Ryan's Definitive Guide to: Ottawa and Kanata
reclermo
Happy to share all my tips for making your stay in Ottawa and Kanata memorable!
20 Jan 2007
based on 3 votes
A list of recommedations from a local to business and leisure travelers to Ottawa and Kanata, Ontario. The very best hotels, dining, entertainment, shopping and sightseeing the Capital City region has to offer
-
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Ottawa, Gatineau, Hull, Ontario
- Category: Best of
-
Traveler type:
-
Appeals to:
- Seasons:
- Tags:
|
|
|
|
Ave price:
$225
|
|
A great choice for those travelling to Ottawa on business who appreciate great rooms, service and comfort. Outstanding location for tourists as well. The hotel is conveniently connected to the Rideau shopping centre, Byward Market and Convention Centre. Their beds are as good as they get! |
|
|
|
|
Ave price:
$220
|
|
My personal recommendation for those travelling to Ottawa for the purpose of doing business on the Quebec side of the river with the public service. PWGSC is 5 minutes away by car and DND is directly adjacent to the hotel. The hotel is also the best value in the region for those who have high end tastes but like to get the most for their dollar. The pool is fantastic and is joined allowing indoor / outdoor access (even in winter). Try the outdoor hot tub in the middle of winter, definately a fun experience! Also, the restaurants, Casino and Concert Hall are great ways to spend your time there. |
|
|
|
|
Ave price:
$175
|
|
Unique in every way, the Brookstreet Hotel is the very best option for those doing business in the Kanata Technology Park. It is also the best option for those visiting the region to attend an Ottawa Senators game as the Scotiabank Place is only 5 minutes away via car or taxi. The hotel is a modern splendor and houses the region's highly acclaimed Perspectives Restaurant and also has a great lounge with live jazz on the weekends. I have also heard great things about the spa and fitness facilities. Views from the finely appointed rooms overlook the Marshes golf course which is my home course and one which I highly recommend to all golfers visiting the region. |
|
|
|
|
|
| The area is north of Rideau St. and East of the US Embassy on Sussex and is home to many great restaurants, galleries, shops and nightclubs. Highlights include Kinki, Milestone's, The Empire Grill and Helsinki Restaurant and Nightclub. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Parliament Hill is home to Canada's Federal Parliament, currently under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper (2007). The area borders the Ottawa River and is comprised of a great number of buidings representative of the British influence on Canada. This is a must see for any visitors to the city and especially wonderful for a late evening stroll in the summer after a great meal in the Byward Market. The public is permitted to view parliamentary proceedings from a balcony, but it is recommended to arrive early during the time parliament is in session because it is popular with school trips. |
|
|
6. National Library of Canada
|
|
| One of Canada's architectural treasures and is currently undergoing a substantial renovation. The Library is located on Parliament Hill and is worth a visit. |
|
|
7. Ottawa Senators Home Games, Scotiabank Place, Kanata, Ontario
|
|
| Kanata is home to the Ottawa Senators, one of the NHL's most exciting hockey teams. For a city the size of Ottawa, many visitors are surprised to find that nearly every home game is sold out! This year's team is led by their young goaltender Ray Emery and a cast of stars including Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatly and Jason Spezza. Schedules are posted online and the season lasts from October to April. Regular season tickets can be purchased online or though Sports Experts in the Rideau Centre downtown Ottawa. Alternatively, it is often possible to purchase tickets to regular season games for discounted rates (with some bargaining skills) outside the arena on gameday from 11am to gametime. The best value tickets are in rows A-E in the 300 level, but there isn't really a bad seat in the entire stadium. Playoff tickets can also be purchased outside the arena on game days and usually start at $150 and can go as high as $1200 per pair. When the Toronto Maple Leafs come to town, you can expect that no tickets will be available at the box office and you should similarly expect to pay about double face value from sidewalk vendors at the stadium. Please be aware that this involves a degree of risk; however, I have never had any problems getting tickets to any games using these strategies. The stadium (Scotiabank place - form. Corel Centre) is located off the Quensway (take Terry Fox exit) and parking is $10. It is advised to leave Ottawa prior to 6pm (for 7:30 games) to allow enough time for the slow rush hour traffic leaving the city on the way to the game. It takes between 30-60 minutes to reach the Stadium in Kanata from the downtown core. The teams begin their warm up 30 minutes prior to game time and it is fun to get there in time to see the teams take to the ice. A Sens jersey makes a great souvenir and can be purchased at all sports stores in the city for less than a hundred dollars, they will also help you blend in with the Sens Army at the game! |
|
|
|
|
|
| The Rideau Canal is known as the world's longest skating rink. Open usually during late December to March, it is one of the region's most popular attractions. During Winterlude, the canal is especially busy and is great for viewing the city from a different perspective. It is free for those who bring their own skates and skate rentals are also available; however, I advise it is best to by a pair for $75 at Sports Experts in the Rideau Centre as the rental lines are long and the quality of skates pretty average. |
