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Hey Guys,

I am planning a trip with my girlfriend to come to Ottawa on Valentines weekend. I have never been to Ottawa before and I have always wanted to skate the Rideau Canal. I cant wait to check it out!

I was just wondering if anyone can give me some advice on where a good hotel is and what are some cool places to check out while I'm there.

I dont want to spend a fortune but a nice hotel that close to everything would be great.

Any advice/info is appreciated!

Thanks

 
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Oh man, we gotta meet up all of us when you come.

The Canal is hella fun, i need to go down there soon too. hotels, hmm i only know expensive ones downtown, let me do some reaserch for ya :-)

You will also need to visit the parliment, take some nice photos. The market is where all the clubs and bars are at. and the rest is just the regular stuff you see everywhere.

Hope you have fun.

 
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Abe, he's coming down for valentine with his girlfriend... not too sure if he wants a big crowd... if you know what i mean.

As for hotels, i'm sure you can find something reasonably priced.

and skating on the canal is a must. And you might even get to see the nice snow and ice sculptures around the canal. You should check those out!
Also, don't forget to eat a beavor tail on the canal! it's like a tradition or something!!

 
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haha, yeah I dont know if my girl would be down with hanging out with all my fellow 7th Genners on Valentines... even though that would be fun. haha....I mean isnt Valentines day supposed to be about the things we love, ie. Our Girlfriends, our cars, and food. lol I doubt she would buy that.

Thanks for the tips so far!
I will definitely get my share of Beaver...I mean Beaver tail when Im down there. haha

 
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Hey man, if your looking for a nice place to stay for a few nights check out the Hampton Inn. The prices are around $80 a night, and the location is pretty central. Place has been around for a few years and I've heard nothing but good things from people who have stayed there (friends from out of town)

It's located on Vanier Parkway and Coventry Rd in Ottawa. Speaking of Ottawa, if your looking for some things to do, definately check out the canal! um, the many museums are cool as well. NAC, IMAX (thats in the museum of civilization) Parliament Buildings, every morning (i think it's around 9:30 or 10) they have the changing of the guard.

if your looking for nice places to eat, there are TONS!!! (stay away from denny's though

I reccomend The Keg, it's pricy, but it's worth it for a nice romantic dinner. If you want more places let me know and I can get them for you. You planning on coming down on the 13th or so?

 
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Thanks DnarahP I will check into the Hampton Inn. I stayed at one a long time ago in the US and it was really nice.
I plan to leave on the 13th and stay until the 15th

 
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Just to let you know that the changing of the guards only happens in the summer. The tour of the Parliments is pretty cool. The museum of nature is not a great place, kinda boring. You should check out the NAC they usually have something going on and the museum of civilization (in Hull) is great plus they have the IMAX. Have fun

 
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Hey, if you're going in hull check out the Casino! he he... i think i'm working that weekend...

 
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^ hehe your always working dude

 
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not this weekend!!!!!

 
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Thanks for tips guys. I think I am going to book a room at the Lord Elgin and I heard that the Blue Cactus is cool bar to check out.

 
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^^ Gay bar

j/k

Hope you enjoy your stay. The Lord Elgin is a great spot. Really good location too.

 
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yeah Lord Elgin is really nice, close to many things downtown.

 
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Cool! It was either the Lord Elgin or the Aristocrat but I think the Lord Elgin is better situated. I hope the Blue Cactus is a cool bar. That would be a mean joke (but kinda funny) if someone recommended a gay bar. Now I keep thinking about the Blue Oyster and it scares me. haha

 
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well, if you're looking for cool bars there are a few downtown in that area, just walk around and you'll be sure to find one. But i recomend Icon on Bank street! (j/k, that's an actual gay bar)
Depends what kind of bar you're looking for? do you just want something where you can sit down and relax or do you want to dance, or do you want an irish pub...?

 
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haha. OK i will make sure I stay away from Icon. haha

I think I would like to go to a bar where you can sit down and relax.

 
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alright, well if you're into that then the Blue Cactus is a good one! pretty relax, music not too loud, great place to just sit and chill. There are also a few irish pubs in that area too, good places to sit, have a beer and socialize. Or if you'd like a bit more of a sports bar/restaurant with some alternative music, the Honest Layer is a good place to go, you can play pool, have a beer, talk, and there's even a bowling lane in there! cool place to go!

 
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I think he means the Honest Lawyer

 
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Honest Lawyer isn't that bad. I like Darcey Mcgees isn't bad depending on how busy it gets. It's in the Spark Street Mall. Everything isnside was handcrafted in Ireland and brought over here, even the actual bar...pretty cool stuff.

 
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Awesome! Thanks for all of the tips guys, it will make my trip that much better!

Do any of you guys know what the Merlot Restaurant is like?
I believe its the revolving one located at the Marriott.

 
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That restaurant is amazing. The view at night is great. The service is good and overall its a great place. But really expensive. The cheapest meal was like $28 a plate. The best food i have ever had. So if you want to spend a little extra on dinner thats the place to go. She will love you for it. But make reservations its a pretty fancy restaurant and very busy for V-Day

 
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Alright Cool. I will be sure to call and reserve then. I got this Visa Passport deal booklet from Ottawa Tourism and it gives you a buy 1 entree get one free at the Merlot so I will be sure to bring it with me. You guys have been really helpful.
Hopefully we can all hook up at a meet this summer.

 
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FOSURE!!!

there has been talk of a huge Canada East meet in Ottawa. If it happens it will be fricken AMAZING!!!!

 
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Thanks Guys.

My weekend in Ottawa was awesome!

A truly beautiful City.

I had Dinner at the Merlot Revolving restaurant. Amazing View, Amazing Food, but Super Expensive. It was worth it though.

We checked out the Casino du Lac Leamy and blew $20 on slots, but it was fun. It was nicely decorated for winterlude and it looked amazing

The Canal was really cool. I watched the Sens/Habs alumni game and then my girlfriend and I skated all the way to Dows Lake.

Parliament building was sooo neat to see in person. I never realized it was that big. I got to go up in the Peace Tower too. Wicked views of Ottawa and Gatineau.

I got to check out all of the amazing ice and snow sculptures at Confederation Park and watched a cool Fire show while we enjoyed a delicious Beavertail.

We did a bunch of other stuff too!

Thanks for all of your input, I would love to come again in the Summer!

 
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We went to that restaurant a few years ago. Very expensive but the best food I have ever tasted. Glad to hear you had such a good time and hope to see you in the summer.

 
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Come back in the summer for a meet or two d00d! We're planning a big Canada East meet for this summer.

 
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Glad to hear you had a great time!!! Hope to see you in the summer