This week – LETS GO for a fun Fall getaway to enjoy Ottawa’s entertainment, spas, shopping and fine cuisine. Fall is a great time to visit our Nations’ Capital – and as we say goodbye to Summer, there is still a last chance to catch many of the great events that have been happening in Ottawa in the last few months.
Visit www.OttawaTourism.ca or phone 1-888-OTTAWA-8 for some great short break ideas. For example, the Girlfriends Getaway package includes dinner at Le Cordon Bleu Bistro @ Signatures OR a $50 certificate for Holtz Spa - plus other exciting options and add ons. All this, plus two nights’ hotel, from only $117 dollars per person.
And for some additional fun - for its 15th anniversary the Casino du Lac-Leamy offers you $15 in slot machine promotional credits when you book your hotel or getaway package with Ottawa Tourism. Offer is valid up until October 31, 2011, some conditions apply. The Casino also presents an ongoing line up of entertainment and events in its theatre - Le Théâtre du Casino.
As the weather starts to cool it’s still a lovely time to enjoy the outdoors in Ottawa. The VIA Rail Bike Train has twice daily service from both Montreal and Toronto to Ottawa. Ottawa boasts 220 km of bike paths, and with the bike train you can experience them with your own bike! This is a great opportunity to see the capital in a new way.
Mosaika is the story of Canada – our story – and this is also told outdoors, set against the spectacular backdrop of Parliament Hill. Mosaika is a powerful narrative that takes the audience on an unforgettable journey of sound and light, to explore Canada’s physical, historical and cultural landscapes. This free, bilingual show is presented nightly through to September 6, 2011.
Another great outdoor event is the Hot Air Balloon Festival (September 2-5, 2011). This is Canada’s largest balloon festival where hot air balloons fill the Gatineau sky. This festival is not just about looking up; visitors will also be entertained by amusement park rides, extreme sports demonstrations, and a classic car exhibition.
It ends on September 11, 2011 – but there’s still time to see one of the biggest exhibitions that has been drawing crowds all summer. At the National Gallery of Canada you can see the exhibition “Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome”. Not since Michelangelo or Raphael has one artist in Europe affected so many of his contemporaries over such a broad geography and irrevocably changed the course of painting in Italy's major cultural centre. Presented exclusively in Canada at the National Gallery of Canada, this ambitious exhibition explores the profound impact of the work of Caravaggio on a wide range of painters of Italian, French, Dutch, Flemish and Spanish origin who resided in Rome either during his lifetime or immediately afterwards. Approximately 60 paintings by some of the most important artists of the Baroque period are included in this exhibition together with other major artists who were inspired by Caravaggio's example. And art lovers – watch for news of the Canadian exclusive Van Gough exhibit coming next year from May 25 – September 23, 2012.
Up until October 10, 2011 at the Museum of Civilization is “JAPAN: Tradition. Innovation” (May 20 – October 10, 2011). This exhibition explores the relationship between tradition and innovation, creativity and necessity, culture and design. And Canada's most visited museum is innovating with a “first of its kind” iPhone and Blackberry app to give you tours of the museum.
The Canadian Museum of Nature is a great family destination with learning based fun for all ages. At the “Extreme Mammal” Exhibition – running till November 6, 2011 – discover the largest land mammal, to the smallest, to the just plain weird. Extreme Mammals explores the extraordinary world of extinct and living mammals. Find out what makes a mammal "extreme". Learn why some species died out while others thrived. And discover what you have in common with all other mammals.
The RBC Blue Water Gallery is all about the amazing diversity of life found in our marine and fresh waters, and the critical role that water plays in sustaining all living things—including us! Observe live specimens and participate in hands-on activities. Ask questions... and get answers! Learn all about tides, what it's like to live and work aboard a special Arctic research vessel, why some mysterious deep-sea creatures glow in the dark, and much more. Interactive displays, models and videos will educate and delight visitors young and old. You can also see a real skeleton of a blue whale—the largest animal ever to live on our great blue planet.
And the Talisman Energy Fossil Gallery is a “must see”. Visitors can see more than 30 complete skeletons from the end of the dinosaur era (85 to 65 million years ago), as well as vivid diorama scenes with 15 fleshed-out, life-sized models produced by some of the world’s top model makers. The Talisman Energy Fossil Gallery presents a unique look at the dramatic events that led to the extinction of dinosaurs and the rise of mammals approximately 85 to 35 million years ago.
As the leaves start to turn and Ottawa is clothed in yellow and gold - the farmers bring in the harvest. Browse the boutique shops and sample the mouth-watering foods of the ByWard market. Savour Le Cordon Bleu Bistro @ Signatures – one of the jewels of Ottawa dining. Ottawa has a vibrant culinary scene with many options for fine dining and exciting new chef owned restaurants opening all the time. Check out the Ottawa Food and Wine Festival taking place this year on November 9-13, 2011 with celebrity chefs, an Ottawa wine challenge and more!
Fall wouldn’t be fall without Halloween! At Saunders Farm the Halloween program begins October 1, 2011. Haunted hay rides and the barn of terror are just some of the spooky activities at Saunders farm during the month of October. They have spooky activities for the whole family and terrifying, hair raising fun for those who want to feel their heart race.
New events are coming up in Ottawa this Fall - and there is always something new going on at the many museums and cultural attractions.
Canada’s International Animation Festival (September 21 - 25, 2011) is North America’s largest animation festival and showcases the finest new productions from around the world.
Ottawa Fashion Week (September 28-October 2, 2011) is an international platform for designers from across the country and around the world to showcase their collections. This year the runway is being moved to the world class Ottawa Convention Center.
And the “The EverGreening of Energy: A Canadian Opportunity“ exhibits at the Canada Museum of Science and Technology, Canada Museum of Aviation and Space, and Canada Agricultural Museum will comprise three energy-themed exhibitions at three sister museums with themes of consumption, production, and conservation of energy. This will be a six year project spanning June 2011 – June 1017. And while you are checking out the Canada Museum of Aviation and Space – it is offering biplane and helicopter tours starting at just $60!
And as our thoughts turn to Fall then surely Hockey is not far behind! Start planning a night out with your jersey because the Senators are headed back to the arena this fall. Tickets go on sale mid-September. Visit the Ottawa Senators website for player’s bios, game schedule and big updates. If you are a Leaf’s fan and find it hard to get tickets in Toronto – watch for the Hockey Night in the Capital package that will shortly be available at www.OttawaTourism.ca. Get a great price for a weekend in Ottawa, including your hotel, tickets for the game and more!
Ottawa Trip Showcase
Photo Credits: Ottawa Tourism
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