Located between Toronto and Montreal, Canada’s capital, Ottawa, is the ideal place for a self-care escape. As home to several national museums, one of the oldest farmers’ markets, and the largest spa in North America, there’s plenty to see and do for the ultimate self-care escape.
Ottawa is home to seven of Canada’s nine national museums, making it a cultural hub and playground for exploration. The National Gallery of Canada is a perfect place to explore your creative side with over 40,000 pieces of artwork for inspiration. The Indigenous and Canadian Galleries are must-sees as well as the Group of Seven paintings. In addition, The Canadian Museum of Nature is another signature museum to discover. The Canadian Museum of Nature is established in an old, historical baronial building that looks like a “castle”. Wander the stone steps and learn fun facts at the home of full skeleton of a bull whale, fascinating fossils, and rotating exhibits, like the live “Owls Rendez-vous”. Sketching and writing your observations in a self-care journal is a perfect activity to compliment venturing out to Ottawa, Ontario’s national museums.
Established in 1826, the ByWard Market in Ottawa, Ontario is one of Canada’s oldest farmers’ markets. For a self-care day, it’s the perfect place to engage your senses, as the smells of every type of food vendor mixes in the area with the smell of fresh produce and flowers. See the colorful textures of hats, purses, and scarves as you shop the unique shopping stalls. Taste every type of dish, from sushi to noodles to pizza to kebabs. If you want to taste a little bit of everything, try a self-guided food tour with C’est Bon Ottawa, which allows you to find the hidden gems of the ByWard Market.
Located just ten minutes north of Downtown Ottawa, The Nordik Spa-Nature is a must-do for a solo escape. Not only is the Nordik Spa-Nature the largest spa in North America, it also has the only salt-water floating pool in North America as well, Källa. Nestled on the outskirts of Gatineau Park, escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and soak in the healing waters while looking up into the trees and sunset skies. Choose to warm up in the hot tubs, a cold plunge in the pools, or find tranquility in the sauna.
After a day of exploring Ottawa, head to your stay at GLō Best Western Kanata Ottawa West. The GLō Best Western Kanata Ottawa West possesses a sleek, chic look with pops of color everywhere to continue your day of inspiration and relaxation. With modern amenities like the state-of-the-art gym to help you sweat, then unwind with the gel-topped signature mattress for restful sleep, GLō Best Western Kanata Ottawa West has everything you need for your self-care escape.
From wildlife to city life, there’s plenty of room to roam in Canada. Find more Canadian travel inspiration at Travel Zone | Adventure Across Canada. Explore past the coastline to the turquoise waters of national parks and discover rich, urban centres when you stay with Best Western® Resorts & Hotels Canada.