The City of Ottawa is the fourth largest city in Canada with an area of 2,760 square kilometers. Ottawa is a green city, packed with parks and open spaces, and as the capital of Canada sports numerous national attractions and top museums, so a holiday in Ottawa is a busy whirl of sightseeing. The city also has a hectic events calendar, so it is wise to check what’s on when planning a holiday in Ottawa to make sure you don’t miss out on a fun festival whatever time of year it is, from ice-carving in winter to tulips in the spring. Summer in Ottawa can be hot and humid, but it is the best time to travel to Ottawa, especially if you want to indulge in the many outdoor recreational opportunities on offer. Anyone and everyone will enjoy a holiday in Ottawa, but it is particularly well suited to more active vacationers, who can cycle or roller-blade along the miles of trails set out in the city. The capital of Canada is sited on the south bank of the Ottawa River, opposite the French-speaking city of Hull across the water in the neighboring province of Quebec. Its main landmark is the 302ft (92m) high Peace Tower. The tower surmounts the imposing Parliament Buildings, which stand in Gothic splendor at the junction of the Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau rivers. Ottawa is a city of pomp and pageantry with a harmonious blend of French and English culture. The city has a network of waterways and canals that link it to Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay. The historic Rideau Canal is used for boating in summer, and for ice sculpting and skating in winter, by locals and visitors alike. Ottawa has numerous top class museums and galleries, and the National Arts Center, which houses an opera company, theatres, studios and restaurants.
There is so much about the city that one just cant stop writing so have to mention a few important places which you just cant miss when you visit there.
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill in Ottawa is a place for decision-making, but also a place for people. Visitors can tour the buildings, watch Parliament in action, and enjoy ceremonial spectacles like the Changing of the Guard ceremony. There are three buildings making up Canada’s parliament complex. The centre block with its distinctive Peace Tower houses the chambers of the House of Commons and the Senate. Visitors can watch either chamber in action, take a tour of the building, and climb the Peace Tower for a view of the capital city region. The historic east block contains the restored offices of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A Macdonald, and other early statesmen. Tours are offered of these historic rooms and visitors can also interact with historical characters from the period. The west blocks houses the offices of members of parliament and are not open to the public.
Canadian Museum of Civilization
One of dozens of museums in Canada’s capital region, the Museum of Civilization is one of the most fascinating with its artifacts on display including interesting things such as the world’s oldest known boat, several mummies, and the story of the ‘bog people’ of north-western Europe. The museum celebrates the diversity of humankind and showcases the achievements of cultures, past and present, using not only exhibits but live performances, giant screens and animations. The complex incorporates the Canadian Children’s Museum, Canadian Postal Museum, an IMAX Theatre and a restaurant.
Gastineau Park
Gastineau Park is a giant wedge of land measuring 140 square miles (363 sq km) to the northwest of Canada’s Capital Region. It is a recreational haven for locals and visitors alike, and contains many features of interest. The Lusk Ville Falls are inspiring; the Lusk Cave made of marble can be explored with a hard hat; the King Mountain Trail has 10 observation points and takes an hour to complete; the Mackenzie King Estate, a 231-hectare landscaped space in the heart of the park, was the summer residence of William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada’s 10th prime minister.
Enjoy the “City of Ottawa” at your fingertips.