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Precious Prize to Ottawa

18 Sep

Every now and again, we’re happy to highlight great comments we get from our visitors, so please consider this guest post from Susan Pottery, who was the lucky winner of our CBC’s Q contest this spring. Susan was gracious enough to send us the following emails and images, which are beautiful, by the way.  Thanks, Susan – come back any time!

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As summer comes to a close I am thinking of the wonderful time that I had in Ottawa thanks to Ottawa Tourism. Spring in Vancouver had been particularly cool and rainy this year so escaping to Ottawa for two weeks was incredible. Sitting on the patio at a restaurant in the market late in the evening was particularly memorable. I couldn’t believe how warm it was, almost tropical.

To be in Ottawa for Canada Day was remarkable. I felt very patriotic watching the fireworks from the Ottawa River. I also felt particularly lucky to be staying at the Arc Hotel during the Jazz Festival and thoroughly enjoyed the after hours music at the hotel. All in all it was a wonderful visit that left a lasting impression on me and my sister. Please pass on my thanks to the rest of the staff. I have attached some photos that we took. Ottawa is such a beautiful city and very photogenic.

Thanks again! Susan Pottery

 

A whale of a time at the Canadian Museum of Nature!

16 Mar

Yes, that's the size of a blue whale's heart! Unbelievable! credit-Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 2008

March Break visitors to the Canadian Museum of Nature this week got a first look at the new exhibit, Whales Tohorā, which runs from March 2 to September 3, 2012. This exhibit is on loan from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Tohorā, means “whale” in Māori, and the Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. Whale-bone treasures, such as weapons and adornments, that the Māori produced reveal the significance of whales to them and reflect the exhibition’s cultural expression of the relationship between the two groups.

Whales Tohorā explores the diversity, biology and adaptation of whales to life in the oceans and also on the human impacts on whales such as the threats of fishing nets, foreign debris, predators and boats. A stunning component of this exhibition is the massive 17.8-metre, fully articulated sperm-whale skeleton that gives a real sense of the sperm whale’s size as the largest toothed predator on the planet!

The exhibition’s Whale Lab is full of interactive science:

  • Children can crawl through a life-sized replica of the heart of the largest living creature—the blue whale.
  • The extraordinary evolutionary journey of whales from land to the sea is shown by casts of fossil whale ancestors.
  • Visitors can tune in to a range of whale sounds and discover how scientists and amateur trackers identify individual whales on their migration through the Pacific Ocean.
  • The Whale Lab also features Search and Destroy, an experience that takes visitors to the ocean depths on a hunt for a giant squid, re-created from authentic data and sounds collected from a real sperm whale.

Visitors of any age will find something of interest in this awe inspiring exhibit that explores the undersea world of whales and brings them to life with cultural storytelling, intriguing objects and interactive science.  For more information on the exhibit visit the Canadian Museum of Nature website or, to book your getaway package that includes a visit to the Whales Tohorā exhibit, visit www.ottawatourism.ca.

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!

Last chance to vote for your NHL All-Stars to come to Ottawa!

3 Jan

Hurry – today is the last day to cast your ballot for your favourite players to join the National Hockey League 2012 All-Star Game, to be held in Ottawa on Sunday, January 29, 2012!

The 2012 NHL All-Star game will be played at Scotiabank Place, home of the Ottawa Senators, but the Fan Fair interactive fun will be at the Ottawa Convention Centre downtown. PHOTO CREDIT: Ottawa Senators Hockey Club

In fact, there are a whole series of fun hockey activities in Ottawa, stretching between January 26 and 29, including the popular NHL All-Star Fan Fair, to be held at the beautiful Ottawa Convention Centre, overlooking the Rideau Canal Skateway!

Fans can go online to vote for up to 3 forwards, 2 defensemen and one goalie — before 11:59pm on Wednesday, January 4. As a bonus, you might win a trip to the game itself!

If that doesn’t work out, consider booking a trip through Ottawa Tourism! Our NHL Scotiabank Fan Fair Weekend Getaway offers accommodation, tickets to the Fan Fair, promotional credits at the Casino du Lac-Leamy and a certificate for a Rideau Centre savings directory!

Fans of the Ottawa Senators have been voting early and often for hometown faves Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek, Erik Karlsson and Sergei Gonchar to join the all-star squad! Why not join them?

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.

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!

Tulip Ball a colourful success!

10 May

Guests were greeted by Daniel Richer, Town Crier, and a model wearing one of the spectacular floral gowns.

The Canadian Tulip Festival launched this year’s event with a sparkling Tulip Ball on Friday, May 6 at the gorgeous new Ottawa Convention Centre. Take a look at some amazing photos from that night, featuring one-of-a-kind floral gowns and more!

A gold tulip supplied by the Royal Canadian Mint was under careful watch at the event.

The gowns were created by Joel Marc Frappier, MFA, CAFA and Sylvie Bigras. Students from La Cité collégiale were also involved.

The black tie affair attracted an impressive crowd, who enjoyed fine dining and a silent auction, as well as the impressive view of Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal.

There's a woman in there somewhere!

The 59th edition of the Canadian Tulip Festival continues its run until Monday, May 23. And rest assured that there are still lots of tulips left to bloom. You can book your Tulip Celebration getaway through Ottawa Tourism.

There was a definite safari feeling to this tulip gown.

This whimsical gown is ready for inclement weather -- it incorporates a transparent umbrella!

Colour was not in short supply at the Tulip Ball!

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!
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