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New Year’s Eve in Ottawa

13 Dec

Are you spending New Year’s Eve in Ottawa this year? Check below for some options to ring in 2012 in style!

Enjoy dinner at Le Café within the National Arts Centre before catching the Blue Man Group this New Year's Eve!

At the National Arts Centre, you can spend New Year’s Eve with the Blue Man Group, followed by a post-show party in the lobby. Tickets range from $55 to $135 before taxes and charges. To really splurge, sign up for the pre-show dinner at Le Café. It’s a 3-course meal with coffee, tea, and live music for $69.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity).  NOTE: Dinner tickets are only available upon purchase of show tickets.

Across the Rideau Canal from the National Arts Centre, you can celebrate the arrival of 2012 at the sexy Ottawa Convention Centre. Called Dancing in the Stars, tickets are $159 per person and include a 4-course gourment dinner with wine, champagne toast at midnight, the soul funk disco sounds of the Hammerhead and two trips available to be won.

The brand new CE Centre near the Ottawa International Airport is marking New Year’s Eve with a gala event called Timeless 2012. $50 for the party, $125 for gourmet dinner and party.

If you really want to maximize the glitz factor, consider dinner and a show at the Casino du Lac-Leamy where you can groove to the funky beats of rhythm ‘n’ blues at the Esquire Show Bar revue. Starting at 8pm, tickets are $211.22 per person (which includes tax but not service and gratuities) .

In Ottawa’s Little Italy neighbourhood — also known as Preston Street — the Sala San Marco is dishing up a gourmet, black-tie optional evening for its guests. Tickets are $150 for adults, $95 for children 12 and under. The event has sold out for the last two years and features a 40-foot midnight buffet table, party favours, a photo booth and a 12-piece band!

In the Kanata neighbourhood, you can welcome in 2012 at the contemporary Brookstreet, with a five-course dining experience with live music, from $99.95 per person.

If you just want to dance your way into the new year, consider Zaphod Beeblebrox in the ByWard Market neighbourhood. A $10 cover fee gets you in to hear some great music and maybe try a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster to celebrate!

Winterlude is just around the corner!

6 Dec

Ottawans love to skate on the frozen Rideau Canal Skateway each winter.

The snow has started to fall in Ottawa and thoughts are turning to Christmas, the holidays and the whole winter season!

This winter marks the 42nd season of organized ice skating on the frozen Rideau Canal Skateway. The Canal snakes 7.8 km (4.8 miles) through downtown Ottawa— kids skate to school, people skate to work! It’s the equivalent in size to 90 Olympic-sized ice rinks, giving it the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink.

It takes several consecutive days of -15° Celsius (-5° Fahrenheit) or colder temperatures to ensure that the ice is at least a foot thick. That’s when the National Capital Commission deems it safe enough to open to the public — usually in late December or early January.

Skating on the Rideau Canal is the centrepiece activity of Winterlude, the capital region’s annual celebration of all things winter. The event takes place February 3 to 20, 2012.

Most activities are held on the weekends— learn-to-skate clinics, a hockey tournament, a winter triathlon, children’s entertainment—but the ice sculptures, skating on the Rideau Canal and the Snowflake Kingdom children’s snow playground are offered during the week as well (except Tuesday and Wednesday for Snowflake Kingdom). Best of all, most activities are free!

Foodies will love Taste of Winterlude, which runs from January 26 through February 20. Some of the capital’s best local restaurants create unique culinary events—wine and food pairings, chef demonstrations, walkabout winter feasts and more.

Book your visit to Ottawa with the Winterlude Rendezvous for Two package or the Winterlude Family Getaway! And don’t forget, participating Ottawa-area hotels are offering Third Night Free for travel until March 31, 2012.

Stars of the City shine at annual celebration of customer service excellence

27 Oct

Over 400 tourism industry insiders gathered last night at the Algonquin College School of Hospitality & Tourism to celebrate the achievements of front-line staff during the 16th annual Ottawa Tourism Stars of the City Recognition Evening.

A total of 1,052 nominations were received from residents and visitors to the region over the past year, nominating front-line staff from 89 businesses for their real-life examples of excellence in customer service. Everyone who is nominated as a Star of the City received a gold “star” lapel pin, a symbol of customer service excellence here in Ottawa and Canada’s Capital Region.

An independent panel of judges comprised of industry leaders decided among 22 finalists to award the ultimate “Star of the City 2011” as well as winners in the following 8 categories.