|
|
|
|
|
| The Casino is surprisingly popular and draws a large crowd on weekends. It offers most standard casino games, slots and a variety of restaurants and nightly entertainment. The main drawback is that the casino does not have a texas holdem poker room, but hopefully that will change in the future. If you like (or would like to try) fondue, there is a great restaurant on the third floor with live music on Friday and Saturdays. This is a great restaurant for larger group celebrations. There is also a buffet restaurant and formal dining alternative located on the same floor. For those not wanting to venture far after a long night of gambling and fun, the Hilton Lac Leamy is adjoining the Casino and offers outstanding accomodation. |
|
|
10. Canadian Museum of Civilization
|
|
| Located in Gatineau directly across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill. It is a 5 minute drive from the downtown Ottawa area. The musuem showcases life in early Canada and highlights the country's fine collection of native art including a number of towering totem poles. |
|
|
11. National Gallery of Canada
|
|
| Ottawa's premiere gallery diplaying works of art from Canada's best painters and sculptors as well a number of foreign works which are part of their collection. The National Gallery of Canada is within walking distance of most downtown hotels, Parliament Hill and Byward Market. It is located off Sussex St. just northwest of the US Embassy. |
|
|
|
|
|
| The Canadian War Museum is beautiful from a modern architectural perspective and showcases Canada's glorious military past highlighting British / French / American battles as well as the Canada's participation in WWI / WWII / Korea and modern day peacekeeping missions. The War Musuem is located on Lebreton Flats to the west of Parliament Hill and is a 5 minute drive from the downtown core. |
|
|
|
|
|
| The Rideau Centre is a large shopping centre connected to the Westin hotel and accessed through Rideau St. It also connects via the Bay to the Byward Market. Highlights include The Bay Department Store, American Apparel, Roots and Jubillee Fine Jewelers. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Helsinki is Ottawa's upscale destination for nightlife and caters to the 25-40 year old demographic who enjoy a sophisticated environment and electronic dance music. The club holds special events most weekends and often showcases the talents of many famous DJ's from all parts of the world. Helsinki also has a great restaurant which is popular in the summer months where a group of friends can enjoy drinks and dinner on their courtyard patio. Special events are often quite busy, so it is advised to get there early to avoid a long line (especially in the summer). The party gets going around 11pm and can often go until the very early hours of the morning. The club is located in the Byward market just east of Sussex. |
|
|
15. Perspectives, Brookstreet Hotel, Kanata, Ontario
|
|
| This is in my opinion (and a great many others) the finest restaurant in the Ottawa Capital Region. It may even be one of the best the country has to offer. Located in the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata, and is worth the 20 minute drive west of Ottawa for the sheer experience of their chef's dishes (not to mention the beautiful decor and high end level of service). Check Brookstreet's website for weekly taster's menus and book in advance. |
|
|
16. Kinki Restaurant, Ottawa, Ontario
|
|
| Asian fusion restaurant in the Byward Market serving the area's best sushi and sashimi dishes. My personal favorite is the Kinki roll, which is a lightly battered in tempura. To share, I also recommend their sampler plate which allows you to pick a number of appetizers to share. Go with the meatballs, lamb popsicles, salad and spicy chicken. They also have a happy hour menu with double portions of sashimi and sushi plus great deals on their signature cocktails and martinis. Try it out after work or late night after 9pm. |
|
|
17. Hy's Steakhouse, Ottawa, Ontario
|
|
| One of Ottawa's finest steakhouses. Old style luxury and a high level of service. Try their ribeye steak, it's aged to perfection and grilled perfectly. |
|
|
18. Empire Grill, Ottawa, Ontario
|
|
| One of the top restaurants in the Byward market for formal dining. This restaurant is especially great for celebrating birthdays and special events. It is also a favorite among NHL hockey players visiting the region. |
|
|
19. Merlot Rooftop Grill, Marriott Hotel, Ottawa, Ontario
|
|
| The city's only revolving restaurant. Merlot offers the best views of the city and is perched high above the Ottawa river and Parliament Hill. Their Sunday brunch is outstanding but usually requires reservations in advance. |
|
|
20. Giovanni's Restaurant, Ottawa, Ontario
|
|
| Ottawa's most popular and delicious choice for Italian fare. Located on Preston Street in the heart of Ottawa's Little Italy district. Frequented by a great number of celebrities and has been around for a great many years. The restaurant can be reached from most downtown hotels in 10 minutes or less via taxi or car. |
|
|
21. Aux Chantignoles, Fairmont Chateau Montebello, Montebello, Quebec
|
|
| Aux Chantignoles offers the best Sunday brunch imaginable. It is located in the Fairmont Chateau Montebello and takes approximately an hour to reach via car from downtown Ottawa. I always recommend that hosts take the hour long trip to Montebello when hosting visitors from overseas as the Chateau offers a true classical Canadian experience with it's log construction and turn of the century architecture. Sunday brunch ($38) offers two sittings: 11:30 and 1:30 and reservations are a must. There is a dress code and no shorts are allowed. Make sure to take the time to explore the grounds located directly on the Ottawa river. The Chateau has hosted past Presidents and World Leaders, surely it would satisfy the tastes of just about anyone. A truly special experience and well worth the drive! |
