In their first year at Carleton, students generally make the effort to go to about three places: South Keys plaza for groceries and movies, the Rideau Centre for shopping and study breaks, and Parliament Hill because after all, this is Ottawa. Little do they know, the city is filled with both conventional and unconventional places to hang out and explore.
Wasabi
In university, it can be hard to find great restaurants on a student budget and sometimes all you want is to go out for a delicious meal without spending your month’s allowance. Wasabi, a Japanese restaurant in the Byward Market, is a place you can go for a good time at a reasonable price. You can get lunch for under $20 a person and still have some money left over for a beaver tail in the market.
The Glebe
Just a quick bus ride away from campus is the Glebe, a charming neighbourhood full of character and culture. Highlights of the Glebe include Britton’s for newspapers and magazines and the Dragon Tail Bookshop. For coffee lovers, Bridgehead is a great place to go, but there is also a Roast ‘n’ Brew, Francesco’s Coffee Co., and a Starbucks near by.
The Rideau Canal
Feel like spending some time outside? During the day, the canal is bustling with tourists, cyclists, and students alike. Everyday, people from all walks of life can be seen along the canal. If you like to people watch it’s a great place to start. Also, the canal passes right through Carleton and leads through the heart of downtown Ottawa. It’s a pleasant way to spend an afternoon outdoors in the city.
National Gallery of Canada
If you think the National Gallery is just another big boring museum, you couldn’t be more wrong. It’s an amazing tourist attraction and a great place for students. “Early Explorations Photographs of Canada, the latest exhibit,” is open until September 29. If that’s not your thing, there is the “Noble Art of the Carracci and their School” open until January 1, 2014. For students, it’s only $10 to spend the day and on Thursdays after 5 p.m., admission to the permanent collection in the gallery is free.
Le Moulin de Provence
If you have a sweet tooth, Le Moulin de Provence is definitely a place you should hit up during the year. Located in the Byward Market, it’s worth the bus ride from campus. The pastries are delicious and the cookies are practically famous. It’s a large but quiet pastry shop that’s great for a snack or an off-campus study session.
