The #MyOttawa Pass and three of its most intriguing offers

Ottawa’s status as the capital city of Canada means it understandably attracts plenty of interest from overseas visitors. However, for its latest campaign, Ottawa Tourism has decided to keep its attention very close to home.

The organization has unveiled a new initiative aimed squarely at those who live in the city. The aim? To give a much-needed boost to many businesses based in the area.

Going hyperlocal

Announced towards the end of June, the #MyOttawa Pass is a savings passport which is free to residents and features discounts and offers related to more than 60 different local businesses.

Local attractions, retailers and food and drink outlets are among the companies participating in the scheme, with the pass being managed by Bandwango. In a statement, Ottawa Tourism said the hope was to stimulate ‘hyperlocal’ tourism in the area, with president and CEO Michael Crockatt adding that the pass was “a way to rediscover our city”.

But while the initiative features a host of exciting offers and discounts, which are perhaps some of the most eye-catching? Here we pick out a trio of particularly fascinating deals which residents can take advantage of.

1. Get gaming

Escape rooms have really taken off in recent years, with a host of places popping up and giving friends, families and work colleagues the chance to put their heads together and crack a series of puzzles and brainteasers. Jigsaw Escape Rooms is featured in the #MyOttawa Pass scheme, with groups being offered 15 per cent off when they book to take part.

The experience could also prove to be the perfect starting point for further gaming fun in the local area. It is not just online gaming that has gained ground in Canada in recent years, as more options for casinos in Canada have emerged recently, too. Many of the land-based casinos in Ontario are around Niagara Falls, but it is worth remembering that Ottawa is home to the Rideau Carleton Casino.

2. A hotel with a difference

Plenty of accommodation options are included on the list of businesses taking part in the #MyOttawa Pass, with reductions on room rates meaning you can simply escape for a night out of the house or perhaps arrange a stay for friends and relatives.

Probably the most intriguing option on the list however is the HI Ottawa Jail Hostel which, as the name suggests, is based inside a 150-year-old former jailhouse. The pass offers 15 per cent off a stay in a single jail cell.

3. Head on an adventure

Wherever you choose to sleep, you can rest assured that the #MyOttawa Pass offers plenty of options for a bit of adventure. Locals can get $15 off a rafting trip with OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River, while Rafting Momentum is also offering 20 per cent off its One-Day Rafting Package on the same stretch of water.

If you have more of a head for heights, why not consider a helicopter tour? 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours features on the list related to the pass, with it offering $10 off its 20-minute Boldt Castle Tour.

Do something different

The #MyOttawa Pass is an intriguing development that gives residents of the city a real opportunity to try something new in the local area.

As the examples above highlight, there are some fascinating offers included in the scheme and we would encourage you to take a look at all of the options when you have the chance. The initiative could well open your eyes to an activity or experience that you simply had never considered before.