Other Activities & Attractions
If you're interested in what's new for groups, students and FIT travelers to Ottawa, check here often.
 Sixty-five years ago, Canadian troops liberated the Netherlands after Ottawa had provided safe harbour for the Dutch Royal couple during the Second World War. The Dutch sent tulip bulbs in thanks, and each spring three million tulips bloom in all their glory throughout Canada’s Capital during the Canadian Tulip Festival. This year’s festival is a special edition marking the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. It all begins May 7 with a re-creation of the street party that broke out spontaneously at the foot of Parliament Hill along Sparks Street as WWII ended. Starting May 14, step back in time at Cabaret Libre in the exotic Euro Mirror Tent from Belgium featuring jazz and swing from the 1940s. Or catch contemporary live music most nights in the Beer Garden in the International Pavillion. There will be special programming at numerous partner sites throughout the Capital, including the Casino du Lac-Leamy and many national Museums. May 14-24 the International Pavillion features the cuisine, music and crafts from more than 30 countries plus children’s programming at Major's Hill Park overlooking the historic Rideau Canal beside Parliament Hill. Want to join the celebration? Click below to book a Tulip Celebration Package.
 Tulip Festival Fast Facts
 Ottawa will soon be home to Canada’s largest waterpark. Calypso opens in June 2010 in Limoges, a short 20-minute drive east of the city. The 1.74 square kilometer park will feature over 35 state-of-the-art waterslides, close to 100 water games, and a massive 2000-person capacity wave pool.
Calypso Website
 Canada’s Cold War Museum, the Diefenbunker in Ottawa, has underone significant retrofits that enables this historic underground attraction host more visitors, allow self-guided tours, and offer some great new student tour offerings.
Diefenbunker Fast Facts
 Laurier House, the historic Ottawa home of two Prime Ministers and a National Historic Site of Canada, offers candlelit tours and student group tours. The former can be somewhat spooky, the latter are learning experiences that portray the lives of two important historical figures on their home turf.
Laurier House Fast Facts
 Urbanquest.com offers challenging scavenger hunt programs for adult and school groups, challenging groups to find hidden objects in Ottawa. It’s a fun and exhilarating way to discover the Capital.
Urbanquest Website
 The IMAX Theatre at the Canadian Museum of Civilization has been completely retrofitted as an authentic 3D IMAX theatre, with new screens, sound system and seating! From 3D Hollywood blockbusters to eye-popping educational films, the Theatre offers truly immersive experiences in both 3D and on its unique, giant Dome screen.
Canadian Museum of Civilization Fast Facts
On Foot, By Bus, On The Water
 Sightseeing in Ottawa takes many forms. Ottawa Walking Tours proves Ottawa is easily one of the world’s most walkable capitals, with pleasant 2-hour tours that cover all the highlights downtown. Lady Dive Tours offers double decker, trolley and unique Amphibus tours that combine land and water tours.
Ottawa Walking Tours Website
Lady Dive Microsite
May through October, Olivier Soapery in Chelsea just north of Ottawa offers traditional soap making demonstrations complete with amusing stories about the history of personal body care and about the region.
Olivier Soapery Website
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Click to view a printable and searchable copy of the Ottawa Destination Planners Guide
