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“Do you suppose I can order the wagyu beef?” our 10-year outdated grandson requested as he browsed the menus of eating places on our itinerary for a household trip in Ottawa.
We had been within the planning phases of a skip-gen getaway, a kind of journey the place grandparents take grandchildren on a visit with out their dad and mom (skipping the center technology).
This rising pattern permits grandchildren and grandparents to bond and create particular recollections whereas exploring new locations collectively.
The journeys are alternatives to tailor a visit to match a toddler’s pursuits, study extra about one another and the world.
On holidays with A’s older siblings, we’d cooked with a French chef, zip-lined by way of a rainforest in Costa Rica and gone rock-hounding in northern Ontario.
This 3-night household journey to Ottawa could be crammed with upscale Canadian delicacies, household heritage and a bounty of out of doors journey.
And being Canada’s capital metropolis — the Ottawa Capital Area truly contains Ottawa, Gatineau, and surrounding municipalities in Ontario and Quebec — the itinerary would additionally embrace historic websites, landmark museums and sights, spectacular landscapes and public areas.
Who Will This Ottawa Household Trip Itinerary Go well with?
- luxurious travellers or these planning a skip-gen or different special day splurge.
- younger “foodies” aka children who’re culinary adventurers and enthusiastic about attempting new dishes and substances.
- lively, outside fanatics eager on zip-lining, biking, strolling and swimming.
- it’s geared toward youngsters ages 8-12 given the minimal weight requirement of 32 kg (70 kilos) for some actions.
🌟 Professional Tip: It’s prudent to hold a notarized consent letter granting permission to journey when you’re vacationing with a toddler with out each of their dad and mom.
The Authorities of Canada has a Pattern Consent Letter that can be utilized or modified.
Day 1: Lodge Examine-in, ByWard Market
Our skip-gen household weekend in Ottawa started with an indulgent keep on the Gold Ground of the enduring Fairmont Château Laurier.
It was our best choice for a spot to remain in Ottawa because of its spectacular pure setting, luxurious facilities and architectural heritage.
A Landmark Canadian Lodge
To start, the Fairmont Château Laurier was one in all a number of chateau-style Canadian motels — together with Chateau Frontenac in Quebec Metropolis, the Royal York (Toronto) and Lodge Vancouver — commissioned by railway corporations within the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to draw prosperous travellers to its rail community.
The motels’ opulent structure that includes turrets, steep roofs and different architectural parts mirrors European castles.
Additionally including to its pedigree, Fairmont Château Laurier has hosted quite a few VIPs and dignitaries through the years.
Some well-known company embrace Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela in addition to celebrities similar to Mick Jagger, Justin Bieber, Tom Hanks and Taylor Swift.
This elegant ambiance set a tone of grandeur for our personal getaway, providing a glimpse into historical past in addition to luxurious facilities.
Its prime downtown location inside strolling distance to main sights additionally helps make it the highest resort in Ottawa for a household trip.
For us, a household tie additionally supplied a little bit of a private connection.
My grandfather Edward Peterson performed trombone in a number of massive band orchestras within the Twenties and Nineteen Thirties in landmark luxurious motels throughout North America and Europe.
We all know his orchestra carried out on the Royal York so it’s additionally potential he performed in one of many ballrooms on this grand resort!
An improve to the Gold Ground included night hors d’oeuvres, sizzling breakfast and refreshments, honour bar and dessert bar. There was even a enjoyable sweet station to spherical out the choices.
Examine charges and availability of the Gold Ground Expertise at Fairmont Château Laurier on Reserving.com.
🌟 Associated: Whereas not strictly chateau-style, Digby Pines in Digby Nova Scotia, constructed within the early twentieth century, additionally options architectural parts harking back to grand European nation estates.
Public Artwork and ByWard Market
Our first cease after check-in was on the Nationwide Gallery of Canada (Google Map). There we marvelled on the one of the well-known items of public artwork in Ottawa.
The colossal spider sculpture “Maman” created by famend artist Louise Bourgeois is one in all six on the planet.
With its sleek kind, the Maman spider is alleged to represent motherhood.
