Third IVS General Meeting Excursions


This page details details several excusions that the LOC can have arranged on Friday February 13.

If you are interested in participating in any of these excursions, please send e-mail to ivs-gm2004excursions@ivscc.gsfc.nasa.gov by Friday January 23rd at 17:00 EST (2200 UT). The deadline is necessary so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Payment for the guided tours can be made at the same time you register for the meeting.

Guided Tours

Several options are available for delegates interested in activities in and around Ottawa on Friday, February 13.

Approximate costs are given in the description of each choice. Transportation will be provided, but equipment rental, passes, food are the delegates responsibility. All outdoor activities are weather dependent. Space is limited, and offered as a first e-mail response-first serve basis.

These excursions will be "hosted" by NRCan people. The tours of the Parliament and the Art Gallery are professionally guided.

  1. Ottawa walking tour: From the Lord Elgin Hotel: A guided Tour of the National Art Gallery, visit the Byward Market for shopping and lunch. After lunch a visit to the Parliament buildings of Canada for a guided tour. Return to the Hotel to Visit the Ice sculpture competition in Confederation Park. Minimum of 10 people required, maximum of 20. Approximate cost: $6 + Lunch and shopping.
  2. Skiing/Snowboarding: Pick-up from hotel in the morning, enjoy a day on the slopes at a local ski hill. Novices are encouraged to also attend a ski lesson. Minimum of 4 people, maximum of 15. Costs: Lift Ticket: ~$35 Ski Rental: ~$25.
  3. Winterlude: Transportation to Jacques-Cartier Park for visits to a winter playground and a Horse Drawn Sleigh ride. Return to Confederation Park to view ice carving competition. Enthused participants can rent skates and enjoy the Rideau Canal. Approximate cost: $10, Minimum of 4 people maximum of 10.
  4. Ottawa driving tour: Visit some of the sites of Ottawa by car: See the Parliament buildings, The American Embassy, National Gallery of Art, Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Residences of the Prime Minister and Governor General, the Rideau Canal, and stop for lunch along the way. Minimum of 4 people, maximum of 10. Costs: Free.
Do It Yourself
  1. Casino: Bus Route 21 (Blue Bus) runs from Gatineau through Ottawa and can pick caught directly in front of the Lord Elgin Hotel. For people staying at the Lord Elgin, free passes can be obtained at the front desk. Though inexpensive the bus may be a tedious way of getting to the Casino. A taxi is recommended for small groups, and the fare will be ~$15.
    Practical Information:
    Admission restricted to patrons aged 18 and over. Alcoholic beverages prohibited in playing areas. Use of photographic equipment prohibited. Smoking only allowed in areas reserved for smokers. Coats and bags (except for handbags) must be left at the cloakroom.
    Since July 2003, Quebec's three casinos have become non-smoking establishments. The casinos' gaming areas, bars and restaurants are now entirely non-smoking. However, a number of comfortable smoking lounges, equipped with high-performance ventilation systems, have been made available at each Casino.
    Dress Code: Designed to help preserve its excellent image and international reputation, the Casino du Lac-Leamy's dress code prohibits: Tasteful running shoes and denim trousers are acceptable. Please note that business attire is required for admission to Le Baccara Restaurant.

    More information is available at http://www.casino-du-lac-leamy.com. (For English find the link at the bottom of the main page.)

  2. Winterlude. Winterlude will be if full swing during the IVS meeting. There are three main areas for events: Jacques Cartier Park on the Quebec side of the Ottawa river hosts a winter playground, performances, games, crafts and more. On the weekends of Winterlude the Centre Block of the Parliament is open to allow you visit at your own pace. The Rideau Canal Skateway offers skate rental at the Mackenzie Bridge (directly in front of the Lord Elgin hotel)
    Ice Skate Rental Cost: $15.00 for any part of the first two hours, $7.50 for each additional hour or part thereof. Children 12 and under are half price. Prices include all taxes. Half price after 9:00 pm Discounts available for groups of 10 or more rentals. Complimentary boot check with each pair of rented skates. A security deposit of $50.00 per Skate Rental or Sleigh Rental is required prior to renting the equipment. Mastercard and VISA are accepted for deposits.
    For more information:
    http://www.capcan.ca/winterlude/index_e.asp
    http://www.capcan.ca/skateway/index_e.asp
    http://www.silver-skates.com/index.html

  3. Museums:
    The Ottawa area offers a host of museums including:

    The Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography
    The National Arts Centre
    The National Gallery of Canada
    The Canada Agriculture Museum
    The Canadian Museum of Civilization
    The Canadian Postal Museum
    The Canadian Museum of Nature
    The Canadian War Museum
    The Currency Museum
    The Canada Aviation Museum
    The Library and Archives of Canada
    The Canada Science and Technology Museum
    Laurier House National Historic Site
    Costs and accessibility vary. More information can be found at: http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/attractions/museums/index_e.html.

  4. Byward Market: A historic part of Ottawa now hosts an open air market, trendy shops, pubs, and restaurants. Close to the Rideau Center Shopping Mall and within walking distance to the Lord Elgin Hotel. Look for Mardi Gras in Ottawa on February 6-8. http://www.byward-market.com/.

  5. Skiing: Close to Ottawa there are several smaller hills, for a larger experience Mont Tremblant is ~1.5 hours away. Information can be found at: http://www.tremblant.ca.

  6. Special Events:
    The National Arts Center Orchestra presents: Pinchas Zukerman / Nikolaj Znaider
    February 12 - 13, 2004
    PROKOFIEV Sonata for Two Violins in C major, Op. 56
    TCHAIKOVSKY Serenade, Op. 48
    BRAHMS Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77
    Tickets range from $27 to $73
    Infor available at: http://www.nac.ca

    The Casino du Lac Leamy presents: Elvis Story. Don't miss this phenomenal performance! Close to one million fans have seen this show, which just wrapped its 9th season at Quebec City's Capitole Theatre. Elvis Story returns to the Outaouais region by popular demand in 2004! This grandiose production casts Martin Fontaine in the role of Elvis Presley, accompanied by four musicians and six backup singers. Re-live the musical history of the twentieth century's greatest rock star! Theatre-style seating. Tickets start at $50.
    Evenings:
    February 6, 11, 12, 13 at 8:00 PM
    February 7, 14, at 8:30 PM (Saturdays)
    http://www.casino-du-lac-leamy.com/

    Return to General Meeting Page

    Please address questions or comments to the IVS Coordinating Center
    Last updated: January 19, 2004