Ottawa is a terrific getaway for Torontonians!
by Tess Bridgwater
If you are taking a quick trip to Ottawa or other Canadian Cities for business or pleasure from Toronto, think Porter Airlines, based at the Toronto Island Airport. The journey is relaxed, easy and convenient. A free shuttle bus runs every ten minutes from Station Street at York Street, across from Union station and transports passengers to a terminal at the foot of Bathurst Street for the ferry ride to the Island.
After a short scenic ride to the Island terminal, Porter's commitment to the business traveler is already evident. A small alcove contains several free computer terminals where you can conduct business while waiting for a flight, and service is frequent and on time. Porter uses the roomy Q400 turboprop, one of the quietest, fastest planes flying today and with a flexible fare pricing system and several shorthaul desinations throughout Canada, Porter is definitely the Way To Go.
I flew to Ottawa recently, a journey of under an hour which got me to my hotel without the usual travel fatigue and ready to step out and see the city.
And there is plenty to see. Ottawa known mainly as a "Government" town and the seat of Canada's Federal Parliament, is a well kept secret that doesn't receive its fair share of Tourists. It is particularly attractive in Fall, many lovely city parks and nearby Gatineau Park ablaze with Fall foliage. A centre of culture, "The Peleponiad" written by Margaret Attwood, a clever modern take on the Odyssey, seen through the eyes of Penelope, has a limited run at the National Arts Centre. This is theatre to think about and it will be followed by several musicals over the Fall and Winter season.
There are also several of the best museums in the country, the new National War museum on a scenic sight upriver has several special exhibits including "War Brides" Portraits of an Era, until Jan 6 and a special Remembrance Concert on October 28.
The Museum of Civilization has a fine collection of Totem Poles and a permanent Canada Exhibit, including the Canadian Postal Museum. Special exhibitions include Treasures from China to October 28 and opening September 28, a Glenn Gould Exhibition. The National Art gallery is both an architectural and cultural gem which always has some high quality exhibitions.
You can also take a cooking workshop at Le Cordon Bleu, Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute, where students study for the famed Cordon Bleu International Diploma. Located in an historic home in the city it was the first location outside Europe, and is affiliated with the schools in London and Paris.
Just walking around downtown is an enjoyable experience with the impressive Parliament buildings, the National War Memorial, the Byward Market, a busy people place since Ottawa's founding in 1826, the Bytown Museum, located by the canal locks in Ottawa's oldest stone building, which traces the history of Ottawa's beginnings, and several shopping area like the Rideau Mall and Sparks Street. Round out your day with afternoon tea or a cocktail in the lounge at the elegant Chateau Laurier hotel, a hangout for politicians and celebrities for over a century. You might even see a few on your visit.
Take a drive along Sussex drive to Rockcliffe Park and the elegant homes of the Prime Minister and foreign embassies and Rideau Hall, residence of Canada's Governor General. Or it is only a short distance to the lovely Gatineau area across the river, where you can take a scenic journey on the Hull,Chelsea, Wakefield Steam Train which will set you down in the pretty little village of Wakefield for a few hours and you can have lunch at one of several cafes or the historic Wakefield Mill Inn located on the rapids.
Considering a Fall getaway – Think Ottawa, you will be amazed!
For further information Contact Ottawa Tourism www.ottawatourism.ca
Toll free 1-800-363-4465
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute www.cordonbleu.edu
September 28, 2007
Posted in: Canada