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Rideau Canal Aboriginal Explorer Aboriginal Adventure Taste of Native Spirit
Celebration of Native Spirit Discovery Legends Creation
Program Highlights Attraction Profile International Language Packages
Share a journey through time...
We invite you to visit Canada's only truly urban Aboriginal cultural attraction, located just behind Parliament Hill on beautiful Victoria Island. Victoria Island is not only a sacred and historical haven in the middle of the Ottawa River, but also extremely accessible by car, bus, walking or even Voyageur Canoe from the Canadian Museum of Civilization!
Experience the rich history, culture and teachings of Canada’s First People. From May through October, we offer groups of 20 or more interactive experiences of Powwow dancing, traditional native foods, storytelling theatre and artist workshops. Custom breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, tailored to your clients, can include everything from buffalo burgers with corn on the cob to grilled maple salmon with wild rice and come with the best view of Parliament Hill in town! The meal (and view) will only be surpassed by the vibrant performance of our talented dancers as they move to the “heartbeat” of the drum... before inviting your clients to join them in the friendship dance. This year, offer your clients an unforgettable experience on their visit to the Nations’ Capital. Our award-winning programs are sure to be one of the highlights of their journey.
Rideau Canal Aboriginal Explorer
Experience Canada's Newest UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Rideau Canal!
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Relive part of Canada’s history as a voyageur, trading both goods and stories with Canada’s First Nations. Your adventure begins as you paddle down Canada’s newest UNESECO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal, led by costumed and animated courier de bois. After a short portage around the locks, you travel the great waters of the Kitchissipi (Ottawa) River, reaching a well-known trading spot, “Adawa” on Victoria Island, where you are greeted by the native community with traditional welcome songs.
Guests will participate in an authentic trade exchange between native community and our new “voyageurs” using their keepsake guide on trade values. Following this historical re-enactment, you will learn more about Canada’s First Nations’ past and present with a visit to Aboriginal Experiences village, share songs and stories around the bonfire, and conclude with the creation story and a vibrant powwow dance performance, where guests are invited to share a dance of friendship.
Outdoor Adventure Option
Group Rate: $136/person
Duration: 9-10 hours
Includes 2 meals (lunch and dinner)
Can be shortened to 7-8 hours to accommodate itinerary
- Voyageurs will meet their canoes on Rideau Canal in Ottawa.
- After introduction to their role as voyageurs they will sign authentic contract and help to load their canoes with trade-goods before paddling the Rideau Canal with animated and costumed voyageurs (approx. 2.5 hours)
- Portage all goods around the canal before paddling the Montreal canoe down the Rideau Canal (1 hour)
- Learn more about the challenges of the Voyageurs with a paddle close to the Rideau Falls and return along the Quebec side of the river, where you stop for a shore luncheon typical to the Voyageur including pemmican, sagamite and voyageur biscuit
- Landing and historical re-enactment of trading with natives (45 minutes)
- Guided tour of Aboriginal Experiences, storytelling theatre and interactive powwow dance performance invites our guests to share a friendship dance (1.5 hours)
- Aboriginal Feast – barbeque dinner of grilled maple salmon, smoked venison sausage, corn on the cob and seasonal vegetables, field greens, wild rice salad and berry beverages, desserts, coffee/tea (1 hour)
- Shared songs and stories around the campfire will conclude your expedition.
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Cultural Animation Option
Group Rate: $89/person
Duration: 5-6 hours
Optional Aboriginal Feast:
Buffet $10 Luncheon and $20 Dinner
Optional Aboriginal Craft Workshop:
Dreamcatcher $10
Can be shortened to 4.5 hours to accommodate itinerary/budget
- Voyageurs will meet their canoes on Rideau Canal, just behind Canal Ritz. To save some time, canoes will be loaded but the role of the Voyageur will be explained before the paddle down the Rideau Canal. (1.5 hours)
- Portage all goods around the canal before paddling the Montreal canoe down the Ottawa River (1 hour)
- Landing and historical re-enactment of trading with natives (45 minutes)
- Guided tour of Aboriginal Experiences, storytelling theatre and interactive powwow dance performance invites our guests to share a friendship dance (1.5 hours)
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Aboriginal Adventure
our NEW year-round maple sugar bush experience!
