Ottawa Gatineau tourism

Ottawa, the nation's capital, sits at the meeting point of 3 rivers, the Ottawa River, Rideau River and the Gatineau River as well as the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is park land, cycling and walking paths near each of these and Parliament Hill has a great view overlooking the rivers. Across the Ottawa River in Quebec, Canada's French-speaking province, is the city of Gatineau and the beautiful Gatineau Hills, scenic parkland for hiking and cycling.

In the two cities are many national museums, the National Gallery, and top entertainment sites. Following are a few sites to give you a taste of the cities:

• Ottawa Tourism
• Gatineau Park and Mackenzie King Estate
• Steam train to Wakefield
• Casino du Lac Leamy in Gatineau
• Tour Canada’s Cold War Museum – the Diefenbunker which is very close to the middle and long meet sites

We will be designing a 'City Search-O' for you should you wish to see the city as we feel orienteers might like to tour. There is so much to see it can be daunting.

Some of our suggestions:

• Walk through the ByWard Market and try a taste of a Beaver Tail.
• Tour the Parliament Buildings, view the Changing of the Guards (10 am each morning) , or just stroll tour Parliament Hill and see the various statues and sculptures on the grounds. Take in the Sound and Light Show showing Canadian history any evening.
• The National War Museum is new and the Museum of Civilization is always a favorite and always expanding.
• For the aviation buffs in the group, visit the Aviation Museum very near the site of the COC sprint
• Tour Rideau Hall and grounds, home to the Governor General of Canada
• Find out how our money is made at the Mint.
• A short walk across the canal from Carleton U is the Central Experimental Farm with an Arboretum, ornamental gardens, and animal barn for the youngsters to visit.
• Come early or stay late and raft the Ottawa River - the best river rafting in the world with warm water due to top skimming dams!