Holiday Inn Ottawa East LOCAL AREA

Just a short drive away, St. Laurent Shopping Centre boasts over 170 stores, including popular brands and unique boutiques. Whether you're hunting for the latest fashion trends, electronics, or home goods, this vibrant mall has it all. Enjoy a delightful day of shopping followed by a meal at one of the many dining options available, from casual eateries to fine dining.

Parliament Hill stands as the epicenter of Canada's federal government, housing the iconic Gothic Revival-style buildings where laws are crafted. Explore the historic West Block, home to the temporary House of Commons, and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony during summer months. The expansive grounds offer panoramic views of the Ottawa River, making it a must-visit landmark that blends political significance with architectural grandeur.

Stroll, cycle or paddle along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously operated canal in North America, right in the heart of Ottawa. Completed in 1832, its scenic locks and waterways wind through the city past Parliament Hill and Lansdowne Park. In summer, enjoy boating, biking and lakeside pathways; in winter, the canal transforms into the world's largest skating rink. A beautiful year-round escape, it is only a short drive from the hotel and free to enjoy.

Serving as Canada's capital airport, Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) facilitates over 4 million passengers annually. Located approximately 10 km south of downtown Ottawa, it offers a modern terminal with amenities such as dining, shopping, and efficient ground transportation options. The airport provides numerous daily non-stop flights to destinations across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, ensuring seamless connectivity for both domestic and international travelers.

Experience the charm of the Ottawa Train Yards shopping district, where you can explore a mix of big-name retailers and local shops. With a variety of restaurants, entertainment options, and a cinema, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of shopping. Don’t miss the chance to discover unique finds and enjoy a leisurely stroll through this bustling area.

The casino was opened on March 24, 1996, the third of a group of casinos built by the provincial government to raise funds. The Gatineau casino thus also serves Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. It is operated by Société des casinos du Québec, a subsidiary of Loto-Québec.

Situated along the picturesque Rideau River, Carleton University is renowned for its diverse academic programs and innovative research. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the modern MacOdrum Library and the expansive Athletics Centre. Its proximity to downtown Ottawa offers students and visitors easy access to cultural landmarks, making it an ideal destination for those interested in higher education and vibrant campus life.

Downtown Ottawa serves as the bustling heart of the city, blending historic sites with modern attractions. Explore the ByWard Market's eclectic shops and eateries, admire art at the National Gallery of Canada, or stroll along the scenic Rideau Canal. The area is also home to numerous festivals and events throughout the year, reflecting the city's rich cultural tapestry and offering a dynamic experience for all who visit.

The University of Ottawa, established in 1848, is Canada’s largest bilingual university, offering programs in both English and French. Located in the capital city, it is renowned for its diverse academic offerings and vibrant campus life. With a strong focus on research and community engagement, the university attracts students from around the world, providing unique opportunities for internships and collaborations.

Cool off at Calypso Waterpark, the largest theme waterpark in Canada, about a 20-minute drive east of the hotel. Spread across 100 acres, it features more than 35 waterslides, a huge wave pool, a lazy river and dedicated zones for younger children. Pack your sunscreen and make a full day of riding, floating and splashing with family and friends. Open seasonally through the summer, Calypso is one of the region's top warm-weather attractions and an easy, fun-filled day trip from Ottawa East.

Discover the NCC River House, a beautifully restored century-old heritage building on the shore of the Ottawa River along the scenic Sir George-Etienne Cartier Parkway. Open year-round, it offers a free public dock, an enclosed swimming area with lifeguard-supervised lanes in summer, plus food and drinks with breathtaking river views. In winter, ski, snowshoe, bike or walk the multi-use trail that leads to the door. It is a relaxing, family-friendly spot to enjoy the river in every season.

Explore one of the world's finest aviation collections at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, a short drive from the hotel. Wander among more than 130 aircraft spanning early flight, bush planes, wartime fighters and the space age, including the original Canadarm and a piece of the famous Avro Arrow. Interactive exhibits, flight simulators and seasonal biplane rides delight families and aviation buffs alike. It is an inspiring, hands-on way to spend an afternoon in Ottawa's east end.