For 2008 we are proud to introduce a new package at Fultons Sugarbush. “Aboriginal Adventure” offers groups a new way to enjoy their four season sugar bush experience. Maple sugar was considered a gift to our community from the Creator which was shared with European settlers with their arrival. The “Aboriginal Adventure” brings this exchange to life with animated theatrical Aboriginal storytelling and dance set against the beautiful maple forest at Fultons, just 40 minutes west of Ottawa.
This year round maple adventure is the result of a new alliance with two popular group tour experiences; Aboriginal Experiences and Fultons Pancake House and Sugarbush.
Your half day (3.5 to 4.5 hour) package includes:
(custom 2 to 3 hour package available)
- Guided Maple Sugarbush Tour
- Horse-drawn sleigh/wagon ride
- Share Aboriginal songs around a campfire
- Traditional Aboriginal storytelling and dance performance (the Legend of Wokisis & Maple Sugar)
- Hands-on and interactive animation of traditional methods of making maple sugar.
- Enjoy an all-inclusive hearty maple pancake meal
- Visit our gourmet maple shoppe
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$54.00 plus tax (Adults)
Minimum Group of 25
Contact Fultons Pancake House
at 1-888-538-5866 or www.fultons.ca
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Taste of Native Spirit
Native Luncheon and Dance
A popular lunch program offering a unique experience, with flexible arrival and length visit to compliment any group itinerary! Visitors enjoy a barbequed luncheon of traditional foods prepared in contemporary styles that allow them to sample some of the unique native foods without compromising their meal.
Following lunch our guests will enjoy an impressive program of the vibrant Powwow dancers as they move to the “Heartbeat of Mother Earth” – the Drum – and concludes with a shared dance of friendship. Program also includes an interactive tour of the native village if time allows.
Sample Luncheon Menu
(customized options available upon request)
Choice of one main dish:
Buffalo burger, smoked venison sausage (beef or veggie burger available), grilled maple salmon
Side dish buffet:
Wild rice salad, three sister soup, tossed field greens with raspberry vinaigrette.
Served with choice of beverage (coffee, tea, water or strawberry juice) |
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2008 Group Rate:
$19.50 (Inclusive)
Including Lunch
Groups only (20+). Available daily May 1st – October 31st with flexible arrival between 11am and 3pm. Approximate length of program is 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on itinerary.
FIT: Available daily July 1st – September 1st with flexible arrival between 11am and 2:30 pm. Approximate length of program is 2 hours. No reservations required
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Celebration of Native Spirit
Native Dinner and Dance
Our most popular package provides a full evening experience perfect for any group, including Canadians and International visitors. Your experience begins with an interactive guided tour of the native village which introduces native cultures from across Canada.
Following the tour, guests enjoy a buffet dinner of traditional foods prepared in contemporary styles that allow them to sample some of the unique native foods without compromising their meal! The highlight of the evening is an impressive performance of the vibrant Powwow dancers as they move to the “Heartbeat of Mother Earth” – the Drum. An unforgettable experience set against the sunset on the shores of the Ottawa River.
End the perfect evening with a shared dance of friendship and free time to enjoy a roaring bonfire as the Parliament Hill lights glow from across the river.
Sample Dinner Menu
(customized options available upon request)
- Bannock bread with berry jams
- Three Sister Soup (corn, beans & squash)
- Corn on cob or baked squash (in season)
- Tossed Field Greens with Raspberry Vinaigrette or Maple Poppy Seed Dressing
- Wild Rice Salad
- Grilled Maple Salmon
- Smoked Venison Stirfry (Buffalo Stew or
- Grilled Maple Chicken Breasts replacement available upon request.
