It's no surprise that Ottawa is one of our most popular destinations for school trips. The city is home to the Parliament Buildings, the War Museum, and the National Gallery of Canada. While those are important activities for student tours, we also talked to our Tour Leaders to find out their favourite underrated spots in our nation's capital.

Best Winter Activity:

Arabaska Lafleche Caves

Strap on your headlamp helmet and venture through the forest to the caves at Arabaska Lafleche. This activity is educational and fun and gets your students outdoors for the afternoon as they explore a 20,000 year old cave. They will see ice stalactites and stalagmites, sleeping bats and will experience pure darkness for a brief moment. Your students leave the caves beaming and will be talking about this activity the rest of year.

Best Spring Activity:

Indigenous Experiences

Indigenous Experiences immerses your students with one of the many local Indigenous cultures of Turtle Island. Guides will show your class what it was like to live in the area during a tour of the village, after which they will watch a traditional Pow Wow dance. This activity is outdoors with an incredible view of the back of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River and the Museum of History.

Most Instagram-able Spot:

Nepean Point

Hidden behind the National Gallery, Nepean Point is the best spot for a group picture. Your class can gather around the statue of Samuel de Champlain for a great view of the Ottawa River. Bonus: thanks to the construction at Parliament Hill, this is now one of the best photo opportunities with the Parliament Buildings!