OTTAWA: The City of Museums and So Much More
Credit: Ottawa Tourism
Ottawa is so much more than the nation’s capital.
It’s a vibrant, bustling city that has so much to offer, from exhilarating experiences to world-class cuisine, and everything else in between.
Often, what Ottawa is known for is being home to seven national museums. To show how much more culture the city has to offer, and what makes it a perfect choice to host your next event, is the city’s latest campaign, which has turned local points of interest into 76 Unofficial Museums.
Read on to read everything Ottawa has to offer you and your guests the next time you visit.
EXPERIENCE
Mountain Coaster at Camp Fortune – The Unofficial Museum of Twists and Turns – Take your bravest and most adventurous guests to Gatineau Park – an outdoor activity mecca – where they can zoom down the hills at Camp Fortune at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The trip up doesn’t get your blood pumping as fast, but you can relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the city all from the comfortable chairlift ride up the hill.
Credit: Explore David Jackson, Ottawa City Rafting
The Unofficial Museum of Bumpy Rides – If you’re in search of excitement, or looking to motivate your corporate team, try Ottawa City Rafting – a one-of-a-kind guided rafting excursion near the downtown core, where you can learn, have fun, and take in the beautiful views. It’s 2.5 hours of pure Ottawa-only fun.
Credit: Ottawa Tourism
The Unofficial Museum of The Longest Day – Enjoy some of the country’s best Indigenous talent through music, dance, workshops, food and more at Mādahòkì Farm. Admission is free and families are welcome. Make sure to check out the fan favourite, Competition Pow Wow while you’re there!
VENUE
Credit: Destination Canada
Canada Aviation and Space Museum – If you need a venue that’s totally unique, book your next event at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, home to more than 130 civil and military aircrafts and artifacts. You can rent out spaces both indoor and outdoor, with capacities ranging from 50-1,000 guests.
Credit: Shaw Centre
Shaw Centre – Need something with more room? Book your next event at the Shaw Centre, which boasts close to 200,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. It was also recently awarded the APIC APEX Award for the Best Convention Centre in the World and is an architectural icon in the city. You can’t beat the location, either: it’s within walking distance of more than 6,000 hotel rooms and is a quick commute from the Ottawa International Airport.
Credit: Adrien Williams
Ottawa Art Gallery – If airy and light-filled centres are more your speed and style, try the Ottawa Art Gallery. This newly expanded space is bright and dynamic and is certain to leave a lasting impression with guests for any event you plan there.
FOOD
Credit: Ottawa Tourism
Starling – The Unofficial Museum of Giant Bird Cages – Take clients to Starling for an experience like no other. The restaurant brings you both contemporary and classic dishes in one of the city’s oldest buildings. The atmosphere alone (which uses giant bird cages and tin tiles) will take your basic dinner and drinks to new heights.
Credit: Ottawa Tourism
HeadQuarters – The Unofficial Museum of Brunches & Haircuts – Located in the famous ByWard Market, HeadQuarters can offer you so much more than your basic restaurant experience. The place is part restaurant and part hair salon (yes, you read that right!). The place is known for its delictable brunch (including espresso cream cheese pancakes and fried chicken and Belgian waffles) that they serve up seven days a week.
Credit: Ottawa Tourism
Riviera – The Unofficial Museum of Seafood Towers – If you want somewhere to impress your staff, guests, or clients, take them to Riviera, one of Canada’s Top 100 restaurants. The menu is always rotating, but its standout is the seafood tower that will no doubt wow even the most sceptical. If seafood isn’t for you and your guests, they also serve up classic dishes like steak frites.
BEVERAGE
Oat Couture Oatmeal Cafe & Montgomery Scotch Lounge – The Unofficial Museum of Oats and Scotch – Head to Oat Couture for coffee and oat-based smoothies to fuel you first thing in the morning. At night, watch it transform in to the Montgomery Scotch Lounge where you can sample and taste up to 75 kinds of single malt scotch. It’s the perfect place to stop off for a nightcap after a long day of conferences.
La Terrasse at the Fairmont Château Laurier – The Unofficial Museum of Ceasars & Views – Want to take your clients out for drinks and view? Head to La Terrasse at the Fairmont Château Laurier where you can sip on cocktails, wine, and beer, and enjoy scenic views of the Parliament Buildings and the Ottawa River in this hidden gem.
Credit: Ottawa Tourism
Little Victories Coffee Roasters – The Unofficial Museum of Latte Art – Coffee and Instagram lovers alike will marvel at Little Victories Coffee, a small independant coffee roaster in downtown Ottawa, that is known for its latte art and cool, laid-back aesthetic. Take a trip here to kick off a busy day of event planning.
For more information on everything Ottawa has to offer, please visit OttawaTourism.ca.
CMEExpo will be travelling to North America’s most exciting destinations and reporting on what they have to offer in terms of experience, venue, food, and beverage. To have your city nominated, contact sonia@newcom.ca today and explain why your destination should be featured next.