As a Carleton student, we have access to so much of what the city of Ottawa has to offer. With bus stops on campus and the Rideau Canal right next to us, it’s so easy to get around Ottawa.
Although it can be daunting to move to a new city, Ottawa is a lovely city to live in; it’s safe, accessible and smaller than other major Canadian cities like Toronto or Montreal. Here are some fall activities to try out in Ottawa to encourage you to get more acquainted with the city.
- Museums
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As the Nation’s Capital, Ottawa has incredible museums. You can even get free museum access on Thursday nights between five and eight p.m., a great way to explore the city on a budget. The Museum of History is right across the bridge in Gatineau and currently has a Neanderthal exhibition until January 2020. If art is more your thing, the National Gallery of Canada is in the heart of the city and has a beautiful collection of Canadian art. There is also the Science and Technology Museum, if you’re looking for a moe interactive experience, and the Museum of Nature, with Ottawa’s famous dinosaur displays, which are also great to visit and a good time.
- The Loft
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The loft is a board game café located in downtown Ottawa. It is a great place to hang out during the day on the weekends. They have classic board games like Scrabble and Life in addition to unique board games you’ve probably never heard of. There are knowledgeable employees who can suggest new and unique games to try out. The loft also sells food and drinks, and has a great atmosphere.
- Mayfair Theatre
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The Mayfair theatre is the oldest movie theatre in Ottawa that’s still running, it plays new releases and cult favourites. They also hold showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Saturday morning cartoons which include all-you-can-eat cereal!
- Stella Luna
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Stella Luna has some of the best gelato Ottawa has to offer. It has delicious rotating flavours like mango, chocolate hazelnut and cappuccino.
- Black Squirrel Books
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Black Squirrel books is a great place to study when you’re sick of the library. It’s a used bookstore and café that’s walking distance from Carleton. There are two levels to the bookstore, so it’s a great place to pick up a new book or just wander around during a study break.
- Bank Street
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Bank street is only a short bus ride or walk away from Carleton and it has many student-friendly establishments. Make your way down bank street and find karaoke on the weekends, pool-playing and much more.
Hopefully this list will help you familiarize yourself with all of the great places Ottawa has to offer near Carleton!