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Best yet, traveling to Ottawa from pc28¹ÙÍøwith VIA Rail is also an easy and convenient way to get there. Rather than having to navigate the bumper-to-bumper city traffic and the congestion along highways 401 and 416, you can simply sit back and relax. Getting there shouldn’t be stressful. Instead, getting there should be as equally enjoyable as your vacation itself.

Conveniently departing from Union Station, VIA Rail’s service to Ottawa is a stress-free experience where you can unwind as soon as you board. Enjoy the complimentary Wi-Fi, chat with your travel companions, catch up on your reading — or even your sleep. Once the train pulls into the Ottawa Train Station — minutes away from downtown by taxi or transit —you will be well-rested and relaxed, so you can focus on having fun and enjoying yourself. Here are five things you need to do this spring and summer.

Visit the seat of government

Learn about the workings of Canada’s government during a free, guided tour of Parliament Hill, which overlooks the historic Ottawa River. Tours of the neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings include the Senate, House of Commons, East Block and Parliament: The Immersive Experience, a 360-degree multimedia exhibition that lasts about 45-minutes. You can get tickets in advance or at the entrance of each location on a first-come, first-served basis. During the spring and summer, like during Canada Day, Parliament Hill may also host special outdoor programming.

Experience world-class museums

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa and neighbouring Gatineau — located just across the Ottawa River — play host to several world-class museums chronicling the country’s past and present. Spend time exploring the National Gallery of Canada that houses contemporary art, the Canadian Museum of History that chronicles important moments in the story of Canada — including the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles — and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Also worth visiting are the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canadian Museum of Nature and Canadian War Museum.

Try some local eats and drinks

Start at the ByWard Market, an historic farmers’ market and shopping area that includes Rideau Street, which is also home to boutiques, restaurants and bars. Pick up some truly Canadian-made products featuring local or regional ingredients, like maple syrup. For a regal experience, head to the equally historic Fairmont Château Laurier — one of Canada’s great hotels — for afternoon tea at Zoe’s Lounge. Its classic offering includes a series of small sandwiches served with treats such as double chocolate Earl Grey tarts, ginger lime carrot cake and blueberry scones.

Enjoy the great outdoors

Ottawa may be a world-class, urban city, but it is also full of parks and outdoor spaces that are the perfect place to enjoy a spring or summer day. Start with the Rideau Canal, a historic waterway that also has a UNESCO World Heritage designation, where you can rent a bike and pedal along its length — 6.5 kilometres one-way. You can also raft along the Ottawa River, or even experience its whitewater rapids a little outside the capital. Just 15-minutes away from Ottawa is Gatineau Park, where you can swim, hike, and bike.

Celebrate at a festival

There is no shortage of festivals that take place in the nation’s capital during the spring and summer — and by taking the train, you can experience them without worrying about having to find parking or navigating traffic. Things get started from May 9 to 19 with the Canadian Tulip Festival, which was started to mark the role of the Canadian troops in the liberation of the Netherlands and Europe during the Second World War. The festival features amazing events for all-ages, including outdoor movie screenings, art exhibits, play zones and story times for kids, and walking tours the colourful, blooming tulip gardens.

The Tulip Festival is followed by the Ottawa Jazz Festival from June 20 to 29 and Canada Day celebrations on July 1. Other spring and summer festivals to plan you visit around include Ottawa Bluesfest, Festival Franco-Ontarien, Ottawa Fringe Festival and the Escapade Music Festival. 

This spring and summer, leave your car at home in pc28¹ÙÍøand support travelling local in Ontario by visiting Ottawa by train with VIA Rail. Not only can you proudly experience the nation’s capital, but arriving there by train is easy and convenient.

You also have the option of taking your trip to the next level with VIA Rail’s Business Class — a premium experience that starts before you even get on the train. Once you arrive at Union Station, head to its Business Class lounge to enjoy unlimited refreshments and the high-speed internet while relaxing in its comfortable seating. When it is time to get on the train, you not only get priority boarding, but there are also dedicated personnel to make sure your journey starts off right. On board, settle into your wide, comfortable seating — with plenty of leg room so you can stretch out — enjoy a delicious meal (you can even order ahead if you have dietary restrictions) accompanied by local beer or wine.

This spring and summer, be sure to explore locally with VIA Rail. By leaving your car at home and taking the train, you can enjoy getting to your getaway as much as the destination.

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