Tour Times – February 2021

Winter sports paradise

Did you know that the Ottawa area hosts one of the largest cross-country skiing domains in North America? With 200 kilometres (125 miles) of groomed, scenic trails within the city and in the nearby countryside, the region is skiing heaven for beginners and experts alike. Check out other winter outdoor activities ideas such as snowshoeing, tobogganing, or ziplining that visitors can enjoy when visiting Ottawa in winter.

Rembrandt exhibit and the Canadian Tulip festival

The exhibition “Rembrandt in Amsterdam: Creativity and Competition” will open at the National Gallery of Canada on May 14, 2021 and will run until September 6, 2021. It will coincide with the start date of the Canadian Tulip Festival, taking place May 14-24, and will see special Rembrandt tulips (coloured purple/pink/white) in bloom among the 250,000 tulips on display in Commissioners Park along the Rideau Canal.

Hotel Intel: New 2021 properties

Looking to spend more time in Ottawa and need more hotel space? Ottawa has been adding to the accommodations landscape recently. In 2019, Holiday Inn Express and Suites Ottawa Downtown East opened, near ByWard Market; Sandman Signature Ottawa Airport Hotel opened, with free airport shuttle; and in 2020, Wingate by Wyndham Kanata West Ottawa opened in the west end of the city; and there have been significant updates in the Carleton Suite Hotel in the downtown core. Looking forward, the new Hyatt Place Ottawa West and the Hampton Inn and Suites Ottawa West (a Hilton property) are expected to open in 2021. For full listing of Ottawa Accommodations for groups and FIT check out the Listings and Chart.

Virtually Ottawa Coffee Break FAM Tours

Ottawa Tourism is holding a series of Virtually Ottawa Coffee Break FAMs. Each of these FAMs showcase a specific Ottawa attraction and take you on a virtual tour during a quick 15-20 minute format, the duration of your coffee break. The first FAM, held in January 2021, focused on the Canadian War Museum, with a one-on-one conversation with Stéphanie Fortin, Head of Tourism and Group Sales of the Museum. The second Coffee Break FAM happened on February 9th and visited the Canadian Museum of Nature with Lorna Sierolawski. To watch the previous FAMs, you can find the recording of the past events on the Familiarization (FAM) tours page.

If you want to show the Virtual Tour to your customers or share on your Social Media, you will find the downloadable 3-5 minute videos on the Travel Trade presentations and tools page.

Discover Ottawa for FIT’s and small groups

This 3-day itinerary is all about experiencing Ottawa’s summer vibes while following social distancing regulations. From culinary and bike tours to cruises and museums, small groups can safely explore the city’s landscapes and hidden gems. Read more

Explore Ottawa with a small multigenerational group

From downtown to the outskirts of Ottawa, this 3-day itinerary offers a variety of attractions such as tours, rafting, and museums that will fill a family’s excursion with discovery and wonder! Read more

Ottawa Eats: C’est Bon Walking Tour of ByWard Market

Laurie Wallace-Lynch shares her delicious experience in TO Times on a walking tour of the ByWard Market neighbourhood, and the shops and restaurants visited along the way. Read more