CMHA has coordinated three separate events for our meeting attendees, spouses and/or guests to take advantage of during the open afternoon on Wednesday, August 14. For an additional fee, you can take part in one of the following curated events.
Please note that all events overlap – only one option can be chosen.
Walking/Bus Tour of Historic Ottawa
12:30 – 4:00 PM at $35/person
Join Conrad, with Tours by Locals, for a curated walking and bus tour of Ottawa. Conrad, a lifetime resident of Ottawa, has been giving tours for nearly 40 years and “absolutely loves his job.” His personalized tours provide an array of can’t-miss historical facts and unique tidbits of information.
12:40 PM – Promptly begin the walk to the War Memorial for the changing of the guard ceremony that happens at 1:00 PM.
Walk to Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park, Tour Notre Dame Basilica
After touring the Basilica, board the bus for the full city bus tour
Drive to Rideau Hall, the Village of Rockliffe Park, ride along the Rideau Canal to the Experimental Farm (where you can exit the bus for photo op at the ornamental gardens)
Next, to Little Italy, perhaps Chinatown (if time permits), then cross the Ottawa River via the Chaudiere Bridge to Gatineau
Photo op and washroom break at the Museum of History or perhaps see the Balancing Rocks
Return to Ottawa via the Portage Bridge, and drive along historic Wellington St. End at the Westin at 4:00 PM.
Please note: Tour stops listed above may be adjusted based on weather or other issues.
Guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Westin Hotel for a walking food tour of the ByWard Market. Participants will be split into groups accordingly.
Prepare for eating! All tour guests will enjoy sample foods from 6 local food establishments – 3 savory, 1 refreshment or farmers market sampling, and 2 sweet–including Canada’s famous Beavertail™. Food samples combined will make the equivalent of a meal. Samples may include: Pizza, poutine, ethnic wrap sandwich, taco, cupcake or gelato, and the BeaverTail. TWO alcoholic beverages (beer or wine) are included in the tour. Non-alcoholic substitutes are available. Guides will also provide participants with a historical and cultural tour of the Byward Market neighborhood.
Please note that stops are a combination of sit-down and standing-only locations and the tours run rain or shine. Participants should dress for the weather.
Join other CMHA Members, Spouses, Guests, and your colleagues for a fun, 4-hour guided Brewery Tour during your Wednesday afternoon off in Ottawa (sponsored by Solomon Colors and Prosoco). Take part in this bus tour where you will visit 3 carefully curated local Ottawa breweries.
Throughout the experience, you’ll be able to explore and learn about the Ottawa craft beverage scene while enjoying a good amount of each brewery’s selections.
At two of the stops, you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the brewery and sample several beers. Expect a decent variety, including pilsners, IPAs, and darker brews. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to choose at least one beer from each location’s current selection.
The tour concludes with a gathering at the final brewery for all participants to network. You will even be able to enjoy a full draft pour of your preferred selection. This all-inclusive tour package includes transportation, sampling fees, a light snack, educational sessions about the craft beers, and behind-the-scenes brewery tours. (Must be 19 years or older to attend).
