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The 27th Annual Travel and Vacation Show

Date: april 6th (10am - 5pm) - april 7th (10am - 4pm), 2024.

Gain first-hand knowledge from representatives of tour companies, tourist boards, resorts, cruise lines and adventure vacation destinations. They are there, eager to answer your questions, giving better and more personal information than any research one can do on the internet.

Information about immersing oneself in the cultures of Europe, basking in the sun on a tropical beach, experiencing an “outbound” adventure in Asia, or going on a safari in Africa, it is all there – under one roof. For cruise lovers, most of the cruise lines are represented.

Find special vacations, from weekend getaways to trips to exciting overseas destinations. In a few hours you can walk around the world!

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Around the World in a Day: The Ottawa Travel & Vacation Show

• By: OLM Staff
• Posted: March 23, 2015
• Category: Arts & Events

Photo courtesy of Lois Siegel

Bit by the travel bug? Your timing couldn’t be better.

The Ottawa Travel and Vacation Show is back to guide you every step of the way in planning your next trip!

Whether you want to bask in the sun on a tropical beach, immerse yourself in European culture or escape on an African safari, all the info you need is under one roof!

A wide variety of exhibitors from all over the globe will be in attendance. The show presents over 190 travel and vacation exhibits with over 50 countries. Bound to draw your attention, tourist boards or embassies represent their countries in a festive way that celebrates their unique culture. Together with tour operators, travel agencies and resorts, they are eager to answer all of your questions! Offering free informative travel seminars, you’ll be armed with expert recommendations and must-have travel tips. Click here for the full list of exhibitors.

We can all agree that one of the best parts of travelling is tasting the local food! Be sure to come with an appetite, as the Ottawa Travel and Vacation show highlights culinary tourism in a way that is sure to tempt your tastebuds. Celebrity chefs representing Aruba, Japan, Korea and more will demo their cultural delicacies.

The Travel and Vacation Show will be held in the spectacular Shaw Centre , formerly the Ottawa Convention Centre, a state of the art building offering panoramic views of Ottawa’s iconic downtown landmarks. The ideal location to spark your imagination for future travel destinations!

Feeling overwhelmed with all of the options? Now is a better time than ever to step out of your comfort zone!

If you are headed to to the Travel and Vacation Show, why not check out the India Tourism booth? India is a magical place waiting to be discovered. There is endless history, beautiful scenery and a culture unlike anywhere else! India offers exotic, elegant and eclectic options for every traveller. Why not learn about some of the beautiful festivals that are always going on or dig in to some of the delicious cuisine? Whether you are a nature enthusiast, looking to deepen your spiritual side or to learn of important historical sites, the India Tourism booth will be able to help you find what you are looking for!

You never know where your next adventure might take you!

When & Where: Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive

Admission: $10 Seniors (60+) free admission on March 28 Free admission for children 12 and under

More information: travelandvacationshow.ca

Bon voyage, Ottawa Lifers!

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Planning a summer trip? Ottawa Travel and Vacation Show returns this weekend

The Shaw Centre was abuzz Saturday as the 27th annual Travel and Vacation Show made its return to Ottawa.

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More than 150 exhibitor booths from travel agencies and embassies were set up and ready to give the public a snapshot of sunny destinations from around the world.

"I think the general public is tired of trying to plan these trips on the internet rather than just talk to people from various countries and people that are actually doing the tours," said general manager Robert Player on Saturday.

"This way, they get a much better idea of where they would like to go."

Player says the show is expecting around 17,000 visitors over the weekend. To him, it signifies the travel industry is healing from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It’s improving after being down for three years," he said. "There was very, very little happening, but last year was a pretty good year here and this year is even better."

Walking the show floor were Vera Yuzyk and Terri Tomchyshyn, two friends who were brainstorming some upcoming trips.

"There's some really interesting brochures and places that I haven't been to, so it's a great opportunity to learn about other countries," said Yuzyk.

Tomchyshyn, having recently retired, said she wants to start expanding her travel experience.

"As much as I love living here, it's time to go see the world," she said. "This looks like a good opportunity to see who's got what available for us and to have a good time doing it."

Cuban music filled the air near the Caribbean booths as performers serenaded passersby. Some exhibitors were handing out samples of food traditional to each country.

