Tag: Rideau Falls

Ottawa accommodations

Ottawa accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “The City That Fun Forgot”. Known for its museums, art galleries, riverfront parks / beaches, waterfalls, hiking areas, Beaver Tails (fried dough), Canadian cheese, maple chocolate and hockey tradition, Ottawa is located at the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers’ confluence in southeastern Ontario. About 2 hours west of Montreal and 3.5 hours northwest of Burlington Vermont (driving), Ottawa’s iconic riverfront forms a natural border between the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Ottawa is about midway between Quebec City (northeasterly) and Toronto (southwesterly).

Ottawa main attractions: Parliament Hill (neo-Gothic complex / Canada’s legislature – artworks, tours), CF Rideau Centre (shopping mall), ByWard Market (Beaver Tails origin, outdoor farmers market stalls, specialty food stalls, street art, retail / crafts stores, eateries), Canadian Museum of Nature, National Gallery of Canada (art gallery), Canadian War Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum, Ottawa Train Yards (shopping mall), JOEY Rideau (restaurant), Canada Aviation and Space Museum, TD Place (stadium), Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach (riverfront park – beach swimming, playgrounds, sledding hill, family events / festivals), Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica (19th-century Catholic church), Hog’s Back Park (waterfalls, dam, hiking trails, green space, picnic areas), Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum (massive underground bunker museum – exhibits, military artifacts, events), Britannia Park and Beach, Commissioners Park (lakeside park – paths, picnic areas, tulip festival), Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Royal Canadian Mint (museum), Major’s Hill Park (city park – walking paths, seasonal events / gardens, river views), Mer Bleue Bog (boardwalk trail), Strathcona Park (riverfront park – seasonal splash pad, paths, benches, shade trees), Rockcliffe Park and the Rockeries, Ottawa Art Gallery, Remic Rapids Park (riverfront park – balanced rock sculptures), Fitzroy Provincial Park (wooded park – swimming beaches, boating, hiking trails, centennial trees, campgrounds), Stanley Park (riverside park), Chapman Mills Conservation Area (nature preserve), South March Highlands Conservation Forest (457-hectare nature preserve – hiking, mountain biking), Westboro Beach, Rink of Dreams (outdoor ice skating rink), Pinhey’s Point Historic Site (museum), Pine Grove Trail (hiking area), Eagle Creek Golf Club, Dewberry Trail (hiking area)

Gatineau Quebec points of interest (Northward across the Ottawa River): Canadian Museum of History, Casino du Lac-Leamy (casino), Canadian Children’s Museum, Leamy Lake Park, La Baie Park (riverside boardwalk – walking / cycling trails, restaurant, café)

Southward from downtown: Hard Rock Casino, Orchard View Wedding & Event Centre, Shouldice Berry Farm, GreyHawk Golf Club, Green Corners Farm (pick your own flowers), Domaine Perrault (winery)

Ottawa main airport: Ottawa International Airport

Airport car rental agencies: National Car Rental, Alamo Rent A Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Rideshare service: Uber

Light rail transit system: O-Train

Ski areas: Mont-Tremblant Resort, Nakkertok South, Camp Fortune

Ottawa  Christmas Market is located at Lansdowne Park in the central Glebe neighborhood.

The Ottawa Senators play at Canadian Tire Centre on the southwest side. In Ottawa, English is widely spoken, though learning some French words and phrases might be helpful. Ottawa’s currency is the Canadian Dollar, cars travel on the right-hand side and the drinking age is 19 years old. Ottawa accommodations are some of eastern Canada’s best. Before we get to Ottawa accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.

