Ontario

Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, is a national historic site on 79 acres, only a few minutes from downtown Ottawa.  Under British landscape tradition, the grounds are divided between treed lawns, flowerbeds and service areas, with some areas remaining in a semi-wild state. Our tour of the grounds will follow paths that lead through the beautifully landscaped grounds, past monuments, a cricket pitch, and heritage gardens with numerous interpretive panels showcasing art and cultural pieces. Because Rideau Hall is a working residence, the availability of the house tour will depend on the scheduled events for the day. 

The ByWard Market

Explore the ByWard Market, one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets. This premier destination for shopping, dining, arts, and entertainment is home to both a local farmers’ market and artisans with over 260 stands as well as over 600 businesses including unique boutique shops and restaurants.

Guided city tour of Ottawa

Explore our nation's capital and learn about Canada’s rich history and culture as you enjoy a tour of Ottawa with a local step on guide. As you make your way through the city you will see the culturally significant historic buildings, museums, and government buildings including Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court of Canada, and the residence of the Prime Minister.

Guided tour at the Canadian Museum of History

With the mandate to enhance understanding and appreciation of the events, people and objects that have shaped Canada’s history and identity, The Canadian Museum of History is one of Canada’s oldest public institutions and most visited museums. There is the spectacular Grand Hall with an introduction to the history, cultures and beliefs of the First Peoples of Canada’s Pacific Coast.  The Canadian History Hall, explores the journey of a country and its people.  Driven by human stories and historical treasures, visitors discover the richness and diversity of the Canadian experience, from the long-past to present day.  It is well worth re-visiting the lessons of history, taken in context, and perhaps gain insight for looking at the issues of today from a different perspective.

Discover Canada's Rich History

While in Ottawa, enjoy a visit to either The National Gallery of Canada or The Canadian War Museum.

The National Gallery of Canada was founded in 1880 as a gift to the nation.  Home to one of the finest collections of Indigenous and Canadian art in the world, the gallery showcases some of the triumphs of human creativity.  View works from antiquity to present day and discover new insight into what it means to be Canadian:  “Ankosé – Everything is connected.”

The Canadian War Museum houses several vehicles of war such as aircraft and tanks, telling the story of Canada’s military history starting with the Boer War and ending with Canada’s current missions. Engaging historic artifacts and displays enable visitors to respect Canada’s military on a whole new level.

Tulip Gardens in Commissioners Park

Canada’s gesture of kindness during WWII and the sacrifices of Canadian servicemen in the liberation of the Netherlands have not been forgotten. Spring is a perennial reminder of the gift of tulips of appreciation, and the blooms in Commissioners Park are a beautiful testament to friendship between Canada and the Netherlands forged so long ago.  While the history enthusiast may be inclined to learn more of the related background stories of sacrifice, bravery and liberation, all can appreciate the beautiful park and the amazing display of tulips.

Oh, Canada, Eh!  Canada’s Longest Running Dinner Musical

Enjoy a high energy evening of laughs and all things Canadian with Oh Canada, Eh.  Hear over 70 hits including the music of Paul Anka, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, the Barenaked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber, and so many more!  Meet some of Canada’s iconic characters, such as the Mountie, the Hockey Player, Anne of Green Gables, and Klondike Kitty. During the performance, savour authentic Canadian cuisine served by a cast of iconic characters.

Ottawa Canal Cruise

Did you know that the Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?  View Ottawa from a whole new perspective as the canal gracefully weaves its way through the city.  From the perspective of the water, with this guided tour, cruise and discover the historical significance of the canal and enjoy the views and the springtime tulip blooms along this scenic waterway.

Casino Lac-Leamy

With an American-style grand casino, and European-style features, Casino Lac-Leamy in Gatineau has a plethora of fun and games and entertainment and restaurants to choose from and enjoy. 

Gorgeous Gardens!

Our nation’s capital is beautiful in the spring with blooming tulips. Did you know that Ottawa boasts the LARGEST public tulip display in the world? We’ll spend some time at the major tulip site, Commissioners Park, but we’ll see tulips featured all over the city!

