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“Do you suppose I can order the wagyu beef?” our 10-year outdated grandson requested as he browsed the menus of the eating places on our itinerary for a household trip in Ottawa.
We had been within the planning phases of a skip-gen getaway, a sort of journey the place grandparents take grandchildren on a visit with out their mother and father (skipping the center technology).
This rising development permits grandchildren and grandparents to bond and create particular reminiscences whereas exploring new locations collectively.
The journeys are alternatives to tailor a visit to match a baby’s pursuits, study extra about one another and the world.
On holidays with A’s older siblings, we’d cooked with a French chef, gone zip-lining via a rainforest in Costa Rica and scouted for amethysts whereas rock-hounding in northern Ontario.
This 3 evening household journey to Ottawa can be full of upscale Canadian delicacies, household heritage and a bounty of out of doors journey.
This being Canada’s capital metropolis — the Ottawa Capital Area truly consists of Ottawa, Gatineau, and surrounding municipalities in Ontario and Quebec — the itinerary would additionally embody historic websites, landmark museums and points of interest, spectacular landscapes and public areas.
Who Will This Ottawa Household Trip Itinerary Go well with?
- luxurious travellers or these planning a skip-gen or different big day splurge.
- younger “foodies” aka youngsters who’re culinary adventurers and enthusiastic about making an attempt new dishes and substances.
- lively, outside fans eager on zip-lining, biking, strolling and swimming.
- it’s geared toward kids ages 8-12 given the minimal weight requirement of 32 kg (70 kilos) for some actions.
🌟 Professional Tip: It’s savvy to hold a notarized consent letter granting permission to journey when you’re vacationing with a baby with out each of their mother and father. The Authorities of Canada has a Pattern Consent Letter that can be utilized or modified.
Day 1: Lodge Test-in, ByWard Market
Our skip-gen household weekend in Ottawa started with an indulgent keep on the Gold Flooring of the enduring Fairmont Château Laurier.
It was our best choice for a spot to remain in Ottawa as a result of its spectacular pure setting, luxurious facilities and architectural heritage.
A Landmark Canadian Lodge
To start, the Fairmont Château Laurier was considered one of a number of chateau-style Canadian motels — together with Chateau Frontenac in Quebec Metropolis, the Royal York (Toronto) and Lodge Vancouver — commissioned by railway firms within the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to draw prosperous travellers to its rail community.
The motels’ opulent structure that includes turrets, steep roofs and different architectural parts mirrors European castles.
Additionally including to its pedigree, Fairmont Château Laurier has hosted quite a few VIPs and dignitaries over time.
Some well-known friends embody Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela in addition to celebrities akin to Mick Jagger, Justin Bieber, Tom Hanks and Taylor Swift.
This elegant ambiance set a tone of grandeur for our personal getaway, providing a glimpse into historical past in addition to luxurious facilities.
Its prime downtown location inside strolling distance to main points of interest additionally helps make it the highest resort in Ottawa for a household trip.
For us, a household tie additionally offered a little bit of a private connection.
My grandfather Edward Peterson performed trombone in a number of massive band orchestras within the Nineteen Twenties and Nineteen Thirties in landmark luxurious motels throughout North America and Europe.
We all know his orchestra carried out on the Royal York so it’s additionally potential he performed in one of many ballrooms on this grand resort!
An improve to the Gold Flooring included night hors d’oeuvres, scorching breakfast and refreshments, honour bar and dessert bar. There was even a enjoyable sweet station to spherical out the choices.
Test charges and availability of the Gold Flooring Expertise at Fairmont Château Laurier on Reserving.com.
🌟 Associated: Whereas not strictly chateau-style, Digby Pines in Digby Nova Scotia, constructed within the early twentieth century, additionally options architectural parts paying homage to grand European nation estates.
Public Artwork and ByWard Market
Our first cease after check-in was on the Nationwide Gallery of Canada (Google Map). There we marvelled on the one of the crucial well-known items of public artwork in Ottawa.
The colossal spider sculpture “Maman” created by famend artist Louise Bourgeois is considered one of six on the planet.
With its sleek kind, the Maman spider is alleged to represent motherhood.
