Excursions

Optional tours are available for meeting attendees and their guests. A variety of tours for ICEM registrants and guests have been arranged for Wednesday afternoon when there are no sessions. This is an excellent opportunity to relax with your colleagues. Most tours include transportation and the opportunity to network with other attendees of the 13th ICEM. Many tours have a minimum number of people required. If the minimum numbers are not met, you will have the option to attend a different tour or your money will be refunded. Cancellations will not be accepted after July 1, 2022.

Open Afternoon, Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Canadian Museum of Nature and Canadian War Museum (4 hours)

Explore Canada in a more in-depth way by attending the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canadian War Museum. The Canadian Museum of Nature’s scientific research occurs across Canada, from coast to coast on the territories of the Métis and First Nations people and in Iniut Nunangat. The galleries at the Museum of Nature include the Fossil Gallery, Water Gallery, Nature Live, Bird Gallery, Earth Gallery, Mammal Gallery, and the Canada Goose Arctic Gallery. The Canadian War Museum traces back to 1880 and is Canada’s national museum of military history and one of the world’s most respected museums for the study of understanding armed conflict. The exhibition galleries and programs are designed to emphasize the human experience of war. The Special Exhibits being displayed during ICEM 2022 include “Forever Changed – Stories from the Second World War” and “Liberation! Canada and The Netherlands, 1944-1945”.

The tour will begin at 1:00pm ET and depart from the Westin Ottawa hotel lobby by bus 20 minutes before the start of the tour at 12:40pm ET. Cost is $89 USD per person (minimum number for tour is 25, maximum number of persons for this tour is 50). This tour includes:

• Tour escort will assist everyone with bus transportation and check-in at the Museum admission, bus transportation will be provided to take participants to and from the hotel and each museum
• 45 – 60-minute guided tour at each Museum
• Participants will be provided with a bottled water and an energy bar
• Added feature: Explore the Glebe- pick up a coffee or snack at your leisure during a 30-minute stop exploring this iconic Ottawa Neighborhood, filled with boutiques and restaurants.

Ottawa River Tour (2.5 hours)

See Ottawa from a different perspective- by boat! Enjoy the calm of the Ottawa River and indulge in an experience like no other as you discover Ottawa by yacht.

The tour will begin at 1:15pm ET/boat sailing at 2:00pm. The tour departs from the Westin Ottawa hotel lobby 20 minutes before start time at 12:55pm ET. Cost is $46 USD per person (minimum number for tour is 15, maximum number of persons for this tour is 50).

• Tour escort to assist with wayfinding to the Boat Dock and check-in
• A guided tour of the Ottawa River and points of interest along the river shoreline
• Participants will be provided with bottled water and an energy bar
• A selection of beverages and snacks will be available for purchase on the boat
• You may bring your own food/snacks/drinks on the tour
• Tour will proceed rain or shine

Ottawa Walking Tour (2 hours)

This guided walk takes you through the historical highlights of downtown Ottawa, including stops at:

• Parliament Hill
• The National War Memorial
• Sparks Street
• Major’s Hill Park
• The Fairmont Chateau Laurier
• The Bank of Canada
• The Rideau Canal
• The Prime Minister’s Offices
• The By Ward Market
• And other areas of interest

The tour begins at 1:45pm ET and departs from the Westin Ottawa hotel at 1:25pm ET. Cost is $21 USD per person (minimum number for tour is 15, maximum number of persons for tour is 45)

• Tour escort to accompany group on walking tour and to share points of interest and background on key landmarks and locations
• Participants will be provided with bottled water and an energy bar
• Walking tour will proceed rain or shine

Ottawa Cycling Tour (3 hours)

Departing from the hotel, the group will take a short walk to the Bicycle location to get fitted with their ride. Our route begins from Sparks Street heading to the War Memorial. Next, a leisurely ride on the Rideau Canal Pathway will give you a beautiful view of Ottawa’s downtown and popular Byward market neighborhood. Continuing cycling, we will visit Rideau Hall, Rideau Falls, and cross the bridge to visit the beautiful province of Quebec. Cycling back through Voyageurs and Ottawa River pathways (or Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway) you will see and hear more of Ottawa’s beauty and major attractions including Parliament Hill, the National Art Gallery and Museum of History. The Rideau Locks and Bytown Museum will be the last attractions before returning to the starting point of this fun tour. The cycle tour is suited to all levels of experience and runs rain or shine.

The tour begins at 1:30pm ET and departs from the Westin Ottawa hotel lobby at 1:10pm ET. Cost is $55 USD per person (minimum number for tour is 12, maximum number of persons for tour is 48).

• Tour will include a bike rental sized to your height and helmet
• Tour escort will assist with wayfinding to the Bike Rental location
• Tour escort to share points of interest and background on key landmarks and locations
• Participants will be provided with bottled water and an energy bar
• Walking tour will proceed rain or shine