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The Ultimate Ottawa Shopping & Tourism Tips for Conference Attendees

Published on September 6, 2023

Ottawa's downtown is bustling with various shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions waiting for you to discover!

Ottawa Tourism and CF Rideau Centre have great programs for conference attendees to receive discounts and gifts for select businesses. Below we’ll let you know all the tips and tricks to maximize your time in Ottawa without breaking the bank.

Rideau Centre Shopping Mall

CF Rideau Centre

The Rideau Centre is a fantastic shopping destination connected to the Shaw Centre. You can easily access the mall by heading up to the second floor and entering this impressive building with over 170 stores. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find something that suits your needs here.

To receive your discount pass:

  1. Visit Guest Services on Level 3 (located next to the Bay Bridge across from Uniqlo) to pick up your discount pass.
  2. Present your conference badge, and you’ll be able to enjoy discounts at select stores throughout the Rideau Centre.
  3. Spend and Save with the exclusive CF Shop! Card offer. Purchase a $100 CF Shop! Card at CF Rideau Centre in guest services and receive a $10 promotional card. *Conditions Apply.

Flash your Badge

When attending a conference at the Shaw Centre, remember to bring your event badge with you while exploring the local area! By doing so, you and a companion can take advantage of incredible discounts all over the city. No need to worry about printing anything out – show your valid badge to the participating businesses and watch the savings roll in. Ottawa offers an array of exciting activities, including visits to national museums, guided tours, and delectable dining options. However, contacting the businesses beforehand is always wise to make reservations or verify availability.

People walking through Byward Market in the fall
Guy taking a photo of a couple at the Science and Technology Museum

Visit Ottawa Pass

Extend your business trip and take advantage of the Visit Ottawa Pass. This pass offers amazing discounts on admission to some of the city’s top museums and tours, making it a must-have for anyone looking to get the most out of their visit while still sticking to a budget. With just one low price, you’ll have access to seven attractions. You can choose between a 1-Day or a 3-Day pass depending on how long you’ll be staying in the city, and both options come with some fantastic savings on admission fees. One of the best things about the Visit Ottawa Pass is that it’s delivered directly to your phone via text and email, so you don’t have to worry about handling any physical tickets or passes. Adult passes start at just $59+tax for the 1-Day Visit Ottawa Pass and $94+tax for the 3-Day Visit Ottawa Pass, while child passes are available for as low as $42+tax and $69+tax. So if you’re ready to explore Ottawa’s top attractions without breaking the bank, take advantage of this amazing opportunity!