OTTAWA TOURISM’S 2011 STAR OF THE CITY 

Grand Prize Sponsored by the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association

Paul Norris – Lord Elgin Hotel

Paul Norris of the Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottawa Tourism's 2011 Star of the City! CREDIT: Teckles Photography

Paul Norris’s story:  On a cold February night, a local restaurant was hosting a student group for dinner. When it came time for them to move on for skating on the Rideau Canal, the tour guide and teachers left a student behind. After spending time trying to reach the tour company, the student let the restaurant staff know that the group was staying at the Lord Elgin Hotel. When Paul was contacted at the hotel, he offered to go to the Canal and find the group. In spite of the cold weather, snowy conditions, hundreds of tourists and darkness of night, Paul found the group and called the restaurant to inform them of their location. The student was quickly reunited with his group.

WHAT’S LOST IS FOUND Sponsored by: Rideau Centre

Paul Norris – Lord Elgin Hotel

See above.

ABOVE & BEYOND Sponsored by: Algonquin College, School of Hospitality & Tourism

Christopher Ward – Lord Elgin Hotel

After a canoe trip on the Ottawa River took an unexpected turn with the guests spending 20 minutes in the water before being rescued by one of the other canoes, the guests returned to the Lord Elgin Hotel. Christopher organized to have their wet clothes washed and dried and contacted the Australian Foreign Affairs department in Australia to find out how the guest could replace their damaged passports. He arranged for the memory card from the cameras to be copied to a DVD as the camera was beyond repair. The next day, Christopher came to the Lord Elgin on his own time to take the guests on a walking tour of Ottawa to show them sights they had missed on their tour.

STARS WITH HEART Sponsored by: Carleton University Conference Services

Kristine Thomas – Minto Hospitality Group

Kristine made a guest’s family Christmas very memorable. A long-stay guest at the Minto Furnished Suites was unable to accommodate her 12 family members in her one-bedroom suite for dinner. Kristine arranged for a suite to accommodate all of them complete with a Christmas tree, garland, wreaths and decorations that she brought from home. Kristine personally bought a dog stocking and treats for the daughter’s new puppy.

GOOD CITIZEN Sponsored by: Ottawa Citizen

Anthony Vitanza – Ottawa International Airport Authority

Anthony joined the Infoguide program at the Ottawa International Airport Authority in 2003 when he was still a student. Despite the fact that he was their youngest volunteer, his gregarious nature and exuberance endeared him to the entire team. These same traits have also made him popular with passengers at the airport. Anthony has been nominated several times as a Star of the City and the airport has received numerous letters of praise. From staying late after his shift, to fixing someone’s car, to tracking down a lost item, Anthony doesn’t think twice before going the extra mile. One passenger said: “Too often we complain about service received from public institutions and organizations, and so it gives me the greatest pleasure to offer my compliments and commendations to your airport and this young man for service above and beyond the call of duty.”

The Stars of the City dessert, prepared by students of the School of Hospitality and Tourism at Algonquin College. CREDIT: Teckles Photography

GO THE EXTRA MILE Sponsored by: Ottawa International Airport Authority

Patrick Douville – The Westin Ottawa

This guest’s flight was cancelled and they were re-routed to their final destination –  Ottawa. Due to the changes with their flights, their baggage containing their prescription medication and clothes didn’t make it to Ottawa with them. Patrick made countless phone calls to the airline and received different information about the whereabouts of the baggage each time. Finally the guests learned that the bags were at the airport but the airline wasn’t sure where. After Patrick’s shift he went to the airport to look for the bags. At first he was told the bags weren’t there but Patrick insisted that they check one more time. Surprisingly his persistence paid off and the bags were found. He then took the time to drive the bags back to the Westin and deliver them to the guests.

HOST(ESS) WITH THE MOST(EST) Sponsored by:  Downtown Rideau BIA

Meme Guerrini – Hilton Garden Inn – Ottawa International Airport

This guest had been transferred to Ottawa for work. Meme helped the guest find local real estate websites, went to the local corner store on her break and picked up real estate magazines and bought the guest a big piece of chocolate cake to help with the stress of being far from family. This guest had spent more time at the Hilton Garden Inn – Ottawa International Airport than at home recently as she transitioned to a new job. When her family joined her for a weekend in Ottawa, Meme sent them a cheese and fruit tray and coupons for free breakfasts for the weekend.

