Ottawa Tourism - Fall

1812: One War, Four Perspectives

This special exhibition at the Canadian War Museum marks the 200th anniversary of this conflict that helped shape Canada into the nation it is today. It examines the war through the perspectives of the four central participants – a Canadian, an American, a Brit, and a Native American. The exhibition is one of the largest and most innovative ever produced by the Museum, and chronicles the causes, and conduct of the War to offer visitors a deeper and richer understanding of this seminal event in Canadian history. It features close to 150 artifacts, including the tunic warn by Sir Isaac Brock, the Hero of Upper Canada, when he was shot in the Battle of Queenston Heights. The exhibition runs from June 13, 2012 through January, 2013

Thanksgiving Weekend and Remembrance Day Weekend

If you’re considering a long weekend getaway this fall, consider this: if you book one of Ottawa Tourism’s 2-night getaway packages you can stay a third night for ½ price at participating Ottawa hotels. Thanksgiving Weekend is always a great time to visit Ottawa and see all the sites framed by the vibrant colours of autumn. Check out the local harvest at numerous farmers markets across the Capital. Remembrance Day, November 11, falls on a Sunday this year, and there’s no better place to honour our fallen soldiers than in Ottawa. Come tour the Canadian War Museum and the Diefenbunker, then attend the moving national remembrance ceremony at the National War Memorial downtown. If you’re longing for an extended break, choose your long weekend and come to Ottawa. Click to view getaway packages or view videos above.

AWESOME AUTUMN COLOURS

Ottawa’s tree-lined streets, parks, scenic parkways and surrounding countryside blaze with colour each autumn. Nearby Gatineau Park is especially inviting when draped in fall foliage. Explore its 90 kilometres of cycling trails or 165 kilometres of hiking trails. Stop by Mackenzie King Estate, the country home of Canada’s longest serving Prime Minister, and take in stunning views from the Park’s high perched lookouts. The first two weeks of October, special Fall Rhapsody programming in the Park introduces visitors to the Park’s diverse ecology.

FROM FIELD TO FORK

Ottawa has more agricultural land within its borders than any city in Canada – and local chefs and locavores reap the benefits! A local initiative known as Savour Ottawa creates linkages between farm producers and restaurateurs.

. Home to no less than three cooking schools – including the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Institute – Ottawa is gaining acclaim at home and elsewhere for its lively culinary scene. The most recent support for that claim: Chef Marc Lepine of Atelier Restaurant took top honours competing against Canada’s best chefs at the Gold Medal Plates competition in February. The ByWard Market district is home to numerous restaurants, as is Little Italy along Preston Street, and the Hintonburg and Westboro areas. For a different dining experience, book a culinary tour through the ByWard Market with C’est Bon Cooking. These walking tours are founded on the belief that one of the best ways to understand a people and its culture is to explore local food markets, experience local specialties and meet with local chefs and food artisans. Participants get to sample tasty dishes and treats—and meet the people who create them—along the way!

THE BOUNTY OF BYWARD & REWARDS OF RIDEAU

If shopping is your thing, head one block east of Parliament Hill to Rideau Centre, Ottawa’s number one fashion destination. The Centre features 180 of the biggest names in retail all under one roof, including Michael Kors, Coach. Aritzia, Forever 21, Hugo Boss, Sephora, Zara, Lacoste, Apple and more. While you’re in the area, head over to the ByWard Market district. It boasts a traditional farmer’s market and chic boutiques by day, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs by night.