Written by: Adam Cowley
Edited by: Darshan Montgomery
Ottawa, Ontario is Canada’s capital city, located in the heart of southern Ontario. Situated approximately 500 km from both Quebec City and Toronto, Ottawa is filled with and surrounded by glorious sights that attract people of all ages from all over, every year. While Ottawa has never had the reputation of being a “big city,” the reality is that it is the fourth largest municipality in Canada, with just over 800,000 residents. Despite this large population and its many large tourist areas, Ottawa has a great mix of the “big city” and “small town” feel.
Ottawa is, of course, a “government town.” Downtown is crawling with government buildings and employees. This can lead some to believe that Ottawa is therefore, a boring town, but it is not so. The reality is that Ottawa is a Canadian city with unequalled attractions, a vibrant night life, wonderful residents and something for just about everyone. Ottawa’s status as the nation’s capital is of course, the reason for the plethora of governmental sites and people, but being the nation’s capital also means, national galleries, national museums, national performance halls and much more.
No matter when you decide to visit Ottawa, there is always something going on. The winter has the frozen canal for you to skate on and the world-renowned Winterlude Festival. Spring time is the beginning of festival season, kicking off with the Tulip Festival. You will never forget walking around downtown Ottawa, among the thousands and thousands of tulips. Summer time sees Ottawa’s beach weather and with several beaches to choose from and not one, but two, state-of-the-art water parks on the way. Ottawa is becoming a great destination for people who love the warm weather..... And that’s without even mentioning the country’s greatest party – Canada Day on Parliament Hill. Finally, the fall means cool weather and glorious sights, like the foliage of Gatineau Park. No matter when you decide to come to Ottawa, you will find plenty to do and see for everyone you are travelling with.
Of course, the other great thing about Ottawa is that Ottawa is not just Ottawa. Ottawa is connected to Quebec by several different bridges and Ottawa’s connection with Gatineau is as strong a connection as there is in Canada between a French and English city. There is so much to do in Ottawa and you won’t believe how much more lies just across the river.
No matter what city you are reading about, you will almost always come across the phrase, “something for everyone.” The city of Ottawa, however, actually gives meaning to these words. Whether you are backpacking, on a business trip, or planning a vacation with your family, there is an endless list of options for you. Aside from the natural beauty of the city, the fact that it is the nation’s capital, gives Ottawa some of the greatest attractions in Canada. National museums, galleries, festivals and so much more, give locals and visitors an endless array of options no matter what time of year it is. If you want a vacation with endless options and possibilities, Ottawa is the city for you.
This You Tube video gives glimpses and commentary of some of Ottawa's biggest attractions, including Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal and the history behind all those tulips.
Ottawa History - Brief
The historic city of Ottawa was originally inhabited by the Odawa First Nations people. Around 1800, it was discovered that wood could be transported to Montreal from Ottawa, using the river. As a result, the population began to boom. After a period of Irish immigration, construction of the world famous Rideau Canal began. Upon completion, Ottawa’s population was again on the rise. In 1857, Queen Victoria was asked to choose a capital for Canada and although there were certainly more political reasons, it is thought that one of the reasons she chose Ottawa was the sheer beauty of the land. Over 150 years later, many things have changed, but the beauty of Ottawa remains intact for you to experience.
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