Ottawa offers an exciting array of sights, activities and cuisine for you to enjoy during your stay. Ottawa is a “Bright City”. It is one of the world’s safest and most beautiful communities to visit. The city prides itself on its quality of life. It is home to a wide range of diverse neighbourhoods, exciting activities, and fun activities. As a G7 capital city, Ottawa is Canada’s showcase city to the world.
1. Tulip Festival
If you're planning to attend GeoIgnite this May, you have an opportunity to witness one of Ottawa’s most picturesque events: the Ottawa Tulip Festival. Held concurrently from May 13 to May 23, this festival is not just about the celebration of flowers but also a profound symbol of international friendship and peace, making it a perfect cultural addition to your trip.
The Ottawa Tulip Festival, officially known as the Canadian Tulip Festival, originated in 1945 as a gift of gratitude from the Dutch royal family, who were sheltered in Canada during World War II. Princess Juliana of the Netherlands sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to the people of Canada, and since then, the festival has blossomed, quite literally, into an annual event featuring over a million tulips across the city.
For attendees of GeoIgnite, the festival offers a delightful contrast to the conference’s focus on geospatial technologies and digital mapping. The tulips spread across major venues like Commissioners Park near Dow’s Lake, where you can explore the vibrant arrays of tulips laid out in intricate patterns that are a dream for any photographer or nature lover.
Beyond the visual splendor, the festival hosts a variety of activities, including artistic installations, culinary events, and historical displays that explain the deep-rooted connections between Canada and the Netherlands. This presents a unique networking opportunity in a relaxed setting outside the conference.
Why should GeoIgnite attendees take notice? Visiting the Tulip Festival can provide a refreshing break from the indoor sessions and a chance to experience Ottawa’s rich cultural tapestry. It’s also an excellent occasion for GeoIgnite attendees to see geospatial technology in action, as the city’s layout and tulip displays offer practical examples of landscape design and urban planning.
So, if your schedule allows, step outside the conference room, enjoy the fresh air, and immerse yourself in a floral wonderland. The Ottawa Tulip Festival is not just a feast for the eyes but a testament to history, culture, and international friendship, right in the heart of the city.
To learn more about the Festival website: https://tulipfestival.ca/
Ottawa offers an exciting array of sights, activities and cuisine for you to enjoy during your stay. Ottawa is a “Bright City”. It is one of the world’s safest and most beautiful communities to visit. The city prides itself on its quality of life. It is home to a wide range of diverse neighbourhoods, exciting activities, and fun activities. As a G7 capital city, Ottawa is Canada’s showcase city to the world.
2. Parliament Hill tours 
Parliament Hill is easily the most popular and most visited attraction in Ottawa. All throughout the summer, the front lawn of the Hill is the setting of the Changing of the Guard ceremony every morning—and in recent years Yoga on the Hill has also become a popular draw. In the evenings you can enjoy the spectacular Sound and Light show: an amazing visual and audio performance projected onto the front of Parliament. Plan your tour here.
3. Ottawa tours & sightseeing information
You can see the city from the water as well as the land. with the Lady Dive Amphibious or a leisurely boat tour along the canal. More information can be found here.
4. Haunted Walk City tours
Ottawa offers guided bus and walking tours that will get you to the top attractions in comfort—as well as the Haunted Walk, for those who wish to hear a few ghost stories from the city’s past!
5. Museums
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
6. Culinary Experiences
A diverse community of chefs and unique restaurants makes Ottawa a great place to dine. To sample a variety of food fare, book a dining tour with Ottawa Tasting Tours or a guided gourmet tour with C’est Bon cooking, which will show you an array of food shops and farmers’ markets. More information can be found here.
7. Sports
Between the Senators (hockey), Redblacks (football) and Fury FC (soccer) Ottawa has more than our fair share of sports teams. The Canadian Tire Centre is also home to the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, and Baseball fans can visit the Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Park to watch the Ottawa Champions. For a full list of Ottawa teams and events click here.
8. Theatre and Performing arts
The capital’s National Arts Centre is a premier venue drawing the best in music, dance, and theatre. The local theatre scene is no slouch either, with performance of all kinds at the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa Little Theatre, The Gladstone and La Nouvelle Scène. TripAdvisors top ten theatre experiences in Ottawa.
9. Shopping
Whether it’s the historic Byward Market, the trendy Wellington West, or the Glebe, each neighborhoods in Ottawa has its own style and retail experience. Boutiques, health food stores, local artisans… you’ll find it all!