Association for Biology Laboratory Education

ABLE 2019 Excursions

Tuesday Excursions

Canadian Museum of Nature ($17.50 CAD)

This fee is for access only.  The plan is to walk from main campus along the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the Canadian Museum of Nature (about 15 minutes walking distance from main campus).  For details about what the Museum offers, click on this LINK.  (Group sizes from 15 to 20 max).

Campus Tours (free)

If you want to learn about the campus before the conference, consider a campus tour.  Campus tours at the University of Ottawa take place six days a week, Monday to Saturday. They start in Tabaret Hall (where we will have our Opening Reception), in the main lobby, and last about 60 minutes You can register for a tour at this website by clicking on this LINK.

Dow’s Lake

For those wishing to do some physical activity but also enjoy some of the scenery, consider taking a kayak or canoe down the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

  • Single kayak ($27 CAD/hr)
  • Double kayak ($33 CAD/hr)
  • Canoe ($27 CAD/hr)

Prices include bus fare and life jacket. You can pay at the lake. All rentals require a $20.00 deposit and a valid photo ID (Driver’s License / Passport). Click on this LINK for more information.  (No minimum number of registrants but with more registrants, discounts become available).

Royal Canadian Mint ($6.75 CAD)

This fee is for access only.  The plan is to walk from main campus along the Rideau Canal, along Sussex, past various historic sites but ending at the Mint.  This should take about 20-25 minutes, but the walk itself is a sightseeing experience.  For details about what the Mint offers, click on this LINK.  (Minimum 20 registrants needed)

Saturday Excursions

Central Experimental Farm ($37 CAD)

Cost includes transportation to and back to campus as well access to the farm (with a guided tour).  Departure time is 9:30 am from campus with a 1:30 pm return.  The Central Experimental Farm is an agricultural research facility and a working farm located in the heart of Ottawa. It is a National Historic Site and a cultural heritage landscape.  Click this LINK for more information. (Minimum 15 people).

King Mountain at Gatineau Park ($40 CAD)

Cost includes shuttle with return service to campus (12:30 pm departure time from the campus, 1:00 – 3:00 pm guided tour at the mountain, with a 3:30 pm return to campus). For those looking for a bit of hiking, we have planned a guided tour to take place at the King Mountain Trail , situated in Gatineau Park just across the Ottawa river. Click on this LINK for information on King Mountain Trail as well as a copy of a trail map of the Park. (Minimum 20 people, maximum 40).

National Gallery of Canada ($20 CAD)

Cost includes access to the Gallery plus a 1 hour guided tour. The plan is to meet at Tabaret Hall (time to be announced) and walk up along Sussex, reaching the NGC in about 22 minutes. Suited for connoisseurs or admirers of fine art.  Click on this LINK to learn about the permanent and temporary exhibits touring through the NGC the week of the conference.  Family-friendly activities are also a feature for those visiting with kids. (Minimum 10 people)

Canadian Museum of History ($21 CAD)

Cost includes access to the Canadian Museum of History (CMH) plus a guided tour.  The price includes fare for public transportation to CMH, meeting at the bus stop behind Tabaret Hall (time to be announced). The Canadian Museum of History is situated across the Ottawa river with a fantastic view of Parliament Hill and the surrounding cityscape. In addition to a unique architecture and wonderful displays, it hosts various kid-friendly activities. Hands-on learning is an underlying theme for many exhibits focused on Canada’s history. Click this LINK for more information.  (Minimum 15 people).