Ottawa Events and Attractions
Guests of the Courtyard Marriott enjoy visiting the Parliament Buildings, National Arts Centre, Museum of Civilization and National Art Gallery, all within a reasonable walking distance. In the winter, guests can try skating on the Rideau Canal (the longest ice rink in the world with easy access to rental skates) and jogging alongside the canal in the other seasons. Summer is festival season in Ottawa, with events like the Ottawa Bluesfest, The Ottawa International Jazz Festival, and more, there's something for everyone!
Discover the sights and sounds of Ottawa, a world-class travel destination for families and business people. Please take a moment to acquaint yourself with the entertainment, shopping, cultural and sporting activities our city offers during your visit. For all attractions please note that times, exhibits and prices are subject to change at the discretion of the attraction, the above are estimates at time of last web update and do not include taxes.
Attractions
Parliament Hill
Parliament is the heart of Canada' s democratic system. Canadians' representatives meet on there to make laws that shape the country' s future and affect the lives of every citizen. Parliament Hill is located 3 blocks west of the Courtyard. Public tours are from 9:30AM until 4:00PM daily and last about 45 minutes. Tours start every 30 minutes.
Tel: 613-996-0896
Museum of Civilization
The Museum of Civilization includes an Imax theatre and a Childrren' s Museum.
100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Quebec, J8X 4H2
(819) 776-7000
Museum of Nature
The Museum of Nature includes animal and plant life exhibits, Creepy Critters Gallery, Earth and Mammal displays, and a dinosaur exhibit
240 McLeod (at Metcalfe), Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 6P4
(613) 566-4700
Canada Science and Technology Museum
With a focus on Canadian scientific and technological accomplishments, the Museum offers a first-hand look at what has driven Canadian ingenuity
1867 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 5A3
(613) 991-3044
/www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca
National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada, a visual arts museum of international stature, holds its collection of art in trust for all Canadians.
380 Sussex Drive Box 427, Station A, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 9N4
(613) 990-1985
Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is a global leader in minting, recognized worldwide for its unsurpassed standards of quality and craftsmanship in the production of both circulation and collector coins, and highly respected as a premier refiner of gold.
320 Sussex Drive , Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G8
(613) 993-8990
Canadian War Museum
Explore Canadian military history from earliest times to current operations by visiting the Canadian War Museum's Permanent galleries. Learn about the defining moments in Canada's military history and the ways in which past events have shaped the nation.
1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 1C1
(819) 776-8600
Events
Ottawa Irish Festival
Various locations
Produced annually by the Irish Society of the National Capital Region to celebrate Irish and Irish-Canadian heritage.
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Loin... (Far...)
National Arts Centre
Rachid Ouramdane performs a personal and poetic solo dance about emotion, imagination and roots.
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Canadian Interuniversity Sport Men' s Basketball Final 8
Scotiabank Place
Experience the best amateur basketball in Canada. Hosted by the Carleton University Ravens.
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Maple SugarFest
Richelieu Park, Vanier Quartier
Sugarfest features activities for all ages including a school visits program, children' s day, Sunday brunch, country night, Canadian night, lumberjack competition, all surrounded by traditional music, dancers and storytellers.
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Ottawa International Writers Festival, Spring Edition
St. Brigid' s Centre for the Arts and Humanities
A celebration of the finest new and established writing from across Canada and around the world.
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Ottawa is Blooming
Nepean Sportsplex
The 11th annual Kanata Garden and Landscape show.
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Bon Apettit Ottawa
Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park
Top restaurants, hotels, caterers, wineries and breweries in a beautiful heritage exhibition hall. The best cocktail party of the year!
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Canadian Tulip Festival
Throughout Ottawa/Gatineau
This annual world-famous festival features 3 million tulips in the region, sites along a 15-km Tulip Route, family entertainment, the International Pavilion and Celebridée, a celebration of ideas.
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Ciels
National Arts Centre
North American premiere by Wajdi Mouawad. Five spies are sealed in a maximum security location. Presented in French.
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Ottawa Race Weekend
Downtown Ottawa
Over 35,000 participants compete in a variety of challenging races, including Canada' s largest marathon.
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Doors Open Ottawa
Various locations
Building owners unlock their doors and welcome the public in to share the secrets of architecturally and historically significant buildings. Free admission.
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Canada Dance Festival
National Arts Centre and other venues
The 12th celebration of contemporary Canadian dance offers dance that provokes and entertains you, dance that is intimate, dance that expresses the ecstasy of freedom.
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TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival
Confederation Park and other locations
From the avant-garde to big band and swing, this annual festival offers musical styles to suit any jazz aficionado.
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Canada Day
Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau
Don' t miss Canada' s 143rd birthday in the Capital, when the region resonates with pageantry and the sounds of celebration!
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Art of Being Green Festival
Middleville Fairgrounds in Lanark County
Raising awareness about environmental issues and encouraging the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through public outreach initiatives including free workshops, exhibits, seminars, and interactive displays.
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Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival
Various locations
The world' s largest chamber music festival presents concerts in beautiful Ottawa churches and offers a wide array of music.
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Rideau Canal Festival
Along and in the Rideau Canal
A new eco-friendly festival celebrating Ontario' s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and featuring environmentally friendly fun for the whole family (canoeing, flotillas, cycling and heritage events).
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Caribe-Expo (Ottawa Caribbean Carnival)
Various locations
Enjoy lively calypso and soca. The cultural showcase of the event is the Caribe-Expo Street Parade where music is to be heard and fun is to be had.
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Ottawa Folk Festival
Britannia Park
The festival highlights Canada' s rich traditions with music, dance, storytelling and crafts. Side-stage shows are a particular highlight as musicians share the spotlight.
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SuperEX: Central Canada Exhibition
Lansdowne Park
A multi-faceted 11-day exhibition, SuperEX combines entertainment, outdoor shows and attractions, a large midway, theme pavilions and agricultural programs.
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Capital Pride Festival
Various locations
Ottawa' s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities will be jumping on the pride wagon. From culture to partying, there' s an event for everyone. Parade and show on Sunday, August 29.
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Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
Gatineau, Quebec
Come to Canada' s largest balloon festival where hot air balloons fill the Gatineau sky and a number of exciting shows take place.
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La Vendemmia: an Italian celebration of wine and food
Preston Street
Celebrate the harvest Italian style by taking part in a series of Italian wine and food seminars, dinners, cooking demos, wine tastings and a charity grape stomp.
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For more information about the City of Ottawa visit www.ottawa.ca
For more information about the Byward Market visit:www.byward-market.com