This week’s Travel Show is a special on-location report. Chris visited Ottawa earlier for an insider’s tour of our Nation’s Capital with the experts at Ottawa Tourism.
Ottawa’s relaxed urban vibe makes it a great winter short break destination. From pampering at the Holtz Spa – to memorable meals at Le Cordon Bleu Bistro @ Signatures. From the Christmas Lights and the ByWard Market - to great cultural attractions like the National Gallery of Canada and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. And of course - shopping in chic boutiques or the sophisticated Rideau Centre. It’s a great time of year to be in Ottawa! Listen this Saturday to hear all about his adventures as Chris' explores Ottawa.
Visit www.OttawaTourism.ca or phone 1-888-OTTAWA-8 for some great short break ideas that are easy to book - and great value! Right now until March 31, 2012 – book two nights hotel and the third night is FREE!
For instance the “Rendez-vous for Two” package with $15 in promotional credits at the Casino du Lac-Leamy, choice of admission to a cultural attraction or spa services and two nights hotel - from only $117 dollars per night.
You can create your own Ottawa Getaway thanks to Ottawa Tourism’s website that brings you the ability to book flexible packages online. Get great deals and a wide range of hotel choices as you create your own escape to Ottawa. And look for the special BONUS button for bookings that will include additional FREE items during your stay – participating hotels are offering bonuses like free parking, free internet or food and beverage vouchers.
Ottawa is a magic place for the Holidays! The winter landscape glows with over 300,000 multicoloured lights during the holiday season. Ottawa and Gatineau sparkle each winter with Christmas lights at over 60 sites along Confederation Boulevard.
And New Year’s Eve in Ottawa has lots of options to ring in 2012 in style!
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. To really splurge, sign up for the pre-show dinner at Le Café.
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 include a 4-course gourmet 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 with gourmet dinner and party.
Or maximize the glitz factor with 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.
Click here for more information and ideas.
Ottawa Trip Showcase
- Consider Porter Airlines when you travel to Ottawa from Toronto. VIA Rail is also a great option from Toronto as well as Montreal.
- Stay at the luxurious Lord Elgin Hotel or the stylish Minto Suites Hotel (great for families with full kitchen facilities).
- Visit the Canadian Aviation Museum! Big news is the huge series “The EverGreening of Energy: A Canadian Opportunity”. This is a project spanning three museums in Ottawa and a project that will last 6 years! Right now you can see a fascinating exhibition called “Green Skies Ahead’ about the opportunities for commercial aviation to become energy efficient. And for every big kid – the “Living in Space” Exhibition. Discover what it is like to live on the International Space Station.
- Visit the National Gallery of Canada. Right now until 18 March, 2012 you can see “Louise Bourgeois (1911-2010)”, paying homage to the remarkable career of Louise Bourgeois, one of the world’s most-celebrated contemporary artists. Her monumental spider on the Gallery’s outdoor Plaza, Maman, is one of the artist's most-recognized public art sculptures and has become an Ottawa landmark. And watch for the “Van Gogh: Up Close” exhibition opening 25 May, 2012.
- Find fabulous shopping at the Rideau Centre - there will also be great Boxing Day Sales.
Photo Credits: Ottawa Tourism
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