The Parliament Buildings will have competition for attention when the NHL All-Stars arrive. (Julia Pelish/Vacay.ca)
Story by Vacay.ca Staff
OTTAWA — The puck drops on the NHL All-Star Game on Sunday in Canada’s capital. Anyone going to the game will want to make a night of it after the festivities end at Scotiabank Place. Here are Vacay.ca’s recommendations for places to stay, eat, drink, party and visit while you’re watching Daniel Alfredsson, Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel and all of the other stars in the NHL.
WHERE TO EAT
Beckta — An Ottawa mainstay, this pricey spot is where you go if you want to dine like the game’s superstars. Beckta menu items include Nova Scotia Lobster ($42), Alberta Beef ($42) and Venison Striploin ($41). (226 Nepean Street, 613-238-7063; info@beckta.com)
Murray Street — One of the top new restaurants in Canada when it opened four years ago, Murray Street remains a favourite in the capital thanks to its charcuterie platter and locally sourced dishes with traditional Canadian flavours. The cocktails are also terrific, particularly Murray Street’s twist on the Dark n’ Stormy. (110 Murray Street, 613-562-7244)
Play Food & Wine — The name fits for All-Star Weekend and this trendy restaurant is all about playing shinny with your dishes, as it has small plates meant for passing back and forth. (1 York Street, 613-667-9207; info@playfood.ca)
Zak’s Diner — For a late-night treat after the game, this is the place. You’ll love the Breakfast Smoothie, even if you order it at midnight, and many of the comfort food options are also enticing. Zak’s has been around for more than a quarter century and is a local favourite thanks to its dedication to fresh ingredients. (14 Byward Market Square, 613-241-2401; contact@zaksdiner.com)
WHERE TO DRINK
Wellington Gastropub — A fantastic list of local beers in a comfy atmosphere is what you’ll find at this favourite hangout for Ottawa residents. (1325 Wellington Avenue, 613-729-1315)
Vineyards — It’s a wine bar with an impressive beer list. Plus, it tends to have a more mature clientele than some of the other spots in the Byward Market. (54 York Street, in the cellar, 613-241-4270)
WHERE TO PARTY
Barrymore’s Music Hall — Loads of major acts have made their way through this historic venue. On Sunday, Barrymore’s hosts a special Retro ’80s Night just for the All-Star Game, which starts at 4 pm ET and should end in plenty of time for you to get your dancing shoes on. (323 Bank Street; 613-565-9999)
Mercury Lounge — Funky, soulful and hip, the Mercury Lounge is known for outstanding music and fabulous people watching. It’s closed on Sunday, so if you’re visiting Ottawa be sure to check it out on Saturday night. (56 Byward Market Square, 613-789-5324)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Chateau Laurier — The venerable Fairmont property remains the leading hotel in Ottawa. Within a short walk of the Byward Market and Parliament Hill, and at the foot of the Rideau Canal, the Chateau Laurier is in the ideal location for visitors. No doubt, if you stay here you’ll catch a glimpse of a few of hockey’s stars who will be in town for the big game. (1 Rideau Street, 613-241-1414)
Lord Elgin — An elegant hotel with loads of history, the Lord Elgin is across the street from the Rideau Canal — so bring your ice skates and do your best impersonation of the fastest skater at the All-Star Skills Competition. (100 Elgin Street, 866-627-2609)
Hotel Indigo — A moderately priced hotel with large, nicely decorated rooms, the Hotel Indigo is a surprising find. It’s four blocks from Parliament Hill and about a 15-minute walk to the Byward Market. (123 Metcalfe Street, 613-231-6555)
WHERE TO VISIT
Canadian War Museum — A visit to this sombre museum will leave you feeling moved and patriotic. The exhibits include innovations in weaponry and displays of wars involving our nation, dating to the American Revolution and up to the current conflict in Afghanistan. The War Museum is open from 9 am-5 pm Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays; 9 am-8 pm on Thursdays; 9:30 am-5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. (1 Vimy Place, 800-555-5621)
National Art Gallery of Canada — Some of the finest artwork from our nation’s most acclaimed artists is on display at this museum that’s a must for every Canadian. The National Gallery is open from 10 am-5 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday-Sunday; and until 8 pm on Thursday; closed on Monday. (380 Sussex Drive, 613-990-1985)
Museum of Nature — Recently renovated, this museum features loads of dinosaurs among its five floors of displays and special exhibits. There are interactive elements that kids will especially enjoy. The museum is open 9 am to 5 pm every day except Thursday (open until 8 pm) and Monday (closed). (240 McLeod Street, 613-566-4700)
