Luxury Ottawa Holidays
Overview
The capital of Canada, Ottawa, is a charming city with grand Victorian buildings and contemporary skyscrapers. It's home to renowned national museums, upscale restaurants, lots of golf courses, and nearby you'll find lakes, mountains and national parks providing a taste of the Canadian wilds. Luxury Ottawa holidays offer a chance to combine a cosmopolitan getaway with a great alpine adventure.
Ottawa is a waterfront city nestled by the broad Ontario River and intercut by the stunning Rideau Canal. At Downtown Rideau, the canal's cascading locks create a pretty picture and the local Bytown Museum details the history of the waterway. Enjoy canalside walks, boat cruises and admire the Gothic spires of Parliament Hill towering above the skyline. Watch a show at the National Arts Centre and visit the massive CF Rideau Centre for the best designer shopping in Ottawa.
At the historic ByWard Market, explore quaint pastel-coloured buildings and one of the oldest farmers' markets in Canada. Stroll over 600 local boutiques, independent shops, food stalls, bars and restaurants and soak up the lively nightlife. Wander the impressive Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and check out the artworks on display at the Ottawa Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Canada.
Take a trip to one of the many parks in the heart of the city and go for long walks amongst the greenery. Tour rushing waterfalls at Rideau Falls Park and Hog's Back Park or relax on the small bay of golden sands at Leamy Lake. This lake is also great for bird watching with over 30 species nesting in the region. Be sure to stop by Major's Hill Park for some of the best views of Parliament Hill.
When To Visit
Ottawa is a destination to visit any time of the year with hot summers and snow filled winters. From June to August, highs reach around 27 degrees Celsius making the city's riverside and lakeside beaches all the more tempting.
For cooler weather, try visiting in May and September with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius. November through to early April brings lots of snowfall - perfect for alpine adventures like skiing and snowmobiling. Be prepared for cold temperatures which can dip to -14 degrees Celsius from December to February.
Food & Drink
Your luxury hotel in Ottawa will provide the finest dining experiences with award-winning restaurants serving a range of delicious cuisines. Begin your morning with a buffet breakfast and as the day draws on, enjoy afternoon tea with gourmet sandwiches, homemade scones, cakes and a glass of champagne.
In the evening, sample a charcuterie and cheese board, grilled prime meats, and lots of fresh seafood - such as tea-smoked scallops to poached salmon. You'll also get to try classic Italian pasta dishes and Mexican specialities such as chicken fajitas.
Passport & Visas
As with any holiday, it's a good idea to carry some identification with you and to keep a photocopy of your passport. British citizens don't normally need a visa to visit Canada for short stays, but will need to obtain Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling. Visit GOV.UK for more advice.
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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provide the latest travel advice by country including safety and security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. For the latest FCDO advice please refer to travelaware.campaign.gov.uk
Current travel health information can be found by visiting travelhealthpro.org.uk/ a resource set up by the Department of Health. The advice can change on all sites so please check regularly for updates.
