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Canada's
Parliament Buildings1 |
Canada's
capital city lies on the banks of the Ottawa
River directly across from its twin city Gatineau
in Quebec. The city
boasts the fourth largest population in Canada and yet is so compact visitors
can walk to the majority of attractions
and lodgings.
Easily accessible by bus,
car, plane
and even train,
Ottawa is composed of a number of different districts, each of which has evolved
since the city's beginnings in the mid-19th century to become distinct neighbourhoods
with special characteristics, landmarks and sites. Accommodation options are
numerous and visitors, whether they are young travellers on a budget, families
with kids or in the city on business, will all find something within their price
range. Options include basic and fun hostels,
charming neighbourhood B&Bs
and ritzy, upscale hotels.
DOWNTOWN, CENTRETOWN AND SOMMERSET
HEIGHTS
Ottawa's downtown core is the city's
commercial and financial centre, and many of the city's most prominent landmarks
are found in the area, which encompasses Parliament
Hill and is bordered to the north by the Ottawa River, to the east by
the Rideau
Canal, to the south by Somerset Street and to the west by Bronson Avenue.
Directly south of downtown is Centretown, which stretches to the Queensway Highway
(Hwy 417), while Sommerset Heights encompasses the area directly to the west
of Bronson Avenue.
The relatively small Parliament Hill
district (visitors can easily walk from the eastern to the western edge within
20 minutes) is one of the most visited areas in Ottawa, if not in all of Canada.
In addition to Canada's Parliament Buildings, travellers will find the Bank
of Canada Currency Museum, the Supreme
Court of Canada, the National
Library and National Archives, Confederation
Park, the National
War Memorial in Confederation Square, the National
Arts Centre, the Canadian
War Museum and more. In addition, the Rideau
Canal, which becomes the world's
longest ice-skating rink in the winter, is a great spot for a walk along
a scenic pathway and enjoying a picnic.
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| The
Stately Fairmont Chateau Laurier2 |
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Shopping
devotees will be happy to spend some time in central Ottawa at Sparks
Street Mall as well as Bank
Street, where a number of unique shops and boutiques are located. Dining
options abound in the area as well, and food-fans will find everything from
local cuisine to international flavours. Elgin
Street in the east is particularly lively when it comes to restaurants
and nightclubs,
while Somerset
Heights, centred around Somerset Street West and formerly known as Chinatown,
is the place to go for Chinese
and Vietnamese
eats. The city's Italian community is based around Preston
Street, where visitors can explore the area, called Little Italy, and
dine on some of the best Italian
fare in the city.
Tourists are spoiled for choice when
it comes to accommodation choices in this part of Ottawa. Almost every major
hotel chain, including everything from mid-price to ultra luxury lodgings, is
represented in this central district. The Sheraton
Ottawa Hotel, the Crowne
Plaza Ottawa Hotel, the Delta
Ottawa Hotel and Suites, the Radisson
Hotel Ottawa Parliament Hill and the Ottawa
Marriott are all located within walking distance of Parliament Hill.
Situated on the opposite side of the Rideau Canal from the Parliament buildings,
the Fairmont
Chateau Laurier is the city's most iconic hotel, built in 1912 in the
style of a 16th century French Chateau. The upscale hotel offers comfort, elegance
and an impressive view.
A stay downtown does not require
one to break the bank, and the Holiday
Inn Hotel & Suites Downtown is one of a number of reasonable mid-price
options. Business travellers
and those planning on staying in the area for a week or more can check into
an extended
stay hotel or suite. These accommodations generally offer fully furnished
rooms with kitchens or kitchenettes and laundry facilities. Examples include
the Residence
Inn Ottawa Downtown and the Bostonian
Executive Suites.
A number of bed
and breakfast accommodations are available, especially in the Centretown
area where Victorian homes rest in the shade offered by tall trees lining the
streets. Those new to B&Bs should note that they often offer many of the same
amenities as a hotel but are less costly and more personal. In addition, guests
have the opportunity to meet other guests and can benefit from the specialized
knowledge of local B&B owners. A tasty breakfast that is incorporated in the
price of a stay helps guests start the day off right.
