If you are flying to your destination, each airline we work with has slightly different processes and protocols to respond to COVID-19, and we recommend you check the website of your airline for the most up-to-date information. Airlines are deep cleaning, and may be reducing the number of people on each plane, and requiring face coverings while on board. Additionally, food service on the plane is either not available or pre-packaged, and so we recommend packing a meal and snacks, particularly if you are flying around a meal time.
You can read more from some of our top partners here:
You will need to follow any local, provincial, state or national guidelines. In addition, be prepared for airlines, venues, and cultural sites to have their own specific guidelines you must follow during your visit.
When the group is on the coach or outside in open public areas, you may be able to make a group decision about wearing masks. For performing arts groups (playing musical instruments or singing), we're actively monitoring discussions in the scientific and music education communities to develop options that are appropriate for your ensemble.
If a participant feels ill with symptoms of COVID-19 (which include fever, chills/aches, shortness of breath, coughing), our team will immediately facilitate movement of the participant to a location where they can safely be separated from others. We will simultaneously engage our Doctors on Call or a local medical facility to consult on the next steps, testing, and treatment.
We would then, as required:
Brightspark will provide the resources necessary to facilitate the recommended treatment, including an isolated and a chaperoned location for the participant to recover.
For the time being, we will ask each Group Leader to facilitate temperature checks each morning to ensure that all participants are feeling well. You may also encounter temperature checks at the airport and at certain sites prior to entry.
We may make adjustments to reduce each individual's daily exposure to other people and allow more flexibility in meeting COVID-19-related requirements. This could include changes to keep groups from mixing or adjusting the size of a group (i.e., 7th and 8th grade classes may be kept in separate touring groups rather than mingling during sightseeing activities). These changes will be made on a case-by-case basis and communicated in advance.
After every Brightspark Tour, we ask students about their favourite activities and attractions. Here is a list of the top 5 most popular attractions in Ottawa, as voted by students:
Downtown & Byward Market
Tucker's – Tucker's Marketplace's buffet is a student, teacher, and parent favourite! This restaurant has great service, a huge menu, and options for allergies too!
Gibson's on Queen – A wide variety of food options including vegan and gluten-free options. Their fajita lunch buffet is a definite must-try!
Fish Market – Freshly baked bread and butter on the side of delicious, fresh fish! Enjoy this meal in the heart of Byward Market.
Grand Pizzeria – Another great spot in the Byward Market. Dig into these delicious pizzas! Got allergies? The restaurant offers gluten-free and cashew cheese alternatives!
Gatineau
Fun Junction – Florescent lights, laser tag, and dinner? Grab a table with your class and experience a memorable meal at this arcade spot!
Buffet des Continent – An all-you-can-eat buffet offering Asian, Greek, Italian, American, Mexican cuisine and more!
Au Vieux Duluth – A great place to enjoy a filling Greek meal! Enjoy a plate piled high with delicious steamy Greek food, with sides of rice and salad.
Hotels are a great choice if you have a flexible budget and want all the amenities! If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative, consider staying at a residence! University of Ottawa and Algonquin College offer student-friendly accommodations at lower price point. Students will stay in suite style rooms with full kitchenettes and common areas that will give them a taste of post-secondary living.
Here are a few free things students can do in Ottawa!
New York offers a lot of activities for students, but here's a list of the top 5 picks as voted by teachers and students
Eiffel Tower, Paris France |
London Eye, London England |
Acropolis Carytids, Athens Greece |
The Louvre and Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
The Parthenon in Athens, Greece.
The Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
Gaudi Architecture in Barcelona, Spain.
Big Ben in London, England.
Pétanque playing balls in Paris |
Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station, London |
Barbary Macaques in Gibraltar |
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