Hunker to the bunker
Time-travel back to Cold War Canada, to the Diefenbunker, a four-story underground structure built to ensure the continuation of the government in the event of a nuclear attack. Located in Carp, Ont., the Diefenbunker is 35 kilometres from Ottawa. Check out the mini-hospital, cafeteria, reconstructions of the departmental and ministerial offices, Emergency Government Situation Room and the Bank of Canada Vault.
Cold War exhibits include a walk-in community fallout shelter, Cold War paraphernalia and a chilling Hiroshima-Nagasaki exhibit.
And what could be cooler than a spy club? To find out more about the Diefenbunker's spy club (for ages 9 and up), call 613-839-0007 or e-mail eduprograms@diefenbunker.ca.
Ride the rails
Budding train engineers will love a trip on one of Canada's last remaining steam-powered trains. Built in 1907, the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train is the country's oldest excursion locomotive. Special family packages offer unique opportunities to travel this part of the country in a locomotive. For more information on available packages, call 1-888-278-7777.
Gateway to Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park sits on 361 square kilometres of land dedicated to the preservation of natural territory. Here you'll find 165 kilometres of hiking trails and five serviced public beaches, so bring your bathing suit.
The Mackenzie King Estate
The Mackenzie King Estate is located in Gatineau Park. Take a walk in the estate gardens, enjoy the scenery and have a snack at the Moorside Tearoom.
If you're looking for something to do on Canada Day, access fees at both Gatineau Park beaches ($9 per car) and the Mackenzie King Estate ($8 per car) will not be charged on Canada Day.
For more information on Ottawa and region, visit:
The National Capital Commission
Ottawa Tourism
Where are you going this summer? Discuss your travel plans with other readers in our forums!
Image courtesy Ottawa Tourism.
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