Road Scholar : Ottawa: Canada's National Capital - Ontario

Ottawa: Canada's National Capital

Program Number:

11453RJ

Start and End Dates:


	9/29/2013 - 10/4/2013;

Duration:

5 nights

Location:

Ottawa, Ontario

Price starting at:

$1,257.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Signature Cities

Meals:

10; 5 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Meal Options:

Vegetarian; Low Salt

Get the inside scoop on Canada’s political scene by examining the uniquely Canadian diversity, governmental structure and foreign affairs in its sparkling capital Ottawa. Explore the official Governor General’s residence at Rideau Hall and the heart of federal politics at Parliament Hill. Gain a fascinating new perspective on the works of art found in the collections at the National Art Gallery, one of the world’s most respected art institutions.

Highlights

• Examine the role of Crown, Senate, and House of Commons complemented by a visit to the Centre Block of Parliament.
• Learn about Canada’s evolution from colony to nation and the unique institution of the Governor General at Rideau Hall.
• Discover Aboriginal history and culture on sacred Victoria Island and the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the nation’s premier museum of human history.

Activity Particulars

Walking 2 miles per day; flights of stairs and uneven surfaces.

Date Specific Information

9-29-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.

Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.

Ottawa

From a high bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, the Parliamentary buildings of Canada’s capital are just one of this cosmopolitan city’s many aesthetic and historic delights. With Ottawa’s rich blend of French and Canadian heritage, as well as its multiple arts offerings, it is easy to see why this city has been called Canada's Cultural Capital.

Accommodations
Heart of Ottawa hotel. Swimming pool, sauna, steam room.

Meals and Lodgings
	Novotel Hotel - Ottawa
		Ottawa, Ontario	5 nights

Novotel Hotel - Ottawa
	Type:	Hotel
	Description:	The Novotel is conveniently located in the heart of Ottawa - walking distance to the Parliament Buildings, National Arts Centre, Byward Market and many historical and cultural sites.
	Contact info:	33 Nicholas Street Ottawa, ON K1N 9M7 Canada phone: 613-230-3033 web: www.novotelottawa.com
	Room amenities:	Cable, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, desk, internet access & data ports.
	Facility amenities:	Swimming pool, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and exercise room. Airport shuttle to hotel available for an extra charge. Indoor parking with access to hotel for an extra charge. Windows that open!
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights prior:	Call for availability & rates Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
	Check in time:	3:00 PM
	Additional nights after:	Call for availability & rates Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
	Check out time:	12:00 PM

Travel Details
	Start of Program: Independent arrivals and transfers to the progrm hotel in Ottawa, ON after 3:00 pm. Dinner is at 5:00 pm You will be staying at Novotel Hotel - Ottawa that night.
	End of Program: Independent departures after breakfast 7:00 to 9:00 am. Check-out of hotel is 12:00 PM. You will be staying at Novotel Hotel - Ottawa the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A passport is required for ALL travel to/from Canada. A US law known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires those traveling to/from the United States by land & sea to also have a passport or other appropriate secure documents (NEXUS card). Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for information.
	Parking availability: Underground parking at the hotel is approximately CAD$14 per day without in/out privileges - $16 with in/out privileges.

Transportation

	To Start of Program
	Location:	Ottawa, Ontario
	Nearest city or town:	Ottawa, Ontario
	Nearest highway:	Highway 417 - Nicholas Street Exit
	Nearest airport:	(Ottawa) Macdonald-Cartier International Airport - airport shuttle to hotel is available for approximately CAD$14 one way.

	From End of Program
	Location:	Ottawa, Ontario
		(Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
	Ottawa	From Airport
	Service:	Taxi
	Per Person/One Way:	Approximately CAD$25 - $30 Prices are subject to change.
	Travel Time:	25 minutes
		Shuttle service is no longer available.
	Ottawa	From Train Station
	Service:	Taxi
	Per Person/One Way:	$15 - 20 CAD Prices are subject to change.
	Travel Time:	20 minutes
		Taxi's available from the train station to the hotel.

