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Ottawa Tourism and Roots Canada – a great partnership and a great contest!

16 Jan

Put on your Roots gear and head to the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa!

Ottawa Tourism and Roots Canada have paired up to encourage Canadians to explore the joys of winter. Visitors to Roots outlets across Canada can enter the Let’s Go Outside! contest until February 14, 2012 and have a chance to win a 4-night trip to Ottawa! You can also enter the contest online.

The prize package includes:

  • Round-trip transportation to Ottawa
  • 3 nights’ accommodation at the Fairmont Château Laurier
  • An overnight rafting adventure with RiverRun Rafting
  • Two $500 Roots gift certificates
  • Two set of Roots hats and scarves
  • Dinner at Le Cordon Bleu Bistro @ Signatures
  • Admission to the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Civilization
  • Two bike rentals at Rent-A-Bike Ottawa
  • Two-day car rental

The partnership was launched at a media event in early January 2012 at the Roots flagship store at 100 Bloor Street West in Toronto, with assistance from Savvy Company (who sourced Savour Ottawa cheeses and Ontario wines), Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa (who provided delicious macarons for dessert and some door prizes) and Ontario Tourism. Thanks to all who attended!

Chris Robinson Travel Show features Ottawa Dec. 24

21 Dec

If you’re in the Toronto area, tune in to NewsTalk 1010 from 10:00 to 11:00am on Saturday, December 24 for the Chris Robinson Travel Show‘s feature on Ottawa.

You’ll learn more about the plans for Winterlude and other winter celebrations, post-Christmas shopping options, relaxing at Holtz Spa, staying at the Fairmont Château Laurier, dining at Le Cordon Bleu Bistro @ Signatures, visiting the National Gallery of Canada and the Canada Aviation & Space Museum and more!

To whet your appetite, check out the video at the bottom of Chris Robinson’s homepage: http://www.chrisrobinsontravelshow.ca/

 

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.

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!

Jazz Festival and Bluesfest announce lineups!

27 Apr
Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest — it’s a party!

The past couple weeks have been great for music lovers in Ottawa. Both the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival and Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest have announced their lineups! These are two of the biggest and best summer festivals in town!

 
The jazz festival runs June 23 to July 3 in Confederation Park in downtown Ottawa. Featured performers include k.d. lang and The Siss Boom Bang, Elvis Costello and the Imposters, Robert Plant & the Band of Joy, Pink Martini, YOUSSOU NDOUR, Paco De Lucia, Return to Forever IV, Béla Fleck & the Original Flecktones, Lucky Peterson and Daniel Lanois’ Black Dub.
 
More traditional jazz fans will be happy with the Joshua Redman/Brad Mehldau Duo, Christian McBride and Inside Straight, Kenny Wheeler, and Kurt Elling as well as a great improvisational series.
 
Meanwhile, the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest announced its lineup at a gala event at the sexy new Ottawa Convention Centre on April 26. A well-rounded musical event, the Bluesfest takes place over six stages in and around LeBreton Flats (outside the Canadian War Museum) July 5-17.
 
More than 200 acts will perform, including Ben Harper, Billy Talent, Buck 65, Blue Rodeo, Bootsy Collins, Death From Above 1979, Erykah Badu, The Flaming Lips, Jennifer Hudson, Joe Satriani, John Butler Trio, John Fogerty, Peter Frampton, Soundgarden, Steve Miller Band, The Tragically Hip, Bedouin Soundclash, Buddy Guy, Cheap Trick, Danny Michel Band, Girls with Guitars, Huey Lewis and the News, Josh Ritter, Rise Against, Tegan & Sara, Theory of a Deadman, Three Days Grace, Trampled by Turtles, Wanda Jackson, and Yukon Blonde.
 
Tickets are available for Jazz here: https://tickets.ottawajazzfestival.com/TheatreManager/1/login&event=0 and for Bluesfest here: http://ev5.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=BF&linkID=bluesfest&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode
 
Meanwhile, book your stay in Ottawa through Ottawa Tourism’s website – check out the Third Night Half Price option for even better value!
Enjoy the music!