However like all nice artwork work it provokes dialog and interpretation.
Our grandson noticed it as a large alien as in a “Conflict of the Worlds” or “Stranger Issues” film.
Impressed for our subsequent journey, we headed throughout the road to the ByWard Market, a historic public house within the coronary heart of town accessible by foot, bicycle, transit and automobile.
Ottawa Signal Photograph-Op
Dusk was the best time to seize a photograph on the illuminated Ottawa signal (Google Map), a enjoyable image of town’s welcoming ambiance.
This district spanning 4 sq. blocks is crammed with eating places, pubs, cafes, specialty meals outlets and extra.
We opted for dinner on the Blue Cactus Bar & Grill within the coronary heart of the motion. Its modern menu, with a southwestern spin and selection, is ideal for an intergenerational group.
Our mains of fish tacos, steamed salmon and ribs had been expertly-prepared and savoured on the patio surrounded by town’s vitality.
Parliament Hill at Night time
As the celebs rose within the sky, we made our solution to Parliament Hill.
Our grandson joined an impromptu soccer recreation with new-found buddies on the grassy garden till the Sound & Mild Present started.
Then we shared a blanket watching the charming mixture of authentic music and pictures depicting a journey although Canada’s historical past projected onto the enduring buildings.
It was unimaginable to not be moved by the storytelling.
The inspiring photographs sparked conversations about our family’s immigration experiences as newcomers from Ukraine, Poland and Guatemala.
As we took a stroll by way of Confederation Sq., we talked about my grandfather who labored a trapline close to Hudson Bay in addition to a nice nice grandfather who was killed in motion at Vimy Ridge in WWI.
Our night wrapped up on the Fairmont Château Laurier, much more spectacular when illuminated at evening, the place we stopped by the Gold Ground lounge for nightcaps of tea, milk and cookies.
🌟Notice: There will likely be no Sound and Mild Present on Parliament Hill in 2024.
In its place, there’s a new Parliament Immersive Expertise. Get tickets for 45-minute free tour on-line.
A enjoyable night exercise with children could be Oh Canada Eh? It’s Canada’s longest operating dinner musical and options a number of Canadian music and themes.
Day 2: Sightseeing, Heritage, Ziplining and Canadian Delicacies
The next morning started with breakfast on the Gold Ground Lounge, a quiet haven very best for planning our day.
Solar streamed into the foyer boding nicely for a day the place we deliberate to spend a lot of the time outside.
We stepped out the door to the sight of the Rideau Canal Nationwide Historic Website and the Parliament Buildings.
Well-known for its Gothic Revival structure of detailed stonework, greening copper rooftops and tall spires, the Parliament Buildings had been much more spectacular by day than they’d been by evening.
🌟 Professional Tip: E book a Free Guided Tour of the Parliament of Canada constructing on-line earlier than you go.
Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour of Metropolis Landmarks
Subsequent up on Day 2 of our Ottawa itinerary was a Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour on a Grey Line Double Decker bus.
The ticket kiosk is strategically positioned at 44 Sparks St. (Google Map) going through Confederation Sq. and the Nationwide Conflict Memorial throughout from Châateau Laurier.
We’re massive followers of Hop On, Hop Off excursions. We’ve taken open-top, double-decker buses in every single place from Barcelona to London.
They’re a calming solution to see a number of sights at your individual tempo.
In Ottawa, the Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus contains 75 websites at greater than a dozen stops.
With a one-day ticket in hand, we had been quickly on our approach exploring Ottawa’s key landmarks with the wind in our hair.
First, we handed by the Nationwide Gallery after which cruised alongside the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway to see Rideau Corridor, RCMP Stables, the NCC River Home, the Ottawa River and extra.
Canadian Conflict Museum
We disembarked on the Canadian Conflict Museum (Google Map), the place we delved into our household historical past and realized about A’s great-great-grandfather’s sacrifice throughout World Conflict One.
Whereas I’ve shared the story behind why his identify is inscribed on the Vimy Ridge Conflict Memorial in France each Remembrance Day, the expertise of strolling inside a recreated WW1 trench was particularly poignant.
Is the Canadian Conflict Museum disturbing for kids?
