Family Fun in Ottawa
Canada’s Capital for Culture, Festivals, and All-Season Adventure
Episode 68 – The Family Vacationer with Rob and Danny
🦫 🇨🇦 From skating the world’s largest ice rink to tasting your first beaver tail pastry, Ottawa offers year-round family fun in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities. In this episode, Rob and Danny sit down with Jan Steen van Creveld from Ottawa Tourism to talk museums, maple syrup, and why Ottawa deserves a spot on your family travel bucket list.
🎙️ In this episode, we cover:
- Why Ottawa is a perfect Canadian destination for families
- An overview of the city’s distinct neighborhoods — from the ByWard Market to Little Italy
- Must-do activities by season: skating the Rideau Canal, the Canadian Tulip Festival, whitewater rafting downtown, and more
- 14+ museums, including the Canadian Museum of History, National Gallery, Aviation and Space Museum, and the quirky underground Diefenbunker
- Festivals galore: music, culture, food, and even maple syrup
- Unique Canadian eats like beaver tails and Ottawa’s beloved shawarma scene
- Where to stay: family-friendly hotels, suite options, and even a castle-like chateau
- Local travel tips, French phrases to know, and how to truly experience the city like a local
🎡 Whether you’re strolling through tulips in spring, taking in snowy festivals in winter, or enjoying a summer zipline over the Ottawa River, Ottawa is a family destination full of surprises.
📍 Learn more at: OttawaTourism.ca
The Family Vacationer
The Family Vacationer is a weekly podcast helping families travel smarter, spend better, and create lasting memories together. Hosted by Rob and Traci, the show features expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical tips for planning meaningful, family-first adventures. From hidden gems to budget hacks, it's a must-listen for parents who want stress-free, joy-filled travel.
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
Support Us
If you like the Family Vacationer content and would like to give us a little pat on the back. How about buying us a soda? We'd love that! Rob loves Diet Dr Pepper Strawberry and Blackberry and Traci loved Cherry Coke!