Ottawa: Indigenous Culture and History Comes Alive in Canada’s Capital

Taking students on an experiential learning trip to Ottawa offers a unique and enriching opportunity for them to engage with Canada’s rich history, government, and diverse cultural perspectives. As the nation’s capital, Ottawa is the epicenter of Canadian politics and governance, and provides students with opportunities to experience firsthand how the country’s democratic institutions operate.

A visit to Ottawa's many museums and cultural sites offer invaluable insights into the country's history and heritage including the stories and contributions of Indigenous peoples and will help foster a deeper respect for and understanding of Indigenous perspectives, which are integral to Canada's past and future.

Visiting Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court, and other government landmarks will deepen their understanding of the political processes that shape their lives. Students can enjoy activities such as skating or biking on the Rideau Canal, skiing in Gatineau Park, or participating in Winterlude, one of the largest winter festivals in Canada. These experiences not only promote physical activity and an appreciation for nature but also encourage teamwork and resilience. By visiting Ottawa, students will return with a well-rounded understanding of Canadian identity, government, and history, as well as unforgettable memories.

Enjoy the world's largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway, in winter

Top Highlights

What’s Included

We design unforgettable educational journeys for you and your students. Our educational trips include:

Itinerary

Ottawa

Ottawa is Canada’s capital, a dynamic showcase city of more than one million people. Located in Ontario at the Quebec border, it’s a place where you’ll hear English and French in the streets; where you can discover Canada’s proud heritage at impressive national sites and famous landmarks, including the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Parliament Hill and national attractions. The gorgeous waterways are a perfect way to photograph the wonders of the metropolis. It’s a city steeped in culture, with world-class museums and galleries displaying stunning national collections and special exhibitions from Canada and around the world. Bucket-list items include the Gothic-revival Parliament Hill, Canadian Museum of Nature, the mountain coaster, interprovincial zipline, and vibrant Byward Market.

Activities:

The Canadian Museum of History: trace back Canada’s 1000 year history while taking a deep dive into truth & reconciliation
“Parliament Hill Challenge”: engage in an interactive Outdoor Guided Tour of the Hill, learning about its history and legislative process
Vanier Museopark: appreciate the rich history of French-Canadian culture, including a museum and authentic sugar shack
Byward Market: take a lunch break to roam this buzzing hub filled with food stalls, cafes, street art, and more
Canada Science and Technology Museum: engaging activities are designed to promote the country’s scientific and technological heritage
Funhaven Amusement/Arcade Centre: enjoy escape rooms, laser tag, video games, bowling, and bumper cars!
MĀDAHÒKÌ FARM: experience the powerful ‘Feel the Heartbeat Workshop’ and learn the fundamentals of drumming to develop cross-cultural musical connections

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.

Hear it from our clients first

I had an absolutely incredible experience with GHardy Tours for my trip to Switzerland. From start to finish, everything was flawlessly organized and executed. The attention to detail was remarkable – from the seamless travel arrangements to the carefully selected accommodations that provided stunning views of the Alps. I can confidently say this was one of the best travel experiences I've ever had. I'm already looking forward to my next adventure with them!

Thank you so much for arranging everything for our Italy trip. We had an amazing time without focusing on planning logistics. Your driver and guides are top of the line and mesmerized us with their in-depth knowledge. We cannot express our sincere gratitude with everything you have done for us. Thanks to you, we LOVED, LOVED, LOVED our experience in Italy!

The GHardy team planned the perfect family vacation to Italy for us! The hotels, private tours and excursions were all exceptional and exactly what we were hoping for! We didn’t have to stress over anything - we just showed up and there was always someone to meet us. We also took great comfort knowing if any issue did arise, the G/Hardy Tours team, as well as a 24/7 emergency contact on the ground in Italy were always a message or call away.

Our family vacation to Greece, which included Athens, Crete, Santorini and Mykonos, was unforgettable! The accommodations were lovely and centrally located to maximize our time at all of the hot spot destinations. Our private guides were very informative with all of the history and culture that Greece has to offer. Various transportation needs were met through planes, boats and private transfers which made travel effortless from one destination to the next. Thank you GHardy Tours for putting together a remarkable experience for the whole family to enjoy and providing memories to last a lifetime.

Our unique approach to planning transformative experiences ensures our clients gain more than just a vacation: they come away with a greater understanding of the world, their place in it, and how the journey has enriched their lives.

We prioritize personalized experiences tailored to guests’ wants and needs, from holiday getaways to educational trips and everything in between.
Travel is about more than just going from point A to point B. It's an experience; we're here to help you create the best possible one for you and your family or friends.
Taste. Indulge. Immerse. Each destination has unique flavours and dishes. Bespoke travel is the perfect way to indulge your senses.
Our team of experienced travel planners has an eye for detail, meaning no stone goes unturned when crafting the perfect itinerary. Whenever you want it, the way you want it.

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