"There are many different countries - unexpected places I've never heard of before," said Jean Roberth Souza. "It's a chance to see the world in one single place."

Others were planning trips closer to home. Terry O’Keefe is looking forward to a summer trip to Newfoundland with his wife.

"It's the only province we haven't been to yet and so we've got to take that off our list," he said. "It just looks like such a magical place."

The show provided him a chance to speak one-on-one with locals at the extensive Newfoundland display.

"There was so many people there to answer questions - that was really helpful."

The show continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shaw Centre. Tickets cost $10 at the door.

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11 Best Things To Do in Ottawa

Updated Feb. 12, 2021

Ottawa was designed with tourists in mind: There's plenty to see and do, and everything is just a short walk away. First off, there are two attractions that you really can't avoid: touring Parliament Hill and strolling along the Rideau Canal (both of

• All Things To Do

Rideau Canal Rideau Canal free

Snaking its way through the center of Ottawa, the Rideau Canal is one of the city's most historic attractions. This 125-mile waterway was originally constructed between 1826 and 1832 to create a secure supply and communications route between Montreal , Québec, and Kingston, Ontario – roughly 120 miles southwest of the capital. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the city's most beloved features.

During the summer, you'll find the Rideau Canal filled with boats (both private and commercial) and the paved pathways surrounding it crowded with walkers, runners and bicyclists. If you'd like to tour the canal by boat, consider signing up for a trip with Rideau Canal Cruises . Cruises, which take visitors from Chateau Laurier to Dow's Lake (round trip), typically last 90 minutes and take visitors past nearly 30 sights along the canal. You can also borrow a bike from RentABike for CA$10 (around $8) an hour. As the temperatures begin to drop, the canal transforms into the world's largest skating rink, spanning 4.8 miles and featuring a surface area equivalent to 90 Olympic-sized hockey rinks. It's also lined with stands selling hot chocolate and soup, as well as heated huts in case you need a break from the cold.

ByWard Market ByWard Market free

Sitting in the heart of downtown Ottawa, the beloved ByWard Market is one of the country's oldest and largest public markets. Throughout the year, you'll find local vendors selling everything from souvenir trinkets to maple sugar candy to handmade cold-weather necessities like hats and mittens. This is the ideal place for fresh produce or a cheap meal on-the-go; during the summer, outdoor stalls sell local favorites like poutine (french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy) and BeaverTails (fried dough covered in everything from chocolate to cheese). Surrounding the main market building – home to the Moulin de Provence Bakery, a favorite snack stop of President Obama – are numerous boutiques, restaurants and nightlife spots. Don't worry if you're visiting in the winter – those same yummy stalls stay open, but they just move indoors.  

Most recent visitors agreed that you have to stop by this market during your stay and advised setting aside several hours to explore the vendors and surrounding businesses (reviewers were especially fond of the pubs).

Canadian War Museum Canadian War Museum

Perched on the steep slopes framing the Ottawa River, the Canadian War Museum pays homage to Canada's long and violent military history, including its involvement in the French and Indian War and both World Wars I and II. Designed by Raymond Moriyama, one of the thousands of Japanese-Canadians imprisoned during World War II, this stoic museum houses remnants from Canada's numerous military endeavors, many of which resulted in tragedy. Among the museum's more than 3 million artifacts, it houses artillery, uniforms, medals, documents, sound and visual recordings and rare vehicles. It also showcases temporary interactive exhibitions, such as a recent display that told the story of WWI air combat though a graphic novel presentation.

Recent visitors gushed about the museum, recommending that future travelers reserve at least half a day (or more, if you're a history buff) to tour the moving exhibits. Beyond the artifacts and informative displays, the museum won favor with reviewers for its thoughtful layout and design. Others added that kids were as captivated by the museum as adults.

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Parliament Hill Parliament Hill free

Acting as the anchor of downtown Ottawa, these three neo-Gothic structures are hard to miss. Like its mother country – England – Canada is governed by a parliamentary democracy, and it is here on the Hill that decisions are made on how to run the country. But just like the city itself, the Parliament buildings put tourists on a pedestal, catering to their whims with free guided tours, concerts, cultural exhibitions and even a seasonal after-hours sound and light show. Recent travelers said visiting Parliament Hill is an experience you can't miss, with many saying that walking around the palatial buildings felt like taking a step back in time. The knowledgeable guides were another point of praise for reviewers.