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The
Rideau Canal Borders Byward Market3 |
BYWARD MARKET
Located directly east of downtown
and bordered by the Rideau Canal, Ottawa's trendy Byward
Market district was just a small fruit and vegetable stand in the mid-1800s
when the city was still in its early stages. Known at the time as Bytown, today
the market has grown into a lively, bustling community gathering place that
is one of the city's major tourist attractions. Every Saturday the main building
is filled with arts and crafts, clothing and other goods made by local artisans,
while farmers from the surrounding region set up shop in the outdoor areas immediately
around the market and sell homemade baked goods as well as fresh, often organic,
produce.
The area in the vicinity of the market
is full of upscale and trendy boutiques. In addition, a variety of restaurants
and cafes
in the streets around the market feature patios that are great for people-watching
during the summer. Due to its close proximity to the University of Ottawa, the
nightlife scene in the Byward Market is hopping with clubs
that heave with students and young area residents.
In addition to the market, this district
includes a number of other interesting sights for visitors. Majors
Hill Park is located on the Rideau Canal and includes the Colonel
By Statue and the Peacekeeping
Monument directly across from the park. Art-lovers won't want to miss
the National
Gallery of Canada, while those interested in monetary history can visit
the Royal
Canadian Mint. Ottawa's Notre
Dame Cathedral, which served Bytown's early residents, who were mostly
Catholic, is located a few blocks north of the market.
The area is a quick walk (and an
ever quicker drive) to one of the country's wealthiest neighbourhoods, Rockcliffe
Park. Visitors who want to explore this ultra-exclusive former village will
find the Canadian
Prime Minister's Residence at 24 Sussex Drive, and also Rideau
Hall, the Governor General's official residence. Stornoway,
the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition is in the neighbourhood,
as are the homes of a number of ambassadors to Canada including those from Norway
and the United States.
Accommodation choices in this district
are not as numerous as downtown but visitors will still find several suitable
options. The Fairmont Chateau
Laurier is situated right on the border of Byward Market and downtown,
and is a good choice for those who want to experience the best that the city
has to offer. In addition, visitors will find a few mid-price hotels including
the Quality
Hotel Downtown Ottawa and the Days
Inn Ottawa, both on Rideau Street.
Bed
and breakfasts are a good option as the residential section of the neighbourhood
is close to the market but also offers peace and quiet. The Allure
B&B, a boutique-style bed and breakfast featuring well-appointed rooms
with pillow-top mattresses, is one popular option. One of the city's
hostels
is located a few blocks from the market and is great for families on a budget
or young travellers looking for an affordable option in an exciting neighbourhood.
A range of other accommodations can be found within walking distance of the
neighbourhood in either the downtown district to the west, or to the south in
Sandy Hill.
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| Stay
in a Converted Cell at the HI -Ottawa 4 |
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SANDY HILL
South of Byward Market and bordered
by the Rideau Canal to the west is the neighbourhood of Sandy Hill. Once Ottawa's
most prestigious area, the district is still important as a number of historic
homes and nearly 30 foreign embassies
line its streets. The Embassy
of Russia in Ottawa and a number of African embassies are clustered
together near the Rideau Canal in former mansions once owned by wealthy lumber
barons at the beginning of the 20th century. Visitors who choose to stay in
Sandy Hill can spend hours exploring and trying to find these embassies as well
those of Brazil,
Austria, Poland,
Switzerland, Vietnam
and Venezuela.
