Ottawa is home to some of Canada’s most well-known landmarks… the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, the Canadian War Museum... we could go on. But isn’t life about taking the road less travelled? That’s why we’ve put together some of Ottawa’s best hidden gems, just don’t tell anyone… it’ll be our secret!
1. Stony Swamp
Stony Swamp lies southwest of Ottawa and is the most ecologically diverse protected area in the Ottawa Valley. It features a network of beaver ponds, wetlands and forests as well as over 40 kilometres of trails, wetland boardwalks and interpretive exhibits on geology and natural history. A variety of reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds call this place their home – and you may even spot a deer or two! Whether you hike, bike or walk around Stony Swamp, you’ll be surrounded by history and nature.
2. Tin House
The Tin House can be found in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. This popular attraction was installed in 1973, and is a reconstruction of an artwork produced by Honoré Foisy. Foisy was a tinsmith who lived a few blocks away from ByWard Market; he used a metal sheet to create a façade that was made to look like other building materials, such as wood and brick. His artwork was displayed on his house, but when the house was demolished in 1961, the façade was saved and later reconstructed by artist Art Price. The Tin House is hung on the wall of a building which is now named after the artwork. Make sure to head to ByWard Market to see this impressive piece of Ottawa history!
3. Mayfair Theatre
The Mayfair Theatre cinema is the oldest active movie theatre in the whole of Ottawa, and has been operating since 1932. It showcases a tonne of lesser-known films, and is known for its frequent screenings of cult films such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Room. If you’re a film fanatic – this place is heaven on earth! You can catch both new films and classics here… but just be sure to read up on the audience participation first!
4. Carbide Willson Ruins
Thomas “Carbide” Willson made a name for himself in 1892 when he created the process by which we create calcium carbide, an important industrial chemical. But as he continued trying to create chemical innovations, Willson built a summer home/laboratory which still stands in Gatineau Park. Willson died of a heart attack in 1915, but his grand dream of a sylvan home and lab still stands. The dead-eyed buildings, which are now hollowed-out ruins, still draw a number of photographers and visitors alike. Although very little of the site speaks to its history of acids, chemicals, and fertilizers, it still makes for beautiful viewing… even if it is slightly eerie!
5. The Lafayette
The Lafayette – or “The Laff” as it’s known to locals – opened its doors in 1849, making it Ottawa’s oldest bar. Performing every Saturday for 28 years, local Ron Burke belts out country favourites for his admir. This means two things: the place is packed, and singing along is definitely encouraged! Regardless of whether you’re a fan of country music, this show (which has only ever been cancelled once in 28 years…for Christmas Day!), is fun and lively, making The Lafayette a must-visit for any traveller in Ottawa.
If this blog has sparked your desire for a holiday to Canada, you can visit our website here for more holiday inspiration.
