Site Visits and Activities

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
DAY TRIPS

Hiking in the Gatineaus

Date of Trip: Saturday, September 20

Gatineau Park is a magnificent area just waiting to reveal its charms. It’s an open window on the National Capital Region’s great outdoors. Managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC), Gatineau Park is a superb 88,000-acre nature reserve just 15 minutes from Parliament Hill. The park is endowed with hundreds of kilometers of trails over varied terrain, forests containing more than 40 species of trees, abundant wildlife and numerous crystal-clear lakes typical of the hills of the Canadian Shield. Summer and winter, visitors can participate in outdoor activities or simply enjoy the tranquility of a protected natural environment.

You will begin your hiking adventure with a shuttle pick-up and you will be delivered to Champlain Look-Out in the Gatineau Hills. At the look-out, you will discuss the history of the region with your knowledgeable local guide. Your hiking trip through the Gatineaus consists of a five-hour walking tour of the trails, ending at historic Meech Lake with a gourmet bag lunch. You will also be provided with a backpack and bottled water.

Group Size: minimum 7, maximum 14
Cost: $100 CDN; $75 US (includes ground transportation)
Date of Trip: September 20
Travel Time: 15 minutes from Château Laurier
Begin: Château Laurier Hotel Lobby @ 8:00 a.m.
Return: Château Laurier Hotel Lobby @ 3:00 p.m.

Mackenzie King Estate: Biking and Lunch Tour

Date of Tour: Saturday, September 20

“It is what we prevent, rather than what we do that counts most in Government.” ––Mackenzie King, August 26, 1936

The Mackenzie King Estate was the country retreat of Canada’s Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. Nestled in Gatineau Park, the Estate offers restored cottages, beautiful gardens complete with stone ruins, walking trails, and a tea room serving light refreshments. This charming historical estate, the legacy of Mackenzie King, belongs to all Canadians. Mackenzie King was Canada’s tenth prime minister and held power for 22 years––the longest ever for a Canadian prime minister.

This day-long excursion featuring the Mackenzie King Estate incorporates a biking tour through the Gatineau Hills. Beginning in Chelsea, where you and your courtesy bikes will be shuttled to Champlain Look-Out, you will enjoy a leisurely guided bicycle tour of the region from the parkway onto the marked trails leading to the Mackenzie King Estate. At the Estate, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the estate grounds and gardens, and then a delicious three-course meal in the tea room. Following an afternoon stroll in the gardens, a courtesy shuttle will take you back to the Information Centre for your return to the Château Laurier.

Group Size: minimum 7, maximum 14
Cost: $125 CDN; $100 US
Date of Trip: September 20
Travel Time: 45 minutes from Ottawa
Begin: Château Laurier Lobby @ 9:00 a.m.
Return: Château Laurier Lobby @ 4:00 p.m.

Issue Areas:

• Canadian History
• Architectural Preservation
• Park Management, Recreation

Mackenzie King Estate: Stars and Delights Evening Tour

Date of Tour: Saturday, September 20

The Mackenzie King Estate was the country retreat of Canada’s Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. Nestled in Gatineau Park, the Estate offers restored cottages, beautiful gardens complete with stone ruins, walking trails, and a tea room serving light refreshments. This charming historical estate, the legacy of Mackenzie King, belongs to all Canadians. Mackenzie King was Canada’s tenth prime minister and held power for 22 years––the longest ever for a Canadian prime minister.

Your evening of enjoying the night sky from a Canadian perspective begins with a deluxe minivan shuttle from the Château Laurier to Chelsea, Québec where you will enjoy a fabulous three-course meal at one of the region’s finest restaurants. Following your dinner, you will proceed to the Mackenzie King Estates for an astronomy presentation and discussion with a guest speaker, held in the open-air ruins on the estate. Your presentation and star viewing will take place in the ruins located on the grounds. At 10 p.m., after you have finished admiring the heavens, you will be shuttled back to the hotel.

Group Size: minimum 7, maximum 14
Cost: $125 CDN; $100 US
Travel Time: 45 minutes from Ottawa
Date of Trip: September 20
Begin: Château Laurier Lobby @ 5:00 p.m.
End: Château Laurier Lobby @ 11:00 p.m.

Issue Areas:

• Astronomy
• Canadian History
• Dark Skies Discussion
• Light Pollution

Government House, Rideau Hall, Governor General’s Residence

Date of Tour: Saturday, September 20

Rideau Hall is the popular name for Government House and is the official residence of the governor general of Canada, Her Excellency Adrienne Clarkson. Canada’s governor general invites you to visit Rideau Hall, the home and workplace of every governor general since confederation in 1867. Built in 1838, Rideau Hall sits on a 79-acre oasis of beautifully landscaped grounds just minutes from the Château Laurier. It is open year-round, a gracious and inviting place where Canada’s history comes to life with vitality and warmth.

Rideau Hall is not only a residence, it is also a workplace. Here the governor general carries out many constitutional, diplomatic and ceremonial duties. The Hall’s grounds were modeled after an English country estate with luxurious lawns surrounded by gardens and walking paths through nearby forests. More than 3,000 trees provide summer shade and year-round beauty. Look for an Inukshuk and totem pole, enjoy a picnic on the grounds, or take in a cricket match.

Group Size: No minimum or maximum
Cost: $30 CDN; $22 US (includes ground transportation and box lunch)
Date of Trip: September 20
Begin: Château Laurier Lobby @ 11:00 a.m.
End: Château Laurier Lobby @ 2:00 p.m.

Issue Areas:

• Organic Gardening
• Pesticide Issues
• Canadian History

White Water Rafting on the Ottawa River

Date of Trip: Saturday, September 20

The Ottawa River is the adventurer’s paradise, and one of the most spectacular rivers in North America. Our chosen destination offers two very distinct channels. The adventurous will love the main channel with its challenging waves, while the middle channel’s smaller rapids are ideal for providing softer adventures for younger or more cautious people. Beginner or expert, young or old, we invite you to experience the magical thrill of whitewater rafting.

Situated just 90 minutes west of Ottawa at Mont Solitude Park, your rafting experience will include river equipment, professional guides, river side barbeque and video presentation of your trip. All guides are licensed by the Canadian River Council and the Québec Climbing and Mountain Federation.

Group Size: Minimum: 7; Maximum: 9
Cost: $110 CDN; $80 US
Travel Time: 90 minutes from Ottawa
Date of Trip: September 20
Begin: Château Laurier Lobby @ 7:30 a.m.
End: Château Laurier Lobby @ 4:00 p.m.

Issue Areas:

• Recreation
• River Water Quality
• Rural Economic Development