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26 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday July 22, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Ottawa is a great summer vacation destination I f you haven't been to Ottawa in a while and think they still roll up the sidewalks in the evening, it is time you went back for a second look. The By Ward Market is a lively, happening neighbourhood these days. It isn't just a market; it's filled with restaurants, nightclubs and pubs. And now is a perfect time to go. The Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival officially kicks off on July 22 and runs to Aug. 5. The largest chamber music festival in the world, this event will showcase more than 250 classical musicians playing in 19 cultural venues across Ottawa. The festival will begin with a concert featuring acclaimed tenor Richard Margison. Through its two-week run, the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival will host musical greats like Louis Lortie, Anton Kuerti and the Turtle Island String Quartet in extraordinary venues like Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica and the National Gallery of Canada. International Chamber Music Festival fits in well with our portfolio of offerings, and because this festival is the largest of its kind in the world, we attract visitors from every corner of the globe," said Jacques Burelle, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. "Many Canadians don't realize that these cultural opportunities exist in their own backyard." Last year more than 62,000 music lovers attended the festival; however, the CBC also broadcasted many of the concerts increasing the number of listeners to over 20 million. Given Ottawa's fabulous restaurants and excellent hotels, Canadians who love fine music can make a weekend out of it. Accommodation may be booked using Ottawa Tourism's website at www.ottawatourism.ca ­ just click on "Book A Visit." Fifteen local properties are currently offering the popular Third Night Half-Price promotion. Ottawa is the perfect place to bike, when you aren't shopping, gawking and listening to music. There are 150 kilometres of recreational paths, and Sunday mornings some roads are closed to cars. I rode to the National Gallery, choosing my favourite collection the group of Seven and Tom Thomson. Then I hopped back on my rented bike (right beside the Chateau) and crossed the bridge to the Museum of Civilization. Then it was saddle up again to Cycle over to Victoria Island for a traditional lunch of Native foods on the shores of the Ottawa River. Hard to believe in this peaceful place that I was in downtown Ottawa, as I journeyed back in time to experience the culture of Canada's first people with a tour of the village, native crafts that begged to be taken home, and traditional dances. For more information visit www.aboriginalexperiences.com. The bike helped work off lunch and I certainly wasn't the only one enjoying the bike paths. It seemed the entire population was walking, in-line skating, running, biking or walking four footed friends, and they were all friendly. There are lots of inviting benches that beg for people to stay Music enthusiasts can buy an adult passport for $80 ($40 for students) to attend more than 100 concerts -- all but the 13 "PassPlus" concerts (which require an additional $20 fee). The festival offers something for everyone including free concerts along Sparks Street and at Rideau Hall. "With its rich supply of cultural assets, Ottawa has always attracted visitors seeking enriching experiences. The Ottawa a while. In fact I can't remember a more pleasant way to spend a day. And best of all I took VIA so the trip was a pleasant part of the geta-way. Take VIA 1 and your break starts at Union Station in the Panorama Lounge. Coffee, all the papers, comfy chairs, and TV for those inclined to watch. Buy a VIA 1 ticket and you get advance seat selection, and they come and get you for pre-boarding. By the time I'd had a drink, lunch and liquors (included of course) the train was passing the station on the West Side of Ottawa. Trains are faster now, just under four hours from downtown to downtown. From the Ottawa station, it's just a quick six-kilometre cab ride to the centre of the city... Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the Ottawa River, the Nation Gallery and the list goes on. www.viarail.ca Have a trip, I did. You can reach Sam by e-mail at sion10@cogeco.ca. Interactive art exhibit at Crawford Lake AIR CANADA VACATIONS RELEASES NEW DREAMBOOK Air Canada Vacations newest Sun Dreambook brochure is now available. With 270 high-gloss, full-colour pages, the 2006/07 Dreambook is Air Canada Vacations' biggest and best sun brochure ever! Here's why: · Dream planner fold-out: great when left open for easy cross-reference with hotel pages · Bolder, brighter symbols highlighting features unique to certain hotels · Day trip samples now listed on intro pages for each destination · Comprehensive at-a-glance directories for flights and hotels · Expert destination reviews by Fodor's Travel Guides · Visual rating grids for every hotel · Colour-coded value-added hotel highlights (discounts, special amenities, etc.) · More new, vibrant photos BOOK EARLY, SAVE BIG! Reserve any Air Canada Vacations Winter Sun package (minimum 7 nights) featured in the Dreambook by October 15, 2006 and save $200 per couple per stay on January 2007 departures, or save $100 per couple per stay on travel between November 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. All quotes and bookings include Early Booking Bonus (EBB) discounts. Some restrictions apply. For your personal copy of the Dreambook - give us a call! Crawford Lake Conservation Area is hosting an interactive exhibit from July 25 ­ July 30. Crawford Lake through the Eyes of an Artist isn't your typical gallery show ­ this show will live and breathe. Local artists Linda Roe, Catherine Lorraway, Mae Giroux, Barbara VanSickle, Barbara Ariss, Gisele Bes Correia and Jennifer Osborn will be on site creating new pieces inspired by Crawford Lake. Crawford Lake Conservation Area is located at the corner of Steeles Ave. and Guelph Line, 15 km north of the QEW and 5 km south of the 401. For more information, call 905-854-0234 or visit the Conservation Halton Web site at www.conservationhalton.on.ca The Lodge at Pine Cove 40 litres of ga s FREE ! Visit McTavish At: www.mctavishtravel.com "... offers wilderness elegance in a Group of Seven setting." 705-898-2500 www.frenchriver.com MARC ATCHISON, Toronto Star TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS Your guide to local travel experts and the best deals to your perfect getaway! Voted Best Travel Agency Relax... you're with us Hopedale Shopping Centre 1515 Rebecca Street, Oakville 221 Lakeshore Road E. wwwhookedoncruising.com 1 Convenient Location in Oakville: Glen Abbey Travel Inc. 2441 Lakeshore W. Bronte Village Mall Oakville, ON (905) 827-1100 fax: (905) 827-4982 e-mail: travel@mctavish.com 905-337-2228 146 Lakeshore Rd. E. 905-842-4999 lakeshore@travelchoice.ca 905-827-7272 www.uniglobeglenabbey.com