The word “Ottawa” derives from the Ottawa River, whose name itself comes from the Algonquin adawe, meaning “to trade”. Around 6,500 years ago, indigenous peoples settled in the Ottawa region after the Champlain Sea receded. As evidenced by archaeological findings (arrowheads, tools, pottery), the Algonquin likely engaged in hunting, fishing, foraging and trading. Thus, the area served as an important trade / travel center for thousands of years. During the 15th century, Europeans began settling and colonizing North America. Huron interpreter and guide Étienne Brûlé became the first known European to pass through the Ottawa-area on his way to the Great Lakes circa 1610. French explorer Samuel de Champlain, three years after Brûlé, passed through the area and wrote of its waterfalls and his encounters with the Algonquins. New England farmer, lumberman and entrepreneur Philemon Wright founded the area’s first non-Indigenous settlement, a lumber town (present-day Hull), on the river’s north side March 7, 1800. Wright’s Town became an agricultural town comprised of 6 families and 25 laborers. Pioneering the Ottawa Valley timber trade, which fueled the local economy, Wright transported timber via river from the Ottawa Valley to Quebec City. The British arrived in 1826 to construct the Rideau Canal and establish a community on the river’s south side. “Bytown” was named after British Lieutenant-Colonel John By, who oversaw the Rideau Canal’s construction. The Rideau Canal would help provide a secure route between Montreal and Kingston Ontario for supply ships, which were exposed to enemy fire near the border of New York during the War of 1812. Modern Parliament Hill was originally occupied by military barracks. Lieutenant-Colonel By also laid out a street grid and created the neighborhoods of Upper & Lower Towns. Upper Town was comprised of English-speaking Protestants, while Lower Town housed French / Irish Catholics. In 1827, ByWard Market was established. The Rideau Canal was completed in 1832, a year in which the area’s population had eclipsed 1,000. Arising from tensions amongst lumber operators, Shiners’ War (1835-1845) between Irish-Catholic immigrants and French Canadians led to Irish arrests. “King of the Shiners” Peter Aylen departed for Lower Canada near the conflict’s end, and the Shiners fizzled out. Evidenced by the 1849 Stony Monday Riot, Tories objected Bytown’s consideration as the Province of Canada’s capital. Nevertheless, Bytown was renamed and incorporated as Ottawa in 1855, and two years later became capital. Ottawa was chosen as capital due to its isolated location at the border between Canada West and Canada East. During the 1850s, lumber barons built some of the world’s largest sawmills in Ottawa. Parliament Hill, originally a limestone outcrop in primeval forest, was constructed between 1859 and 1876. Rail lines were built in 1854 and by 1885, Ottawa had become Canada’s only city with downtown street-lights powered entirely by electricity. The original Ottawa Senators ice hockey team, one of Canada’s first organized hockey clubs, existed from 1883 to 1954.  Chaudière Falls hydroelectric generators started being utilized by local industrialists through “water leases” in 1889. In 1870, a horsecar transportation system began operating, but was replaced in the 1890s by an electric streetcar system, which ran until 1959. The 1900 Hull–Ottawa fire devastated much of Hull and Ottawa. Château Laurier hotel and Union Station opened alongside the Grand Trunk Railway on June 1, 1912. The city’s original Centre Block, destroyed by fire on February 3, 1916, was subsequently rebuilt in 1922, centered around Peace Tower. A former commercial district, Confederation Square was coronated by King George VI in 1939. The 1960 Greber Plan was implemented to make the National Capital Region more aesthetically pleasing, fit for a political scene. The 1960s-80s saw a large uptick in construction. Grant and Pam Hooker, founders of the legendary Beaver Tails pastry enterprise, opened their first store in Ottawa circa 1980. High tech was ushered into the city during the 1990s-2000s.

