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!)
I think Will & Kate should visit the Hot899 Studios
6 Antares Drive, Ottawa, ON
http://www.hot899.com
http://twitter.com/newhot899
Phone
613-750-8990
Website
http://www.hot899.com
They are hosting a contest whoever brings Will & Kate to the Hot899 Studio on Canada Day will get $100,000
I would love to ask Will & Kate to come as my guest. I met Princess Diana when her and Prince Charles came to visit Rideau Hall in 1983. I was best friends with the Schreyers and was there the day the Princess and Prince visited. I wish I could remember everything but I was young. I now have a grandson and think it would be great for him to meet Will & Kate. I would also say if they did come from this message I would like to donate $50,000 to be split by 4 charities that mean the most to me., Youville Centre, Cancer Society, MS Society, CHEO.
All have played a huge part in my life and I would hope Will & Kate see this huge local contribution to some great Charities.
Thank you.
Frances can be emailed at
I think the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge should go to Parliament in the open landau, led by the mounted police. After leaving Parliament they should go past the Supreme Court, the Garden of the Provinces and over to the Museum of Civilization. From there they will have a spectacular view of Ottawa, the convergence of the rivers, the magnificance of Douglas Cardinal’s architectural genius and walk inside to view the wonderful main hall. Perhaps there could be a small informal gathering of dignitaries here. An historian could brief them on the view of the locks across the river which were built by Colonel John By and which enabled boats to go from a high elevation down to the elevation of the Ottawa River. Being a lumber town, they could explain the importance of the river to the city for log booms to float downstream to the saw mills to be sawed into board feet for housing, roads, shingles, furniture, tools etc.
Upon returning to the Ontario side, the Duke and Duchess could stop off at the National Gallery of Canada to meet briefly in the rotunda with members of the Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue Detail. In addition, on the ramp leading up to the rotunda could be soldiers of other regiments which he is Colonel in Chief of.
When they arrive at the rotunda, the trumpet voluntaire could sound from the 2nd floor as has been done at some of the Friends of the Gallery evenings.
Upon leaving the Art Gallery, The Duke and Duchess could be taken back to Government House to rest up for the evening. If the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are putting on their Musical Ride at N Division in Manor Park, the Duke and Duchess could be the Guests of Honour. Following this they could be whisked down to the Party at the Westin Hotel in time for the Festivities and Champagne on the Penthouse floor to see the fireworks over the city. This is for invited guests only.
Those are some of the highlights of our fair city I would like them to see.
Here is a view of Prince William and Kate in ottawa 2011