About Ottawa

It would help if you planned on spending three days here during your visit. Ottawa is Canada’s capital. Besides shopping and walking in parks, there are many things to do in this city. You can also do things like eating different foods and visiting museums. Ottawa has good weather all year round, so that you can go anytime!

Ottawa’s Deep roots

The Ottawa region has been influenced by many cultures, including First Nations, French, English, Scottish and Irish. The city of Ottawa is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinàbeg Algonquin people. This is because several rivers meet in this area, making it a good place for transportation. Many different Indigenous groups and travelers used this area for this reason.

In fact, the city’s name comes from the Algonquin word “Odawa,” which means “to trade.” European explorers passed through this region beginning in the 1600s, followed by Irish, French, and Scottish settlers who started the local timber trade. Ottawa’s identity has been influenced by many cultures, including the First Nations, French, English, Scottish and Irish. The city is located on traditional Algonquin territory. Many rivers intersect here, making it a popular transportation route for many Indigenous groups and travelers. In fact, the city’s name comes from the Algonquin word “Odawa,” meaning “to trade.” European explorers first passed through this region in the 1600s and were followed by Irish, French, and Scottish settlers who started the local timber trade.

Ottawa’s Stellar location

This means you can visit two provinces in one day! It’s easy, mainly because there is a lot to do when you get there. You can take the bus or ride the world’s first interprovincial zipline (seasonal) to see more of what Canada has to offer! 

You can visit two provinces there. You can cross one of the bridges, take a boat across the river, or even ride on a zipline (only in summer).

Ottawa’s Walkable Urban Spaces

There are many interesting things to do on both the Ontario and Québec sides of the Ottawa River. You can explore by walking and trying different craft beverages and food. There are also many big brands and local designers to shop for, as well as colorful urban art to admire. For example, the historic area is always busy with a year-round farmers’ market, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife.

You can also find unique spots such as the original kiosk of a world-renowned pastry treat there. There are many cool things to do around the Ottawa River. You can explore different areas on either the Ontario or Québec side. There are lots of fun places to eat and drink, as well as shops for clothes and art. For example, you can check out the historic area, which is always lively with a farmers’ market, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife.

It’s also home to unique spots like an original kiosk that sells a famous pastry treat.

Ottawa’s Local flavors

Ottawa is a diverse and fun place to live. There is a lot of food and drink. There are food trucks and fine dining, as well as many distilleries and wineries. There are also chefs who train at the Culinary Arts Institute. In Ottawa, there are a lot of different restaurants to choose from.

You can go to a fancy restaurant or a fast-food restaurant. There are also many wineries and distilleries in Ottawa.

Accessible outdoors

There are many activities to do outside in this area. You can go boating or skiing near the city. Or, you can go hiking in the forest nearby. There’s also the Rideau Canal Skateway which is for skating! In the city and in the countryside, it is possible to do a lot of fun things.

You can go boating or skiing. In winter, you can skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway.

Ottawa’s Rich Culture

The Parliament Buildings represent all of Canada because it has both national and regional cultures inside of them. Places such as the Rideau Canal, art galleries, and French-Canadian history around Watson’s Mill and Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. There are also many other things to do like walking, cycling and boating. Visitors can also go on free tours of these buildings.

1. Parliament Hill

The Parliament Buildings are a big and important building in Ottawa. Parliament Hill (Colline du Parlement) is 50 meters high and overlooks the Ottawa River. People can watch the Changing of the Guard and go on tours of Parliament for free. The Parliamentary Library is behind the building, and it has beautiful furniture.

1. Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a 200 kilometers long canal on which boats can sail. It was originally built to be a way for Canada to get from Montréal to Lake Ontario during the War of 1812. Château Laurier is one of the grand buildings by the water for people who own boats and live in Ottawa or Kingston.

1. Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum (Musée Canadien de la Guerre) explores Canada’s military past and contribution to the First and Second World Wars. The museum has a large collection of tanks, jeeps, motorcycles, armored trucks, and even Hitler’s limousine. US visitors will find it especially interesting to see the history of familiar historical events, such as the War of 1812, from the Canadian perspective.

1. National Gallery of Canada

The Canadian War Museum looks at Canada’s history in wars. US visitors will find it very interesting to see the history of events like the War of 1812 from a Canadian perspective. It has lots of tanks and jeeps and motorcycles. The museum is in Ottawa at 380 Sussex Drive.