Local Attractions
For get-away packages, local attractions and events: www.ottawatourism.ca
For self guided tours of the Parliament Buildings (including the Peace Tower in the Central Block): www.parl.gc.ca/vis
By power of sail or motor or a paddle, the Rideau Canal is an amazing boating destination. Having 47 locks at 24 lock stations, the Canal is a chain of beautiful lakes running 202 kilometres from Lake Ontario in Kingston to the Ottawa River in Ottawa. The canal is a mecca for boaters and is well marked with buoys, making it very easy to navigate. The Riduea Canal’s 24 lockstations are all accessible by road, and can therefore be reached by vehicle, bicycle or on foot. Most lock stations have parking spaces, bicycle racks, public washrooms, picnic areas. For more information: www.rideauheritageroute.ca
Sparkling waters, rocky shorelines, towering treescapes, and pristine beaches – these are just a few of the ingredients in the recipe for making memories, Ontario Parks style. On the ontarioparks.ca site, check out Charleston Lake Provincial Park, Frontenac Provincial Park, Murphy’s Point provincial Park, and Rideau River Provincial Park.
Rideau Flatwater Paddling Routes: access is very easy at any of the over 30 launch ramps and most lockstations. Those travelling the length of the canal have the option of “locking through” the locks or portaging past them. With over 1,091 kilometres (675 miles) of shoreline on the Rideau, there is much to explore. Contact Frontenac Outfitters Canoe and Kayak Centre for more detailed Eastern Ontario “paddle routes” information www.frontenac-outfitters.com
For more information on cycling in the region please visit www.rideauheritageroute.ca
The two longest hiking trails are the Rideau Trail (www.rideautrail.org )and the Cataraqui Trail (www.tctrail.ca ). They are part of the Trans-Canada trail system.
Festival Karsh Ottawa/2009 is a collaboration between the Canada Science and Technology Museum and the Portrait Gallery of Canada, a program sponsored by the Library and Archives. Festival Karsh is a city-wide celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Yousuf Karsh, one of Canada’s greatest portraitists. The exhibition will be ongoing at the Library and Archives Canada (the home of our conference) from June- Sept. The exhibition is titled “Sound and Vision: Portraits of Musicians and Composers by Yousef Karsh. More information at www.festivalkarsh.ca