Tour Times – Fall 2024

Canadian Museum of Nature opens latest exhibit

The Canadian Museum of Nature has launched the Rewilding exhibit, now open to the public until September 8, 2025. Featuring works from 13 Canadian artists who won the David Suzuki Foundation Rewilding Arts Prize, the exhibit explores the concept of rewilding and the essential role of nature in our communities.

A jury of esteemed Canadian artists selected the exhibit, which offers a fresh perspective on the connection between art and the natural world. Admission is included in regular museum admission. 

Haunted Walk offers new hotel tour

Uncover the mysteries of Ottawa's iconic castle with a 75-minute guided tour of the Fairmont Château Laurier. “Secrets of the Château Laurier – Hotel Tour” is the Haunted Walk’s latest offering.

Go behind the scenes of this incredible landmark to discover concealed passageways, hear stories of political meetings and step into the grand ballrooms that have hosted countless events. Participants even get a peek at the luxurious pool and exclusive areas usually reserved for guests. While this isn’t a ghost tour, a spooky tale may be shared.

The Haunted Walk also offers private group tours and educational/youth group bookings with daytime and evening departures.

Parc Omega introduces panoramic chalets

Parc Omega, less than an hour’s drive from Ottawa, allows you to discover a variety of wild animals living in their natural habitat in every season. Now, you can escape to nature with Parc Omega's latest addition — 14 luxurious panoramic chalets, perched on the park's highest peak.

Enjoy breathtaking views, private terraces with spas, and immersive encounters with fallow deer, white-tailed deer and a nearby wolf pack. Stroll the 5 km of surrounding walking trails, take in the changing scenery and access exclusive experiences like the animal park’s safari route and its seasonal activities. 

Embrace fall at Gatineau Park

Fall in Ottawa is truly magical and Gatineau Park boasts some of the most spectacular fall foliage. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to the park for the stunning display of Fall Rhapsody. For groups and FIT looking to make the most of their visit, here are some tips.

Groups and FIT should explore lesser-known locations to avoid the more crowded south section of the park. Quieter spots include Meech Creek Valley with a charming covered bridge, trails 50 and 72 and Philippe Lake close to Lusk Cave and kayaking.

Skip the weekend crowds at Pink Lake and other busy spots — weekdays offer the same stunning views with fewer people.

Ottawa offers a variety of fresh-air activities for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers each autumn.

Gray Line Ottawa offers new wine and cider tour

Gray Line Ottawa launched a new tour for wine enthusiasts. “Ottawa’s Best Wine Tour” is about a seven hour tour that includes a tour of a wine cellar and vineyard, wine and cider samples and a variety of food.

Discover a double-decker and boat cruise combo

Explore Ottawa from land and water with Gray Line Ottawa’s Double-Decker and Boat Cruise combo. Perfect for groups and FIT, this combo adds a scenic boat cruise to their hop-on, hop-off adventure.

Choose a preferred cruise time (Rideau Canal or Ottawa River), while the double-decker bus pass is valid for a full day of sightseeing. Each tour features live guides in both English and French and lasts 1.5 hours.

Embark on a Serial Killer Cruise

A new thrilling, 90-minute journey, Serial Killer Cruise: Unmasking the Rideau Canal Ripper by Ottawa Boat Cruise is haunting the Rideau Canal every Friday and Saturday! Step aboard an electric boat and dive into a mystery set in the Gilded Age.

As you cruise along the iconic Rideau Canal, they'll put their detective skills to the test to unravel the chilling plans of the elusive Rideau Canal Ripper while sightseeing Canada’s capital.

Virtual Coffee Break FAM - Escape Manor

Planning a new tour to Ottawa but can’t get here just yet? Explore Canada’s capital through our many virtual guided tours and FAMs.

You can also get in touch with the Travel Trade team here or explore the Travel Trade toolbox.

Like what you’re seeing? 👀 Spread the word to your fellow Travel Trade pros! They can subscribe to this quarterly newsletter by contacting Ottawa Tourism’s Travel Trade team.