Other spots to check out in the district
include the Rideau
Centre shopping complex, the University
of Ottawa campus and Strathcona
Park. Two other former mansions that may be of interest to visitors
include 5
Blackburn, which is currently the headquarters of the Heritage Canada
Foundation, and Laurier
House, a former official Prime Minister's residence. The neighbourhood
offers an extensive number of accommodation choices such as the Westin
Ottawa Hotel, located next to Rideau Centre and featuring luxurious
rooms and a range of amenities, the Novotel
Hotel, on the opposite side of Rideau Centre and Les
Suites Hotel, located a few blocks north of the University of Ottawa.
The neighbourhood features more B&Bs
than anywhere else in the city, giving visitors the opportunity to stay in one
of the grand family homes. A particular favourite is the Ottawa
Centre B&B, which with 3m (10 ft) ceilings, hardwood floors and antique
furnishings exhibits the opulent qualities of a stately home. A handful of inner-city
inns, which offer amenities such as suites with Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces,
are also located in Sandy Hill.
The majority of the city's hostels
are located in the neighbourhood, making it popular with young travellers. The
most unique of these accommodations is the HI
- Ottawa Jail Hostel, located in a building that was once the Ottawa
Carleton County Jail. The hostel offers jail tours in addition to all the necessary
amenities, and adventurous guests can even share accommodation in converted
cells.
GLEBE
Located south of downtown, Glebe
is an elite, mostly gentrified neighbourhood bordered to the south and east
by the Rideau Canal. The heart of the district is centred on the southern portion
of Bank Street. Considered by some to be an extension of downtown, Glebe has
attracted a number of residents, including a number of families, looking to
live near the many amenities offered in and around the area. Attractions include
Carleton
University and Lansdowne
Park, which features the home of Ottawa's Canadian Football League (CFL)
team, the Frank
Clair Stadium. A haven for treasure and bargain hunters, the neighbourhood
also hosts the Great
Glebe Garage Sale, an annual event where locals sell previously enjoyed
goods and donate a portion of all profits to charity.
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B&Bs
Offer Luxurious Rooms and Personalized Service5 |
Visitors wishing to stay in the area
will be impressed by the shopping
and restaurants
located on and around Bank Street, as well as by the close proximity to downtown.
The area is ideal for those wanting to be close to the action, but not immersed
in the noise and commotion of downtown. While there are not as many hotel choices
in the vicinity as downtown, visitors will find several bed
and breakfasts. Many of the available lodgings in Glebe are located
close to or on the Rideau Canal, or are near Carleton
University. Guests have the chance to stay in century-old estate homes
or modern residences with a variety of special amenities.
AIRPORT AND THE WESTERN DISTRICTS
The Ottawa
International Airport is located a mere 20 minute drive from downtown,
and there are a number of accommodation choices for those who wish to stay nearby.
The Days
Inn Ottawa Airport, the Southway
Inn and the Monterey
Inn Resort are all possibilities and, in addition, those staying near
the airport can amuse themselves with a round of golf
at the Ottawa
Hunt and Golf Club.
Comprised of a number of suburbs
and bedroom communities, the Western Districts are situated on the western edge
of the city. The area is ideal for those who want to avoid the hustle, bustle
and noise of more central areas, but who still want to stay close to all of
the sites and attractions. Areas like Barrhaven, Bells Corner, Nepean
and Kanata
are all far enough away from downtown that accommodation not only offers a measure
of peace and quiet but is also considerably less expensive.
Attractions for those staying in
the Western Districts include the Kanata
Golf and Country Club, the Cedarhill
Golf and Country Club, the Bayshore
Shopping Centre and Carlingwood
Mall. Brookstreet
Hotel, Embassy
West Hotel, Holiday
Inn Select Ottawa - Kanata and Days
Inn Nepean (Ottawa West) are all possibilities.
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| The
Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau6 |
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GATINEAU
Located directly across from Ottawa
on the northern shores of the Ottawa River, which acts as a natural border between
the provinces of Ontario
and Quebec, Gatineau,
together with Ottawa and a number of surrounding towns and villages, comprises
Canada's National Capital Region. Formerly known as Hull, Gatineau's residents
are mainly French-speaking and the name change was voted for by the city's inhabitants.