Just three kilometres from the hotel, the Canada Science and Technology Museum brings curiosity to life for all ages. Explore hands-on galleries on space, transportation, communications and energy, and step into the beloved Crazy Kitchen, where the tilted floor plays tricks on your balance. With live demonstrations, a working steam locomotive, a digital dome and plenty of interactive displays, it is a fun, educational outing and an easy favourite for visiting families staying in Ottawa East.

Step back in time at the Diefenbunker, Canada's Cold War Museum, an immersive four-storey bunker built 75 feet underground to shelter the government during a nuclear attack. Guided and self-guided tours lead you through the blast tunnel, war cabinet room, the Bank of Canada vault and the Prime Minister's suite, and daring visitors can even try an escape room. A National Historic Site about 30 minutes west of downtown, it offers a gripping, one-of-a-kind day trip through Canadian history.

Visit the Supreme Court of Canada, one of the capital's most striking landmarks, set on a bluff overlooking the Ottawa River near Parliament Hill. Free guided tours led by law students run seasonally, taking you inside the soaring grand entrance hall and the historic courtroom where the nation's most important cases are decided. It is a fascinating stop for anyone interested in Canadian law, history and architecture, and pairs perfectly with a day exploring nearby downtown attractions.

Witness a proudly Canadian tradition at the RCMP Musical Ride Centre and stables, home of the world-famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police horses. Take a free guided tour of the stables in summer, meet the majestic animals, and explore the newly renovated visitor centre with videos, interactive displays and historic artifacts. On select dates, watch riders in full red serge perform cavalry drills set to music. Check the schedule before you go, as tour and performance dates vary by season.

Experience the heart of Ottawa's sports and entertainment scene at TD Place, set in historic Lansdowne Park along the Rideau Canal. This vibrant stadium and arena complex is home to the Ottawa Redblacks football, Atletico Ottawa and Ottawa Rapid FC soccer, the Ottawa 67's hockey and the Ottawa BlackJacks basketball, plus major concerts and events year-round. Surrounded by shops, restaurants and a cinema, it is a lively destination on game day and beyond, just a short drive from the hotel.

Catch a Frontier League baseball game at Ottawa Stadium, home of the Ottawa Titans and just minutes from the hotel on Coventry Road. This classic 10,000-seat ballpark serves up affordable family fun, ballpark eats, local craft beer at the Hop Yard and lively summer nights under the lights. With free parking back at the hotel and a quick, easy drive to the gates, it is one of the simplest and most enjoyable outings for sports fans and groups staying in Ottawa East.

Cheer on the NHL's Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre, the city's premier indoor arena located in the west-end community of Kanata. Seating around 18,000 fans, it also hosts the Ottawa Charge of the Professional Women's Hockey League, plus world-class concerts, family shows and live entertainment all year. Whether you are here for hockey or a headline act, it is an easy drive from the hotel and a must for sports and music fans visiting Canada's capital. Book your tickets ahead!

Admire one of the country's greatest art collections at the National Gallery of Canada, an architectural landmark of glass and granite overlooking the Ottawa River near Parliament Hill. Home to more than 93,000 works, it showcases Canadian, Indigenous, European and contemporary art, from the Group of Seven to the giant bronze spider Maman standing outside. With a serene indoor water garden and rotating exhibitions, it is a cultural highlight and an inspiring stop for art lovers of every age.

Soak up the energy of the ByWard Market, one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets and Ottawa's number-one tourist destination. Established in 1826, this vibrant downtown district is packed with more than 600 businesses, from farm stalls and artisan shops to cafes, restaurants, pubs and boutiques. Grab a famous BeaverTails pastry, browse fresh local produce, or enjoy the buzzing nightlife. Just a short drive or LRT ride from the hotel, it is a must-visit for food, shopping and culture.