28-30 March 2012
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Hosted by Standards Council of Canada
Standards Council of Canada
2ndFloor,
270 Albert St.
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
Recommended hotels are based on
closeness to Standards Council of Canada. There are many hotels
in downtown Ottawa and around Ottawa at a range of prices. See
www.ottawakiosk.com
and follow the link under "Travel Guide"
for "Hotels", then follow
the link for Central. Alternatively, here is the direct link http://www.ottawakiosk.com/accom_centr.html.
or www.ottawahotels.com, for a fairly complete list, with maps. In fact, even if you are booking one of the 2 closest hotels, you may want to begin at one of the 2 sites mentioned above for competitive rates.
To SCC from Crowne Plaza hotel:
When exiting the front door of the hotel, walk 0.1 block south
to Alberts St. Cross Albert so that you are on the south side,
turn left and walk East approximately 1 block to 270 Albert.
To SCC from Mariott hotel:
When exiting the front door of the hotel, turn left and walk 1
block south to the corner of Kent and Albert. Cross Albert so
that you are on the south side, turn left and walk east approximately
50 ft to 270 Albert.
In addition you can select from,
Chateau
Laurier "old train hotel "
about 10 blocks away
Lord Elgin – about 4 blocks
Westin – across canal, about 6 blocks walk
Sheraton – about 3 blocks
Delta – about 3 blocks
Radisson – across from parliament hill, about
5 blocks walk
Business Inn – much cheaper, but about 10 blocks
walk
All of the above listed hotels can be found on the 2 websites given above.
You can take taxi, or OCTranspo (bus). Taxi will cost about $30. OC Transpo costs $3.25. The 97 bus takes a dedicated road (transitway) and stops within a block of either recommended hotel. The westbound bus travels along Albert St. and the eastbound bus (going to the airport) travels along Slater St, 1 block south of Albert.
If you drive or rent a car, parking in downtown Ottawa is expensive, and many streets are 1-way.
Ottawa International Airport has direct international connections to
London
Heathrow (Air Canada)
Frankfurt, Germany
Newark
Washington DC
Boston, Ma
Detroit, Mi.
Chicago, Il
Air Canada covers all those routes. United or Delta cover most of the US routes.
Other connections go through Toronto
or Montreal, with direct flights across North America, Europe
and Asia.
If you are driving from the United States, Interstate 81 crosses the Canadian border at the 1000 Islands Bridge. From there follow Hwy 401 East (towards Montreal) to Hwy 416 North which brings you directly into Ottawa on Hwy 417. Other border crossings further south-west will result in a trip on Hwy 401 through Toronto and eventually coming north on Hwy 416. Connections through Montreal result on coming to Ottawa on Hwy 417 westbound.
Plenty of choice,with many good restaurants at a variety of prices. There is a small cafeteria in the basement (for lunch) and there are food courts at 240 Sparks (1 block N at Queen St.), the World Exchange Plaza (corner Albert and O'Connor) and the Rideau Centre (about 5 blocks walk – over 100 stores). There are many in "the market" but that is at least 10 blocks walk. Nearby there is
Japanese
Gardens
Cathay Gardens
Yesterday's
Milestone's
restaurants in the various hotels
March is not a good season for sightseeing in Ottawa. Museums and stores are open but expect the weather to be below freezing except for 3 or 4 hours during the day. Canada's parliament buildings and supreme court are within 4 blocks walk. There is also an art gallery, a museum of civilization, a war museum and a mint museum within easy walk or cab ride.
Average daily high in Ottawa in late March is about 5C or 40F, but the variance is high. Expect daily highs of anywhere from -5C to 12C. Nights will likely be below -5C. Snow or freezing rain are distinct possibilities, but predictable. Check the weather just before you leave and pack accordingly.
Enjoy your visit!