Canada’s capital, Ottawa today is home to over 1 million “Ottawans”. Ottawa is Canada’s fourth largest city, and naturally the country’s governmental center. Building height restrictions have kept Ottawa’s skyline minimal, though its tallest building is Claridge Icon at 469 feet. The oldest part of the city, known as Lower Town, is located between the Rideau Canal and rivers. Earthquakes, though rare, are possible due to the city’s location within the Western Quebec Seismic Zone. Home to a humid continental climate, Ottawa experiences four distinct seasons. Humidity is common  during peak summertime, while snow and ice are typically abundant throughout winter. Additional points of interest include Downtown Ottawa, Rogers Centre, Centre Block on Parliament Hill, National War Memorial, Rideau Canal Skateway, Peace Tower (bell / clock tower), Library of Parliament, National Arts Centre, Gatineau Park, Discovery Trail (hiking trail), Lusk Cave (hiking area), Lac Philippe – Parc de la Gatineau (beach), Mont Cascades (waterpark), Eco-Odyssee (tourist attraction), Cafe Le Hibou (restaurant) and Caverne Laflèche par Arbraska (amusement park). Local foods include poutine (French fries, cheese curds, gravy), smoked meats, bacon, lobster rolls, bagels, bannock (flat-bread), butter tarts, French toast and Beaver Tails. Popular drinks are whiskey, lager beer, wine, various cocktails and hot chocolate. With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Ottawa accommodations that will help make for a fun trip.

 

 

 

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ottawa Airport

135 Thad Johnson Private

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport

Hotel amenities: hot tub, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, 24-hour front desk, free bike rentals, business center

Nearby restaurants: The Keg Steakhouse + Bar – Hunt, Chop Steakhouse & Bar, Mandarin Restaurant, Cindy’s Restaurant, Dadam Cafe (restaurant), Nonna’s Famous Inc (pizza delivery), Royal Rooster Shawarma (Syrian restaurant)

Nearby misc.: 50 TWO Sandwiches & More (sandwich shop), Frankie’s Deli (sandwich shop), Skela Foods Inc. (deli), West Hunt Club Centre (shopping mall), Hylands Golf Club (golf club), Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club (golf club), EY Centre (event venue), AMPED Sports Lab and Ice Complex (sports complex), House of Plants (garden center), My Hookah Canada (oriental goods store), The Central Band of the Canadian Forces (band), The Met (church), RCCG Overcomers’ Chapel (church)

Within feet:

• • • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport

Within 1.7 miles:

• • • North Sawmill Creek Park

Within 2.1 miles:

• • • Sieveright Park

Within  3.7 miles:

• • • Mooney’s Bay Train

Within 7 miles:

• • • Canadian War Museum
    • Confederation Square
    • Peace Tower
    • Bytown Museum

Approximate cost per night (Studio Suite): $158

Cost per person (five people): $31

 

 

 

Byward Blue Inn

157 Clarence St.

Byward Market

Inn amenities: lobby fireplace, terrace, garden, free Wi-Fi, snack bar, continental breakfast, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, luggage storage, business / conference center, limited on-site self parking

Nearby: Byward Market Square, University of Ottawa and Rideau Canal

Byward Blue Inn is 22 minutes from Ottawa International Airport.

Approximate cost  per night (Suite): $211

Cost per person (four people); $53

 

 

 

Auberge des Arts Bed and Breakfast

104 Guigues Ave

Notre Dame Basilica

B&B amenities: air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen, daily breakfast, laundry facilities, free parking

Nearby restaurants / bars: Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta To Go (Italian restaurant), Fiazza (pizza restaurant), El Camino (restaurant), Pili Pili Grilled Chicken (restaurant), Hing Lung Chinese Food, Shelby Burger (restaurant), Peace-Garden Vegetarian Paradise (vegetarian restaurant), Khao Thai Restaurant, The Snug Pub (bar)

Nearby misc.: The Rainbow Bistro (live music bar), Jigsaw Escape Rooms, Amaze (escape room), Bridgehead (coffee shop), Wedel – Touch of Europe (gourmet grocery store), Piccolo Grande Artisan Gelateria (ice cream shop), Flower to the People (florist), Modmop Hairdressing, PARLOUR (hair salon), Julian.Marc.Salon (beauty salon), Salon Rouge (beauty salon), Smudge Beauty Bar (nail salon), ebb & flo (clothing store), L’HEXAGONE (men’s clothing store), Not Your Father’s Barber (barber shop), Vanity (body piercing shop), Scooteretti – Electric Bikes (bicycle shop), C’est Bon Cooking (culinary school)