However like all nice artwork work it provokes dialog and interpretation.
Our grandson noticed it as an enormous alien as in a “Battle of the Worlds” or “Stranger Issues” film.
Impressed for our subsequent journey, we headed throughout the road to the ByWard Market, a historic public area within the coronary heart of town accessible by foot, bicycle, transit and automobile.
Ottawa Signal Picture-Op
Dusk was the best time to seize a photograph on the illuminated Ottawa signal (Google Map), a enjoyable image of town’s welcoming environment.
This district spanning 4 sq. blocks is full of eating places, pubs, cafes, specialty meals retailers and extra.
We opted for dinner on the Blue Cactus Bar & Grill within the coronary heart of the motion. Its up to date menu, with a southwestern spin and selection, is ideal for an intergenerational group.
Our mains of fish tacos, steamed salmon and ribs had been expertly-prepared and savoured on the patio surrounded by town’s vitality.
Parliament Hill at Evening
As the celebs rose within the sky, we made our option to Parliament Hill.
Our grandson joined an impromptu soccer recreation with new-found associates on the grassy garden till the Sound & Mild Present started.
Then we shared a blanket watching the charming mixture of unique music and pictures depicting a journey although Canada’s historical past projected onto the enduring buildings.
It was unimaginable to not be moved by the storytelling.
The inspiring photos sparked conversations about our circle of relatives’s immigration experiences as newcomers from Ukraine, Poland and Guatemala.
As we took a stroll via Confederation Sq., we talked about my grandfather who labored a trapline close to Hudson Bay in addition to a nice nice grandfather who was killed in motion at Vimy Ridge in WWI.
Our night wrapped up on the Fairmont Château Laurier, much more spectacular when illuminated at evening, the place we stopped by the Gold Flooring lounge for nightcaps of tea, milk and cookies.
🌟Notice: There can be no Sound and Mild Present on Parliament Hill in 2024. As a substitute, a enjoyable night exercise with youngsters can be Oh Canada Eh? It’s Canada’s longest operating dinner musical and options numerous Canadian music and themes.
Day 2: Sightseeing, Heritage, Ziplining and Canadian Delicacies
The next morning started with breakfast on the Gold Flooring Lounge, a quiet haven splendid for planning our day.
Solar streamed into the foyer boding properly for a day the place we deliberate to spend a lot of the time outside.
We stepped out the door to the sight of the Rideau Canal Nationwide Historic Web site and the Parliament Buildings.
Well-known for its Gothic Revival structure of detailed stonework, greening copper rooftops and tall spires, the Parliament Buildings had been much more spectacular by day than they’d been by evening.
🌟 Professional Tip: Guide a Free Guided Tour of the Parliament of Canada constructing on-line earlier than you go.
Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour of Metropolis Landmarks
Subsequent up on Day 2 of our Ottawa itinerary was a Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour on a Grey Line Double Decker bus.
The ticket kiosk is strategically positioned at 44 Sparks St. (Google Map) going through Confederation Sq. and the Nationwide Battle Memorial throughout from Châateau Laurier.
We’re massive followers of Hop On, Hop Off excursions. We’ve taken open-top, double-decker buses in every single place from Barcelona to London.
They’re a calming option to see a number of points of interest at your individual tempo.
In Ottawa, the Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus consists of 75 websites at greater than a dozen stops.
With a one-day ticket in hand, we had been quickly on our manner exploring Ottawa’s key landmarks with the wind in our hair.
First, we handed by the Nationwide Gallery after which cruised alongside the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway to see Rideau Corridor, RCMP Stables, the NCC River Home, the Ottawa River and extra.
Canadian Battle Museum
We disembarked on the Canadian Battle Museum (Google Map), the place we delved into our household historical past and discovered about our great-great-grandfather’s sacrifice throughout World Battle One.
Whereas I’ve shared the story behind why his identify is inscribed on the Vimy Ridge Battle Memorial in France each Remembrance Day, the expertise of strolling inside a recreated WW1 trench was particularly poignant.
Is the Canadian Battle Museum disturbing for kids?