Several areas are open to the public, the most notable being the Centre Block. From here, you can head upward to the observation deck of the Peace Tower for a bird's-eye view of the city (the highlight for many recent visitors), or pay tribute to Canadians killed during military service in the Memorial Chamber (tours of these areas are self-guided). On the central lawn, you can observe the vibrant Changing of the Guard ceremony, which occurs every day in summer (June through August) at 10 a.m. To the north is the octagonal Library of Parliament, with ornate galleries and colorful windows that shelter hundreds of priceless books. Recent visitors agreed that the Centre Block and the Library of Parliament are well worth a visit.

National Gallery of Canada National Gallery of Canada

Facing Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa, the National Gallery of Canada is a must for all art aficionados. This magnificent glass structure – easily recognized by the gargantuan spider sculpture at its entrance – houses works from heavyweights like da Vinci, Michelangelo and Picasso, along with indigenous and contemporary pieces . You'll also find some works by famous Canadian artists like Joseph Légaré and Antoine Plamondon, among many others. There are also a host of renowned temporary exhibits each year.

Recent visitors said they were as impressed with the building as they were the art, with many describing the facility as an "architectural wonder." Others were pleased without the variety of mediums on display, calling the gallery's permanent collection encyclopedic.

Gatineau Park Gatineau Park free

When you need a break from the city, head to Gatineau Park. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, this nearly 90,000-acre park offers a variety of year-round activities, including swimming, hiking, biking, camping, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, in addition to heritage sites and nature interpretation. Among the standout attractions is the Mackenzie King Estate, which was constructed in 1903 by Canada's 10th prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. You can explore the wooded paths surrounding the estate, peek into its restored cottages (which also feature interactive exhibits) or even stop into the Mackenzie King Tearoom for a spot of tea.

Recent visitors raved about Gatineau Park, calling it a national treasure and a peaceful oasis. Reviewers were particularly fond of the park's many scenic lookouts (especially the popular Champlain Lookout, which offers a bird's-eye view from the Gatineau Hills over the Ottawa Valley). From the lookouts, you can explore connecting hiking trails, such as the path that surrounds Pink Lake, another popular lookout spot in the park.

Canadian Museum of Nature Canadian Museum of Nature

Housing more than 10 million specimens, the Canadian Museum of Nature showcases 4 billion years of Earth history. Recent visitors agreed this is a must-see, especially if you're traveling with children, thanks to all of the museum's hands-on exhibits. Here, you'll learn more about prehistoric fossils, insects, wildlife and more. Start out in the Mammal Gallery, where you'll view dioramic displays on Canadian animals, then head over to the Bird Gallery to see the largest collection of Canadian birds in the world.

Sitting southwest of downtown Ottawa near Jack Purcell Park, the Canadian Museum of Nature welcomes visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day during the summer and every day (except Monday) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter. On Thursdays throughout the year and summer Fridays, the museum stays open until 8 p.m. and offers free admission from 5 to 8 p.m. General admission costs CA$13.50 (about $10) for adults and CA$9.50 (around $7) for children ages 3 to 12 (special exhibitions are not included in general admission). You'll find plenty of parking near the museum, but if you don't have your own set of wheels, several OC Transpo routes can drop you off within a block of the museum. Or, if you'd rather use your own two feet, you'll find that the facility is about a 20-minute walk from  Parliament Hill . For more information, check out the official website .

Canada Aviation and Space Museum Canada Aviation and Space Museum

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is home to the country's most comprehensive collection of vintage aircraft, which includes more than 130 artifacts and aircraft from both military and civil service. The main exhibit hall – known as the "Walkway of Time" – follows Canadian aviation developments from the start of the 20th century through to the present day and features both authentic planes and replicas of the most influential aircraft. You can even book a sightseeing flight over Ottawa in a Waco UPF-7, a vintage, open-cockpit biplane that dates back to 1939. The museum also offers seasonal sightseeing flights in a Cessna aircraft.

Recent visitors who self-identified as aviation nuts raved about the museum's collection and its exhibits. But even reviewers who said they had only a passing interest in aircraft said the museum was engaging and fascinating, especially for kids. Travelers suggested setting aside several hours to tour the museum's hands-on exhibits.