The messaging on the Canadian Conflict Museum is multi-faceted. It educates guests about Canada’s army historical past whereas honouring the braveness and bravado of Canadian service individuals.
It additionally fosters reflection on the human price of warfare and emphasizes the significance of the pursuit of peace.
Nonetheless, the battlefield diorama that includes sounds of explosions and gunfire was particularly highly effective. It could possibly be disturbing to very younger youngsters.
As a spot of commemoration and training, it linked us to our heritage in a profound approach.
Lunch & an Iconic Dessert at ByWard Market
This skip-gen household trip in Ottawa was additionally a chance to find our grandson had very distinct pursuits from these of this siblings.
Whereas his brothers had been largely inquisitive about consuming hen fingers and fries, A’s want listing included wagyu beef, cedar plank salmon and Asian noodle homes.
That’s why lunchtime discovered us slurping ramen noodles at Le Mien Craft Noodles (Google Map) in ByWard Market, a brief Uber experience from the Canadian Conflict Museum.
Whereas finest identified for its genuine hand-pulled noodles and conventional Chinese language dishes, it’s additionally culinary theatre at its most interesting.
Steaming vats of effervescent broth, the strands of noodles being stretched to unimaginable lengths and bustling tables laden with pots of tea and clattering chopsticks transported us to the guts of Asia whereas highlighting Ottawa’s various culinary scene.
At ByWard Market you’ll be able to nosh on Italian, Mexican, French and Moroccan cuisines, to call just a few. The bustling market is the proper place for culinary adventurers.
🌟 Insider Tip: Can’t determine the place to start? Join a guided strolling meals tour of ByWard Market with C’est Bon Ottawa. This tasty 2.5 hour tour options 3 savoury dishes, 1 refreshment and a couple of candy dishes together with a shared BeaverTail.
And dessert was simply steps away. No journey to Ottawa with children (or anybody) is full with out consuming a BeaverTail or two.
BeaverTails are a beloved Canadian dessert consisting of fried dough topped with candy (or savoury) toppings.
Served sizzling, they’re a quintessential deal with in Canadian culinary tradition.
Afterward, we indulged in some memento purchasing. We stocked up on maple merchandise similar to syrup, cookies and tea in addition to some purple and white toques.
Together with ice-wine, they’re a few of the hottest souvenirs to purchase in Canada.
Zip-lining Between Quebec and Ontario
Subsequent up, we embraced our adventurous spirit with an exciting zipline throughout the Ottawa River with InterZip.
This seasonal attraction (working Could to October) options parallel ziplines that soar 425 metres (1,400 ft) between elevated platforms on each side of the river west of downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.
The breathtaking views made for an exhilarating bonding expertise, leaving us (the 2 individuals and observer) with a shared sense of accomplishment and pleasure.
E book upfront on-line. Examine weight and different restrictions.
🌟 Insider Tip: We opted to zipline throughout the Ottawa River however a extra leisurely choice could be to take a Strolling Tour with Ottawa River Cruise.
Pool time and hors d’oeuvres
We arrived again on the Fairmont Château Laurier simply in time for night hors d’oeuvres within the Gold Ground Lounge.
It was adopted by a fast dip within the saltwater swimming pool, a gem because of its Artwork Deco design.
Examine charges and availability on the Fairmont Château Laurier on Reserving.com.
Superb-dining at Aiana Restaurant
The lights had been low and the vibe upscale at our night dinner vacation spot, the Aiana Restaurant Collective.
This fine-dining restaurant positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Ottawa (Google Map), a 5-minute stroll from Parliament Hill, options seasonal substances with a multicultural spin.
It was thrilling to see wild grown regional merchandise similar to sea buckthorn, a scrubby plant grown in northern Manitoba, paired with international spices similar to saffron.
Aiana is an indigenous phrase which means “all the time blossoming” and that captures the philosophy in play right here.
Beneath the artistic spirit of Chef Raghav Chaudhary, substances similar to bannock, lavender and chamomile seem in dishes from across the globe.
Your complete eating expertise was memorable — from the celestial chandelier to the attentive service.
