Welcome to Ottawa
Ottawa is home to several national museums as well as award-winning cultural and natural attractions. Although Ottawa is a bustling urban city, its natural beauty cannot be ignored. From scenic, winding pathways in the warmer weather months, to the beautiful Rideau Canal, which freezes over in the winter to become the world’s largest skating rink, Ottawa has something to offer everyone, no matter what their interests might be.
COVID-19 Guidelines
There is risk of exposure to the Covid-19 virus when traveling, using public spaces and participating in events, and this includes the NACOB 2022 Congress. NACOB plans to ensure the well-being of all attendees and its staff. We’re facilitating measures that will ensure optimal health and sanitary conditions in all areas where in-person interactions take place. All on-site attendees must adhere to the Canadian Federal Government and the Provincial Government of Ontario COVID-19 measures put in place at the time of the event: Click this link for the most up-to-date information. In addition, Ontario businesses and organizations may choose to require proof of vaccination upon entry, and meeting attendees participating in activities at local businesses must adhere to the COVID-19 safety measures put in place by these venues (hotel, restaurants, social gathering locations).
As the COVID-19 public health measures change rapidly, we invite all meeting attendees to verify requirements in advance of travelling to the meeting.
International travel:
Global travel has changed substantially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes how we travel, the costs associated with travel, as well as the frequency of flights we have, up until now, taken for granted. Before you travel to Ottawa for NACOB, please consider planning ahead and be proactive in preparing for your trip. Check with your institution on most current policy on travel and funding, along with the best way to reach your destination. If you are planning to purchase travel insurance, please check with your provider if insurance covers COVID related delays/cancellations/costs (many don’t). Below are some reminders for our international attendees:
Traveling to Canada from your country of origin:
As NACOB 2022 is an international event, all attendees must also follow Canada’s guidance and protocols on Travel, Testing and Borders: click on the link for the most up-to-date travel to Canada information.
Departing Canada for your country of origin:
Please remember to regularly check the rules of re-entry into the country you are traveling to post Congress. Pre-testing before embarking on your homeward journey may be in place, and the possibility of additional time restraints will need to be taken into account when planning your trip.
Passports & Visas
Visitors to Canada must hold a valid passport. Most travelers also require an electronic visa or travel authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada by air. For more information, including visa information, please visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
The NACOB Secretariat and Podium Conference Specialists will provide assistance in obtaining visas in the form of support letters once registration is confirmed and fully paid for. To request a visa support letter once you have registered and paid in full please email:
about
Ottawa is home to Canada’s federal government, national associations, international embassies, and national and international media. It is a G7 capital and one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world.
Accomodation
Visit our ACCOMMODATION PAGE to learn about hotels and roomshare options for your stay in Ottawa.
Dining
Award-winning restaurants offer fine dining experiences using the best Canadian produce recognised by the world’s best chefs, paired with exquisite wines from the Niagara region or craft beers from across Canada.
Sightseeing
Take a walk through the pedestrian friendly downtown core on your way to visit the Canadian War Museum, Canadian Museum of History or the National Gallery. Visit Parliament Hill, the centre of Canadian government or simply stroll through Byward Market.
tRAVEL
As Canada’s capital city, Ottawa has direct flights from major cities across North America and can be accessed via train and car as well.
By Air
Over 130 flights arrive at the Ottawa International Airport daily from more than 50 destinations in Canada, the US and Europe.
By Train
If you have more time and want to try a different style of travel, enjoy the train into Ottawa! Canada’s passenger train network offers fast, frequent service to major cities in the Windsor to Quebec City corridor. The train station is located near the Riverside Drive exit from Highway 417, just east of downtown. More information can be found on the VIA Rail website
By Car
Ottawa is located a four hour drive north-east of Toronto and a two hour drive west of Montreal. Once you arrive in Ottawa, park the car and enjoy the walkability of the city.
Access from Ottawa International Airport to The Westin Ottawa
Car rentals, Public transportation, car sharing and taxis are all options are available for transportation from the airport to The Westin Ottawa and the Shaw Centre. For more information on the methods of transit, please visit the Ottawa International Airport website
Getting around Ottawa
The Shaw Centre and The Westin Ottawa are located in the heart of Ottawa and within walking distance interesting restaurants, pubs and sights! The Shaw Centre, where all the meeting sessions will be held, is directly connected to The Westin Ottawa for convenience.
Walking distance from the Shaw Centre and The Westin Ottawa, you’ll find Parliament Hill, where most of Canada’s important political decisions are made. You can even partake in a free yoga class on Parliament Hill’s front lawn each Wednesday! A short walk away you’ll find the National Gallery of Canada. This beautiful glass building is the permanent home of the world’s most comprehensive collection of Canadian art, including Inuit art. Or hit up Bytown Market! Housed in the city’s oldest stone building – it was used during the construction of the Rideau Canal.
Passports & Visas
While visas are not currently required for some nationalities, visitors are required to have a valid passport and may need to complete the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Information on nationalities requiring a visa and the eTA may be obtained from the Canadian government website. The NACOB 2022 Secretariat and Podium Conference Specialists will provide assistance in obtaining visas in the form of support letters once registration is confirmed and fully paid for.
Support Letter
To request a visa support letter once you have registered and paid in full please email us by clicking the button below
Local Info
Tipping is expected for service in Ottawa with 15% of the pre-tax total being the expected amount
The currency in Ottawa is the Canadian Dollar
Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Under Ontario law smoking, including the use of vapour products and cannabis, is not permitted in a variety of places including public places, workplaces and on outdoor bar and restaurant patios. The regulations also prohibit smoking and vaping within 9 meters from an outdoor bar or restaurant patio and within 20 meters from the perimeter of a school or community recreation facility.
120 Volts with 60Hz frequency
From April to early October, Ottawa operates in the Eastern Daylight Time (UTC – 4 hours)
The average daily temperature in Ottawa in August is lows of 15C and highs of 25C.
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