out_and_about

I am arriving in Ottawa May 10 for a 3 day conference and will stay over one extra day (leaving on an evening flight May 14) to supplement the "free times" scheduled into the conference for visitors like myself. I have booked into the Lord Elgin as sessions are there, but really have no idea about Ottawa. I am beginning to do some research, but realize this is also a great opportunity to get some input from those of you who know a thing or two or more about enjoying some time there. Is a tour of Parliament a must-do? Is there a restaurant that is a must-go? What about the Tulip Festival? Other suggestions, ideas? Grateful to hear from you!

AndrewDavid

hi there, i tacked 4 days onto a 3 day conference last may. i adore ottawa. if they a better handle on their weather i'd move there in a heart beat!

as a newish canadian my tour of parliament was a must; ditto the supreme court. but for an overview i'd hit the museums. i saw the national gallery; the museum of canadian civilization and the war museum. each told the story of canada in a different but overlapping and reinforcing way.
the market area ids great for people watching a food and drink. you can hop around if the weather is nice on the city's system of rental bicycles: bixi!

if you are w/ some one special and have access to a car an evening at the spa nordic out in the quebequois countryside est tres fantastique

cheers
AndrewDavid

lincy

I am too thinking of a tour to Ottawa.but I hardly ,have any idea,about which places to be visited,can any one provide me any idea about the same??

Lincy

eliztravels

The Museum of Civilization! An absolutely stunning buildling with displays of west coast aboriginal culture which are definitely world class. Other displays are equally well done.

The war museum is also good, not too large or overwhelming. I found it quite interesting although I don't have a particular interest in military history. It has a life size model of the memorial at Vimy which would be of interest to anyone who read The Stone Carvers.

The National Art Gallery is another stunning building. The group of seven and Tom Thompson exhibits would appeal to those who aren't really into art.

We went for tulip festival one year but our timing was off. A warm spell had brought the tulips along early but then it turned cold again. Not many tulips left, but so damp and chilly it wasn't that great being outside. Beastly Canadian weather; don't have to love it but we gotta live with it! A walk or bike ride along the canal is a must do if you have a nice day.

It's been many years since I've visited the parliament buildings but I think it is something every Canadian should do at least once, to acknowledge the significance of our history and our democracy. You need to be on a tour to get past the foyer.

The mint is also interesting but you don't get to see coins produced. That happens in Winnipeg. Byward market and the canal and locks are pleasant for wandering around. On parliament hill there is a wonderful sculpture of the women who were prominent in the suffragete movement. (Also the usual ones of military men on horses, and if I'm not mistaken, Queen Victoria.)

Kwoo

We spent 4 nights/3 days in Ottawa last summer. You can click on my name to read my trip report. We loved the changing of the guard ceremony in front of Parliament; we also had a tour of one of the Parliament buildings and of the grounds. I definitely recommend the tours. There is a nice park (forgot the name) just behind the hotel that is next to Parliament & across from the canal that we enjoyed walking around & relaxing & listening to a bagpipe band that was practicing for a competition.

I second the Canadian Musem of Civilization!! We spent almost an entire day there & it was awesome!! We didn't have time to visit any other museums because we had our car, so we also spent a day in Gatineau Provincial Park in Quebec. We also enjoyed walking around the Byward Market. I give specific names of restaurants we liked in my trip report.
Hope this helps.

jbtravelwrite

Hi,

I'm a travel writer who fell in love with Ottawa when I won a weekend trip there. I would highly recommend eating at the Cordon Bleu restaurants (run by aspiring chefs) since the Ottawa Cordon Bleu is cranking out great chefs every year. I would also recommend Play Food & Wine, Steve Beckta's newer restaurant showcasing local food & wine.

I would also highly recommend the Museum of Civilization, which won a top award in all of Canada for its unique design. Meandering through Byward Market will give you all kinds of ideas for souvenirs to bring back and uniquely Canadian crafts.

For more information, my travel blog is http://www.bostoncanadatravel.com

Happy Traveling!

PS--you're well-placed at the Lord Elgin Hotel!

out_and_about

Ah Fodor's forum-ites, you have done it again... thank you so much for your suggestions, and also your enthusiasm! I will put the Museum of Civilization on my list, and @eliztravels, I think I agree with your comment about taking this opportunity as a Canadian to see our Parliament - and I'll check into booking a tour, as you've suggested, Kwoo. I will check your travel blog too, and also yours, jb - thanks for your foodie insights! ...maybe I should take a page out of AndrewDavid's approach and book more than one extra day! (not possible, but I can dream...) I am certainly grateful for all these comments, and any more from the rest of the (so far) reading/listening audience. =) Cheers!

