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: Ottawa, ON
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.
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!”
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.