EVENING STAR Sponsored by: Casino du Lac-Leamy

Christopher Ward – Lord Elgin Hotel

One of Christopher’s 38 nominations summed up his standard of service with the following:

 “From the time we checked in to when we left four days later, he provided us with such welcoming and gracious guidance that we felt we had a personal concierge.”

STAR PROPERTY Sponsored by: Ottawa Hotels of the Westmont Hospitality Group

Casino du Lac-Leamy

Customers from Ottawa and beyond continue to rave about the professionalism, friendliness and the initiative taken by the staff to please each and every guest.

Category winners received a beautiful award along with a $250 Shop Card courtesy of Rideau Centre. The overall 2011 Star of the City receives another $250 Shop Card from Rideau Centre and an all-inclusive trip for two to the sunny south courtesy of the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association.

Ottawa Tourism and National Capital Commission win Ontario Tourism Awards

5 Oct

Ottawa Tourism and the National Capital Commission were victorious in two categories at the Ontario Tourism Awards gala held at the Hamilton Convention Centre  on October 4.  Ottawa Tourism accepted the award for Best Tourism Advertising and the National Capital Commission accepted the Tourism Innovator of the Year Award for their popular Mosaika Sound and Light Show.

“It is extremely gratifying to have the work of our Ottawa Tourism team and that of our agency of record, Mediaplus Advertising, recognized by the province in front of our peers,” says Noel Buckley, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “Similarly, the accolades for Mosaika—a spectacular summer attraction in Canada’s capital that we heavily promote—are well-deserved.”

This is not the first success for Ottawa Tourism with these awards. In 2008 and 2010, they took home the gold award in the Best Tourism Advertising category, and silver in the same category in both 2006 and 2007. In 2009, they were a finalist for Best Interactive Marketing. In 2010, Savour Ottawa won the Culinary Tourism Leadership Award, and was a finalist in 2009, the category’s inaugural year.

The awards were presented at the annual Ontario Tourism Summit, which ended today.  The Summit, hosted by the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), is a forum for the provincial tourism industry to gain insights on the latest trends and ideas as well as celebrate excellence and innovation.

Savour Ottawa Harvest Table a success!

14 Sep

Savour Ottawa Harvest Table

On Sunday, August 28, a delicious family-style meal was served to 100 lucky gourmands at the first-ever Savour Ottawa Harvest Table. Savour Ottawa is a group that works to identify and promote locally grown, raised and produced food. They promote local area farmers; restaurants/caterers who show a commitment to buying local goods; and retailers who sell local food.

The Harvest Table event was the group’s first public event. Up to now, most of their work has been done behind the scenes, linking chefs and farmers and creating new business opportunities.

But on that Sunday — while Hurricane Irene skirted the east coast and produced a chillier-than-normal overcast day in Ottawa — guests were treated to a multi-course feast under tents and on tables decorated with burlap and fresh wildflowers.

The food was amazing — from an antipasti plate of local meats and cheeses to fresh salads bursting with flavour to 3 delicious main courses (wild boar and beef and mushroom tourte) to delectable desserts. Guests also received two sample tickets they could use to indulge in local favourites, Kichesippi Beer or Domaine Perrault wine. They could also enjoy some fresh corn-on-the-cob with gourmet butters.

Mayor Jim Watson and Councillors Maria McRae, Doug Thompson and Katherine Hobbs also attended. Mayor Watson and Councillor McRae announced the $10 Local Challenge, encouraging Ottawans to spend $10 per household on local food.

Ontario author Lynn Ogryzlo, whose cookbook The Ontario Table, is a work of art devoted to Ontario farmers and chefs, created the $10 local challenge across the province — if every household were to spend that $10 per week on local food, at the end of the year, that would mean $2.4 billion in the province’s economy. Lynn was on-hand to sign copies of her book.

Enjoy this short video with highlights of the Harvest Table event:

Early July in Ottawa

4 Jul

Well, the euphoria of the Royal Visit  to Ottawa of Prince William and Kate Middleton (the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, that is) on Canada Day is finally starting to fade a wee bit. But don’t despair! There are still lots of great activities to fill your days in Ottawa during this early part of July. For example:

The fabulous Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest– a musical party spanning six stages and 12 days just outside the Canadian War Museum – runs July 5-17. Whatever your musical tastes, you should find something that satisfies, from Buddy Guy to Huey Lewis & the News, from Peter Frampton to Death Cab for Cutie, from Jane’s Addiction to Blue Rodeo, plus comedy acts and more!

The Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest attracts a huge crowd each year -- but there are six stages, ensuring you'll find something you like!

If you’d prefer the strains of classical music, don’t miss Music and Beyond, which runs July 7-17. The opening night event has a Shakespearean theme and features great Canadian actor Christopher Plummer!

If you want to be active (or watch those who are), you can’t miss the HOPE Volleyball Summerfest on July 9 — the world’s largest one-day beach volleyball tournament! The action’s at Mooney’s Bay Beach and features performances by Big Sugar and Tokyo Police Club. Awesome!

If you’re more a laboratory bum than a beach bum, you’ll love the Canada Science and Technology Museum‘s Chemistry Uncovered event, July 7-10. Besides taking part in exciting hands-on experiments, you can see an amazing magic show, taste some delicious liquid nitrogen ice cream, or, on July 9, catch David Cronenberg’s critically acclaimed movie The Fly (PG-13, with French subtitles), at the Museum’s outdoor after-dark screening (bring blankets or folding chairs and a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank).

If theatre’s more your thing, take a drive to the picturesque town of Perth to catch the Classic Theatre Festival‘s performance of Bell, Book and Candle July 8-31 (or  catch The Fourposter August 5-28). Or enjoy the intrigues of a fast-paced version of Shakespeare’s Antony & Cleopatra performed in local parks by the frenetic Company of Fools (until August 20).

The Changing the Guard Ceremony is a longstanding summertime tradition in Ottawa.

Finally, check out some fun FREE activities on Parliament Hill  (beyond the tours) like the daily Changing the Guard ceremony at 10am on the front lawn (until August 26) or the spectacular Sound and Light Show — called Mosaika — that uses the Parliament Buildings as a gigantic screen, projecting images and special effects while telling the story of Canada through its people. It’s a winner, running July 6-September 5). Both events are weather permitting.

Get out there and enjoy!

Royal Visit mania strikes Ottawa!

24 Jun

The TD Ottawa Jazz Festival offers free progamming in Confederation Park on Canada Day.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are coming to Ottawa for Canada Day and the residents of Canada’s Capital Region couldn’t be happier!

The official itinerary has been released, showing visits at the National War Memorial, Rideau Hall, Canadian Museum of Civilization, Parliament Hill during the Canada Day Noon Show and the Canadian War Museum. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to come out and say hello to the newlyweds!

But what else is going on in town with a royal theme?

The National War Memorial is a stunning monument in downtown Ottawa.

On Canada Day, the Lord Elgin Hotel  on Elgin Street downtown is creating a huge wedding cake in the couple’s honour that members of the public can sample. Right across the street, the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival offers free programming on Canada Day and great shows from June 23 to July 3, 2011.

Meanwhile, at the castle-like Fairmont Château Laurier, you can take it up a notch by indulging in their very popular afternoon tea service. For a limited time, they’re offering “Royal Tea” which includes a glass of Moet et Chandon champagne!

The whole family will enjoy a visit to the Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada on July 1 for their Canada Day Garden Party!  Held on the Museum’s outdoor plaza at the corner of Bank and Sparks Streets downtown, they will celebrate the Royal Visit and Canada’s 144th birthday with a British-themed garden party featuring games, music, refreshments and crafts for everyone.

And if that works up a thirst, Mom & Dad can quench it at ZenKitchen on Somerset Street West with a refreshing take on the classic Cranberry Kir Royale with a pomegranate cranberry drink dubbed the Cranberry Kir “Royal Visit!”

For a more active option, head to MKC in the City which is planning a very cool tribute to the Royal Couple. On Thursday, June 30, between 1 and 4pm, you can try your hand at whitewater kayaking. For $30, you can paddle three times through the course at the Pumphouse, which is located at the western edge of downtown Ottawa, not farm from the Canadian War Museum. (Directions: Take Bronson Avenue northbound, turn left (west) on Albert Street, then an immediate right on Rue Commissioner.)

Welcome to Ottawa, Your Royal Highnesses!

Join the Party on Parliament Hill

14 Jun

© Ontario Tourism

Come celebrate Canada’s 144 birthday in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who will be visiting Ottawa on the first stop of their Royal Tour of Canada. In a previous article we highlighted some suggested activities for the royal couple to experience on their Ottawa visit. While their official itinerary is a closely guarded secret, we can update you on confirmed activities that hundreds of thousands of people will partake in this Canada Day. The stages on Parliament Hill are already being set up for this spectacular July 1st celebration.