It’s good to know too that Aiana is a Dwelling Wage employer. Workers are paid an hourly wage that displays what individuals must earn to cowl the precise prices of dwelling of their neighborhood. This implies there isn’t any tipping.
Reservations are obligatory. E book on-line at Aiana.
Day 3: Biking, Afternoon Tea and Haunted Historical past
The subsequent day, our outside journey continued with a guided bike tour of Ottawa’s landmarks with RentABike.
In operation since 1976, RentABike has a number of small group excursions and biking routes.
We opted for the two hour, 12 km (7.5 mile) Ottawa Landmarks Tour, biking alongside the scenic Rideau Canal, previous Little Italy to picturesque Dow’s Lake.
Though it poured rain throughout our bike tour — prompting chants “when the going will get robust, the robust get going” — we did expertise Ottawa’s pure magnificence in a novel and eco-friendly approach.
A spotlight was a cease at Chaudière Falls, the place the Ottawa River cascades over a collection of rocky ledges, creating a strong show of speeding water.
Traditionally, the Falls held nice significance for Indigenous peoples, who revered the location as a sacred gathering place.
Ottawa boasts over 800 kilometres of bicycle paths and leisure trails, which makes it one of the bike-friendly cities in Canada.
Examine costs and availability of a Small Group Bike Tour of Ottawa on Viator.com.
Afternoon Tea at Zoe’s
Later that afternoon, after becoming sensible apparel, we indulged in a complicated afternoon tea at Zoe’s Restaurant positioned on the primary flooring of Fairmont Château Laurier.
The elegant setting, mixed with a mixture of candy and savoury pastries, tea sandwiches and scones, added a contact of sophistication and tranquility to our day.
Moreover, our grandson loved a sizzling chocolate and particular treats from the Princess and Prince Menu, tailor-made for youths ages 12 and below.
Be sure you e-book Afternoon Tea upfront particularly throughout holidays and summer time.
Canadian Museum of Historical past
Subsequent up was the spectacular Canadian Museum of Historical past positioned throughout the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec (Google Map).
There, we explored the nation’s previous by way of interactive reveals, galleries and shows together with the world’s largest assortment of totem poles.
The galleries present priceless insights into Canada’s wealthy historical past, sparking significant conversations about First Nations tradition and pioneer life on the prairies (similar to our personal ancestors might need skilled).
The huge house can be residence to the favored Canadian Kids’s Museum with its Worldwide Village with emblematic experiences from world wide together with a Pakistani bus, a pyramid, rickshaw, cargo ship and extra.
🌟 Professional Tip: Get monetary savings by visiting on Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm when admission is free. E book your timed ticket on-line after 5 pm on Sunday of the week you propose to go to.
Dinner at Joey Rideau
We had time for a fast dinner earlier than our night actions so popped into Joey Rideau, a bustling informal restaurant within the coronary heart of Ottawa (Google Map).
Whereas this Canadian-based chain of family-owned eateries may be present in different main cities, this location is one in all my favourites because of its useful location, open kitchen and decor.
It additionally has an attractive Pleased Hour with drink and meals specials.
The chilled glass of their signature sangria with wild cod for us and steak frites for the rising grandson fuelled us on for full evening forward.
A Haunted Stroll in Ottawa
Because the solar set, we skilled the eerie aspect of Ottawa with a Haunted Stroll of Ottawa, delving into town’s haunted historical past.
Every spine-chilling story recounted by our cloaked information supplied insights into the mysterious aspect of Canada’s capital.
A few of it’s truly fairly chilling particularly when advised below fllckering lantern gentle.
The spooky tales included a haunted highschool and even the ghost of Charles Melville Hays, the railway govt who died aboard the Titanic in 1912.
Legends say that his ghost continues to wander the halls of the Chateau Laurier the place we had been staying!
These extremely rated excursions are very talked-about and promote out shortly. So e-book upfront direct or reserve a Haunted Stroll of Ottawa on Viator.com.
Day 3: Canadian Museum of Nature and Modern Canadian Delicacies
Our closing day in Ottawa started with a breakfast of champions on the resort’s buffet that includes an array of Canadian meals specialties.