Ottawa and its twin city are connected by four bridges spanning the river, making
the capital city easily accessible from Gatineau.
Visitors who would like to stay in
the Ottawa area but are looking for a somewhat different experience should consider
Gatineau. In addition to the many attractions in nearby Ottawa, Gatineau offers
a wealth of sights for tourists. Museums including the Canada
Museum of Nature, the Canadian
Museum of Civilization and the Canada
Science and Technology Museum offer education and insights, while Gatineau
Park features a range of fun and exciting outdoor adventures as well
as Canadian history lessons at the Mackenzie
King Estate. In addition, visitors of legal age can try their luck at
the Casino
du Lac Leamy. Several golf
courses are located in and around Gatineau, and popular yearly events
include the Gatineau
Hot Air Balloon and Fall
Rhapsody festivals.
Many major hotel chains offer lodging
in Gatineau and visitors will find, among others, the Four
Points by Sheraton Hotel and Conference Centre, the Hilton
Lac Leamy, the Ramada
Plaza Memoir du Casino, the Holiday
Inn, the Comfort
Inn and the Best
Western Jacques Cartier.
For those looking for hotel-quality
lodging at an affordable price, the city offers more than 20 bed
and breakfasts. Budget travellers who visit from May until the end of
August will find reasonably priced rooms at the Residences
at the University of Quebec at Outaouais Gatineau. Outdoor-lovers camp
at Gatineau Park, which offers 300 sites at the La
Peche Lake Campground.
TRANSPORTATION
With planes, buses, cars and trains
all viable options, the journey to Ottawa is easy. The Ottawa International
Airport, is located approximately 20 minutes south of downtown and serves a
number of major Canadian and American airlines
that offer daily flights throughout Canada,
to major US destinations
and to the United
Kingdom. West
Jet Airlines, Air
Canada and Air
Canada Jazz are good bets for cheap flights to Ottawa from within Canada.
There are various alternatives to
flying. Greyhound
Canada offers long-distance motorcoach trips to Ottawa from all over
Canada as well as the United States. Other motorcoach
operators run trips to Ottawa from throughout Ontario and Quebec. Alternatively,
VIA
Rail has a station in the city, so visitors can reach the city by train
from as far east as Halifax
and as far west as Vancouver.
The company offers transportation for both leisure and business travellers,
as well as three fares: economy, VIA 1 and Sleeper Class. The Queensway Highway,
along with several other major roadways, runs through Ottawa making the city
easily accessible by car.
Several options for travelling within
the city are available. Most major car
rental companies, including Avis
and Budget,
have locations throughout the city and those who choose to drive will find on-street
meter parking around town as well as a number of enclosed and surface pay parking
lots. In addition, one of the city's many taxi
companies can transport visitors to and from the airport, hotels and
major tourist sites.
Affordable public
transportation options include bus routes operated by OC
Transpo. The company also also runs the Transitway,
a rapid transit bus network offering more limited but much faster routes around
town including to the airport. The O-Train
is a light-rail transit system that runs from north to south through downtown
from Bayview to Greenboro. For those who are centrally located and are headed
to check out the sights, walking may be the best option. As many of the city's
main districts and attractions are close together, walking provides a healthy
and environmentally conscious alternative and gives visitors the chance to explore
all the interesting little details Ottawa has to offer.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Canada's Parliament Buildings; Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Stately Fairmont Chateau Laurier; Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Skating on the Rideau Canal Which Borders Byward Market to the West;
Ottawa, ON, Canada
- c/o HI - Ottawa Jail Hostel; Stay in a Converted Cell at the HI - Ottawa
Jail Hostel; Ottawa, ON, Canada
- B&Bs Offers Luxurious Rooms and Personalized Service; Ottawa, ON,
Canada
- Gilles Rivest; c/o Tourisme Québec; The Canadian Museum of Civilization
in Gatineau; Gatineau, QC, Canada
