An Elegant and Refined Capital City

From the millions of tulips that adorn Ottawa's streets in spring and the festivities that mark the country's national holiday in summer to the spectacular fall colours and the Christmas lights that light up the city in winter, visitors invariably fall under the spell of Ottawa's many seasonal charms.

Overview / Attractions

The Rideau Canal's impressive entrance, which played a major role in the founding of Ottawa, is made up of eight old stone locks. The section of the canal that crosses the city becomes the longest skating rink in the world during winter. The canal also divides the city: Lower Town is situated on the eastern shore of the canal while Upper Town is on the western shore.

The 19th-century Parliament Buildings can be found in Upper Town on Barrack Hill, which enhances the city's skyline. On the summit of the hill stand several edifices spread around a garden: the Centre Block contains the House of Commons and the Senate and is the seat of the federal government. The surroundings are embellished by some pretty churches, like the Christ Church Cathedral and the Saint Patrick Basilica, and many beautiful attractions, such as the Currency Museum, the Confederation Building, the Supreme Court and the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Most of Lower Town's still-standing 18th century buildings reflect the French origins of the people who settled there at the time. Sussex Drive, one of the city's more famous main roads, is scattered with such magnificent buildings as the early 20th-century Château Laurier, a prestigious luxury hotel, and the more recent National Gallery of Canada, which offers a fabulous trip through the artistic history of Canada and the world through its hundreds of works of art. Along the Ottawa River stand the Official Residence of the Prime Minister of Canada, also known as 24 Sussex Drive, and Rideau Hall, the splendid living quarters of the Governor General of Canada. Past Sussex Drive, at Rockliffe Airport, is the National Aviation Museum, which houses a collection of life-size airplanes.

Ottawa is also a city of distinct neighbourhoods. Between Bronson and Booth streets is Chinatown, where shop windows overflow with thousands of China-made products, stores are filled with the fragrances of oriental spices and restaurants propose mouth-watering Dim Sum and Cantonese specialties. Little Italy is situated around Preston Avenue and boasts exquisite family trattorias and delicatessens that serve Italian delights. Finally, the animated and trendy area known as the Glebe is decidedly North American, with its charming boutiques, fine restaurants and stylish houses. This neighbourhood stretches out on Bank Street, south of Queens Way. Residential and peaceful, it is the ideal place for a stroll on a sunny day.

Another spot that is not to be missed in Lower Town is lively Byward Market, the district's nerve centre since the city's foundation. This pleasant open-air market is frequented by various merchants who sell fruits, vegetables and flowers, among many other goods. All around and on the neighbouring streets are several shops, restaurants, bars and cafés, some of which have outdoor terraces in summer where shoppers can relax and watch the bustling goings-on of the market.

Near the city are a few more museums that deserve a visit: the National Museum of Science and Technology, the Agricultural Museum and the Diefenbunker, Canada's Cold War Museum, where tour guides take visitors through a former nuclear bomb shelter.

Going Out

The city of Ottawa abounds in restaurants of all kinds. From steak, roast beef and fish; to French, Italian, Asian and other specialties, the city's restaurants are sure to fulfill the expectations of all foodies. All around Byward Market are many exotic bistros that attract crowds with their various hybrid cuisines.

In addition to the warm pubs and lively bars, notably those found along Elgin Street and around Byward Market, the city is also blessed with a flourishing cultural life. Excellent shows are presented at the National Arts Centre, where the city's various theatre companies perform. Throughout the year, delightful festivals are held in Ottawa, including the Winterlude, the Tulip Festival, the Festival Franco-Ontarien and the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, among others.

Where on earth?

• The city of Ottawa is located in Ontario. The Ottawa River separates it from the Québec city of Gatineau, to the north. It was named the capital of the British colony of United Canada in 1857. 800,000 people currently live in the city.
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