A Look at the Many Attractions Wildpine Residents Can Enjoy around an Independent Living Community near Ottawa
Ottawa is home to plenty to see and do all year-round. As Canada’s capital city, Ottawa has a rich history and diverse culture. The seemingly endless number of things to do here helps make this city an amazing place for both tourists and residents alike. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a sports fan, a lover of the arts, or you enjoy everything, there is something for everyone with independent living in Ottawa.
Since the heart of Ottawa is just a short drive away from Wildpine Residence, residents of our independent living community near Ottawa can take advantage of all the attractions this city has to offer. Here are five amazing things to do outside your front door at Wildpine Residence in Ottawa:
Visit Galleries & Museums
One of the perks of being the capital city of Canada is the abundance of museums in the region. Nearly every aspect of Canada is represented at a museum, from the cultural and natural to the political, historical, and scientific. And with regular new exhibits, there’s always something new to see. Some museums are so large, you can spend a whole day exploring a single exhibit!
Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:
- The National Gallery of Canada – Perfect for the art lovers, featuring both stunning Canadian works and a beautiful international collection.
- The Canadian Museum of History – Across the river in Gatineau, the Canadian Museum of History is perfect for history buffs and makes a great day trip.
- The Canadian Museum of Nature – Found in downtown Ottawa, this stunning location showcases the natural world.
- The Canada Science and Technology Museum – This informative and interactive museum is re-opening on November 17!
- The Canada Agriculture Museum – Reflecting Canada’s agriculture heritage, found right by the Central Experimental Farm.
- The Bank of Canada Museum – Learn more about the Bank of Canada and how it helps shape the Canadian economy.
- Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum – Visit a Cold War-era bunker just outside of Stittsville and learn more about this period of Canadian history.
- Cumberland Heritage Village Museum – Step back in time and visit an immersive heritage location right out of the 1920s and 1930s!
Tour Historic Landmarks
Ottawa has plenty of historic landmarks to visit. If you want to see many in a day, consider booking a tour through the city. These tours provide an in-depth look at the historical significance of the city, and some even hold scandalous rumours and ghost stories from Canada’s past. And what’s more, independent living in Ottawa gives you plenty of opportunity to discover the heritage and history of the area.
Here are some of the historic landmarks in Ottawa that are worth visiting:
- Confederation Square
- Parliament Hill
- Fairmont Chateau Laurier
- The Rideau Canal
- Earnscliffe National Historic Site of Canada
- Laurier House National Historic Site
- Rideau Hall
- Central Experimental Farm
- Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park
- Notre-Dame Roman Catholic Basilica
- The Royal Canadian Mint
Walk the Many Scenic Trails
If you love spending time in nature, there are many trails in and around Ottawa that are worth exploring. These trails offer beautiful views in any season, but are especially beautiful with the fall colours, or in the spring with the many tulips blooming. In May, many of these pathways are decorated with beds of tulips for the annual Canadian Tulip Festival.
Grab your walking shoes or bike for these scenic Ottawa-Gatineau trails:
- The Rideau Canal Eastern and Western Pathways
- The Arboretum
- The Experimental Farm Pathway Trail
- The Capital Pathway
- Voyageurs Pathway
- Gatineau Park
Dine at Delicious Restaurants
There are amazing restaurants to try in every nook and cranny of the Ottawa area, with too many to list here. But Ottawa is home to several neighbourhoods that are known for their exceptional dining experiences. Depending on which side of the city you want to visit, just search for “best places to eat” plus a neighbourhood name and the top restaurants in these areas will come up. But be prepared to choose from many trendy Ottawa neighbourhoods!
Enjoy the Arts & Entertainment
Ottawa has pretty hip art and entertainment scene, hosting events and festivals year-round. Even sports fans have two major venues to watch their favourite games, and a third might be built fairly soon! Whether you’re into sports, music, film, literature, or visual arts, there is something for everyone to enjoy at these popular arts and entertainment venues in Ottawa:
- The National Arts Centre (NAC)
- The Bytowne Theatre
- Arts Court
- The Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC)
- Canadian Tire Centre
- TD Place at Lansdowne Park
Even though Ottawa has a reputation for being a sleepy government town, there is so much you can do on any day, rain, snow, or shine. No matter the season or occasion, you can find something fun to do in Ottawa that you will truly enjoy. So make the most of your leisure time in the area, and explore everything this region has to offer for residents of our independent living community near Ottawa.