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Student Trips to Ottawa

Ottawa is one of the most popular destinations for student travel, and for a good reason! Canada's capital is home to Parliament, seven national museums, art galleries, historic landmarks, and more! Many student educational tours to Ottawa include stops at Bytown, the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill.

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Why Educational Tours to Ottawa?

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#1 Bestselling Trip

For Grade 7 and Grade 8 groups

Ottawa parliament

Curriculum Connections

Learn about Confederation and the mechanics of Canada's Parliament

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Canada's Capital

Experience Canada's best galleries, museums, archives and more!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best activities for students to do in Ottawa?

After every Brightspark Tour, we ask students about their favourite activities and attractions. Here is a list of the top 5 most popular attractions in Ottawa, as voted by students:

  1. War Museum. Make a visit to Canada's national museum of military history to see artifacts from their three-million-item collection and nine permanent exhibitions. A great way to immerse your students in Canada's military history.
  2. Gala Evening. What better way to wrap up this memorable class trip than with a dinner and dance gala evening. Our DJ will get your students out of their seats, playing games, and dancing the night away.
  3. The Heist. Your class will work together to solve the crime of the missing sapphire as they search through the Canadian Museum of Nature in this Brightspark Exclusive activity. 
  4. Indigenous Experiences. Guides will show your class what it was like to live in the area with a tour of the village, after which they will watch a traditional Pow Wow dance. 
  5. Lefleche Caves. This activity is educational and fun. It gets your students outdoors for the afternoon as they explore a 20,000 year old cave.   
How do I eat in Ottawa on a student-friendly budget?

Downtown & Byward Market

  1. Tucker's – Tucker's Marketplace's buffet is a student, teacher, and parent favourite! This restaurant has great service, a huge menu, and options for allergies too!

  2. Gibson's on Queen – A wide variety of food options including vegan and gluten-free options. Their fajita lunch buffet is a definite must-try! 

  3. Fish Market – Freshly baked bread and butter on the side of delicious, fresh fish! Enjoy this meal in the heart of Byward Market. 

  4. Grand Pizzeria – Another great spot in the Byward Market. Dig into these delicious pizzas! Got allergies? The restaurant offers gluten-free and cashew cheese alternatives! 

Gatineau

  1. Fun Junction – Florescent lights, laser tag, and dinner? Grab a table with your class and experience a memorable meal at this arcade spot!

  2. Buffet des Continent – An all-you-can-eat buffet offering Asian, Greek, Italian, American, Mexican cuisine and more!

  3. Au Vieux Duluth – A great place to enjoy a filling Greek meal! Enjoy a plate piled high with delicious steamy Greek food, with sides of rice and salad. 
Should my class stay at a hotel or a residence?

Hotels are a great choice if you have a flexible budget and want all the amenities! If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative, consider staying at a residence! University of Ottawa and Algonquin College offer student-friendly accommodations at lower price point. Students will stay in suite style rooms with full kitchenettes and common areas that will give them a taste of post-secondary living.
What can I do for free on my educational tour to Ottawa?

Here are a few free things students can do in Ottawa! 

  1. Legislate This! - A Brightspark Exclusive that transforms your class into a government. They will elect a Prime Minister, debate, and then pass a bill into a law that will effect the tour! 
  2. Bank of Canada Museum - Experience the world's most complete collection of Canadian currency! Learn about money in interactive exhibitions that explain your role in the economy, and Canada's role in the world economy.
  3. RCMP Stables - Take your class to see where horses are trained for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Free guided tours are offered year round. 
  4. "Discover Bytown" - Enjoy a walking tour through Bytown like you've never seen before. Let a Brightspark Tour Leader showcase the history of this neighborhood.  
  5. Rideau Hall - Visit the state room where the Governor General works. You can also see many works of Canadian art and tour the scenic grounds.  

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