While people like me are jetting off to the beach this winter, those individuals who don’t mind exploring new cities in chilly temperatures have the opportunity to take advantage of some hot deals. Many destinations in the United States and Canada offer heavily discounted rates or free family friendly activities during the winter low season.
Take a look:
OTTAWA
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is catering to new visitors this winter. City leaders have designed a number of outdoor events that spotlight the area’s awe-inspiring scenery.
If your children love to skate consider heading to the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest skating rink, where you can glide over more than four miles of ice. The views are impressive and the best part–—the skating is free. (Although you will have to shell out a few bucks for skates if you forgot yours at home.)
If skating is a bit too tame for your wild bunch head out to one of Ottawa’s many public parks with hills perfect for sledding. To help encourage visitors (and residents) to explore the great outdoors (even when it is freezing out) the National Capital Commission reserved three areas in town especially for sledders. Bruce Pit, Conroy Pit, and Green’s Creek, are all located within the Greenbelt recreational space. You can also find a few good sledding hills in the Old Ottawa South neighborhood, including Vincent Massey Park and the Experimental Farm hillside.
Expect the crowds to grow during the month of February. That’s when Ottawa hosts its largest public event of the year—-the annual Winterlude Festival. The upcoming festival takes place on the weekends between February 1 and 17, 2008. Again, if you are a budget traveler you’ll appreciate the fact that most Winterlude events and attractions are free. Among the highlights are a snow-sculpting competition, elaborate ice sculptures, and a giant winter playground known as Snowflake Kingdom.
You can also save money on your trip to Ottawa by visiting several area museums, which offer free or reduced-price admission during select days each week. For example, the National Gallery of Canada is free on Thursdays between 5 and 8 p.m., the Canadian Museum of Nature allows visitors to tour the building at no charge on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and noon, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum is free between 4 and 5 p.m. daily.
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