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Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica free

Even if you're not an avid churchgoer, the silvery spires of Ottawa's Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica are sure to catch your eye. Sitting across the street from the National Gallery of Canada , this impressive church is the oldest in the city as well as a Canadian national historic site and the seat of Ottawa's Catholic archbishop. While it may seem a little daunting from the outside, recent visitors say that you shouldn't be deterred from going inside.

Past travelers gushed about the architecture and stained-glass windows inside the cathedral, and highly recommended planning a short visit, especially if you're already planning to stop by the National Gallery of Canada.

Bytown Museum Bytown Museum

When it comes to brushing up on Ottawa's history, there's no better place than the Bytown Museum. Housed in what was once the commissariat for food and materials during the construction of the Rideau Canal , Ottawa's oldest stone building now pays tribute to the city's canal builder, Lieutenant-Colonel John By. Exhibits feature artifacts from early Ottawa – formerly known as Bytown – including period rooms and household items from the late 19th century.

Recent visitors said though Bytown is small, it's well worth a look. Other veteran tourists strongly recommended renting an audio guide (offered by the museum at no additional cost) to better understand the exhibits.

Canadian Museum of History Canadian Museum of History

Spread across four floors and nearly 300,000 square feet, the Canadian Museum of History (formerly the Canadian Museum of Civilization) is a behemoth. Welcoming more than 1.2 million people annually, it's also one of the country's most-visited museums. And it's easy to see why: Not only does the museum house artifacts and exhibits that detail 20,000 years of human history, it's also home to the Canadian Children's Museum and an Imax theater, CINÉ+. Among the museum's standout attractions are its collection of totem poles in its First Peoples Hall exhibition and its life-sized recreations of Canadian settlements over the past 1,000 years.

Recent visitors marveled at the building itself and praised the museum's vast collection of totem poles. Reviewers also appreciated that the children's museum offered plenty of hands-on activities for little ones (though some griped that the general museum admission does not include access to the children's museum or CINÉ+).

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10 free things to do in Ottawa this weekend: June 7 to 9

I t's an age-old question: What should I do this weekend without spending myself into an indebted oblivion? Well, come in a little bit closer my broke friend, because you're going to want to hear this.

There are plenty of things to do in Ottawa that won't cause you to blow a hole in your pocket and force you to declare bankruptcy.

You could take up a career as a pirate and sail the rivers of the capital, indulge in some fantastic locally made art, climb up a mountain, pull up a lawn chair and enjoy music performed by local artists, or even just embrace the nice weather!

There's a lot to do and a lot to see this weekend in Ottawa, so grab your sunscreen (and maybe an umbrella, just in case) and get out there!

Here are 10 free things to do in Ottawa this weekend .

Enjoy live music

www.instagram.com

Price: Free

When: June 8, 2024, from 10 a.m.

Address: Osgoode Village, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: PorchFest is an annual community grassroots music festival where neighbours generously give up their porches to act as stages for talented local musicians. Walk the otherwise quiet streets of Osgoode Village and hear all kinds of genres of music from all sorts of artists.

This one-of-a-kind music festival is an absolute must-visit as there's truly nothing else like it in the city. It'll be starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday and will continue for the entire day. It's perfect for a romantic and intimate date or just hanging out with your music-loving pals.

Accessibility: Accessibility varies around Osgoode Village

Osgoode Porchfest webpage

Hike the tallest mountain in the Laurentians

When: 7 days a week

Address: Mont-Tremblant, QC

Why You Need To Go: If you're an explorer at heart, consider going for a scenic two-hour drive over to Mont-Tremblant this weekend and hiking up one of the tallest mountains in the Laurentians.

Start your hike in a picturesque ski village and make your way up one of the many Mont-Tremblant hiking trails. Once you get to the top, if you don't feel like hiking back down, there is a panoramic gondola that runs until 4 p.m.

Make sure to wear the proper footwear and pack plenty of water, sunscreen and bug spray before you set off.

Mont-Tremblant website

Witness the creation of a giant mural

Price: Free admission

When: June 8 to 9, 2024

Address: Alexandria Bridge, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: The Urban Art Collective and the NCC present the Disrupt Urban Art Fest & Market, where a group of Ottawa-based artists will be creating a massive 400 ft mural in the shadow of the National Art Gallery.