Morning
9:00am – 11:00am

In the morning, at 9:00am, take in a truly unique musical experience; hear the 53-bell Peace Tower carillon concert. At 9:30am, witness the traditional flag-raising ceremony, and Changing the Guard, a stirring military drill, follows at 10:00am.

Noon Show
12:00pm – 1:30pm

The Noon Show will include the traditional and exciting fly-past of CF-18 fighter jets and the Snowbirds Demonstration Team. Come join in the fun with a host of great Canadian talent:

  • Great Big Sea (Newfoundland and Labrador) — Folk / rock
  • Pierre Lapointe (Quebec) — Pop
  • Florence K (Quebec) — Salsa / bossa nova
  • Sam Roberts (Quebec) — Pop / rock
  • Maria Aragon (Manitoba) — Pop
  • Corb Lund  (Alberta) — Country
  • Dan Mangan (British Columbia) — Indie rock
  • Elisapie Isaac (Nunavut) — Pop
  • Jenn Grant (Prince Edward Island) — Folk
  • Au tour de la Bolduc with Florence K (Quebec), Oumou Soumaré (New Brunswick), and Frannie and Fab of Random Recipe (Quebec) — Traditional
  • Les 7 doigts de la main (Quebec) — Circus
  • Dehli 2 Dublin (British Columbia) — World
  • Kumpa’nia (Quebec) — Drum troupe
  • Quartuor Orphée (Quebec) — String quartet
  • Soul Influence (Ontario ) — A cappella / world
  • Zogma (Quebec) — Dance troupe

Afternoon Pipes and Drums on the Lawns

2:30pm and 3:30pm, Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa
3:00pm and 4:00pm, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada

Evening Show
 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Rebecca Makonnen and Jian Ghomeshi will be the MCs of this big evening show, with performances by Canadian artists:

  • Great Big Sea (Newfoundland and Labrador) — Folk / rock
  • Pierre Lapointe (Quebec) — Pop
  • Florence K (Quebec) — Salsa / bossa nova
  • Sam Roberts (Quebec) — Pop / rock
  • Maria Aragon (Manitoba) — Pop
  • Corb Lund  (Alberta) — Country
  • Dan Mangan (British Columbia) — Indie rock
  • Elisapie Isaac (Nunavut) — Pop
  • Jenn Grant (Prince Edward Island) — Folk
  • Au tour de la Bolduc with Florence K (Quebec), Oumou Soumaré (New Brunswick), and Frannie and Fab of Random Recipe (Quebec) — Traditional
  • Les 7 doigts de la main (Quebec) — Circus
  •  Dehli 2 Dublin (British Columbia) — World
  • Kumpa’nia (Quebec) — Drum troupe
  • Quartuor Orphée (Quebec) — String quartet
  • Soul Influence (Ontario ) — A cappella / world
  • Zogma (Quebec) — Dance troupe

Fireworks
10:00pm (approx.) at Jacques-Cartier Park (Gatineau)

The best views of this thunderous pyrotechnics show are from Jacques-Cartier Park and the Canadian Museum of Civilization (both in Gatineau), as well as Major’s Hill Park (in Ottawa) and along the Ottawa River.

What Else Is Happening On Canada Day?

Check out the full line up of Canada Day events at venues across the region.

  • Majors Hill Park
  • Jacques Cartier Park
  • Confederation Park
  • In and Around Ottawa-Gatineau

Ottawa Race Weekend and Great Glebe Garage Sale

26 May

Two great options for visitors this weekend.

On Saturday, May 28, the famous Great Glebe Garage Sale takes place. An entire neighbourhood, known as the Glebe, holds a garage sale at the same time. The area stretches roughly south of Highway 417 (known as the Queensway — check out an earlier post on “Do you Speak Ottawan?“), west and north of the Rideau Canal and east of Bronson Avenue.

If you’re a true bargain hunter, you’ll arrive early — it’s not unusual to see people roaming at 6am! — but there are bargains to be had throughout the day. Your best bet is to take public transit as the streets get very congested with cars looking for parking spots. Remember, too, that Bank Street — the main thoroughfare — is under construction but that the businesses along it are open and some are offering special deals. Happy bargain hunting!

