Ottawa might be an urban city with all its sophistications, but it has never forgotten the charms of its rural roots.
STAY
♦ Fairmont Château Laurier
The Fairmont Château Laurier, standing right next to Parliament Hill, is a city landmark nearly as famous as the latter. Also known as Ottawa’s castle due to its grand architecture, the luxury hotel offers first-class service to guests who desire royal treatment. Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, it also provides easy access to the city’s biggest attractions, such as Rideau Canal and Byward Market. After a full day of sightseeing, guests have the option to relax in the classy Zoe’s Lounge for afternoon tea, or to treat themselves to a satisfying gastronomic experience in one of the hotel’s recommended restaurants.
http://fairmont.com/laurier-ottawa
♦ ARC The Hotel
As the only design boutique hotel in Ottawa, ARC The Hotel enjoys a unique reputation among its equivalents. Personalized service tailored to suit the needs of each guest is only one of its prized features. A muted color palette withsplashes of red and burgundy give each of the 112 guest rooms a casual, relaxing atmosphere. In-room spa services are also available for those in need of pampering. ARC The Hotelpride themselves in providing guests not with a place to sleep, but a place to rest.
SHOP
♦ High-End Shopping
Downtown Ottawa is a mecca for shopping enthusiasts. From the ultra-modern CF Rideau Centre which boasts a total of 170 shops, among them the biggest names in beauty and fashion, to the Downtown Rideau district that caters to shoppers as well as theatre-goers. There is also the Spark Streets for a more quaint choice, the country’s first and oldest shopping avenue.All are within walking distance of many hotels and restaurants as well as other tourist attractions.
♦ By Ward Market Area
A stroll through Ottawa’slargest and oldest public market is a pleasure for both locals and tourists. Populated by an eclectic mix of quirky boutiques and craft shops, the historical ByWard Market is a charming place to hang out and enjoy the city at its finest.You can admire the works of local artisans as well as try the famous local delicacy—maple syrup. For anyone hungry, don’t fret. Food vendors abound. Head to the Square for a bite (Beaver Tail, anyone?) or pop into any restaurant of your choice, catering to either local or international tastes.
DINE
♦ Beckta
One of the most—if not the most—popular names in Ottawa’s fine dining scene, Beckta continues to dazzle even after a decade. Its2015 relocation to Elgin Streetin a majestic 140-year-old mansion launched Beckta to new, unparalleled heights. Lunch remainsà la carte while dinner is a choice between a five-course tasting menu (where guests may select five from twelve choices, resulting in an interesting but consistently delicious mix-and-match) and a three-course prix fixe menu. A combination of wonderful food,welcoming décor, and a staff well-known for their hospitalityfirmly puts Beckta at the pinnacle of fine-dining experiences.
♦ The Whalesbone Oyster House
The Whalesbone is more a pub and a fun neighborhood joint than a restaurant, but the food truly speaks for itself. While Ottawa may not be your first seafood destination in mind (considering its geographical challenges), Whalesbone has successfully become the envy of other similar establishments with the quality of its dishes. Fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood turns the quirky, noisy dig into one of the most popular eating destinations in the city. With only about forty seats available, however, regulars and touristshave to race each other for a taste of fresh oysters, seared scallops, or crispy salmon skin.
♦ Fairouz
A Middle Eastern restaurant is probably not something you’d expect to find in the capital of Canada. Fairouz, however, has turned this prejudice on its head and become aprominent dining destination known for its culinary excellence as much as its exotic décor. With Chef Walid El-Tawelat the helm, Fairouz offers a modern journey through the Middle East, starting from the house-made pita bread and Turkish style salad, to the classic falafel and lamb tartare and stuffed fish with dukkah spice. Don’t forget to try the chocolate-glazed coconut ice cream bars for dessert too.
♦ Atelier
Ottawa’s culinary experience has truly become one of the city’s points of pride in recent years, and one of the irrefutable proofs is Atelier. Specializing in molecular gastronomy, it offers a slightly different experience to diners looking for more than just good food. A 12-course tasting menu is served every night, with alternatives available in cases of allergy or strong dislike. Each course is a brilliant experiment in shape, texture and aroma, but in combination with the rest, formsone glorious symphony which truly pampers the senses.
DO
♦ Capital Country Drives
Take a leisurely drive through the Prescott-Russell region, a scenic rural area east of Ottawa. Only a short drive away from the city center, you can easily choose one offive Capital Country Drives, each following a different routeto satisfy a different range of interests, from golf and festivals to museums and craft beer. Or join a cycling tour and follow a recreational path through the beautiful countryside. Charming country art shops and comfortable B&B’s and restaurants are also available along the way.
♦ Craft Beer
Craft beer is a relatively new but unquestionably growing interest in Ottawa. Over the last few years, the city has seen a large proliferation in the number of craft breweries all over downtown and the rural areas. Any beer enthusiast will not be disappointed. Either hop on a brewery tour or explore on your own with the help of a handy map. And if you happen to visit in the fall, join the Ottawa Craft Beer Festival in August or the Beau’s Oktoberfest in late September.
♦ The Maple Season
Not only is a maple leaf displayed on the Canadian national flag, the sugar maple, from which maple syrup comes, it is also the national tree of Canada. The maple syrup season starts in late February and has always been a source of festivities in Ottawa. From sugar-making demonstrations (pancake breakfasts with maple syrup included) to sugar bush trails and horse-drawn sleigh rides through the woods, many activities are dedicated to the season.
♦ Changing of the Guard
For those who visit Ottawa in the summer, the maple season is over, but another attraction awaits. Every morning at 10 a.m., Parliament Hill is alive with colors and music for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Once a military routine, it has now turned into a national tradition only occurring in the summer. Performances are free of charge, but make sure to arrive fifteen minutes early to grab the best spot.
Photos by Ottawa Tourism / ottawatourism.ca, Fairmont, ARC The Hotel, Beckta, The Whalesbone Oyster House, Fairouz, Atelier
