The flight time from London is around 7½ hours and the time difference is -5 hours. I was surprised that I wasn’t too tired and it was fine to go for 3 days and not suffer too much with the time difference.
Ottawa is the capital of Canada and on the banks of the Ottawa River. It is a small city (1.2 million people) very open and green. It is easy to get around with a good transport system and the city is home to the national government and a lot of public services.
Ottawa International Airport is a 15 minute transfer to the city centre. There is a public bus service. It is quite a small airport and quick to collect luggage and clear customs (it is the 5th largest airport in Canada). It is served by Air Canada and other international carriers.
We visited a range of restaurants in Ottawa and the surrounding area. The standard of food, service, etc, was great throughout the trip. If anything, we were given too much to eat.
There is plenty to do in the area for groups of any size or profile. In Ottawa there is a gourmet food tour on foot around Byward Market, a cycling sightseeing tour of the city along the river and canals, museums such as the Canadian Museum of Civilisation, Aboriginal Experience, visiting the Parliament Buildings. In the surrounding area it is possible to visit a Maple Syrup farm with lunch or dinner, Land Rover off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting, aerial experience with obstacles and zip wires, Nordic Spa visit or sightseeing from a vintage aircraft. In the winter, there is skiing.
Hotels visited
Fairmont Chateau Montebello Hotel
A 5* hotel about 1hr from the centre of Ottawa, 1hr 15mins from Ottawa airport and 1½ hrs from Montreal airport. It is situated on a river, beautifully quiet location, great for activities and with miles of land for team building events. Traditional in style with spa, pool, sailing, shooting, off-road driving, it is a popular leisure destination.
Bedrooms 211
Meeting rooms 20
Max capacity 425
Westin Hotel in Ottawa
A 5* hotel in the centre of the city and 15 mins transfer from the airport. Great location for seeing all the sights and walking to restaurants, etc. Close to Byward Market – local specialist shops, restaurants and Farmers’ Market. Maximum group size 450.
Bedrooms 496
Meeting rooms 27
Max capacity 1700
Hilton Lac-Leamy
A 5* hotel about 10 mins from the city centre and 25 mins from the airport. The hotel has large meeting space and bedrooms with views over the lake. There is a casino onsite.
Bedrooms 349
Meeting rooms maximum 12 if divided into smallest sections (flexible so min no is 6)
Max capacity 1600 (ballroom)
