We are in the National Capital Greenbelt that features over 100 kilometres of natural trails. Our home in the suburb is 20 mins from downtown.
As the capital city of canada, ottawa has so much to offer ! From the nation’s history to its beautiful countryside, ottawa will not disappoint. Ottawa is remarkably green, with large mature trees and parks everywhere , and beaches along the 3 major rivers, also a historic canal that define the City and its region.
Ottawa is very bike friendly - its vast “Capital Pathway Network” has options for all cycling skill levels and ages . From easy recreational pathways to expert trails and mountain biking, Canada's capital is an ideal destination for cyclists of all levels including families and beginners.
Ottawa is also home to seven of Canada’s nine national museums. That makes it perfect historical enthusiasts and fun for the whole family, as well as solo adventurers.
https://ottawatourism.ca/en/ottawa-insider/ottawa-s-seven-national-museums
The world-famous Rideau Canal is 20 mins from our home and is North America’s best-preserved “slackwater” canal, and the only one from the great 19th century canal-building era that still operates along its original route with most of its original structures intact.
https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau
Come in February to experience the best the Canadian winter has to offer --- Winterlude festival! It takes place during the first three weekends of February each year! There is always something for everyone to enjoy.
https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/rideau-canal-skateway
Other attractions:
- Nature Nocturne (for a museum dance party)
Held inside the Canadian Museum of Nature's castle-like heritage building, this theme party for grown-ups makes you feel like you're breaking the rules and getting away with it lol Dance floors and bars are found throughout the exhibitions, inviting guests to explore.
https://nature.ca/en/visit-us/whats-on/listing/nature-nocturne/
- Vintage biplane rides (for the aerial views)
Take an exhilarating flyby from the Canada Aviation and Space Museum to the ByWard Market (another Ottawan landmark) and back on the circa-1939 Waci UPF-7. Originally a military training plane, it also has a history in aerobatics, and the turn over Parliament Hill shows off a bit of this flair. ***Rides are available seasonally from May to October.
https://ingeniumcanada.org/aviation/rides-and-simulations/vintage-biplane-rides
- Mer Bleue (for the fresh air)
Ottawa is known for its Greenbelt - 200 sq km of protected, environmentally sensitive land inside city limits. A great place to appreciate the green space is Mer Bleue, a 7000-year-old bog. The boardwalks make it universally accessible year-round (***check official website below for closure/ maintenance). You can hike, cross-country ski or snowshoe, depending on the season.
https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/mer-bleue
- Diefenbunker (for an offbeat museum)
Located 30 mins west of downtown, the Diefenbunker is a once-top secret, four-storey underground bunker, now a museum and national historic site. This museum built into the side of a hill was dedicated to the Cold War. Its name is a play on John Diefenbaker, Canada's prime minister at the time. The 1960s relic is now a one-of-a-kind setting for arts events, escape-room challenges and interactive zombie-themed experiences.
https://diefenbunker.ca/en/
- Nordik Spa-Nature (for a spa escape)
About 20-min drive from Ottawa, this outdoor getaway in the Gatineau Hills started out as a simple Scandinavian-style day sap. Now, with the addition of an underground saltwater floating pool that aims to replicate the Dead Sea experience, and a Russian spa treatment that ends with birch branches, Nordik has become a place to explore global sauna culture.
https://chelsea.lenordik.com/en/
Ottawa international airport is 20 mins away. Montreal airport is 2 hrs away. Toronto airport is 4 hrs away.
You can do more in a day with a car although there are buses throughout the city.
There is a possibility to include a 5-seater hybrid car for PLUers.