The messaging on the Canadian Battle Museum is multi-faceted. It educates guests about Canada’s navy historical past whereas honouring the braveness and bravado of Canadian service individuals.
It additionally fosters reflection on the human value of conflict and emphasizes the significance of the pursuit of peace.
Nevertheless, the battlefield diorama that includes sounds of explosions and gunfire was particularly highly effective. It could possibly be disturbing to very younger kids.
As a spot of commemoration and training, it linked us to our heritage in a profound manner.
Lunch & an Iconic Dessert at ByWard Market
This skip-gen household trip in Ottawa was additionally a chance to find our grandson had very distinct pursuits from these of this siblings.
Whereas his brothers had been largely considering consuming hen fingers and fries, A’s want checklist included wagyu beef, cedar plank salmon and Asian noodle homes.
That’s why lunchtime discovered us slurping ramen noodles at Lo Mien Craft Noodle Store in ByWard Market, a brief Uber journey from the Canadian Battle Museum.
Whereas greatest identified for its genuine hand-pulled noodles and conventional Chinese language dishes, it’s additionally culinary theatre at its most interesting.
Steaming vats of effervescent broth, the strands of noodles being stretched to unimaginable lengths and bustling tables laden with pots of tea and clattering chopsticks transported us to the center of Asia whereas highlighting Ottawa’s numerous culinary scene.
At ByWard Market you may nosh on Italian, Mexican, French and Moroccan cuisines, to call a number of. The bustling market is the right place for culinary adventurers.
🌟 Insider Tip: Can’t resolve the place to start? Join a guided strolling meals tour of ByWard Market with C’est Bon Ottawa. This tasty 2.5 hour tour options 3 savoury dishes, 1 refreshment and a pair of candy dishes together with a shared BeaverTail.
And dessert was simply steps away. No journey to Ottawa with youngsters (or anybody) is full with out consuming a BeaverTail or two.
BeaverTails are a beloved Canadian dessert consisting of fried dough topped with candy (or savoury) toppings.
Served scorching, they’re a quintessential deal with in Canadian culinary tradition.
Afterward, we indulged in some memento procuring. We stocked up on maple merchandise akin to syrup, cookies and tea in addition to some purple and white toques.
Together with ice-wine, they’re among the hottest souvenirs to purchase in Canada.
Zip-lining Between Quebec and Ontario
Subsequent up, we embraced our adventurous spirit with an exciting zipline throughout the Ottawa River with InterZip.
This seasonal attraction (working Could to October) options parallel ziplines that soar 425 metres (1,400 ft) between elevated platforms on either side of the river west of downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.
The breathtaking views made for an exhilarating bonding expertise, leaving us (the 2 individuals and observer) with a shared sense of accomplishment and pleasure.
Guide upfront on-line. Test weight and different restrictions.
🌟 Insider Tip: We opted to zipline throughout the Ottawa River however a extra leisurely choice can be to take a Strolling Tour with Ottawa River Cruise.
Pool time and hors d’oeuvres
We arrived again on the Fairmont Château Laurier simply in time for night hors d’oeuvres within the Gold Flooring Lounge.
It was adopted by a fast dip within the saltwater swimming pool, a gem as a result of its Artwork Deco design.
Test charges and availability on the Fairmont Château Laurier on Reserving.com.
Wonderful-dining at Aiana Restaurant
The lights had been low and the vibe upscale at our night dinner vacation spot, the Aiana Restaurant Collective.
This fine-dining restaurant positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Ottawa (Google Map), a 5-minute stroll from Parliament Hill, options seasonal substances with a multicultural spin.
It was thrilling to see wild grown regional merchandise akin to sea buckthorn, a scrubby plant grown in northern Manitoba, paired with international spices akin to saffron.
Aiana is an indigenous phrase meaning “at all times blossoming” and that captures the philosophy in play right here.
Underneath the inventive spirit of Chef Raghav Chaudhary, substances akin to bannock, lavender and chamomile seem in dishes from across the globe.
Your entire eating expertise was memorable — from the celestial chandelier to the attentive service.