Within feet:

• • • Notre Dame Basilica
    • U.S. Embassy
    • Major’s Hill Park
    • Art Mode Gallery
    • Rideau Mall

Within  1.4 miles:

• • • Canadian War Museum

Within 1.9 miles:

• • • Casino Lac-Leamy

Within  3.9 miles:

• • • Dow’s Lake

Within 9 miles:

• • • Pineault Ski Lift

Auberge des Arts Bed and Breakfast is  8 miles from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $104

 

 

 

Kokomo Inn

1175 Jacques-Cartier

Rideau Falls

Inn amenities: 2 terraces with river / garden views, campfire under the stars, flat-screen TVs, continental breakfast, bike / ski storage

Nearby restaurants / pubs: Sterling (steakhouse), Frerot (restaurant), Le Club House (breakfast restaurant), Restaurant La Creppa (breakfast restaurant), Mon Café (bistro), Ga-Ga Patates (fast food restaurant), À La Dérive brasserie artisanale (brewpub)

Nearby misc.: Beauté Paramédika (spa), Crêperie Meld&Melt (creperie), Pâtisserie L’Étoile (bakery), Plaisirs Gourmands (bakery), Caf’Noisette (nut store), Marché Al Andalous St louis (supermarket), Studio Cofia (hair salon), Penningtons (women’s clothing store), Boutique Librairie l’Essence-Ciel (metaphysical supply store), Quai-des-Cageux (park), Quai des Artistes (marina), THE GOD BARBER (barber shop), Au Centre du Party (party store), À l’Ēchelle du Monde (game store)

Within feet:

• • • Rideau Falls

Within 1.1 miles:

• • • Rideau Hall

Within 2 miles:

• • • Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Within 2.2 miles:

• • • National Gallery of Canada
    • Casino Lac-Leamy

Within 4.3 miles:

• • • TD Place Stadium

Kokomo Inn is 8 miles from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (presidential suite): $178

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Century House Bed and Breakfast

62 Stewart Street

Ottawa Art Gallery

B&B amenities: hardwood floors, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, snack bar, hot breakfast for a fee, free parking

Within feet:

• • • Ottawa Art Gallery
    • University of Ottawa
    • Carleton University
    • Rideau Mall
    • Rideau Canal
    • National Arts Center

Within  1 mile:

• • • Museum of Nature

Within 1.3 miles:

• • • Rideau Hall

Within  3 miles:

• • • Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Within 3.6 miles:

• • • National Museum of Science and Technology

The Century House Bed and Breakfast is 8 miles from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $166

 

 

 

 

 

Clyde Hall Bed and Breakfast

131 Mill Street

Timber Run Golf Country Club

B&B amenities: outdoor pool, solarium with wrap-around terrace, hot tub, wooden floors, flat-screen TVs, spa baths, common living room with a baby grand piano & fireplace, dining room with antiques, artwork & Victorian furnishings, breakfast (bacon, eggs, eggs benedict, waffles)

Nearby: Lanark Landing (restaurant), Timber Run Golf Course, Temple’s Sugar Bush (sugar shack), Baird Trail (hiking area), Mal’s Camping (campground)

Within feet:

• • • Timber Run Golf Country Club
    • Lanark Landing Restaurant

Within 6.2 miles:

• • • Braid Trail

Within 7.5 miles:

• • • Town of Perth Market

Within  9.7 miles:

• • • Perth Museum

Within 29.8 miles:

• • • Mt. Pakenham Ski Lift

Clyde Hall Bed and Breakfast is 40 miles from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $185

 

 

 

 

 

So there they are, Ottawa accommodations that will help make for a memorable trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most of all, that you enjoy your time in Canada!