The Lord Elgin Blog

From Colleen Mabon, Sales Coordinator, Lord Elgin Hotel

I’ve lived in the Ottawa/Gatineau valley since I was 4 years old, and have many great memories of exploring the area with my friends and family.  Throughout the years, I’ve visited many of the popular tourist attractions through school field trips such as the Experimental Farm, Museum of Science & Technology, Parliament Hill, and many others.  My parents used to take my sisters and I on hiking trips in the Gatineau Park, and we still try to make it up there at least once a year.

I adore using the bike path along the Rideau Canal during the spring and summer months.  Whether it’s biking or roller blading with friends and family or just taking a leisurely stroll on my own, there’s nothing I love more in Ottawa than the canal.  The Farmer’s Market in the Byward Market is something I look forward to every summer.  There’s nothing like being able to pick up a basket of fresh raspberries to snack on while I make my way to meet friends on our favourite patio at the Heart & Crown.

There are many festivals throughout the area but my favourites are Blues Fest (July), and the Hot Air Balloon festival in Gatineau (early September).  Both festivals are family friendly and fun for all ages.  No matter what you’re looking to do, there’s something here in Ottawa for you.

Have fun!!

Colleen Mabon

From Tiffany Ambar, Sales Assistant at the Lord Elgin and Student, Algonquin College

I’m originally from Ottawa, ON but I grew up in America; I lived in Florida for about twelve years and moved back to Canada in February of 2012. I can definitely say I’m not too fond of the cold weather, and adjusting to it was (and still is) not easy. The reason why my family and I moved to Florida was because my parents opened up a restaurants in Hollywood Beach, FL. They’ve owned 18 restaurants in total and their last restaurant in Ottawa was called Las Palmas, located in the ByWard Market. I am currently a full-time student at Algonquin College and I am enrolled in the program of The Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management. What made me decide to join this program was the amazing reputation it has, as well as the success rate of students who graduate and find a career immediately. Also, I have a passion for working in the hospitality/tourism industry. My goal after graduating is to move back to Florida, or pretty much anywhere it doesn’t snow, and become a General Manager of a hotel/resort.

I’ve served in several different restaurants in Ottawa such as Lone Star Texas Grill and The Keg Steakhouse Bar and Grill. Currently, I work in the sales department at the historical Lord Elgin Hotel. It is my first official job in a hotel and I can’t express enough what an honor it is to work with the delightful guest and staff.

Ottawa is truly a beautiful city with so much to do! If I were to take a friend sight-seeing, I would definitely take him/her to the Parliament, maybe even enjoy lunch on Parliament Hill. Then, we can take a walk over to the War Memorial, which is one of Ottawa’s historical landmarks.

Personally, one of my favorite things to do is eating out at restaurants. I absolutely love food and I enjoy trying different cuisines. My top three places to eat out in Ottawa are Pancho Villa, The Keg Steakhouse Bar and Grill, and The Heart and Crown. Pancho Villa is located on Elgin St. and they serve the best Mexican food in town. The Keg Steakhouse Bar and Grill is located on Hunt Club Rd, York Street, and Richmond Rd. For anyone who is craving delicious steak, I highly recommend going to The Keg. Lastly, The Heart and Crown is located on Clarence St., and it’s a great place to enjoy a few drinks with a tasty plate of nachos on the patio. They also have live bands every weekend to enjoy a great night of dancing!

Enjoy!!!

Tiffany Ambar