It’s good to know too that Aiana is a Dwelling Wage employer. Workers are paid an hourly wage that displays what folks must earn to cowl the precise prices of residing of their neighborhood. This implies there is no such thing as a tipping.
Reservations are essential. Guide on-line at Aiana.
Day 3: Biking, Afternoon Tea and Haunted Historical past
The subsequent day, our outside journey continued with a guided bike tour of Ottawa’s landmarks with RentABike.
In operation since 1976, RentABike has a number of small group excursions and biking routes.
We opted for the two hour, 12 km (7.5 mile) Ottawa Landmarks Tour, biking alongside the scenic Rideau Canal, previous Little Italy to picturesque Dow’s Lake.
Although it poured rain throughout our bike tour — prompting chants “when the going will get powerful, the powerful get going” — we did expertise Ottawa’s pure magnificence in a novel and eco-friendly manner.
A spotlight was a cease at Chaudière Falls, the place the Ottawa River cascades over a sequence of rocky ledges, creating a robust show of dashing water.
Traditionally, the Falls held nice significance for Indigenous peoples, who revered the positioning as a sacred gathering place.
Ottawa boasts over 800 kilometres of bicycle paths and leisure trails, which makes it one of the crucial bike-friendly cities in Canada.
Test costs and availability of a Small Group Bike Tour of Ottawa on Viator.com.
Afternoon Tea at Zoe’s
Later that afternoon, after becoming sensible apparel, we indulged in a complicated afternoon tea at Zoe’s Restaurant positioned on the principle ground of Fairmont Château Laurier.
The elegant setting, mixed with a mixture of candy and savoury pastries, tea sandwiches and scones, added a contact of sophistication and tranquility to our day.
Moreover, our grandson loved a scorching chocolate and particular treats from the Princess and Prince Menu, tailor-made for teenagers ages 12 and underneath.
Remember to guide Afternoon Tea upfront particularly throughout holidays and summer time.
Canadian Museum of Historical past
Subsequent up was the spectacular Canadian Museum of Historical past positioned throughout the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec (Google Map).
There, we explored the nation’s previous via interactive reveals, galleries and shows together with the world’s largest assortment of totem poles.
The galleries present beneficial insights into Canada’s wealthy historical past, sparking significant conversations about First Nations tradition and pioneer life on the prairies (akin to our personal ancestors may need skilled).
The huge area can be residence to the favored Canadian Kids’s Museum with its Worldwide Village with emblematic experiences from world wide together with a Pakistani bus, a pyramid, rickshaw, cargo ship and extra.
🌟 Professional Tip: Lower your expenses by visiting on Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm when admission is free. Guide your timed ticket on-line after 5 pm on Sunday of the week you propose to go to.
Dinner at Joey Rideau
We had time for a fast dinner earlier than our night actions so popped into Joey Rideau, a bustling informal restaurant within the coronary heart of Ottawa (Google Map).
Whereas this Canadian-based chain of family-owned eateries will be present in different main cities, this location is considered one of my favourites as a result of its helpful location, open kitchen and decor.
It additionally has an attractive Completely happy Hour with drink and meals specials.
The chilled glass of their signature sangria with wild cod for us and steak frites for the rising grandson fuelled us on for full evening forward.
A Haunted Stroll in Ottawa
Because the solar set, we skilled the eerie aspect of Ottawa with a Haunted Stroll of Ottawa, delving into town’s haunted historical past.
Every spine-chilling story recounted by our cloaked information supplied insights into the mysterious aspect of Canada’s capital.
A few of it’s truly fairly chilling particularly when instructed underneath fllckering lantern mild.
The spooky tales included a haunted highschool and even the ghost of Charles Melville Hays, the railway government who died aboard the Titanic in 1912.
Legends say that his ghost continues to wander the halls of the Chateau Laurier the place we had been staying!
These extremely rated excursions are extremely popular and promote out rapidly. So guide upfront direct or reserve a Haunted Stroll of Ottawa on Viator.com.
Day 3: Canadian Museum of Nature and Modern Canadian Delicacies
Our last day in Ottawa started with a breakfast of champions on the resort’s buffet that includes an array of Canadian meals specialties.
