Must-see, must-do and must-eat in Ottawa

Alt Hotel Ottawa’s former general manager Jean-Philip Dupré shares his favourite places to visit during summer.

Escape Bicycle tours
This experience is perfect to discover the city from another angle. Accompanied by a guide, guests can visit the main attractions by bike. Ottawa being one of the most popular cities for cycling, it just makes sense to visit it on two wheels! My must: choose the gourmet package that includes visiting several restaurants and artisans along the way!

The Diefenbunker Museum
The Diefenbunker was commissioned by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker in 1959 as a response from his government to escalating tensions in the Cold War. The purpose of the bunker was to keep safe key members of the government and military forces in the event of a nuclear attack on Canada. The visit is full of surprises and unusual facts.

Ottawa City Rafting
For those who want to get out of their comfort zone: I guarante you will have fun at this activity just minutes from Ottawa. During your expedition, you will not only go rafting, but also enjoy many other activities, including my personal favourite, the cliff jumping.

By Ward Market
It's a must. Whether it is to visit artisans, stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers, grab a bite, enjoy a delicious ice cream or a beaver tail, you're sure to be amazed every time you go to the By Market. My must: a gelato in the small shop Amore gelato.

Bad Axe Throwing
It may be a little unusual on my part, but I loved my experience! With family, friends or as a team building activity, the pleasure is guaranteed. The members of their team are there to give us a lesson and then ... that's when the competition starts! The thing that I liked most: the throw with an axe in each hand.

Nordik
The perfect place to relax. One of the largest spas in North America offers three distinct relaxation areas and breathtaking views of the city of Ottawa. Thermal experience, cold waterfalls, massages and other body treatments: it truly is like paradise. I always make sure that I do the lavender exfoliation station.

Finally, every Sunday of the summer, do not miss the Farmer's Market at Lansdowne Park.

My favorite places to eat
- Enjoy what the talented bartenders are capable of at Riviera
- Splurge on fresh oysters at The Whalesbone
- Taste the pastas of the day at Social
- Cheat on your diet with the froot loops donut from SuzyQ Doughnuts
- Order a take out Baos Buns at Datsun
- Sip a huge Bloody Ceasar on La Terasse of Château Laurier