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Conference Tour: NRC Fire Lab Visit and Ottawa Sightseeing

Overview

Participants of the Structures in Fire Conference are invited to join an exclusive technical tour of the National Research Council Canada’s Fire Safety Testing Facility in Ottawa. This leading Canadian research centre advances science and innovation across building, infrastructure, and community fire safety.

Established in 1958, NRC’s Fire Safety group supports research in structural fire performance, building fire safety, fire dynamics, smoke movement and tenability, wildfire and WUI fire behaviour, human behaviour and evacuation, fire-risk and resilience modelling, and performance-based design. During the tour, attendees will be introduced to NRC’s current research programs, multidisciplinary expertise, and the collaborations that help shape codes, standards, and next-generation fire-safety solutions for buildings and communities.

About the NRC Fire Safety Testing Facility

The National Research Council Canada is the Government of Canada’s largest federal research and development organization. With a mandate to deliver science and technology solutions that enhance public safety, strengthen the economy, and support climate and resilience objectives, the NRC works closely with industry, government, and academia. Its researchers drive innovation across construction, infrastructure, digital technologies, and environmental resilience through world-class expertise and collaborative research programs.

This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore how NRC’s fire research contributes to safer, more resilient buildings, infrastructure, and communities, and advances national and international progress in structural fire engineering.

Learn more:

Tour Itinerary – Friday

Morning: NRC Fire Lab Visit

Departure from Kingston: 7:30 AM
Round-trip bus transportation will be provided for registered participants.

Arrival at NRC Fire Lab: 10:00 AM
Address: 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON — Building M59

Lab Tour: 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM

  • Explore NRC’s full-scale fire testing facilities

  • Meet NRC researchers and learn about ongoing fire safety and structural fire research

  • Discover how NRC innovations influence codes, standards, and design practices

Afternoon: Self-Guided Ottawa Sightseeing

Participants will have the afternoon free to explore Ottawa at their own pace. Transportation within the city and attraction tickets are the responsibility of participants.

Top Sightseeing Options

Downtown Ottawa

  • Parliament Hill – Iconic Gothic Revival architecture

  • ByWard Market – Shops, dining, local artisans

  • Rideau Canal – Scenic walks along a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Museums & Attractions

Dining

For excellent dining options, see Ottawa Tourism’s guide to the city’s top restaurants:
https://ottawatourism.ca/en/ottawa-insider/6-ottawa-restaurants-make-list-canadas-100-best-restaurants-2024

Return to Kingston

Departure from Ottawa: 5:30 PM
Arrival in Kingston: 8:30 PM

Notes

  • Advance registration is required. The tour will proceed only if there is sufficient interest. A sign-up link will be provided during the conference.

  • Transportation: Round-trip bus transportation is provided for all registered participants.

  • Cost:

    • NRC Fire Lab tour — Complimentary for conference attendees

    • Lunch and sightseeing activities — Self-covered