On a budget? Tour Ottawa for $10 or less

Ottawa Travel Guide

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Monday, 31 December 2012 14:26

Seasoned travelers probably know how pricey a vacation in a major metropolis can be. However, travel in Canada might be different. Because of the variety of activities both indoor and out, tours of Ottawa can be as costly or inexpensive as visitors want them to be. In fact, there is a host of things to do for under $10.

Whether vacationing on a budget or just looking for a simple day out, visitors can have plenty of fun in Ottawa with these activities.

Hiking and snowshoeing in Gatineau Park
Discovering this spectacular natural attraction in Ontario is free for hikers, but in the wintertime, snowshoeing might be a better way to explore what is sure to be a white wonderland. The Capital's Conservation Park's visitor centre rents snowshoes for $5 per hour or $15 per day so intrepid travelers can enjoy the park's 15 miles of snowshoeing trails. Winter hikers can also enjoy the trails - the park compacts 6 miles of its 102 miles of trails each week for hiking.

Find out how Canadian coins are made
While travelers are pinching their loonies and toonies, they can visit the Royal Canadian Mint to find out how they are made. This historic establishment only charges $6 per adult for admission on weekdays and just $4.50 per adult on weekends (when production takes a break), but offers fascinating lessons on Canada's history and the country's production of coins for other nations. The attraction, on historic Sussex Drive, was founded as a branch of the British Royal Mint in 1908, and maintains much of its historic charm while also pioneering new minting techniques such as recycling.

Discover Parliament Hill
Although a number of activities take place around Parliament Hill during the summer months, the winter is just as good a time to explore this historic landmark. The best part? It's free! Head to Centre Block or the Capital Information Kiosk at 111 Albert Street to pick up the "Discover the Hill Self-Guiding Booklet" and guide yourself or your family through the many historical events that have taken place with notable figures at this stunning site. Visitors can learn about past prime ministers and parliament, and even sit in on a parliament session if it happens to be taking place.

Visit the Mounties of the Musical Ride
Love horses and Canadian culture? Head to the Musical Ride Centre at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Rockcliffe Stables to learn about the the police on horseback, known as "Mounties." This display of Canadian tradition allows visitors to meet the horses, tour the stables, watch the choreography at the riding school and see the carriages that are used in royal escorts of Her Majesty the Queen - all for free each Tuesday and Thursday through April.