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.
Head to Pirate Life with your kids for a day of some family fun. Dress up your children as pirates and get ready to be surprised as the painted faces, vests, sashes, and headbands make them almost unrecognizable. Once everyone is ready, climb aboard and decode the map as you embark on a treasure hunt. Fight the perils of being a pirate by defending your ship from being taken over by other pirates. Participants are also given extensive pirate training courses before the cruise begins so they can indulge in pirating fun without any qualms. Whether you want to relive your own childhood, want your children to have fun with their friends, or immerse them in an activity that they'll cherish for a long time, Pirate Life can easily cater to your requirements.
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.
Built between 1827 and 1832 without the aid of powered machinery, the Rideau Canal is one of Ottawa's oldest landmarks. The canal runs from the Ottawa River near Parliament Hill to Hog's Back Falls on the south end of the city. During the summer months, a wide range of vessels, including tour boats, glide along the waterway. Come winter, the canal is transformed into the "World's Longest Skating Rink" and is a hub of activity during Ottawa's Winterlude festival.
The National Arts Centre showcases professional Canadian and international performances and is the home of the world renowned National Arts Centre Orchestra. Excellent seating and acoustics allow appreciation of fine musical, dance and theatrical performances. The center also has a fine restaurant where you can have a meal before or after performances. The atmosphere is upscale and people generally dress accordingly.
This non-professional community theater has been producing plays since 1913; they are known for their high quality performances generated by a dedicated group of volunteers. Ottawa Little Theatre runs eight productions from September through May, and one popular musical production in the summer season. Tickets are reasonable and the atmosphere is relaxed yet highly professional for a community theater. Recent seasons have included everything from Noel Coward's Waiting in the Wings to John Bishop's The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.