Considering a fall getaway? Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, culture, shopping, or beautiful scenery enhanced by autumn colours, Ottawa has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. The best part? A short flight with Porter makes the city an ideal weekend getaway.
Here are five activities that will make you want to visit the capital city.
1. Canada’s National Museums Passport
A $35 Museums Passport allows you to roam three Ottawa national museums over a span of three days. Each accompanying child, age 17 and under, qualifies for a 30 per cent discount. You may choose from seven of the following museums:
Canadian Museum of History presents a detailed glimpse into Canada’s journey from the beginning of human habitation to present day through numerous exhibitions, architecture, stories, and settings. Canadian Museum of History is also home to the Canadian Children’s Museum.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum lets you see a fascinating collection of approximately 130 civilian and military aircrafts. Learn about historical advancements in the aviation industry and what a day in the life of an astronaut is like on the International Space Station. Check out the optional open cockpit biplane adventure and see Ottawa from a birds eye view.
National Gallery of Canada houses a comprehensive collection of Canadian art, including Maman the giant spider, Group of Seven collection, indigenous works, world-class special exhibits and, award winning architecture. With remarkable views of Parliament Hill and Ottawa River, alongside a pleasant courtyard and large galleries, the site is a can’t miss for art lovers.
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is located on an operational urban farm and takes you on an exploration of food cultivation and preservation, animal barns, and renewable energy through various exhibitions. Meet the alpacas, cows, chickens, goats, sheep and many other animals. Check out demonstrations including the milking of dairy cows and the production of butter and ice cream.
Canadian War Museum educates you on the historic discords which shaped the nation through a range of personal stories, art and artefacts such as tanks, artillery and more. Get a chance to see exhibits that reveal Canada’s involvement in conflicts, real life tanks, artillery, a fighter jet suspended from the ceiling, along with the headstone from the grave of Canada’s Unknown Soldier.
Canada Science and Technology Museum is geared towards engaging the whole family and inspiring the future generations of innovators through numerous digital exhibitions. The newly renovated museum houses cutting edge technology, such as Artificial Intelligence and fan favourites like the locomotives and crazy kitchen. ZOOM children’s innovation zone and artifact alley are big draws for families!
Canadian Museum of Nature is our national natural sciences and natural history museum. Visitors can explore collections like the Water Gallery, which features a 19-metre blue whale skeleton, and the Fossil Gallery, which houses enormous dinosaur fossils. The new Arctic Gallery is a must-see, as are the life-like mammal exhibits, meteorites, minerals, rocks and more!
2. Fall Rhapsody in Gatineau Park
Celebrate autumn at Fall Rhapsody! The annual festival is held at Gatineau Park, just a 15-minute drive from Parliament Hill, and brings in thousands of attendees each year. Gatineau Park offers breathtaking fall landscape, numerous scenic lookout points and escarpments, and an estate that spreads out over 361 square kilometres. Explore on foot, by bike or vehicle and don’t miss the most popular view of the park found at the Champlain Lookout, located at the top of the Eardley Escarpment. Visitors can take a free weekend shuttle from the ByWard Market, only offered during Fall Rhapsody! Celebrations and activities will take place from Sept. 29 to Oct. 21.
3. Ziplining through Camp Fortune
The exciting aerial courses and ziplines at Camp Fortune are open until Nov. 4, 2018. Walk through zigzag bridges, climb ladders, scrabble through barrels, and, finally, zipline through the colourful Gatineau Hills. There’s also a children’s park designed for younger attendees. Camp Fortune offers special fall programming on weekends for all levels of thrill seekers.
4. Relaxing at Nordik Spa-Nature
Nordik Spa-Nature, situated 10 minutes from downtown Ottawa at the entrance of Gatineau Park, has nine distinct saunas, ten outdoor baths, and both indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. Guests can recharge their batteries with a massage or experience the Källa treatment, in their salt-water floating pool. There’s also a lounge, restaurant and Biërgarden to enjoy.
The ByWard Market neighbourhood spans four blocks square and overflows with shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants, museums, galleries, boutiques, salons, and more. Visitors can buy fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables from local vendors, hit the boutiques for unique crafts and clothing by regional designers, take in the vibrant street art, and stay well into the night for a drink at a modish bar or rustic pub.