Cranachin

I have to say that I enjoyed both the tour of Parliament and the War Museum when I visited Ottawa last May.

Seeing the library in the Centre Block really makes you wish the Great Fire had not destroyed everything else.

mat54

We visit Ottawa for a few days most years. I've really enjoyed the recently renovated Canadian Museum of Nature. I also like the National Gallery, and, like others, the Museum of Civilization. The Parliament Buildings are impressive. The Byward Market area is great - many restaurants, cafes, food shops, bakeries, little craft stalls and stores, etc. I very much like Sweetgrass Aboriginal Bistro (good food and not as exotic as some might expect). A Day trip across the river to Gatineau Park is worth considering if the weather is nice - some spectacular views from the lookouts (and there are picnic areas if you pick up some deli goods in the market). Haven't done this myself but I've been told a boat tour on the River is enjoyable.

Kwoo

out and about,
Regarding the tours of Parliament, you go to the white tents outside and sign up for whichever tours you want. They are free. There are several different choices. We chose 2 tours: one of the Centre Block building, and one of the grounds. I know there were other choices.

Friendship_Bay

Restaurant update for Mat ... Sweetgrass is closed. One of the previous partners is now running a barbecue joint, which is mostly pretty good, but very different.

Cranachin

Kwoo - you must have visited Parliament Hill in the summer.

In May, the only tour available is the Centre Block tour. According to the Parliament website, where you go for tickets depends on what day it is. Through May 13 you go to the Visitor Welcome Centre. Starting May 14 you go to the white Info-Tent.

http://www.parl.gc.ca/Visitors/planning-e.asp

Note that you can get a leaflet to do a self-guided grounds tour. You can also visit the Memorial Chamber and the Peace Tower for free on your own after the guided Centre Block tour.

mat54

Friendship-Bay - Oh no!! What a disappointment about Sweetgrass! Their website is still up - I just checked. We're coming in June with friends and I promised to take them there for dinner!

Maybe I'll start a new thread asking on updates for places to eat in Ottawa.

Mathieu

To the OP : I've just posted a brief trip report of a recent 2 day visit to Ottawa which may (or not) contain some useful info for you.

http://www.fodors.com/community/cana...-in-ottawa.cfm

out_and_about

Just re-read your trip report, Mathieu, and will refer to it and the other posts again before I travel. My thanks to all of you for your suggestions and updates. Now can anyone recommend how to access great weather?? =)

MsLizzy

The Lord Elgin is in a great location on Elgin street. The National Art Centre is right across the road and may have something to offer in the evening. Everyone mentioned Byward Market which I love though is really for the young hipsters after midnight. Many good restaurants, galleries. .Elgin Street in the opposite direction comes alive on weekend evenings as well. Nice for an evening stroll. I love the National Gallery. You can walk from your hotel, cross Confederation Square, pass The Chateau Laurier (actually stop in to view the lobby and first floor public areas)and walk north on Sussex. Nice shope and galleries and you will see the National Gallery in a few blocks. Should only take 15 minutes if you are not tempted to stop. Walking north the market is to your right and takes in several blocks approximately from Rideau st. to York st. If you don't think you will be back, definetly walk around Parliament Hill. It is five minutes from you hotel. If you have time, rent a bicycle from under the bridge at the canal and ride on your side of the Rideau Canal. It's a wonderful way to see this Unesco wonder. Keep going under Pretoria Bridge all the way to The Ritz restaurant right in your path and have a refreshment right on the water. It will only take 15 to 20 minutes at most to cycle there.

Morningglory47

The Tulip Festival is in it's second week when you're there - I agree it's a crap shoot about whether the tulips are still blooming though. http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/visit...tulip-festival

eliztravels

>>Now can anyone recommend how to access great weather??<<

I would suggest you spend a great deal of money on rain gear: rubber boots, quality umbrella, rain poncho, waterproof back pack, etc, and make sure you carry it with you wherever you go. Wear your warmest layers and leave the sunscreen in your hotel room. Seems to work for me.

MsLizzy

I wouldn't want travelers to get the wrong impression about Ottawa's weather. It is not the East or West coast. This year Spring has been wonderful- full of sunshine so far. It's not too hot so great to walk around and see the sights. Ottawa can be a bit hot and humid in July but May to October is usually excellent for tourists. Please don't get the impression Ottawa is a cold, rainy city...it's not!

johnnyomalley

Sweetgrass is closed and has been closed for about a year. Doubt that it will reopen. The owners split up and the chef/owner has a new place. Smoque in the Market.

Other restaurants in the Market. Murray St. or Navarra depending upon your budget. You can check out Ottawafoodies.com for more recommendations.

As for the weather, although it has been a bit coolish, we have not had a lot of rain this sprig.