It is the combination of all of these attributes and more! But, it takes work to keep up the appeal and bring people back. The tourism industry in Ottawa is booming and Ottawa At Home has tracked down four people who make it their job to ensure visitors feel welcome and want to keep coming back for more.
Noel Buckley
President & CEO of Ottawa Tourism
Ottawa has been called a big city with a hometown feel. Do you agree? Yes. Ottawa has all the features and amenities of a big city (great food, museums, night life, professional sports, etc.) but also has a great “hometown” feeling with very livable neighborhoods, great recreation opportunities, colleges and universities and a plethora of family activities.
What landmark or event do you think reflects Ottawa best? There are so many great events such as Bluesfest, Tulip Festival, Race Weekend, etc. but the one that reflects Ottawa and our nation’s capital, the best is Canada Day. Every Canadian should experience Canada Day in Ottawa at some point in their life!
Where do you take visitors when they come to town? When visitors come to town I take them to the Byward Market, Gatineau Park, the Rideau Canal and the Canadian War museum.
Forced to choose, what would be your favourite time of year in Ottawa? If I had to choose a favorite time of year in Ottawa it would be winter. Skating on the Canal and eating a Beavertail is truly the ultimate Ottawa experience.
Describe this city in one sentence. Ottawa is a great G8 Capital, with world-class museums, a vibrant urban scene, and easily accessible outdoor experiences that is a great place to live and/or raise a family.
Guy Laflamme
Vice President Capital Experience NCC
Ottawa has been called a big city with a hometown feel. Do you agree? I feel I live in a global village, with virtual borders extending to the very limits of our country. All the benefits of a large urban centre are accessible within a 10-minute bike ride!
What landmark or event do you think reflects Ottawa best? Conservation areas, commemorations and national celebrations. With my undergrad degree in Natural Sciences, my first job was to be in charge of educational programs in amazing conservation areas such as Mer Bleue and Gatineau Park. Recently, I have had the chance to contribute to the creation of commemorations and national monuments as well as orchestrating national celebrations such as Canada Day.
Where do you take visitors when they come to town? On a unique journey of outdoor sports and cultural activities... As a thrill seeker, I can’t be satisfied with less than providing an intense experience on our recreational pathways, an enriching discovery of our national museums and an immersion in our beautiful, pristine nature.
Forced to choose, what would be your favourite time of year in Ottawa? The month of May, having completed my teaching in University for the year I am able to spend more time outdoors. Tulips are a strong symbol of renaissance for many of us!
Describe this city in one sentence. Live Canada to its fullest!
Krista Kealey
VP, Communications-Public Affairs, Ottawa Airport
Ottawa has been called a big city with a hometown feel. Do you agree? Agree! Ottawa is “big city” enough to have new areas to explore and an ever-growing entertainment, arts and culture scene. But it’s not uncommon to go out for dinner, and run into friends. You never know what will happen on a Saturday night…a quiet dinner for two can turn into a party!
What landmark or event do you think reflects Ottawa best? Parliament Hill is obvious, yet there are many other landmarks that define the city. The Fairmont Chateau Laurier, the Rideau Canal, museums - many beautiful, recognizable structures that strike a chord with people everywhere, and shout Ottawa.
Where do you take visitors when they come to town? Most of my visitors come to one of my favorite places by default…the beautiful Ottawa International Airport! Aside from that I would take a stroll through the ByWard Market, followed by a drive through Gatineau Park to Wakefield, topped-off by lunch or dinner at the historic Wakefield Mill Inn.
Forced to choose, what would be your favourite time of year in Ottawa? I love late June; flowers are starting to bloom, grass is green, restaurant patios are full, markets are overflowing with fresh produce and Bluesfest is just around the corner.
Describe this city in one sentence. Ottawa is a safe, beautiful, world-class city that I’m proud to call my hometown.
John Jarvis
GM The Westin Ottawa
Ottawa has been called a big city with a hometown feel. Do you agree? Absolutely. The quality of life in Ottawa is second to none in Canada. Over a million people live in the Capital Region and it has an uncomplicated sense of ease about it.
What landmark or event do you think reflects Ottawa best? The Rideau Canal. It reflects our history, beauty and tranquility. I am lucky to be able to view this landmark on a daily basis from the hotel and am also reminded of its beauty every time I pass by the 1948 Malak Karsh photograph ‘Tulip Time in Ottawa’ that hangs outside the Westin’s athletic facility.
Where do you take visitors when they come to town? I am a nature lover so I tend to take visitors to the Parkway and the Gatineau Park. I live in rural Kanata so I am lucky to be able to enjoy the country in my own back yard as well.
Forced to choose, what would be your favorite time of year in Ottawa? The Fall-unmistakably.
Describe this city in one sentence. Those who have lived in Canada’s capital know it is Canada’s best-kept secret and can offer a great quality of life, especially for raising a family; we have it all right here!
