Originally Laflèche Cave, Aventure Laflèche is North America's largest aerial park and boasts all kinds of attractions. From the Aerial Park to snowshoe hiking to their famous Laflèche cavern, there's hardly a dull moment. With only a half-hour drive's away from Ottawa, the wilderness has never been more accessible. Rates vary, reservations required. See website for more details.
Built between 1839 and 1885, this neo-Gothic cathedral situated on Sussex Drive on the edge of the Byward Market is one of the oldest surviving churches in Ottawa. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica's twin spires and gilded Madonna are easily identifiable from nearby Parliament Hill and the surrounding area. The interior of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is brightly painted and decorated with carved features, exquisite stained glass windows and hundreds of statues of various religious figures. The church is open daily for guided tours and prayer.
Originally named Colonel's Hill in honor of Colonel John By, the architect of the Canal Rideau, this park was renamed after By was replaced by a Major. The park offers a panoramic view of several major attractions, including Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, the Museum of Civilization, the National Gallery and Notre-Dame Basilica. It's also the location of Colonel By's original home, or at least its foundation, as well as a statue of the city's founding father. The park is located along MacKenzie Avenue, directly behind the Chateau Laurier Hotel. Visitors can enjoy picnicking at the park's well maintained picnic areas. Taking a walk amidst the lush greenery is not a bad idea either! Escape the hustle bustle of the city and enjoy some tranquil moments at this beautiful park.
Fresh flowers often grace the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an unnamed Canadian victim of the First World War. Towering above are 22 figures frozen in bronze as they rush forward into battle. Nurses, pilots, soldiers and sailors all represent tales of self-sacrifice and courage. Though prominently located in the busy downtown core, National War Memorial becomes the center of attention every November 11 at 11a, when the country marks Remembrance Day in honor of the men and women who paid the ultimate price for freedom.
Located on the grounds of Central Experimental Farm is the Dominion Arboretum. It houses a wide array of shrubs and plants as old as 1889. The arboretum is home to over 1,700 varieties of trees and bushes. It spans over 64.24 acres (26 hectares) and is home to the Ornamental Gardens where there is an annual showcase of plants, flowers and hedges.
Parliament Hill is the political heart of Canada. Situated on a bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, it is actually a collection of three turn-of-the-century Gothic structures known as the East Block, Centre Block and West Block. The West Block and East Block contain the offices of Members of Parliament. The House of Commons and the Senate are located in the Centre Block, with its soaring Peace Tower.
Originally Laflèche Cave, Aventure Laflèche is North America's largest aerial park and boasts all kinds of attractions. From the Aerial Park to snowshoe hiking to their famous Laflèche cavern, there's hardly a dull moment. With only a half-hour drive's away from Ottawa, the wilderness has never been more accessible. Rates vary, reservations required. See website for more details.
Located on north side, Lac Phillipe is medium sized lake close to Gatineau Park. This lake is safe to take a dip in, and is guarded by lifeguards. Approximately a 50-minute drive away from Ottawa, this place is ideal for camping, kayoing, paddle-boats, canoeing and lots more. Enjoy a fun time with family in this great picnic spot.
Located in Kanata, the South March Highlands are a protected lush forested area that is thriving and growing every day. Open to the public throughout the year, this conservation forest is popular for a wide number of reasons including hiking, cycling, bird-watching, wildlife viewing, exercising and lots more. Stroll through the forest in silence and take in the spectacular untouched surroundings and then sit by the still Kizell Pond located in the interiors. If you are in need of a breath of fresh air and a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, the South March Highlands is the perfect sanctuary for you.
Offering about 20 delicious craft wines, Jabulani Vineyard & Winery is a local winery that has something to suit every wine lover's palate. Book a tour and get ready to walk through vineyards, participate in an intense wine appreciation class and sample various signature flavors of the winery. The wines are accompanied by a tasteful selection of breads, fruits and cheeses. After the immersive wine experience, head to the retail store on-site and purchase a bottle of your favorite drink. However, don’t relish the sumptuous wine by yourself, buy a bottle for loved ones too. You could also enjoy the bottle of wine in the tasting patio. You get the chance to delight your taste buds while enjoying stunning views of the vineyards. If you love wines, then the offerings at Jabulani Vineyard & Winery are hard to resist.
The breathtaking beauty of Gatineau Park covers the area where the rocky terrain of the Canadian Shield embraces the concave plain of the St Lawrence Lowlands. Spanning 361 square kilometers (139 square miles) of sheer natural beauty and a wide-ranging ecological habitat, the Gatineau Park is home to nearly 10 different trails that wind their way across a 165-kilometer (103-mile) stretch. Additionally, the Trans Canada Trail also slices its way through the park's depths, while 90 kilometers (56 miles) of trails are designated for mountain biking alone. Come fall, the park goes through a stellar transformation, with autumnal colors advancing their way across the lush foliage. Besides beaches that commence their sandy stretch at Meech Lake, Lac Phillippe, and La Pêche Lake, the meromictic Pink Lake is one of the most popular attractions here with its striking turquoise hue.
Built between 1839 and 1885, this neo-Gothic cathedral situated on Sussex Drive on the edge of the Byward Market is one of the oldest surviving churches in Ottawa. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica's twin spires and gilded Madonna are easily identifiable from nearby Parliament Hill and the surrounding area. The interior of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is brightly painted and decorated with carved features, exquisite stained glass windows and hundreds of statues of various religious figures. The church is open daily for guided tours and prayer.