|
|
22. Milestone's Restaurant, Ottawa, Ontario
|
|
| A great casual dining experience next to the Fairmont hotel on Rideau / Sussex intersection in downtown Ottawa. The restaurant is located on the first floor of a condominium residence and serves the best eggs hollandaise in the city. The prices are great (especially for breakfast) and the servings are nice and big. |
|
|
|
23. Seoul House Restaurant, Ottawa, Ontario
|
|
| For Korean food, this is Ottawa's best choice. The sushi rolls are only average; however the butter fish sashimi is outstanding. I also recommend the Kimchi Stew, Bulgogi and Korean BBQ ribs. The restaurant is not the most beautiful place in the world but the food is quite good and low in price. It is located on Summerset St. west of Bank. |
|
|
24. The Marshes Golf Club
|
|
| Golf doesn't get any better than this in the region! The Marshes is a relatively new course located next to the Brookstreet hotel and directly within the Kanata Technology Park which is approximately 20 minutes west of downtown Ottawa. Instead of holding meetings in a typical conference room, why not have them outside on the links! The course is a hidden gem among area residents and it is common to see various members of the Ottawa Senators hockey team playing during the spring and fall months. The course is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design and winds through natural settings. Deer and rare birds can be seen throughout the course's beautiful layout. The Marshes also has a splendid clubhouse, GPS guided carts, an outstanding practice facility and the best service one could possibly expect. The course is on the pricey side at $110 but well worth it! |
|
|
25. Thunderbird Golf Course and Sports Centre
|
|
| Not your standard 9 hole pitch and putt... this course is completely lit up at night during the late spring to early fall months! Each hole is a short par 3; however, it is in suprisingly amazing condition. If you have never golfed in the evening, you should give it a try at Thunderbird. A nine hole round is less than $20 and can be completed in about an hour's time. The course is located 5 minutes west of Kanata off Carp Rd then right on Richardson Side Rd. and about a half hour drive from downtown Ottawa. |
|
|
|
|
|
| A short drive north of Ottawa, this park is truly a Canadian gem. An excursion to Gatineau Park is great for cyclists, bird watchers, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Make sure to stop at Pink Lake observation deck for a great view of the surroundings. There are also plenty of campgrounds and BBQ areas within the park but require reservations during the warmer months. There are miles of trails and even kayak and canoe rentals for enjoying the prestine lakes. The park is approximately 30km from top to bottom so plan accordingly. Make sure to bring a good camera to capture the beautiful scnenery the park has to offer. |
|
|
27. DNA 11, Ottawa, Ontario
|
|
| Ottawa is home to a pair of visual artists who create large works of art from their clients's DNA! For those seeking the most creative and unique gift for someone special, look no further. Make sure to let Naz know that Ryan sent you. |
|
|
28. Victoria Kimm Sculpture & Design, Kanata, Ontario
|
|
| An outstanding young artist living in the National Capital Region specializing in sculpture and installations. Her work is on display at various galleries in the region. |
|
|
29. Winterlude, Ottawa, Ontario
|
|
| The Capital Region's winter festival takes place in a number of different venues around the city from February 2-18 (weekends) and includes events for the whole family. Entertainment includes outdoor skating on the Rideau Canal, Ice Sculpture Exhibitions and outdoor concerts. Definately the highlight of the winter season. |
|
|
30. Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, Ottawa, Ontario
|
|
| Ottawa hosts one of North America's largest Blues Festivals during the first couple of weeks of July. In 2007, the festival will be taking place at Lebreton Flats (Canadian War Museum) and will play host to dozens of performers throughout the duration of the festival. The location is within walking distance of downtown and it is the best way to get to the festival grounds considering the large numbers of cars looking for parking spaces in the area. Walk west past Parliament Hill and follow to the festival area. Performers and dates are listed on the festival's website. |
|
|
31. Scotiabank Centre, Ottawa, Ontario
|
|
| The Scotiabank Centre is host to a number of concerts and sporting events throughout the year. The stadium was renamed in 2006 and was formerly known as the Corel Centre. It is the home of the NHL's Ottawa Senators. It is located in Kanata off the Queensway (take Terry Fox exit) and is approximately 30 minutes from the downtown core (longer during rush hour). Tickets for all events can be purchased at Ticketmaster or through CapitalTickets. |
|
|
32. Ottawa 67's Home Games, Ottawa, Ontario
|
|
| Ottawa is not only home to the NHL's Ottawa Senators, but also home to the Ottawa 67's (Ontario Junio Hockey). The quality of hockey is very high and the tickets are a fraction the cost of Sens tickets. The other factor to consider is that the 67's play much closer to downtown Ottawa. The games take place at the Ottawa Civic Centre and cost only $14. Catching a 67's game is entertainment and suitable for a family outing. |
|
Compliment reclermo