Driving Directions
	Montreal	From Montreal take Autoroute 40 West until you reach Highway 417 West (signs to Ottawa / Hull) follow signs to Ottawa (about 2 hours). Take the Nicholas Street exit. Stay in the left lane until you approach Nicholas Street, but do not turn at this set of lights. Switch to the center lane, continue through the next set of lights, then turn left at the third set of lights at Daly Street. Turn right into the Novotel parking lot (shared with Les Suites).
	Ottawa Airport	From Macdonald-Cartier International Airport follow the Airport Parkway, it turns into Bronson Ave. Turn onto Highway 417 East, then take the Nicholas Street exit. Stay in the left lane until you approach Nicholas Street, but do not turn at this set of lights. Switch to the center lane, continue through the next set of lights, then turn left at the third set of lights at Daly Street. Turn right into the Novotel parking lot (shared with Les Suites).
	Toronto	From Toronto take Highway 401 East to Highway 416 North (about 4.5 hours), to Highway 417 East. Take the Nicholas street exit. Stay in the left lane until you approach Nicholas Street, but do not turn at this set of lights. Switch to the center lane, continue through the next set of lights, then turn left at the third set of lights at Daly Street. Turn right into the Novotel parking lot (shared with Les Suites).
	Upstate New York	From Upstate NY take I-90 to I-81 and go north to the Canadian border. Go west on the Thousand Islands Bridge to Highway 401 East, then turn off onto Highway 416 North. Follow this to Highway 417 East, then take the Nicholas Street exit. Stay in the left lane until you approach Nicholas Street, but do not turn at this set of lights. Switch to the center lane, continue through the next set of lights, then turn left at the third set of lights at Daly Street. Turn right into the Novotel parking lot (shared with Les Suites).

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Orientation/Canada's Evolution from Colony to Nation
(Sunday, September 29)

Afternoon:	Arrivals and independent transfers to the program hotel after 3:00 pm. Please note that rooms are not generally available until mid to late afternoon. You will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation.
Dinner:	Welcome buffet dinner in hotel restaurant.
Evening:	The first presentation will focus on "Canada's Evolution from Colony to Nation". A brief survey of important events in the historical evolution of the Americas, with emphasis on their impact on the areas that would become Canada. Special attention is paid to the French fact in North America, and to the accommodation of different languages and cultures in the country that mushroomed quickly from inauspicious beginnings to a territorial land expanse second only to that of Russia.

Accommodations:	Novotel Hotel - Ottawa
Meals Included:	Dinner

Day 2:

Federal Politics - How Canadians are Governed/Parliament Hill/Historical Ottawa/ Rideau Hall
(Monday, September 30)

Breakfast:	Breakfast in the hotel
Morning:	PRESENTATION: Canadian Federal Politics. Meet with an expert who will speak about federal politics and how Canadians are governed. Examine the Parliamentary Government in Canada and the roles of the Crown, the House of Commons and the Senate. Discussions will touch on the electoral system; the Prime Minister and the Cabinet; appointive powers; the legislative process and the judiciary. FIELD TRIP: Parliament Hill. Heart of Canadian federal politics. Learn first-hand about the inner workings of Canada's government. The Parliament Buildings are historical monuments, architectural treasures, and an important national symbol cherished by all Canadians. It is within the walls of these buildings that Senators and Members of Parliament debate the important issues of the day, and make our nation's laws. Your visit is completed by exploring the outside grounds of Parliament Hill.
Lunch:	Enjoy lunch at the Empire Grill.
Afternoon:	FIELD TRIP: Historic Ottawa: Witness some of Ottawa's most famous landmarks and architectural treasures during a city exploration by coach. Canada’s Capital is renowned for the diversity of its historical monuments and architectural treasures such as the Parliament Buildings, an important national symbol cherished by all Canadians. Other notable landmarks include 24 Sussex Drive, the home of Canada’s Prime Minister, located on the edge of the Ottawa River, opposite the main entrance to Rideau Hall; the National Arts Centre, Foreign Affairs, the Supreme Court of Canada and the United States Embassy with a local expert. FIELD TRIP: Rideau Hall has been the official residence of Canada's Governors General for more than 130 years. Your guide will help you explore the 19th century elegance of the home where Canada welcomes world leaders and honours the accomplishments of Canadians from every part of the country and every walk of life. Learn about the role and responsibilities of the governor general within our parliamentary system and society and gain insight into the civic life of our governors dating back to Confederation.
Dinner:	Dinner on your own to enjoy to local fare.
Evening:	FREE EVENING: Free evening to explore Ottawa on your own; stroll the Byward Market or take in a show at the National Arts Centre.

