Ottawa: Your perfect destination
KEITH CARMAN FOR METRO OTTAWA
Yet while all of this is draining our potential fun time, there is an alluring, inexpensive and geographically ideal vacation locale for everyone from teenagers to seniors: Ottawa. As fiduciary responsibilities grow, the stay-cation becomes an enticingly sound option, reducing drain of every sort and compelling us to explore our own neighbourhoods.
Many hotels offer their own promotional campaigns, but one of the quickest and easiest methods of arranging a no-frills leave is as simple as contacting Capital Tickets (ottawatourism.ca/888-688-2928), the official booking agent for Ottawa Tourism.
Chatting with their representatives reveals an endless array of personalized getaways literally steps from our front door. With booking options for all surrounding hotels, events (Bluesfest, Jazzfest, Tulip Festival and more), shows (concerts, musicals, theatre), restaurants and government attractions (Art Gallery, War Museum, Museum Of Canada) with rates subject to availability/package choice, planning a miniscule holiday couldn’t be easier.
Full article: Ottawa: Your perfect destination
Note: Ottawa Festivals is now a ticket outlet for CapitalTickets. You can find us right in the ByWard Market at 47 William Street.
Tulip Shuffle: A chance to win a trip to Ottawa
Head over to the Ottawa Tourism website and play the Tulip Shuffle for a chance to win a trip to Ottawa.
Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival option available for Ottawa’s “Girlfriends Getaway”
Let’s face it – girls just want to have fun. And once in a while they need an escape from the guys but not from fun and excitement. Ottawa Tourism is serving up an eclectic menu of Girlfriends Getaway packages where the emphasis is on fun, arts, culture, shopping, and spas all at a very affordable price-from only $138 CAD per person for a two-night stay (based on double occupancy).
The basic Girlfriends Getaway package to Ottawa includes two nights’ accommodation for two people (additional guests can be added on for an extra charge) and a certificate for the Rideau Centre Savings Directory filled with many coupons to satisfy any shopaholic.
And those who purchase a package between September 1 and October 9, 2009 will also receive a complimentary copy of a new magazine-The Best Places to Go Shopping-published by Ottawa Magazine.
And to increase the fun, guests on a Girlfriends Getaway can choose to add on a number of optional activities, including visiting the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Canadian War Museum, Canada Aviation Museum, and/or National Gallery of Canada, sitting back on the scenic Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train, catching a concert at the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival (on until August 9, 2009), being pampered thanks to a $50 Holtz Spa Gift Card; or enjoying a performance of the blockbuster hit The Drowsy Chaperone at the National Arts Centre (October 14-31, 2009).
Given Ottawa’s abundance of attractions, the Girlfriends Getaway package provides a compelling reason to plan a weekend visit so gather up the girls and start having fun in Canada’s Capital Region. Guests who book accommodations at a participating hotel for a (consecutive) Friday and Saturday two-night stay have the option to reserve a third night at 50% off the listed room rate. The Girlfriends Getaway two-night package starts at $138 CAD per person based on double occupancy.
Those wanting information, tickets and lodging reservations for the Girlfriends Getaway can visit www.ottawatourism.ca, a powerful website operated by Ottawa Tourism. Visitors can also book by phone at
A capital idea for the whole family
Came across this article highlighting some of Ottawa’s attractions. A good start, and there’s a lot more to do while you’re here! In addition to so many other attractions, let’s not forget that Ottawa has been coined as “Canada’s Festival Capital” for a reason. ;)
PHIL RABY, SPECIAL TO SUN MEDIA
If you’re looking for a family vacation this summer that is easy on the budget and will allow you to ditch the car for a few days, try Ottawa.
The downtown core of our nation’s capital is both pedestrian and bike-friendly, so getting around isn’t a problem. In no time you’ll see your carbon footprint become smaller while your wallet gets thicker with all the cash you’ll be saving on attractions, gas and parking.
Full article: A capital idea for the whole family
Summer Travel ‘09: Ontario
Brian Banks | Maclean’s.ca
Ottawa Bluesfest/Ottawa (July 8-19) This 11-day festival is number one with a bullet in Canada and not a lot of people know it. But they soon will. In 2007, in just its 13th year, Bluesfest drew more than 300,000 fans. A big factor is the quality and diversity of its program, drawing big-name talent from throughout North America. Among the 2009 headliners: Ben Harper and Relentless7, Our Lady Peace, Styx, Blue Rodeo, Ice Cube, Jackson Browne, Stone Temple Pilots, and Ornette Coleman. In 2007, Bluesfest moved to its present site at LeBreton Flats Park next to the Canadian War Museum. Organizers found room for five stages, including two main stages. With more than 220 acts, they’ll need them. Take the opportunity to visit the dozens of other sites throughout the National Capital Region: Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of Civilization, and the aforementioned Canadian War Museum, to name just a few.
Full article on Maclean’s website: Summer Travel ‘09: Ontario
