Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/970065
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE For visitors who like to get their feet wet, Ottawa delivers. Sitting on the south shoreline of the Ottawa River—renowned for its whitewater rafting and kayaking— the city is also the northern point of the Rideau Canal, Ontario's only UNESCO World Heritage site. The Rideau Canal, an historic waterway connecting Ottawa and Kingston via a series of 47 locks, is a watery playground for paddlers and pleasure boaters. Rideau Tours in Elgin off ers a guided voyageur canoe experience along the new Route Champlain. The brand new tourist route stretches 1,500 km (932 mi.) across the province of Ontario, tracing the journey taken by the great explorer Samuel de Champlain ( www.rideautours.ca ). This year, between May and October, Le Boat makes its North American debut on the waters of the Rideau Canal. These luxury self-drive boats are based halfway along the canal in the town of Smiths Falls and off er options of two, three or four cabins. Visitors will be able to explore the length of the canal at their own pace, taking time to explore rural Ontario towns, stop in at shops and markets and drop anchor for a swim along the way ( www.leboat.ca ). Those craving the thrill of whitewater can sign on for one of OWL Rafting's single-day or multi-day expeditions along the Ottawa River. Early in the season when the river is swollen by meltwaters is peak time for sport and adventure outings, while summertime is perfect for the gentle introduction of a family fl oat. The OWL Rafting base at Foresters Falls off ers camping, rustic cabins and new upscale cabañas ( www.owlrafting.com ). For the fi rst time in more than a century, Chaudière Falls, a set of waterfalls located on the Ottawa River just north of the Canadian War Museum, opened to the public as part of Ottawa 2017's tribute to local Indigenous people. A new viewing platform off ers an unobstructed view of the dramatic falls and is a way to celebrate the natural beauty of the waterway. Plans are to open the site again this spring, making it accessible to the public and connected to recreational bike paths. REST AND REFUEL Ottawa's "castle," the Fairmont Château Laurier, has just completed a multi-million dollar renovation of the luxury level Fairmont Gold, including an expansion to 69 rooms and suites, all completely updated with contemporary touches and technology. The hotel's signature Zoé's Lounge—known for Afternoon Tea—has been reimagined and revitalized with a classically elegant new look ( www.fairmont.com). Early in the year, the upscale Le Germain Hotel Ottawa opened in a mixed-use complex combining condominiums, a theatre and the completely redone Ottawa Art Gallery, in the heart of downtown and just minutes away from attractions like the Parliament Buildings and the ByWard Market. The luxury property boasts bold, artful designs in the rooms. A Lexus courtesy car can be arranged for guest use ( www.legermainhotels.com ). A CITY OF MUSEUMS AND THE ARTS The Canada Science and Technology Museum recently reopened its doors after $80.5 million of building repairs and upgrades. In the newly-upgraded space, through stories, artefacts and interactive exhibits, visitors can discover and experi- ence Canada's history of science, technology and innovation ( www.ingeniumcanada.org). Just west of Ottawa, the Diefenbunker— Canada's Cold War Museum—is a four-storey underground bunker, built between 1959 and 1961 to house Canadian government offi cials 150 TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS, INSPIRATION VILLAGE • OTTAWA 2017 25 25