Accommodations:	Novotel Hotel - Ottawa
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3:

National Art Gallery/Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Chateau Laurier
(Tuesday, October 1)

Breakfast:	Breakfast in the hotel
Morning:	FIELD TRIP: National Art Gallery - Whether you're a novice or expert, historical or contemporary art-lover, the Gallery is constantly putting on engaging events to encourage learning in a stimulating, informal environment. Your guide will give you a fascinating new perspective on the works of art found throughout the collections.
Lunch:	High Tea at The Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Enjoy an array of finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and scones with strawberries and cream...a truly exceptional experience for everyone!
Afternoon:	Free afternoon to explore museums, galleries, walk along the Rideau Canal or enjoy a cruise on the canal or the Ottawa River.
Dinner:	Dinner on your own to enjoy local fare or join your Group Leader (at a local restaurant).
Evening:	FREE EVENING: Free evening for a lovely stroll around Ottawa or just relax on your own. You may remain with your Group Leader to continue exploring local sites or take the opportunity to head off on your own to discover Ottawa.

Accommodations:	Novotel Hotel - Ottawa
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4:

Cultural Diversity in Canada/US/Canada Relations/Museum of Civilization/Aboriginal Experience
(Wednesday, October 2)

Breakfast:	Breakfast in the hotel
Morning:	PRESENTATION: Meet with a local expert who will present Cultural Diversity in Canada. A discussion of some aspects of Canadian cultural expression that help to illustrate the diversity of the Canadian society. Followed by a Presentation on US/Canada Relations. The longest undefended border in the world boasts the largest bilateral trading relation on the planet. Canadians and Americans are hard-wired across politics, person-to-person, defence and cultural links and merrily claim 'we are each others' best friends, whether we like it or not!
Lunch:	Enjoy lunch on your own at the museum
Afternoon:	FIELD TRIP: Museum of Civilization. Following the morning presentations and discussions, depart for the Museum of Civilization, the nation's leading museum of human history and one of the largest museums in the world. Internationally recognized for its spectacular architecture, the CMC is acknowledged as a museological institution of international stature. Go behind the scenes with an expert curator and meet with one of CMC’s research divisions, the Canadian Centre for Folk Culture Studies for an incredible exploration of Canadian human history. The Museum also presents an ever-changing program of special exhibitions that expand on Canadian themes and explore other cultures and civilizations, past and present.
Dinner:	Dinner on Victoria Island followed by a PERFORMANCE: “Taste of Native Spirit”. The Ottawa River, which runs through Ottawa, was once a major water highway, navigated by many native nations from across North America as they searched for food, technology and trade goods. At one time, all of the lands stretching on each side of the river were home to the Algonquin nation who were called Adawa, meaning people of the trade. Today, this rich history is brought to life for visitors on the historical and sacred Victoria Island, located in the heart of downtown Ottawa under the shadows of Parliament Hill. For thousands of years, the Algonquin nation used this very island as a meeting place for gatherings, trading and celebrations. You will experience this tradition today with a unique celebration of our contemporary urban native culture including a traditional dinner and ceremonial dance.
Evening:	FREE EVENING: You may choose to take a leisurely stroll or even explore the nearby Byward Market or other points of interest.