The mural is only one part of the festival, though. Come hither to the Alexandria Bridge and see a celebration of street art in Ottawa, watch artists do their thing, and browse through an art market.

Accessibility: This event is wheelchair accessible

Urban Art Collective website

Leave it all behind and pursue a career in piracy

When: June 8th, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Address: 588 Hog's Back Rd, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Yo-ho-ho! Tired of that nine-to-five? Trade in that white collar for a wooden leg and be ready to sail the seven seas.

Pirate Life, Ottawa's very own pirate theatre, presents the first-ever Pirate Fest in Ottawa. Head over and take up arms with your pool noodle sword and there's no need to lose your doubloons! During the day there'll be plenty of family-friendly events for your little scallywag, but make sure to come back after 5:30 p.m. for a comedy show, an improv show and plenty of sea shanty singing.

Pirate Life website

Embrace your inner connoisseur at 'Art in the Park'

When: June 8 to 9, 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Central Park, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Calling all art connoisseurs! If you love looking at art but are getting tired of the National Art Gallery, head on over to Central Park this weekend.

The Glebe's Art in the Park is Ottawa's largest grassroots art festival, with over 150 Ottawa-based artists showing off their art all weekend. Painters, photographers, collage artists, clothiers, jewellers -- all kinds of artists will be there, and all art will be available for purchase in case anything really strikes your fancy.

There will also be plenty of food vendors, plus live entertainment. You cannot miss this!

Accessibility: This event is not wheelchair accessible.

Art in the Park website

Attend a 'no yard' yard sale

When: June 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Address: Minto Park, 102 Lewis St, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: The Minto Park Sale is a community tradition when neighbours put together their odds and ends in hopes that they can pass them on to another neighbour.

Imagine a big yard sale but instead of being in a yard, it's in a park. While browsing through all sorts of "odds and sods," you can enjoy live entertainment as this event is also a part of the " City Sounds Live " program.

Accessibility: This is an accessible event

Minto Park Sale 2024 webpage

Peruse one of Ottawa's largest pop-up flea markets

When: June 8, 2024, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Address: Aberdeen Pavilion, Landsdowne Park, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Who doesn't love a flea market? 613flea is a biweekly pop-up flea market with over 150 vendors selling everything from clothing, antiques, handmade goods and delicious food to plenty of eclectic goods, too!

It's an ever-changing market, so each time you go it's going to be different. It's a great way to spend your late morning or early afternoon on Saturday, and once you're done perusing through the vast selection of goods, walk through the beautiful Landsdowne Park and maybe even take a stroll down the canal.

Accessibility: The Aberdeen Pavilion is an accessible venue

613flea website

Beat the heat at the NCC River House

When: Open every day, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Address: 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Do you feel the sweat dripping off your brow? Are you looking for a nice refreshing way to beat that Ottawa Valley heat? The NCC Riverhouse is a refreshing and beautiful refuge from that soupy humidity.

The NCC Riverhouse recently re-opened its enclosed swimming area, complete with floating platforms and plenty of pier to sit back and bathe in the sun. If you get hungry during your swim, feel free to help yourself to some tasty food at the NCC Cafe & Bistro.

Accessibility: The NCC River House is a fully accessible venue

NCC website

Stroll through a pop-up art gallery

When: June 7, 2024, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and June 8, 2024, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Address: 181 Glebe Ave, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: SOCIAL SPACE is a pop-up art gallery that promises to "blend art, socializing, and philanthropy into one vibrant package."

Here, you can browse through art made by the very talented Gordon Leverton. All art is available for purchase and proceeds will be partially donated to the Ottawa Food Bank.

Accessibility: 181 Glebe Ave is not a wheelchair-accessible venue

SOCIAL SPACE website

Get ready for Eid al-Adha with a bazaar

When: June 9, 2024, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Address: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Eid al-Adha is right around the corner and in preparation you can attend a special celebration at the Multicultural Eid Bazaar at the Nepean Sportsplex this Sunday, where over 60 vendors will be offering all kinds of products.

The Nepean Sportsplex is an accessible venue

Multicultural Eid Bazaar Facebook event page

Have plenty of fun and stay safe, Ottawa!