Open NCC Invites Everyone to a One-Day Ottawa-Wide Event

What exactly is Open NCC?

Curious to see what the National Capital Commission does every day? Then Open NCC is just the ticket. This one-day event, now in its third year, tells the many stories of how our National Capital Region came to be the place we love today.

Shaping a capital is no small task. The NCC has been planning and building our region for over 125 years. The NCC protects important green spaces full of diverse wildlife, conserves cultural heritage and architecture, and connects people via transportation planning.

At Open NCC, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes peek into the activities and projects happening in Ottawa-Gatineau. This is your chance to talk with NCC experts and ask the questions you seek answers to.

Where to start? How about Major’s Hill Park? Here, you can get a sneak peek of Kìwekì Point, and see urban art murals under the Pìdàban Bridge. The park is also the hub of kiosks for presentations by NCC experts.

Still downtown, a visit of Confederation Boulevard is a must. From iconic sites, monuments and architectural beauties to historic landmarks like Parliament Hill, the boulevard’s guided bike tour is filled with stunning views.

And what would our Capital be without the famous Rideau Canal? Explore history with a free boat tour and learn about the region’s many landmarks and the NCC’s projects along the way.

West of downtown, LeBreton Flats is one of the most exciting redevelopment projects in Canada. Explore the Flats on a walking tour, see the progress made so far, and meet NCC experts to learn about the rich history of the Flats and plans for the future.

There’s also a guided bike tour that starts at LeBreton Flats near the Canadian War Museum and follows the Ottawa River’s shoreline to Westboro Beach. Once you get there, you can take a guided walking tour and get an insider’s view into the development of this waterfront site.

Let’s not forget Gatineau Park and the breathtaking Greenbelt that form the largest green spaces in our region. Join a “Search and Find” family-friendly activity along the Sugarbush Trail in Gatineau Park and discover the wildlife on this nature trek. Meet the NCC’s conservation officers and get a glimpse of a day in their lives, and find out how they manage wildlife, respond to natural emergencies, and tackle search and rescue operations.

In the National Capital Greenbelt, conservation is a priority. NCC experts will guide you on a walking tour of the Mer Bleue Bog, the lungs of our Capital. The kiosk will showcase preserved specimens of turtles and teach how to identify bird sightings in the region.

And yet, the Greenbelt is much more than just Mer Bleue. For instance, hidden behind the evergreens of Pinhey Forest are dunes. Join a guided tour hosted by the Friends of Pinhey Sand Dunes to learn more about the insects that can live only in this sunny and exposed habitat.

And finally, food, yummy food. That’s right! Participating Greenbelt farms are open for visits. You can learn about sustainable farming and get fresh local produce too. Looking for other spots to grab a bite to eat? The NCC Bistros and taverns are located along our waterfronts, urban parks and scenic routes. It’s no wonder we say: “Come for the food, stay for the view!”

Don’t miss this one-day event! Go to the NCC’s website and register for a guided tour or just show up for activities not requiring registration.

See you at Open NCC on Saturday, September 14!

Stay current with all things NCC by following their Facebook and Instagram pages or by subscribing to their newsletter.