Page 23 - Travel Guide to Canada 2019

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War Museum (www.warmuseum.ca ) shines
a light on Canada’s military and peacekeep-
ing activities, in confl icts ranging from the
days before European colonization to recent
operations in Afghanistan, Somalia and
elsewhere. Beginning on July 26, the
museum will host a temporary exhibition

focusing on Canada’s involvement in the
Korean War.
On Ottawa’s western edge, the
Diefenbunker (www.diefenbunker.ca ) is
a restored Cold War-era underground
installation that was designed to shelter
Canada’s government in the event of a
nuclear attack. Completed in 1961 and
decommissioned in 1994, it is now a
fascinating time capsule of its time and
place, complete with vintage maps,
furniture and more.

FRESH AIR
The Ottawa area off ers an abundance of
easily accessible opportunities for outdoor
fun. Depending on the season, visitors can
th
skate or paddle along the 19 century
Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage
site that winds through the heart of the city.
Multi-use recreational paths along the canal
PARLIAMENT HILL • SHUTTERSTOCK/GILBERTO MESQUITA
are part of a network stretching over 600
km (373 mi.) throughout the region. Some of
these paths lead through Gatineau Park, a

361-sq. km (139 sq. mi.) wilderness on the
Québec side of the Ottawa River (www.
ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park).
Speaking of the river, it off ers superb
whitewater rafting. Visitors can try a short
day trip within the city limits with Ottawa
City Rafting (www.ottawacityrafting.com ).
They can also tackle wilder waters northwest
of the capital with companies, such as OWL
Rafting (www.owlrafting.com ), that off er a
variety of day and weekend packages for
everyone from young families to serious
thrill seekers.

FABULOUS FESTIVALS
Ottawa is home to countless festivals
throughout the year, including events
focused on everything from chili to jazz.
Some of the largest include Winterlude

on the fi rst three weekends of February
(www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/
campaigns/winterlude.html), the Canadian
Tulip Festival from May 10 to 20 (www.
tulipfestival.ca) and a massive rock
festival, RBC Bluesfest, from July 4 to 14
(www.ottawabluesfest.ca).

For more information, visit www.
ottawatourism.ca .