Sexy new Ottawa Convention Centre opens!

19 Apr

The excitement was palpable last week when the sexy new Ottawa Convention Centre opened its doors. On April 13, over 1000 people filed through the sleek new building overlooking the Rideau Canal and downtown Ottawa skyline.

Yes, there's a performer inside that pyrotechnic wheel outside the new Ottawa Convention Centre!

From delicious food and drink to meeting rooms dressed up in a variety of configurations, the opening was a stylish affair.

Topping it off were performances by circus acts, including a dazzling pyrotechnic show at the end of the evening. Politicians, tourism industry insiders, meeting planners and other VIPs were suitably impressed.

At almost three times the size of the former Ottawa Congress Centre, which it replaced, the new Ottawa Convention Centre is a bold addition to the Ottawa skyline, with a huge glass façade allowing people outside to interact with the building. It’s also an environmentally friendly building and wired from top to bottom for the latest technological gadgets — everything you need to host an impressive event.

Winterlude packing guide

12 Jan

So, you’re coming to Ottawa for Winterlude this February. Glad to hear it! (If you haven’t booked yet, check out the Winterlude accommodation packages — for couples and for families – available through Ottawa Tourism (and don’t forget the popular Third Night Free promotion at select hotels).

Especially if this is your first visit to Ottawa in the winter, we urge you to refer to this packing guide to make sure you enjoy yourselves to the fullest. Because no matter how amazing the ice sculptures at the Crystal Garden, how romantic the outing on the Rideau Canal Skateway, or how slippery the ice slide at Snowflake Kingdom, you won’t have any fun at all if your feet are cold!

BeaverTails are a delicious hot pastry treat available on the Rideau Canal Skateway. Don't let cold feet stop you from enjoying one... or two!

 

WINTERLUDE PACKING GUIDE

  • A backpack: It’s great for stashing your boots while you go skating on the Rideau Canal (remember to bring a plastic bag or two to limit wetness on the inside), plus it leaves your hands free to eat a BeaverTail!).
  • Snacks: Raisins, chocolate, power bars—you need something to munch on to keep your energy level up while skating, snowshoeing, skiing, or just wandering around town.
  • Water bottle: Stay hydrated! You may not realize you’re thirsty in the cold, but your body needs water! An insulated version is best.
  • Indoor clothing: Bring an extra layer or two of clothing so if it’s warmer or colder than you think, you’re prepared. This is key! Thin sweaters and shirts that whisk away any moisture are the best and they pack well.
  • Outdoor clothing: A warm jacket or parka is a must. Ideally, it would be a fabric that blocks the wind and repels moisture. Remember to layer in order to stay warm.
  • Ski pants: For so many reasons: they block the wind and add warmth, they protect your pants from snow and slush and prevent you from getting wet and therefore colder, and best of all, they help you whizz down the ice and snow slides at Snowflake Kingdom. If you wear jeans, you’ll get stuck and that’s embarrassing (this is the voice of experience talkin’ here!)!
  • Accessories: A warm hat, gloves or mittens, a scarf…these are necessities. And don’t feel self-conscious—the entire city battleshat-head! The more colourful, the better! Remember, too, that mittenswill keep your hands warmer than gloves (assuming they’re not wimpy things you can see through). Waterproof is best.
  • Footwear: Don’t skimp here! Warm socks and boots are a must (stick an extra pair of socks in your backpack just in case). Stiletto heels just won’t cut it, either—dress for warmth and you’ll enjoy your time outdoors.

  • Sleigh rentals are convenient for those in your group who don't skate. Push 'em along the Rideau Canal Skateway!

    Skates and sleighs: If you don’t bring your own pair of ice skates, you can rent some from Capital Skates at two locations on the ice surface: one near the National Arts Centre downtown and the other about half-way along the Canal near Fifth Avenue. Capital Skates also rents sleighs, which are perfect means of transportation for children or non-skaters, and which need to be pushed by skaters. Rates vary.

