Day 1: Travel to Ottawa, Tulips!
Board the coach and relax as you travel the nation’s capital. Spring is in the air and the city is decorated from head to toe in beautiful tulips in honour of Canada’s gesture of kindness during WWII and the sacrifices of Canadian servicemen in the liberation of the Netherlands. Spring is a perennial reminder of the gift of tulips of appreciation, and the blooms in Commissioners Park are a beautiful testament to the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands forged so long ago. We can’t promise what Mother Nature has in store, but the Canadian Tulip Festival
never disappoints! Then, it’s onward to your centrally located hotel in the ByWard Market. Get yourself situated and then discover Ottawa’s nightlife with a free night to explore the many restaurants, pubs, or trendy nightspots.
Stay: Courtyard by Marriot ByWard Market, Ottawa (3 nights)
Day 2: City Tour, Canadian Museum of History
In the morning, dive deeper into Canada’s heritage with a guided tour of the Canadian Museum of History.
This museum features the largest collection of indigenous artifacts and boasts the biggest totem pole collection.
Enjoy free time for lunch in the ByWard Market then board the coach for an informative overview of Ottawa in spring, with a guided city tour. Afterwards, freshen up at the hotel, and enjoy a free evening, perhaps continuing the conversation with new friends over dinner. Transportation will be available to take guests to the Casino Lac Lemay.
Meals:
B
Day 3: Rideau Hall, Choice of Museums, & Oh Canada, Eh!
After breakfast, visit Rideau Hall,
the official residence of the Governor General of Canada. This 79-acre “urban oasis” has trails, gardens, and historic buildings. (If available, subject to scheduling, there will be a house tour.) While touring the grounds, discover interpretive panels, art, cultural pieces, and some of the more than 150 trees planted by members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries. Continue your morning at either the National Gallery of Canada, which is home to one of the finest collections of Indigenous and Canadian art in the world or the Canadian War Museum,
which is dedicated to telling the story of Canada’s military history starting with the Boer War and ending with Canada’s current missions. In the evening, you’ll be treated to Oh Canada, Eh!, a celebration of all-Canadian music with an all-Canadian dinner! What better way to say, “Welcome to our Canadian capital!”
Meals:
B, D
Day 4: Ottawa Canal Cruise & Journey Home
Gain a new perspective of Ottawa as you travel on an informative Rideau Canal cruise (if available, subject to water levels). Board the cruise ship and weave through the city, while learning the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After lunch, say goodbye to Ottawa and head home, having breathed in the beauty of springtime.
Meals:
B, L