From buttery tourtière to artisanal cheeses of Quebec, the buffet showcased the varied culinary heritage of Canada, fuelling us for our last cultural cease, the Canadian Museum of Nature.
It was a brief Uber journey to this landmark attraction and we arrived simply in time to witness an indication of birds of prey together with owls, falcons and eagles.
Inside we explored the museum’s reveals on fossils, minerals and the atmosphere. A spotlight was the Fossil Gallery, a journey again in time to the dinosaur period.
Along with its spectacular assortment of actual skeletons, this gallery includes a forest stroll via a diorama with seven battling dinosaurs.
The Nature Exploration Stations offered close-up alternatives to find out about bugs, spiders and snakes.
As we explored the museum’s reveals, we deepened our understanding of Canada’s numerous ecosystems and the fragility of the earth itself.
Lunch at 1 Elgin St.
Then it was on to the Nationwide Arts Centre’s 1 Elgin Restaurant for lunch (Google Map).
The NAC presents a Resident Chef program that includes visiting cooks from throughout Canada.
These rising culinary stars create menus in collaboration with Government Chef Kenton Leier to showcase the freshest flavours and seasonal substances of Canada.
Throughout our go to, resident Chef Carmen Ingham from North Vancouver, British Columbia collaborated to create a menu with a number of thrilling dishes.
The smooth up to date environment was the right backdrop to showcase a spread of refined Canadian high-quality eating.
Starters such tomatillo and cucumber gazpacho topped with Caesar (the enduring Canadian cocktail) sorbet prompted curiosity in regards to the variety of Canadian substances.
Dishes akin to poached halibut with English pea cream fleurette and carrot showcased substances grown, harvested and sourced in Canada.
They had been superbly introduced, topped with edible flowers and pea tendrils.
The outside patio at 1 Elgin faces the Rideau Canal with a peek-a-boo view of Fairmont Château Frontenac within the distance.
Reservations beneficial. Guide on-line at 1 Elgin or by telephone.
Closing Ideas
Whereas it was tempting to hop on one of many canal boats and go for a cruise of the Rideau Canal, sadly our trip time had run out.
We bid farewell to Ottawa, carrying with us, not solely the flavours and adventurous spirit of town but additionally the moments shared between generations.
Our multigenerational household trip in Ottawa had not solely been a romp via a captivating Canadian vacation spot.
It had additionally been a catalyst for household bonding and studying.
Make This a One-Week Household Trip in Ottawa
By the top of our journey, we had been shocked at how a lot there was to do with youngsters in Ottawa!
Though we packed as a lot as we may into our 3-day Ottawa itinerary, there have been a number of different points of interest and actions that didn’t make the checklist as a result of timing, climate or the very fact they had been absolutely booked.
So when you’ve got one week in Ottawa for a household trip then these are one other ten must-dos so as to add to your itinerary.
Official Ottawa Tourism: Browse points of interest and get information on upcoming occasions, actions and offers on the Ottawa Tourism web site.
Getting There
VIA Rail is Canada’s nationwide passenger rail service providing scenic routes that join main cities from Vancouver to Halifax. There may be frequent service between Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto.
The journey time between Ottawa Station and Toronto’s Union Station takes 4.5 hours on common.
On all routes and all courses, youngsters between the ages of two and 12 will obtain a train-themed Exercise Bag upon request.
CAA members and seniors (65+) get discounted charges. Kids underneath 24 journey free whereas these aged 2-12 get 50% off Financial system Class fare.
When reserving, request one of many particular double-facing seats for 4 folks. You’ll have room to stretch your legs in addition to a desk for board video games, laptop computer or a meal.
Guide Enterprise Class and you’ll sip a cocktail alongside along with your scorching meal. You’ll additionally rating entry to the VIA Rail Enterprise Class Lounge (with complimentary drinks) and precedence boarding.
🌟 Professional Tip: Guide your VIA Rail ticket on a Low cost Tuesday to benefit from the lowest fares and final minute offers.
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Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the closest tropical seaside), Michele Peterson is the founding father of A Style for Journey. Her award-winning journey and meals writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Supply, Nationwide Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ different publications.
Learn extra about Michele Peterson.