Meander through Ottawa’s excellent museums.

It’s always a good time to learn something new, or re-visit with renewed appreciation the moments in history, the people, and the objects that have shaped our world.  Ottawa is home to seven of Canada’s nine national museums.  Included with this tour are The Canadian Museum of History and either The National Gallery of Canada or the Canadian War Museum.

• Private coach transportation
• Our unique Connections Program
• 3 nights of accommodation
• 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
• Local professional guide and all entry fees and passes for the listed highlights
• Services of a Professional Tours in Canada Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include HST.

Included Highlights

• Oh Canada, Eh! Dinner and Show 
• Guided city tour of Ottawa
• ByWard Market
• Guided tour of the Canadian Museum of History
• Rideau Hall  
• Entry to either The National Gallery of Canada OR The Canadian War Museum
• Commissioners Park to see the tulips
• Free time at Casino Lac Leamy
• Ottawa Canal Cruise (if available, depending on water levels)

Day 1: Travel to Ottawa, Ridean Hall

Board the coach and relax as we make our way to the nation’s capital. Upon arrival, we’ll visit Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada.  This is a 79-acre “urban oasis” with trails, gardens, and historic buildings. While touring the grounds, discover interpretive panels, art, and cultural pieces, and some of the more than 150 trees planted by members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries. Then, it’s onward to your centrally located hotel in the ByWard Market. Discover Ottawa’s nightlife with a free night to explore the many restaurants, pubs, or trendy nightspot.

Stay: Courtyard by Marriot ByWard Market, Ottawa

Nights: 3

Day 2: City Tour, Canadian Museum of History

In the morning, dive deeper into Canada’s heritage with a guided tour of the Canadian Museum of History. This museum features the largest collection of indigenous artifacts and boasts the biggest totem pole collection. Enjoy free time for lunch in the ByWard Market then board the coach for an informative overview of Ottawa in spring, with a guided city tour. Afterwards, freshen up at the hotel, and enjoy a free evening, perhaps continuing the conversation with new friends over dinner. Transportation will be available to take guests to the Casino Lac Lemay.

Meals: B

Day 3: Museums and Tulips!

This will be a full day, so you’ll want to have a good breakfast!  In the morning, choose between the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian War Museum.  Don’t worry, we won’t let you get too lost indoors in the museums, since in the afternoon we’ll be outside again, with a visit to Commissioners Park.  We can’t promise what Mother Nature has in store, but the tulips for the Canadian Tulip Festival in recent years have been amazing!  Back at the hotel, there’ll be time to relax and get refreshed before attending Oh Canada, Eh!, a celebration of all-Canadian music with an all-Canadian dinner! What better way to say, “Welcome to our Canadian capital!”

Meals: B, D

Day 4: Ottawa Canal Cruise & Journey Home

This morning, (if available, subject to water levels), be treated to a guided tour of the Ottawa from a different perspective. Board the cruise ship and travel along the Rideau Canal, taking in the beauty of the region while the history and significance of the canal are explained. After lunch, we’ll say good-bye to Ottawa, and head for home, having an renewed appreciation for what it means to be Canadian, and having breathed in the beauty of springtime.

Meals: B, L

Courtyard by Marriott, ByWard Market, Ottawa (3 nights)

Located in the ByWard Market, the Courtyard by Marriot is just steps away from all of the attractions. 

This 4-day day tour follows pickup route C1, and includes our unique Connections Program. The pickup locations

are:

• Brampton
• Markham
• Whitby 
• Bowmanville
• Lindsay
• Peterborough
• Port Hope
• Cobourg 
• Trenton
• Belleville 
• Napanee
• Kingston

We recommend comfortable walking shoes and appropriate outdoor apparel to enjoy the Byward Market, Commissioner’s Park, and the Rideau Hall grounds.

This tour is really based in Ottawa/Gatineau, so with our Connections Program, we could welcome guests to join us from anywhere in the world! Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.