Ottawa Is Built for Groups
Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital city, welcomes group and packaged travelers from around the world each year, offering a unique combination of cultural discovering, sightseeing and culinary experiences. A city of just over one million people, Ottawa is located at the junction of three rivers on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg–Indigenous people who settled in the region over 8,000 years before Europeans arrived. In fact, the name Ottawa is derived from the Algonquin word “adawe,” which means “to trade.”
CONNECT WITH INDIGENOUS CULTURE
Groups visiting the city can experience Indigenous culture at a number of attractions and events. Mādahòkì Farm in the city’s rural west end, offers groups live entertainment, wooded trails and a marketplace featuring authentic Indigenous crafts. Makatew Workshops offers groups a welcoming space to learn about Indigenous culture and have fun while making a traditional item. Delve into the significance of dreamcatchers in Indigenous cultures and engage in open discussions about Indigenous lived experiences at Bougie Birch.
CRUISE THE RIDEAU CANAL UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Rideau Canal was built in the late 1820s to link the Ottawa River to the St. Lawrence River 125 miles to the south. During spring, summer and fall, groups can take sightseeing cruises on the 5.7-mile portion of the Canal that winds through the city. In winter, it freezes over to become the largest naturally frozen skating rink in the world—all steps from the ByWard Market and Parliament Hill.
EXPLORE NATIONAL SITES AND ATTRACTIONS
Ottawa was named capital of Canada by Queen Victoria in the 1850s, and construction of the Parliament Buildings began soon after. Located on a majestic hill overlooking the Ottawa River in the heart of downtown, Parliament welcomes group tours to both the House of Commons and Senate of Canada—telling the story of Canadian democracy along the way.
Telling Canadian stories is the speciality of Ottawa’s seven national museums, each of which welcome groups with open arms—and special group rates. The National Gallery of Canada, located just around the corner from Parliament, houses the world’s largest collection of Canadian and Indigenous art. The Canadian Museum of History presents the history of Canada’s Indigenous people and the Europeans who came after them. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, groups can immerse themselves in the flora and fauna of Canada. The Canadian War Museum is filled with massive artifacts tracing the country’s military history. At the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, groups can trace food’s the journey from farm to fork. The Canada Science and Technology Museum highlights the country’s innovation and achievements. And at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, groups can wander through one of the world’s finest collections of vintage aircraft and learn about Canada’s contribution to space exploration.
AT TASTE OF THE CAPITAL
After groups have had their fill of culture, Ottawa’s culinary scene awaits, with a diverse selection of offerings for groups and packaged travel. From casual to fine dining, to outdoor cafés overlooking scenic vistas, to walking culinary tours and more, there’s an experience for every taste. Join C’est Bon Ottawa for a guided walking and tasting tour through some of Ottawa’s best culinary neighbourhoods. And hop aboard Brew Donkey Tours for a curated tour of regional breweries.
BRING MORE GROUPS, EARN MORE REWARDS
If you send groups to Ottawa, make sure to sign up for Ottawa Tourism’s Visitor Inspiration Program (VIP). The more qualifying tours you bring to Ottawa, the more points you earn to use on rewards—including personal travel to Ottawa, Visit Ottawa Passes and more.
Courtesy of Ottawa Tourism.
Photo courtesy of Canadian Museum of Nature.