OT - Visiting Ottawa

[pha1226]

I'm seeking your expert advice.

We're spending 3 nights in Ottawa in August (me, dh, dd 7 and dd 5), staying at the Marriott Ottawa. I plan to visit the Parliament buildings, see the changing of the guard and the sound and light show. We'll also visit the Museum of Civilization and Childrens' museum and the Byward Market. I don't think the kids would enjoy the War Museum, Aviation Museum, the Mint or the bunker. We may rent bikes on Sunday morning and bike along the canal. Am I missing anything?? Are there any other "must sees"?

The kids are really excited about going to another country so I want to do things that are uniquely Canadian. Of course, High School Musical 2 premieres while we are there so their only concern is whether we'll be able to see it at the hotel!

Thanks to all!

 

[jojo14]

Tell the girls no worries - they will absolutely be able to see HSM - channel 51 here. My DD is anxiously awaiting it as well. Your list of dos is a good one - here are a few more:

If you have a car while you're here, you might want to take a drive and then hike through the gatineau hills (your hotel can give you maps). You could go down to Dow's Lake at the far end of the canal from you - gorgeous gardens, and you can rent peddle boats or canoes.

I've never done this tour but it's supposed to be fun - "Haunted Walk of Ottawa. Mon-Wed at 8 p.m. Thurs-Sat at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Meeting place is in front of D’Arcy McGee’s, at the corner of Elgin and Sparks Sts. $12 adults, $8 students/seniors and free for kids 10-and-under when accompanied by an adult. Tour Director Glen Shackleton blends local history and ghost stories into a 90-minute walk. Tours often sell out in the summer, so registering in advance is recommended, by calling 613 232-0344."

At the national gallery, there's a Renoir exhibit this summer. They do have a kids part where they can do art and have it hung in the gallery. The Museum of Science and Tech is a good, hands-on one for the kids, but a 15 min drive from your hotel.

Walking through the market on Sat or Sun is fun, usually lots going on, buskers etc. Kid friendly restaurants: In the market, the Lone Star is loud, fun, tex mex with yummy fajitas; Blue Cactus is good for kids as welll Zak's diner is a fun spot for kids too. My dd LOVES Elgin Street Diner, close enough to our hotel, on Elgin St (not the market). You have to "upgrade" to poutine here if you havn't tried it!

PM me if you need any more info. Have a great holiday!!

 

[jojo14]

oh, and of course the girls should have a cinnamon and sugar beaver tail when in the market!!

 

[LittleFlounder]

While the Museum of Civilization is fun, your girls will probably enjoy the Museum of Nature much more. (http://nature.ca) There are exhibits on animals, dinosaurs, bugs, plants, etc. I took my nephews there 4 years ago, who were ages 3, 4 and 10, and they loved it!! especially the huge dinosaur models and the honey bees! I'd say its definately a "must-see".

 

[pha1226]

I really appreciate your suggestions. I was in Ottawa in 1980 with my high school choir and have always wanted to go back. We're really looking forward to visiting your beautiful country!

 

[calliemom]

We're headed to Ottawa Aug.13-18 (dh,dd8,myself) and staying at the Lord Elgin. We read about a museum passport that allows entry to most museums and galleries for 50% of the cost. Can be purchased at any museum for about $75 for a family of 4. Will work out to be a considerably savings as we plan on doing lots in our 6 days there. Our little one is so excited she isn't even talking about our October trip to Disney anymore.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Don't miss out on the Beaver Tails in the Byward Market!

 

[calliemom]

Tried one of those infamous Beaver Tails in Tobermory last year....yum! Will definatley try them again in Ottawa. Hoping we can just walk around the Byward area at night and find some good restaurants to have dinner at. Hoping we don't need reservations!

 

[ottawa-newbie]

oh, and of course the girls should have a cinnamon and sugar beaver tail when in the market!!

Another vote for the Beavertail. add some lemon to the cinnamon and sugar and it's really yummy

Also try Piccolo Grande, a gelato place in the Byward Market. Yum

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

We visited Ottawa about 6 or 7 years ago, and did most of the things already mentioned. We loved it! But I think our favorite was riding on top of the double-decker sightseeing bus. We could get on and off at will and just catch the next one that came by. It was a great way to get a feel for how the city was laid out.
Hope they still have those busses!

 

[Ottawa_Mom]

I see that someone has suggested the Museum of Nature - it is an amazing destination for kids. A few important things though - the museum is currently only partway through a huge renovation project and only part of the museum is open. What is open is fantastic, but the big downside is no food onsite, just a few vending machines and tables to eat picnic lunches or snacks at. The hands-on bird clinic on the top floor is a huge hit with kids 8 and under. Our four-year old is in heaven when he's there.

If you make it to Dow's Lake as someone else suggested, you should go a bit further to the Central Experimental Farm. Ottawa has the world's only inner city farm and it's combined with an agricultural museum which makes it a great day out. You can search on the CEF or Canada Agriculture Museum for details. Loads of fun seeing animals in the barns, playing outside, taking tally-ho rides (horse drawn wagon rides) and checking out the history of tractors in the museum. Lots of good hands-on stuff for playing with in the museum too.

For more good ideas of things to do with kids in Ottawa and the national capital region generally, check out Kids Ottawa dot com. It's an amazing resource and also has a family event calendar. You might find something really interesting going on just while you're there. Kids Ottawa can also help parents find family friendly restaurants, destinations for day trips, etc. Anyone visiting Ottawa should check out Kids Ottawa.

 

[debbiet1]

Its been years since i've been there.. but what about the Science and Technology Museum. The kids used to love going there. Is it still as good as it once was?

 

[sheilag]

Hi - there must be a few of us, living here in Ottawa.

Yes, the science museum is great - lots of computer stuff, Hockey set up, my dd loves the crazy kitchen, there are real trains you can climb upon, there's a Nortel light demo/tunnel that you can climb/ride thru, lots of fun stuff. Beware, though, that there are lots of nooks and crannies - if your kids are young, keep a close eye. The staff there are helpful and jump with radios if someone goes missing (my brother's 4-year old wandered off to head back to the trains he didn't want to leave, after his parents were trying to take his sister to the snowmobile ride'on - heartattack time, but he was rounded up quickly). Note: the aviation museum is wide open, so you can see your children easily and quickly, and give them a couple of steps ahead of you (again, depends on their ages - but it's a big issue if they're younger).

Someone's mentioned the Civilization Museum - don't forget the Children's Museum (separate area, but covered in admission price) up on the 3rd (I think) floor. We spend most of our time there when we visit. They also have great IMAX films at the museum theatre. (There's also the Agricultural Museum, if your kids love animals.)

My DD loves the wave pools in Ottawa too - at Ray Friel, and Gloucester Splash (I think there's another in Kanata).

Have fun!

 

[debbiet1]

I know you're only staying 3 nights but for anyone else staying longer. If your stay includes a weekend, check out some of the local fairs. The kids would have a blast.