Ottawa has an endless list of activities and events throughout the summer which span all ages and interests! The National Gallery, the Museums (History, Nature, War, Aviation and Science & Tech), Calypso Water Park, Ottawa River Cruises, Cycling, and music festivals (virtual) for every genre are just some of the exciting things happening!! And let’s now forget Ottawa’s newest attraction… InterZIP!
AND…just out …here is some news updates for the CANADA DAY celebrations:
https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/here-is-the-lineup-for-canada-day-celebrations-in-ottawa-1.6420698
This summer, the Lord Elgin is offering two amazing offers, inviting you to save the longer you stay. Book our Third Night at 50% off, OR, your Fourth Night FREE!! From stays between June 28th to August 31sts (with a few exceptions), you can save when you extend your stay!
CHECK IT OUT HERE!!
InterZIP by Rogers
The Lord Elgin Hotel is in the ideal location, so you can stay and take in all there is to see and do in Ottawa! We would love to add you to the celebration happening in Ottawa, as we have many specials and packages throughout the summer.
For some great ideas, have a look at this page put together by Ottawa Tourism!!
Here are some of the activities happening this summer!
Parliament Hill:
At any time of year, Parliament Hill is an iconic landmark to see when in the capital city. Only three blocks from the hotel, Ottawa’s Parliament Buildings is a must-see for all visitors. The Parliament Buildings present a fascinating blend of honors and vibrancy. Their vaulted ceilings, marble floors, and dramatic lighting create an air of dignity, yet the stone walls are alive with decoration. Saucy faces grin at passers-by, birds, and animals almost come to life, and events from our history are retold.
In the summertime, you have to take advantage of the fabulous light show called Northern Lights each night after nightfall. For more information about this colorful event, click here.
Friday Night Live Jazz at Grill 41
Join us weekly at Grill 41 in the Lord Elgin Hotel for live Jazz, from 9pm to midnight!! During the Jazz Festival (June 23rd to June 30th), there is a jam session each night in Grill 41 starting at 10pm. Some of the amazing artists featured this year include Feist, Herbie Hancock, Melody Gardot, Buddy Guy, John Scofield, Angelique Francis and so many more!
National Gallery of Canada:
Housed in one of Canada’s most iconic public buildings, the National Gallery of Canada is among the world’s most respected art institutions. As part of its ongoing evolution, and in response to the changing expectations of museumgoers, the Gallery recently renewed its entire narrative on Canadian and Indigenous art, sharing a new and compelling story of artistic production in this country, from time immemorial to the present day. For more details about the Exhibitions and Galleries, visit their website HERE.
Canadian Museum of Nature:
Just a few blocks south of the hotel is this amazing museum filled with the wonders of nature. Their new and popular exhibit Under the Canopy is there now until January 7, 2024 (Buy your tickets in advance). Also until March 18th, 2024, you can see Wolves – Shape-shifters in a Changing World!
Under the Canopy
Ottawa Jazz Festival:
June 23 to June 30th, 2023. The Ottawa International Jazz Festival is the premier music event to take place in downtown Ottawa and we are proud to be on the doorstep of this fabulous festival (takes part in Confederation Park and Festival Plaza at City Hall). This year features incredible headliners like Feist, Herbie Hancock, Melody Gardot, Buddy Guy, John Scofield, Angelique Francis and so many more!
Dragon Boat Festival:
June 22 to 25, 2023. Recognized as North America’s largest dragon boating festival, the four-day celebration offers free admission to concerts, amusement attractions, sports demonstrations, a variety of artisans, exhibitors, delicious culinary treats, a children’s area, and non-stop racing.
Changing of the Guard:
BACK AGAIN!!!!! From the end of June to the end of August, this is one of Ottawa’s famous tourist attractions and we are lucky to have them walk by our hotel every day – 7 days a week, en route to Parliament Hill and back… how cool is that!!!
Ottawa Ceremonial Guards
Rideau Canal:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal is just a block from the Lord Elgin Hotel and one of the city’s top tourism destination! Snaking and making its way gracefully through Ottawa’s charming downtown core, “the canal” as it’s known locally, is the heart beat of Canada’s Capital in any season. In the warmer months, the canal is a haven for walkers, runners, in-line skaters and cyclists, who stroll along its scenic, rolling green banks. Take a cruise down the Canal with Paul’s Boat Lines, or rent a kayak at Dow’s Lake Pavillion.
Le Boat:
From their new base in Ottawa, located on Dows Lake, a popular recreation area on the fringes of downtown Ottawa. It’s just a 7-minute taxi ride (or 20 minutes by bike) between the base and the city center. By boat, it will take 45 minutes to head north and reach the section of canal that runs through the center of Ottawa city – after which you can go no further. Heading south, you can quite easily reach Long Island (from where you can discover Manotick), and back again, on a 3-night short break. 7 nights will allow you to complete a return journey as far as Merrickville. Or, on a 7nt one-way to our base in Smith Falls, you can combine Canada’s capital with the open waters of Big Rideau Lake, which are a little further south of Smiths Falls.
Music and Beyond:
More Than a Music Festival July 4 – 17, 2023
Music and Beyond is dedicated to enhancing the enjoyment of classical music and the arts in general in the Ottawa region by providing excellent concerts; broadening the audience base; fostering greater appreciation, understanding, and support for all forms of classical music.
RBC Bluesfest
RBCOttawa Bluesfest:
July 6 to 16, 2023
Celebrating over 25 years, this festival just gets bigger and better each year! This year’s RBC Bluesfest will take place July 6th to 16thth at Lebreton Flats. Just like always, this year’s lineup has something for everyone: Alan Doyle, Mumford and Sons, Shania Twain, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Tegan & Sara, Foo Fighters are just a few of the big names that highlight this year’s festival.
Casino Lac Leamy Sound of Light Show (Fireworks & Performances)
From August 2-19 at 6pm (Wednesdays & Saturdays): Five international fireworks designers create amazing displays that light up the Ottawa/Gatineau’s sky during 5 nights filled with lights, music, and entertainment. See performances from Spain, the United States, Germany China, and the grand finale!!!
Calypso Water Park:
Calypso-Theme-Waterpark
Open all season. Calypso is Canada’s biggest theme waterpark. There is water fun to be had everywhere on our extensive 100-acre facility with over 35 slides. From toddlers to teens, from party dudes to grandparents, everyone will have their share of fun in this gem of a park. With imaginative management, this $50 million investment has been transformed into a hundred different water adventures to keep you cool and busy. Humongous state-of-the-art slides, a river run, Canada’s largest wave pool, thrilling rides—even a whitewater experience! You won’t have time to be bored. Check out our Calypso Package on our Special Offers page here.
For Thrill Seekers & the Adventurous
If you love adventure check out the many companies on the Ottawa River – from white water rafting to bungee jumping, there is no shortage of ideas – you may have to stay another week!
Check out our ADVENTURE PAGE here for those that like to stay active while visiting our beautiful city!!
Great Canadian Bungee Jumping