Prince William and Kate Middleton to visit Ottawa on Canada Day
29 Apr
Last year's Canada Day crowds before the fireworks at 10pm were huge. With William and Kate in town this July 1, who knows what to expect? PHOTO CREDIT: Ontario Tourism
Today’s magnificent Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton — now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — is just the beginning of their life together.
On June 30, the royal couple will embark on their first official foreign visit as husband and wife. They’ll start their trip to Canada in Ottawa, just in time for the huge Canada Day celebrations on July 1.
While the official itinerary is a closely guarded secret, we at Ottawa Tourism thought we’d suggest some activities.
- Take an open-cockpit biplane or helicopter ride at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum: William is a pilot, after all. There’s no better way to get the lay of the land — and paparazzi wouldn’t be a concern!
- Indulge in Canadian comfort food at Sweetgrass Aboriginal Bistro, Domus Café, Courtyard Restaurant, Le Café at the National Arts Centre, ZenKitchen, Beckta Dining + Wine to just name a few. All these restaurants — and more — are members of Savour Ottawa, an initiative to promote locally grown and raised foods. They’ll introduce the royal couple to the tastes of Ottawa!
Could this be William and Kate this summer in Ottawa?
- Go for a canoe or kayak paddle or leisurely boat cruise on the Rideau Canal: The Rideau Canal is Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all, built by Lt. Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers between 1826 and 1832.
- Admire the Group of Seven and more at the National Gallery of Canada: Definitely take in some Canadian content but also check out the blockbuster Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome exhibit (June 17-Sept. 11, 2011).
- Visit Rideau Hall, the home and workplace of each Governor General of Canada: Since the Governor General is the Queen’s representative in Canada, it’s a no-brainer. Stroll the beautifully manicured grounds, admire the art collection and official function rooms, watch a cricket game and imagine, in winter, skating on the historic ice rink!
- Shop in the ByWard Market neighbourhood: Pick up a frock from funky designers on Dalhousie Street — Victoire, Workshop, and vintage shop Young Jane’s are all good bets — and take a break with a BeaverTail, a hot pastry treat that was born in Ottawa, from the kiosk at William and George Streets while listening to buskers.
- Groove to the beats of the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival (June 23-July 3, 2011): Admission is free on Canada Day and the setting in Confederation Park downtown is intimate.
What do you think the Royal Couple should do while in the region?
Please add your own suggestions by clicking on “Leave a Comment” below.
Definately visit Holtz Spa for a Romance package with Couples Massage!
Great idea, Christine! That’s definitely something they should do while in Ottawa!
They MUST come to Perth (about 45 minutes away) on July 2nd … and run in Perth’s WORLD RECORD KILT RUN!
(This race set a Guinness World Record last year for most people running in kilts 1,089. What better memory for the couple than to set a new world record while they are in Canada!)