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1:30 p . m . — A giant spider and the glassed-in ‘ steeple ’ of the National Gallery of Canada can be seen from the north-western edge of the Market . Designed by Canada ’ s prominent architect , Moshe Safdie , the church-shaped , glass enclosure features some of the best examples of Canada ’ s historical and contemporary artwork , as well as photography . Getting in , however , requires overcoming arachnophobia , since its entrance is guarded by Maman , a gargantuan bronze spider sculpture on the plaza !
Evening — For a variety of restaurants , shopping , and entertainment , head to the historic Glebe neighbourhood . Down the road is Lansdowne , a newly developed pedestrian-friendly space with expansive restaurants and movie theatres , while the adjacent TD Place , home of the Ottawa Redblacks and Ottawa Fury , regularly presents major sporting and entertainment events . Or try your luck across the Ottawa River at Casino du Lac-Leamy : its restaurant , Banco Bistro , is renowned for authentic French cuisine . Then dance the night away inside Aléa , the Casino ’ s exciting and immersive nightclub .
casino Du lac-lEamy
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Day Two
The second day ’ s itinerary includes must-sees that are farther afield and may require transit , bicycles , or a vehicle .
10 a . m . — Just across the Ottawa River , opposite Parliament Hill , is an architecturally stunning building that , with its organic contours and shapes , evokes images of Aboriginal longhouses , earth lodges , and igloos . The Canadian Museum of History is dedicated to showcasing the land ’ s engaging , diverse history . Inside , children can also grab a passport and travel around the world in the highly interactive and kid-friendly Children ’ s Museum , or if soaring through canyons or swimming with sharks is more your thing , the museum ’ s CINÉ + theatre has regular showings .
1 p . m . — The Québec side of the river boasts the area ’ s largest wildlife area , filled with miles of trails , lakes , and rolling hills . Gatineau Park welcomes visitors year-round , with an abundance of seasonal activities to take part in — and it ’ s only minutes from downtown Ottawa ! Seeking to relax at the end of your time inside the park ? Nordik Spa-Nature is the largest outdoor spa in North America and its proximity to the
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park means that many of its hot and cold pools , and steam and sauna rooms are nestled among trees and natural outcroppings . It ’ s open year-round .
Alternatively , you could head a little ways west from Ottawa and partake in an underground , indoor experience unlike any other . Concealed under a hill near the town of Carp lies the Diefenbunker : Canada ’ s Cold War Museum , Canada ’ s Cold War bunker . Built in the 1950s in case of a nuclear attack , its four subterranean floors give visitors a glimpse into what might have been if cooler heads had not prevailed ! It ’ s also open daily , year-round .
3:30 p . m . — Return to the city and visit one of Ottawa ’ s most unique and happening shopping districts . The neighbourhoods of
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norDik spa-naTurE
canaDian musEum of hisTory
Hintonburg , Wellington West , and Westboro are three areas connected by a single road , making it easy to stroll from eclectic boutiques , galleries , and cafes . As night falls , stay and enjoy the variety of Canadian and international cuisine on offer from some of the city ’ s most skilled chefs .
Evening — There is always something to see at the National Arts Centre , whether it ’ s a score played by its renowned orchestra , theatre productions in either English or French , or a captivating dance , opera , or modern musical performance . Or , for a more ghostly experience , take The Haunted Walk Tour , which visits Ottawa ’ s most ghoulish places , including the old Carleton County Jail ( now a hostel ) where the assassin of one of Canada ’ s earliest politicians was hanged !
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