  • Bandaids: If you haven’t skated in years, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to blisters (though modern skates are MUCH more comfortable than they used to be).
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm: Think about it—the sun reflects off the snow and ice so it’s extra strong.Plus sunglasses might help you combat hat head once you move inside.
  • Tissues and wipes: Cold weather often means runny noses, so you’ll appreciate a handy supply of tissues.
  • Camera, batteries, recharger: You want to record these moments for posterity, don’t you? Pack your camera securely—and warmly—in an inside jacket pocket, not in your backpack! Batteries may deplete faster in the cold—be prepared!

MORE WINTERLUDE TIPS

  • Once you’ve spent all day outside being active, you deserve a reward. Indulge in an activity as part of Taste of Winterlude, a series of culinary special events, including winemakers’ dinners and walkabout winter feasts (where you walk from restaurant to restaurant for each course of a multi-course meal).
  • Use the SnoBus to get around. For $3.50 per adult (free for kids 11 and under), you can get a ride to the major Winterlude sites. The SnoBus runs on Saturdays and Sundays during Winterlude and connects from downtown Ottawa to Snowflake Kingdom (Jacques-Cartier Park) (10am to 5:30pm) and from downtown to Dows Lake (10am to 8:00pm) and the pass is good all day.
  • There are Chalets (or warm-up huts) all along the Rideau Canal Skateway. This is where you can put on your skates, or simply pop in to warm up for a while. Some people leave their boots behind, but most people throw them in a backpack and take them with.
  • There’s nothing more Canadian than standing in your skates with a BeaverTail in one hand and a hot chocolate in the other, on the Rideau Canal Skateway. Take a photo or upload a video to YouTube!
  • Most women in Ottawa arrive at parties with a shoe bag. You wear your boots to get to where you’re going, then you slip on your knock-’em-dead pumps once you’re there. Practical and sexy!

Anything I’ve forgotten? Weigh in below with a comment!

Taste of Winterlude’s impressive lineup!

6 Dec

BeaverTails on the Rideau Canal Skateway are not the only culinary delight during Winterlude!

Taste of Winterlude is a series of wine and food events in Ottawa and Canada’s capital region that take place at various venues between January 27 and February 21, 2011. Winterlude — Ottawa’s great winter festival — has slightly shorter dates, starting on Friday, February 4 and continuing through February 21.

The National Capital Commission collaborated with local wine event company Groovy Grapes to program the series of events and what a job they’ve done!

Peruse the list of activities here: http://www.winterlude.gc.ca/taste-of-winterlude/

Just a few highlights:

  • Savour Ottawa Walkabout Winter Feast (a tour of 5 restaurants in the ByWard Market neighbourhood who are members of this local foods movement) on Tuesday, February 8
  • Vegan restaurant ZenKitchen pairing their delicious food with a Niagara winery on Wednesday, February 9
  • C’est Bon Cooking offering their foodie walking tours of the ByWard Market neighbourhood on 4 consecutive Saturdays and offering a “cooking adventure” where you get in the kitchen with Chef Andrée on Friday, February 11
  • Avant-garde restaurant Atelier restaurant turning up the volume to pair their night with the music of Motorhead (!) on Tuesday, February 1
  • Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa featuring ice carving, ice wine and maple syrup (among other things) on Saturday, January 29
  • Le Nordik Nature Spa offering “Winterlude in a Bathrobe” with a cocktail reception on Thursday, January 27
  • Courtyard Restaurant offering a non-traditional Robbie Burns Day whisky dinner on Wednesday, February 16
  • the urban element offering a Niagara-themed wine and food event on Thursday, February 10
  • Le Baccara at the Casino du Lac-Leamy featuring a champagne tasting menu on Tuesday, February 1
  • And way more!

So now that you’re intrigued by the possibilities, here’s more great news. Book a visit to Ottawa and get your Third Night Free! That’s right, at participating hotels, you’ll get your third night of accommodation on the house! The offer is on now till March 31, 2011 — but that’s just for booking (your actual arrival in Ottawa can be during Winterlude, or maybe in May for the Canadian Tulip Festival, or maybe to catch some shows at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest or the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival… the possibilities are endless!).

Full details are at www.ottawatourism.ca

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