Beyond Centretown

Ottawa’s Centretown is home to some of the finest outdoor amenities found not only in the city, but in the entire nation. It is a year-round escape from the ordinary, a playground of vibrant activities in your own backyard.

Skating on the Rideau Canal is the epitome of the Canadian lifestyle – chic, active and beautiful. Six months later, it’s the perfect locale for a quick morning jog before heading out to work, past manicured trails and parklands. If a year-round, active outdoor lifestyle is what you are looking for, Centretown has it.

Biking along the Canal has its own distinctive charm, and you don’t even need to own a bike; you can rent one from one of the nine Bixi stations set up throughout Centretown.

The lush green carpet of Parliament Hill becomes the world’s biggest outdoor yoga mat throughout the summer. Bring a friend and your inner zen to partake along with a thousand others; balance mind, body and spirit against one of the most spectacular backdrops in the world.

For a truly luxurious experience, the finest way to enjoy Ottawa’s waterways is by boat. Sail in through the historic lock system which connects Kingston on Lake Ontario to Ottawa through a chain of lakes, rivers and canals. The locks are in use since 1832 and though the system has remained nearly the same, the views along the way have changed dramatically.

You can spend your summer afternoons on the Canal admiring the historic views of Parliament, the old Ottawa train station and the Chateau Laurier, before stopping in for dinner at one of the many fine or casual restaurants lining the waterway.

Regardless of how you choose to enjoy Ottawa’s outdoors, there is an activity to suit all interests and a location with a stunning backdrop to do it in.