Tour Times – Fall 2025

Ottawa welcomes NTA Travel Exchange 2025 – register now!

From November 9–12, 2025, Ottawa will host the National Tour Association’s Travel Exchange (TREX) at the Rogers Centre Ottawa. This premier event brings together packaged travel professionals from across North America and around the world — buyers, tour suppliers, DMOs, DMCs, and receptive operators — all under one roof to build partnerships, discover new products and create the itineraries of the future.

Delegates will not only connect through meetings, innovative seminars and networking events, but also get the chance to experience Ottawa’s award-winning attractions, cultural experiences and stunning natural landscapes during sightseeing tours and social events.

Whether you’re seeking your next partner, next product or next big idea, Travel Exchange is where the packaged travel industry comes together to make it happen.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the industry’s most engaging event. Register now.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa officially opens

Canada’s first fully integrated Hard Rock Hotel & Casino officially opened its doors on July 3, 2025, offering another reason for groups and FIT travellers to visit Ottawa. Located on Albion Road, the transformed Rideau Carleton Casino is now a $350-million entertainment destination. 

It features a 150-room hotel, including 22 luxury suites, more than 150,000 square feet of space and a 24/7 gaming floor with 1,500 slot machines, up to 40 table games and a high-limit area. Visitors can enjoy 10 bars and restaurants, including the iconic Hard Rock Café and the upscale Council Oak Steakhouse.

The new Hard Rock Live theatre, with a capacity of 2,200 guests, launched with a signature guitar smash, a headline concert by Avril Lavigne on July 5, and the announcement of a $100,000 donation to the Ottawa Food Bank. With its vibrant nightlife, elevated accommodations and all-in-one entertainment experience, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is a standout addition to any group itinerary.

Earn big with the Ottawa Visitor Inspiration Program (VIP)

Unlock the ultimate hospitality with Ottawa Tourism’s exclusive Visitor Inspiration Program (VIP) — a points-based rewards program designed especially for groups staying at our member hotels.

Register your group tours and start earning points for every group and night registered throughout the year. Points accumulate quickly and can be redeemed for exciting rewards like attraction passes, discount coupons or even personal trips to Ottawa!

Register your group now and start collecting your VIP points today. Learn more about earning and redeeming points.

Where is the Travel Trade team in Fall 2025?

Ottawa Tourism's Travel Trade team continues to make waves across North America and beyond. Most recently, the team attended the SYTA Conference in Savannah, Georgia from August 22 to August 26, engaging in dynamic one-on-one appointments and networking with leading tour operators and suppliers in the student youth travel market.

The team will participate in an Ontario Sales Mission in Mexico from September 21 to September 26, visiting Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey to build new connections and strengthen international partnerships. The team will also be at Bienvenue Québec in Rivière-du-Loup, Québec from October 26 to 29, followed by OMCA Marketplace in Markham, ON from November 3 to 5. Finally, Ottawa is hosting the National Tour Association’s Travel Exchange (TREX) from November 9 to 12, welcoming industry professionals to connect and collaborate in the nation’s capital. 

Explore Ottawa’s spooky side with The Haunted Walk

Add some thrill to your itinerary with The Haunted Walk, Ottawa’s guided ghost tour. Perfect for groups and FIT travellers, these tours take you through the city’s most haunted spots while sharing chilling tales of ghost sightings, unsolved mysteries and local legends.

Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast, history buff, or simply want a unique experience, The Haunted Walk offers an unforgettable adventure after dark!

Discover Ottawa’s autumn magic with Fall Rhapsody

Autumn in Ottawa is a kaleidoscope of colour, with vibrant fall foliage throughout the city. Fall Rhapsody celebrates this spectacular season across Canada’s national capital region. Groups and FIT can savour the season with these ideas:

• Picnic in Major’s Hill Park
• Cycle or stroll the scenic pathways along the Rideau Canal (it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Ottawa River
• Explore the National Capital Greenbelt, a stretch of green space with farms, forests and wetlands
• Visit Gatineau Park, the national capital region’s conservation park and largest green space in the region. The park includes the historic Mackenzie King Estate, Philippe Lake and Meech Creek Valley.

Gatineau Park can be busy during peak times, so be sure to check access road schedules and any closures before your visit. From September 20 to October 26, 2025, free shuttle buses will run daily (except Wednesdays) from Ottawa to key locations in Gatineau Park. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis — no reservations required. A detailed schedule will be posted closer to the date.

 Learn more on the Fall Rhapsody website.

National Museum Spotlight: Canadian Museum of Nature

The new exhibit, Butterflies in Flight, featuring live butterflies is on display until January 4, 2026. 

For more information on FIT and group rates or tour booking, contact Nathalie Cellard at ncellard@nature.ca.

Savour fall flavours in Ottawa

Ottawa’s local food and drink scene bursts with delicious fall-inspired treats. From crisp local apple ciders to cozy pumpkin-spiced desserts, there’s something to delight every visitor.

Explore these seasonal sweets and savour the taste of autumn during your visit to Canada’s capital.

Frights and fun at Saunder’s Farms

Saunders Farm offers a perfect seasonal escape just outside the city. Savor wood-fired pizzas and fresh cider on tap at the MacIntosh’s CiderHouse restaurant, and browse the Farm Shop for homemade fudge, kettle corn, candy apple, and other delicious treats.

Fall for the magic of PumpkinFest from September 20 – October 26, 2025, and experience the world’s largest hedge maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch arcade, unique playgrounds, costumed characters and stage shows. Light scares and spooky attractions are perfect for older kids looking for a fun thrill. 

For the brave, FrightFest runs September 20 – October 31 and features spine-chilling haunts like the Barn of Terror, The Coven, Circus Macabre and more. Enjoy haunted hayrides, live shows and tasty treats throughout the night.

Virtual Coffee Break FAM - Escape Manor

Experience the thrill of Escape Manor in Ottawa this fall, where groups of 2 to 12 can dive into a variety of themed escape rooms. This activity is ideal for groups and FIT who must work together to solve puzzles before time runs out.

You can watch the Virtually Ottawa Coffee Break FAM tour here.

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.

Discover itineraries and packaged travel ideas curated for groups and FIT. You can also contact the Ottawa Tourism 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.