From buttery tourtière to artisanal cheeses of Quebec, the buffet showcased the varied culinary heritage of Canada, fuelling us for our closing cultural cease, the Canadian Museum of Nature.
It was a brief Uber experience to this landmark attraction and we arrived simply in time to witness an illustration of birds of prey together with owls, falcons and eagles.
Inside we explored the museum’s reveals on fossils, minerals and the setting. A spotlight was the Fossil Gallery, a journey again in time to the dinosaur period.
Along with its spectacular assortment of actual skeletons, this gallery contains a forest stroll by way of a diorama with seven battling dinosaurs.
The Nature Exploration Stations supplied close-up alternatives to find out about bugs, spiders and snakes.
As we explored the museum’s reveals, we deepened our understanding of Canada’s various ecosystems and the fragility of the earth itself.
Lunch at 1 Elgin St.
Then it was on to the Nationwide Arts Centre’s 1 Elgin Restaurant for lunch (Google Map).
The NAC affords a Resident Chef program that includes visiting cooks from throughout Canada.
These rising culinary stars create menus in collaboration with Govt Chef Kenton Leier to showcase the freshest flavours and seasonal substances of Canada.
Throughout our go to, resident Chef Carmen Ingham from North Vancouver, British Columbia collaborated to create a menu with a number of thrilling dishes.
The smooth modern ambiance was the proper backdrop to showcase a spread of refined Canadian advantageous eating.
Starters such tomatillo and cucumber gazpacho topped with Caesar (the enduring Canadian cocktail) sorbet prompted curiosity concerning the variety of Canadian substances.
Dishes similar to poached halibut with English pea cream fleurette and carrot showcased substances grown, harvested and sourced in Canada.
They had been superbly introduced, topped with edible flowers and pea tendrils.
The outside patio at 1 Elgin faces the Rideau Canal with a peek-a-boo view of Fairmont Château Frontenac within the distance.
Reservations really helpful. E book on-line at 1 Elgin or by cellphone.
Ultimate Ideas
Whereas it was tempting to hop on one of many canal boats and go for a cruise of the Rideau Canal, sadly our trip time had run out.
We bid farewell to Ottawa, carrying with us, not solely the flavours and adventurous spirit of town but additionally the moments shared between generations.
Our multigenerational household trip in Ottawa had not solely been a romp by way of an enchanting Canadian vacation spot.
It had additionally been a catalyst for household bonding and studying.
Make This a One-Week Household Trip in Ottawa
By the top of our journey, we had been shocked at how a lot there was to do with children in Ottawa!
Though we packed as a lot as we might into our 3-day Ottawa itinerary, there have been a number of different sights and actions that didn’t make the listing because of timing, climate or the very fact they had been absolutely booked.
So if in case you have one week in Ottawa for a household trip then these are one other ten must-dos so as to add to your itinerary.
Official Ottawa Tourism: Browse sights and get information on upcoming occasions, actions and offers on the Ottawa Tourism web site.
Getting There
VIA Rail is Canada’s nationwide passenger rail service providing scenic routes that join main cities from Vancouver to Halifax. There’s frequent service between Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto.
The journey time between Ottawa Station and Toronto’s Union Station takes 4.5 hours on common.
On all routes and all lessons, children between the ages of two and 12 will obtain a train-themed Exercise Bag upon request.
CAA members and seniors (65+) get discounted charges. Kids below 24 journey free whereas these aged 2-12 get 50% off Financial system Class fare.
When reserving, request one of many particular double-facing seats for 4 individuals. You’ll have room to stretch your legs in addition to a desk for board video games, laptop computer or a meal.
E book Enterprise Class and you may sip a cocktail alongside together with your sizzling meal. You’ll additionally rating entry to the VIA Rail Enterprise Class Lounge (with complimentary drinks) and precedence boarding.
🌟 Professional Tip: E book your VIA Rail ticket on a Low cost Tuesday to benefit from the lowest fares and final minute offers.
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Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the closest tropical seaside), Michele Peterson is the founding father of A Style for Journey. Her award-winning journey and meals writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Supply, Nationwide Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ different publications.
Learn extra about Michele Peterson.
