It’s a G7 capital that hosts national and international conferences at world-class venues–and invites delegates to spend their off-agenda hours pursuing thrills in the great Canadian outdoors.
Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, is nestled at the junction of three rivers on the eastern edge of the province of Ontario. Picturesque and historic, Ottawa is a diverse and welcoming city of one million that was founded almost 200 years ago on the traditional lands of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people.
It was established by British military engineer Lt. Colonel John By as an outpost for the construction of the Rideau Canal, which today winds through the heart of the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it is known for its considerable cultural attractions and experiences – including seven national museums and Indigenous tourism attractions – Ottawa is also a mecca for outdoor adventure and recreation.
Spring through autumn, cycling tours are a favourite and accessible activity for people of all ages. Over 800km of recreation pathways crisscross the city and surrounding countryside, many passing national sites and landmarks.
The recreation pathways aren’t exclusive to cyclists: joggers often exit their downtown hotels to start their day with run along the pathway that borders the Rideau Canal. For the hardier cyclist, trails lead into the nearby Gatineau Hills passing lakes and scenic lookouts.
Minutes from Ottawa’s premier conference facility, Shaw Centre, and within view of historic Parliament Hill, conference delegates can strap in and zipline between the provinces of Ontario and Quebec above the churning waters of the Ottawa River. The entire experience lasts about a minute, but the thrilling memories can last a lifetime.
Speaking of the river, about two hours west of the city the Ottawa offers some of the best white-water rafting and kayaking east of the Rockies. But delegates don’t have to venture that far afield to experience the river’s power, because just a 10-minute drive west of downtown they can climb aboard a raft with others for a 3.5 hour excursion ending with a mid-river view of the Parliament Buildings and Canadian War Museum.
In fact, with its three rivers and Canal, Ottawa is made for water sports. Stand up paddling, canoeing, kayaking, even fishing is readily accessible for anyone staying downtown.
Readily accessible across the Ottawa River is Gatineau Park, Ottawa’s outdoor recreation playground. During warm months there are aerial parks, ziplines, a mountain coaster, and mountain biking. In winter, downhill and cross-country skiing, and snow biking trails. Winter is also when visitors lace on their ice skates and experience the world’s largest skating rink – the frozen Rideau Canal Skateway, which winds almost 8km through the heart of the city.
Not for the faint of heart, Canada’s highest bungee jump is located on the cliffs of a flooded rock quarry just north of the city. Picture an amphitheatre of solid limestone, 200ft. high, surrounding a 160ft. deep aqua-blue, spring-fed lagoon, larger than three football fields.
This is the only place in the Americas where you can experience a 200-foot head (or body) dip. Your 160ft. rebound is higher than the entire jump height at any other site in the US or Canada!
Meet in Ottawa, make exciting memories!
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