THINGS TO DO IF YOU DON’T LOVE GAMING

As hard as it may be to imagine, not everyone loves gaming. But don’t worry! If you managed to drag your spouse/parents/kids/housemates to Ottawa with you, there are LOTS of things for them to do in Canada’s capital city. The downtown sights are easily accessible by bus, but if you came by car, give them the keys and let them go have fun.

 

MUSEUMS

Most museums in Ottawa should be open for the entire Victoria Day Weekend. Confirm at the Museum’s Website before you go.

Canadian War Museum—about 6 blocks Northwest from CanGames

Canadian Museum of Civilization— downtown Hull. Take the #8 bus from the transitway on Albert Street. About a 30-45 minute walk from CanGames

National Gallery of Canada—Byward Market downtown

ByTown Museum & Rideau Canal Locks — downtown

Bank of Canada Currency Museum—Bank Street at Sparks Street downtown

Canadian Museum of Nature—Elgin at the 417.

Laurier House — slightly east of downtown. Home to 2 Prime Ministers. Stay for tea time.

Billings Bridge Estate Museum—old Ottawa South near Billings Bridge

Museum of Contemporary Photography—Chateau Laurier downtown *temporarily in the National Gallery*

Museum of Science & Technology—East end

Aviation Museum—East end

 

SHOPPING DISTRICTS

Glebe—great little boutiques along Bank Street, from Glebe Ave. to Holmwood, and across the Canal Bridge to Billings Bridge.

Westboro

Rideau Centre & the Byward Market

 

MOVIES

ByTowne Cinema— art house & foreign films

Empire World Exchange Centre 7 — downtown feature films

Empire Rideau Centre

 

CHINATOWN

Ottawa’s Chinatown district starts at Bronson, and heads west about 6 blocks. If you’re looking for a Hello Kitty toaster, Dim Sum or some bubble tea it’s the perfect place to visit.

 

PARKS & BIKE/WALKING PATHS

Bike Rentals are available under the bridge across from the Chateau Laurier.

The Rideau Canal

Gatineau Park– very hilly hiking & biking. If you are not athletic, drive up inside the park to Champlain Lookout.

MacKenzie King Estate – Gatineau Park

Parliament Hill & Major’s Hill Park

Mer Blue Bog — East end

 

PARLIAMENT HILL

Climb the peace tower and visit the historic Parliamentary Library, which is the only part of the original building that survived the great fire.

 

LIVE THEATRE & MUSIC

National Arts Centre

Great Canadian Theatre Company