Accommodations:	Novotel Hotel - Ottawa
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5:

Foreign Affairs Canada/Canada's Health Care System
(Thursday, October 3)

Breakfast:	Breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	PRESENTATION: Foreign Affairs. Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC) supports Canadians abroad, works towards a more peaceful and secure world, and promotes Canadian culture and values internationally. You will be educated about the many important roles carried out by this federal department. Learn about Canada's foreign policy priorities; relations with the US; international free trade; the UN and other levers, the Commonwealth, Le Francophonie; and international aid policies. PRESENTATION: Canadian Health Care. Meet with an expert on healthcare reform and healthcare economics. Learn about Canadian health care reform, strategic management and health economics (economic evaluation of health care programs). A presentation will examine Canada's healthcare system and common healthcare challenges in Canada and the US including an aging society and sustaining long-term costs.
Lunch:	Lunch on your own in Byward Market.
Afternoon:	Free afternoon to explore museums, galleries, walk along the Rideau Canal or enjoy a cruise on the canal or the Ottawa River.
Dinner:	FAREWELL EVENING: Farewell dinner at the Metropolitain Brasserie

Accommodations:	Novotel Hotel - Ottawa
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6:

Independent Departures
(Friday, October 4)

Breakfast:	Breakfast in the hotel
Morning:	Independent departures from the hotel after breakfast 9:00 am. Check-out is 12:00 noon.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Frommer's Ottawa

Author: James Hale

Description: A practical travel guide to Canada's capital city featuring excellent annotated listings of what to do and where to eat and sleep. With maps, color photos and suggested excursions.

A Traveller's History of Canada

Author: Robert Bothwell

Description: An admirably concise survey from prehistory to today.

Don Gillmor

Author: Canada, A People's History Volume 1

Description: A richly illustrated history of Canada, the first of two volumes, from the early days to the 1870s. (Item no. CND218)

Don Gillmor

Author: Canada, A People's History Volume 2

Description: A richly illustrated popular history of the events and personalities of Canada in the 20th Century, the second of two volumes. (Item no. CND219)

Ottawa: the Unknown City

Author: Rob McLennan

Description: GUIDEBOOK, 2007, PAPER, 224 PAGES A quirky and practical guide to the history and attractions of the Canadian capital. (CND287, $22.95)

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

5 nights accommodations
10 meals: 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 6
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 5
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Performances: 1
Performances

A performance can range from a night at the opera to a visit from a local performer at your hotel.

Plus these special experiences...

Examine the Parliamentary Government in Canada and the roles of the Crown, the House of Commons and the Senate; then visit the Parliament Buildings.
Explore the 19th century elegance of Rideau Hall, where Canada welcomes world leaders and honors the accomplishments of Canadians.
Visit the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the nation's leading museum of human history and one of the largest museums in the world.
Meet with an expert on healthcare reform and healthcare economics to learn about Canadian health care reform, strategic management and economics.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Highlights

Activity Particulars

Walking 2 miles per day; flights of stairs and uneven surfaces.

Date Specific Information

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.

Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.

Ottawa

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Travel Details

Ottawa

From Airport

Service:

Taxi

Per Person/One Way:

Approximately CAD$25 - $30Prices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

25 minutes

Shuttle service is no longer available.

Ottawa

From Train Station

Service:

Taxi

Per Person/One Way:

$15 - 20 CADPrices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

20 minutes

Taxi's available from the train station to the hotel.

Daily Schedule

Suggested Reading List

Frommer's Ottawa

Author: James Hale

Description: A practical travel guide to Canada's capital city featuring excellent annotated listings of what to do and where to eat and sleep. With maps, color photos and suggested excursions.

A Traveller's History of Canada

Author: Robert Bothwell

Description: An admirably concise survey from prehistory to today.

Don Gillmor

Author: Canada, A People's History Volume 1

Description: A richly illustrated history of Canada, the first of two volumes, from the early days to the 1870s. (Item no. CND218)

Don Gillmor

Author: Canada, A People's History Volume 2

Description: A richly illustrated popular history of the events and personalities of Canada in the 20th Century, the second of two volumes. (Item no. CND219)

Ottawa: the Unknown City

Author: Rob McLennan

Description: GUIDEBOOK, 2007, PAPER, 224 PAGES A quirky and practical guide to the history and attractions of the Canadian capital. (CND287, $22.95)

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Approximately CAD$25 - $30
Prices are subject to change.

$15 - 20 CAD
Prices are subject to change.