Unless required by the destination, venue, or activity, vaccination is not required to participate in a Brightspark program.
Although not required, Brightspark recommends the use of face masks in crowded spaces and in areas of high transmission. Participants must follow country, local, or venue mask requirements.
Although not required, Brightspark highly recommends that participants take a COVID-19 test before travel to reduce the risk of illness on program and having to isolate away from home. Either a home test or a lab-based test is acceptable taken within the following timeframe: a PCR test taken within 3 days of trip departure OR an antigen test taken within 2 days of trip departure.
Participants must complete at least five (5) full days of isolation and receive a negative test result on Day 6 or later OR complete ten (10) full days of isolation to participate on the program.
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 |
If a participant exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, Brightspark will help them get tested and safely separate from the rest of the group while awaiting the results. Brightspark will be in contact with you as we work to make arrangements for the participant’s care plan. The participant's medical expenses may be covered by insurance as an Emergency Medical Benefit. As a reminder, Brightspark recommends that all participants bring a copy of their insurance coverage with them on the program.
To participate on the program, a minimum of 5 days must have passed since the last COVID-19 exposure, the participant must be symptom free, and have a negative test before departure (can be an at home test).
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