It's a fun, festival atmosphere at the Ottawa Race Weekend. Photo credit: Victah Sailo

Later that day and on Sunday, May 29, you’ll want to check out Ottawa Race Weekend. It’s Canada’s largest running event, attracting about 40,000 people in its various events. On Saturday afternoon at 4:00, there’s the family-friendly 2K race, leaving from Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue West. At 5:00pm, it’s the 5K and at 6:30pm, it’s the 10K, leaving from roughly the same location. Check out the course maps for details for all races.

On Sunday, it’s the wheelchair marathon at 6:55am, the marathon at 7:00am, and the half-marathon at 9:00am. At 8:00am, children will run the last segment of the “Y Ottawa Kids Marathon” — where they ran one-kilometre distances in the preceding weeks to eventually run a total of 42.2km.

If you’ve never heard the sound of thousands of shoes slappin’ the pavement, it’s quite something. Go on out and cheer on the runners — they certainly appreciate it!

Ottawa Tourism Awards celebrate local excellence

13 May

Ottawa Tourism presented the 2011 Ottawa Tourism Awards last night at a gala event in the new Ottawa Convention Centre.

More than 300 industry insiders attended, including The Honourable Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture, Robin Garrett, President of the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC), and Bill Kenny, Vice President of OTMPC.

Winners were chosen among 20 finalists in four major award categories:

New Company of the Year

  • *** WINNER *** Calypso Theme Waterpark
  • C’est Bon Cooking
  • Classic Theatre Festival

Innovation of the Year

The National Capital Commission's Mosaika sound and light show -- presented on summer evenings using the Parliament Buildings as a giant screen -- won Innovation of the Year at the Ottawa Tourism Awards.

  • *** WINNER ***National Capital Commission: Mosaika
  • Calypso Theme Waterpark
  • C’est Bon Cooking:  Foods of Ottawa Tours
  • Canadian Museum of Civilization:  Blackberry App
  • National Arts Centre:  Oscar’s Corner

Tourism Partnership of the Year

  • *** CO-WINNER ***National Capital Commission & Museum of Civilization – Winterlude opening
  • *** CO-WINNER ***Somerset Street Chinatown BIA, City of Ottawa, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China & City of Beijing – Ottawa Chinatown Gateway Project
  • Wilderness Tours & Windmill Developments – Whitewater Village
  • Savvy Company and Thyme & Again Catering – Local Culinary Experiences
  • Downtown Rideau BIA & Arts Court Productions, Ottawa Little Theatre, Salamander Shakespeare Company – Downtown Rideau Summer Fling
  • Haunted Walks Inc., The Ottawa Jail Hostel, The Bytown Museum & The Canadian Museum of Nature – Unique Tours of Ottawa
  • National Capital Commission, City of Ottawa, Ville de Gatineau & Google Maps – Capital Pathway Network

Event of the Year

  • *** WINNER ***Bell Capital Cup
  • Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest
  • Canadian Museum of Nature:  Grand re-opening
  • National Capital Commission:  Canada Day
  • National Capital Commission: Mosaika

The Bell Capital Cup won Event of the Year at the Ottawa Tourism Awards. Photo credit: Freestyle Photography Andre Ringuette

The Tourism Volunteer of the Year was Michael Crockatt, Vice-President of Business Development and Marketing at the Ottawa International Airport Authority.

The Outstanding Tourism Achievement was the new Ottawa Convention Centre, presented to Patrick Kelly, President, and Jim Durrell, Chair.

Three other award winners were recognized at the event:

  • Benoit Legault won the Ottawa Tourism Travel Writing Award for an article called “Ottawa – La non-capitale” published in the June 19-20, 2010 edition of Le Devoir. (Runners-up were Amy Eckert  for her story “Fest Stops: Canadian Tulip Festival” in the March 2010 issue of Cleveland Magazine and Jeff Heilman for his story “Capital Ventures” in the November 2010 issue of Business Traveler magazine.)
  • Kamalesh Kasinathan of the Holiday Inn & Suites Ottawa – Kanata  was congratulated for being named the 2010 Star of the City
  • Christie Barr, a student in Algonquin College’s School of Hospitality &Tourism, received the annual Tourism Scholarship

The Ottawa Tourism Awards are coordinated by Ottawa Tourism and celebrate the individuals, organizations and events that have set high standards and demonstrated outstanding achievement, contributing to the growth and development of tourism in Ottawa and Canada’s Capital Region.

Congratulations to all the nominees!

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