong with
Canada. Performance dates: Tues.-Sat. at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00
p.m.
Info: (613) 236-5192, Reservations: (613) 236-5196.
A VERY TASTY TREAT! They may look a little funny, but if you haven't
tasted one, you're in for a treat! BeaverTails Pastry are Ottawa's
favorite snack. They are a sweet or savoury pastry shaped to resemble the
water-slapping appendage of Canada's official rodent. Track one down in
the Byward Market or at the Dow's Lake Pavilion.
Info: (613) 241-2859.
NEW NAME, SAME GREAT LOCATION : Days Inn - Ottawa City Centre, formerly
known as the Hotel Roxborough and the Clarion Hotel, provides the same
great quality and service to visitors. These reasonably priced
accommodations are situated in the heart of downtown Ottawa, only four
blocks from Parliament Hill.
Info: (613) 237-9300
Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority
Claire Schofield, Director of Communications
Jennifer Hagen, Communications Coordinator
1-800-363-4465