- Pound cake with Blueberry Sauce
- Beverages including coffee, tea, water and strawberry juice
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2008 Group Rate:
$39.00 (Inclusive)
Including Dinner Buffet, taxes and gratuity.
Groups only (20+).
Available daily May 1st – October 31st with flexible arrival after 5pm.
Approximate length of program is 2.5 to 3 hours depending on itinerary. |
Discovery
The “Discovery” program is perfect for groups who do not want to miss the vibrant dance performance, but cannot participate in the traditional meal. Visitors will enjoy an interactive guided tour of the native village by a cultural interpreter. Following the tour, guest will enjoy an impressive program of the vibrant Powwow dancers as they move to the “Heartbeat of Mother Earth” – the Drum – and concludes with a shared dance of friendship.
| Groups only (20+). Available daily May 1st–October 31st with flexible arrival between 11am and 5pm. Approximate length of program is 1½ hours. |
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FIT: Available daily July 1st – September 1st with flexible arrival between 12pm and 2pm. Approximate length of program 1 ½ hours. No reservation required. $14.00
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Legends
“Legends” is a shorter program and includes an interactive guided tour of the native village and a short session of storytelling. Share in some of the ancient legends that have been passed on through the generations by First People.
| Groups only (20+). Available daily May 1st–October 31st with flexible arrival between 11am and 5pm. Approximate length of program is 1 to 1½ hours. |
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FIT: Available daily July 1st – September 1st with flexible arrival between 12pm and 2pm. Approximate length of program 1 to 1 ½ hours. No reservation required. $9.00
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Creation
Craft Making Workshops
Guests of all ages will enjoy creating their own unique piece of Aboriginal history. After enjoying an interactive guided tour of the native village they will participate in a workshop where they will create their own native craft as they learn the rich history behind it. Time and price includes the tour.
Medicine Wheel ($13.00, 1½ hours)
The basis of the cultural and spiritual teachings for most Aboriginal nations, this unique craft makes an ideal introduction to native culture.
Dreamcatcher ($14.00, 1½-2 hours)
One of the most popular creations of native people and based on the Ojibwa legend, this craft was a gift, to ensure safe dreams.
Native Hand Drum ($150.00, 6 hours)
The drum is considered by Aboriginal people to represent our mother’s heartbeat. Create your own full sized authentic drum. |
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Groups only (20+). Available daily May 1st–October 31st with flexible arrival between 11am and 5pm. Length of program varies with craft selected.
FIT: Available daily July 1st–September 1st at 2pm for the Medicine Wheel and Dreamcatcher. Length of program varies with craft selected. No reservations required. |
Program Highlights
Our most popular group programs are lunch and dinner theatre options – perfect for any group meal which includes traditional foods, interactive dance performance and a guided tour of the village.
- Interpretation available in 5 languages!
- Vibrant and exciting performances of First Nations dancing which concludes with a “Friendship Dance” involving the audience.
- Enticing menus of high-quality Aboriginal cuisine including buffalo, grilled fish, wild rice, regional fruits and vegetables with customized lunch and dinner menus suitable for all ages.
- “Village” setting with displays including tipis, birch bark wigwams, a contemporary long-house and with “hands on” opportunities.
- Interactive workshops where guests can create their own dream catcher, medicine wheel, drum or other native craft.
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Attraction Profile
- Open May 1st to October 31st, seven days a week for groups and July 1st to September 1st from 11am to 5pm for FIT.
- Extremely accessible location in the heart of Ottawa only a short walk or drive from Parliament Hill, downtown hotels and most attractions.
- Beautiful outdoor location which offers a breath taking view of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill (perfect photo opportunities!)
- Languages offered for our guests include spoken English and French as well as German, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin audio for groups
- Free bus parking – right at front door!
- Escort policy includes complimentary programs for guides and drivers.
- Aboriginal Trading Post selling authentic arts and crafts.
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Download our International Language packages:
In Adobe Acrobat PDF Format (requires Adobe Reader)
Chinese French German Japanese Spanish
For more information or customized programs please contact us.
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