Ottawa's Visitor Attractions
In 1857, Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the new capital of Canada, which at the time was only two provinces, Ontario and Quebec. Ottawa was chosen for its strategic location on the border between the two provinces, its proximity to the American border and as the meeting point of several waterways.
Once an isolated and unruly logging town, today Ottawa is a very different place; Canada's history, culture and diversity are woven together in this capital city. Situated in Southern Ontario, across the Ottawa River from its sister city of Gatineau, Quebec, Ottawa is one of Canada's most cosmopolitan cities. There is a multitude of attractions in the area and the only hard decision a sightseer has to make when visiting this fair city is what to do first.
DISCOVER HISTORY ON CONFEDERATION BOULEVARD
Taking a stroll down Confederation Boulevard is a pleasant way to spend the day sightseeing. Over 60 cultural attractions, including historic sites, monuments, national museums and art galleries, are situated along this ceremonial route. The boulevard runs through the heart of Ottawa and Gatineau in a loop. This design is an important point as ceremonial routes in many of the world's capitals run in a linear fashion; Confederation Boulevard's unique geometry represents the unity of Canada's people.
Most visitors choose to begin their tour of Ottawa at its most beautiful and important landmark, the seat of the Canadian government on Parliament Hill. The Centre Block was built shortly after Ottawa was declared the capital but the most prominent structure, the Peace Tower, was built much later in 1927 after a great fire ravaged the parliament buildings. Visitors looking out from the Peace Tower's observation deck are treated to a spectacular view of the city.
From Parliament Hill visitors can follow the boulevard clockwise to a variety of cultural and political venues, including the the Supreme Court of Canada, the Currency Museum, the Library and Archives of Canada and the Garden of Provinces and Territories.
Continuing along the route, the Pont due Portage leads over the Ottawa River to Gatineau and the Pont Alexandra Bridge leads back to Ottawa and the National Gallery of Canada, which has spectacular views outside and stunning artworks inside. Art lovers will enjoy a worldwide artistic experience with a focus on Canadian pieces, especially modern and contemporary art.
The Peacekeeping Monument is close by, commemorating Canada's role as a peacekeeper on the world stage, and adjacent to that, the picturesque Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica stands on the site of Ottawa's first church. The gleaming twin spires and gilded Madonna of Notre Dame today stands in contrast to the original diminutive wooden structure.
Next, a diversity of cultural experiences can be found at the bustling Byward Market. This busy marketplace is full of restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops. Visitors will enjoy taking a break here, wandering down the cobbled lanes, browsing the many vendors and being entertained by buskers while grabbing a bite at one of the many eateries.
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a prominent structure on the corner of MacKenzie Avenue and Wellington Street is next on the boulevard. This beautiful hotel was
commissioned by the Grand Trunk Railway in the early 1900s. It was built at the same time as Union Station across the street; this cavernous old railway station is now the Government Conference Centre, a site worth visiting.
Just a few steps over is the Rideau Canal. Originally a trading corridor running over 200 km (125 mi) from Ottawa to Kingston, it is now a pleasant place for recreation. During summer boaters take to the water and in winter the canal is transformed into an incredible skating rink, one of the largest in the world. The construction of the Rideau Canal is well documented in the nearby Bytown Museum, which exhibits artifacts and information about the early history of the city, originally known as Bytown. The Confederation Boulevard loop then brings visitors back to the cultural icons on Parliament Hill.
EXPLORE THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE CITY
Ottawa has a wealth of natural beauty and many ways to enjoy it. There are numerous parks to wander, gardens to appreciate, waterways to explore and waterfalls to photograph.
City parks are a great place for a morning jog, family outing or a romantic picnic among an amazing variety of trees and flowers. Centrally located, Major's Hill is a convenient place to stop for a rest while touring the city's many attractions. Expansive Gatineau Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. The clear lakes, dense foliage and plentiful wildlife can be enjoyed year round and seasonal activities, including hiking, swimming, skating and cross-country skiing, are also popular. More than just a park, Leamy Lake Ecological Park and Archaeological Site is situated at the confluence of the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers. This meeting point was once an important stopover for First Nations people, explorers and fur traders.
Another piece of Ottawa's natural heritage can be discovered by visiting a maple sugar shack (cabane sucre), a small cabin where sap is collected from maple trees and boiled down into maple syrup. Tour the surrounding maple forest, sit down to a hearty meal or take home a maple syrup delicacy.
ENTERTAIN THE WHOLE FAMILY
Ottawa is a family-oriented city and there are plenty of opportunities for entertainment for all age groups. Sports enthusiasts can go to Frank Clair Stadium, home to the Renegades Canadian Football League (CFL) team, or watch the Ottawa Senators at a National Hockey League (NHL) game at Scotiabank Place.
Families can have a fun day out at Ottawa's many movie theatres, recreation centres or theme parks. Calypso Theme Waterpark is the largest water park in Canada, while the Midway Family Fun Park has plenty of rides and activities for kids of all ages.
Once an isolated and unruly logging town, today Ottawa is a very different place; Canada's history, culture and diversity are woven together in this capital city. Situated in Southern Ontario, across the Ottawa River from its sister city of Gatineau, Quebec, Ottawa is one of Canada's most cosmopolitan cities. There is a multitude of attractions in the area and the only hard decision a sightseer has to make when visiting this fair city is what to do first.
DISCOVER HISTORY ON CONFEDERATION BOULEVARD
Taking a stroll down Confederation Boulevard is a pleasant way to spend the day sightseeing. Over 60 cultural attractions, including historic sites, monuments, national museums and art galleries, are situated along this ceremonial route. The boulevard runs through the heart of Ottawa and Gatineau in a loop. This design is an important point as ceremonial routes in many of the world's capitals run in a linear fashion; Confederation Boulevard's unique geometry represents the unity of Canada's people.
Most visitors choose to begin their tour of Ottawa at its most beautiful and important landmark, the seat of the Canadian government on Parliament Hill. The Centre Block was built shortly after Ottawa was declared the capital but the most prominent structure, the Peace Tower, was built much later in 1927 after a great fire ravaged the parliament buildings. Visitors looking out from the Peace Tower's observation deck are treated to a spectacular view of the city.
From Parliament Hill visitors can follow the boulevard clockwise to a variety of cultural and political venues, including the the Supreme Court of Canada, the Currency Museum, the Library and Archives of Canada and the Garden of Provinces and Territories.
Continuing along the route, the Pont due Portage leads over the Ottawa River to Gatineau and the Pont Alexandra Bridge leads back to Ottawa and the National Gallery of Canada, which has spectacular views outside and stunning artworks inside. Art lovers will enjoy a worldwide artistic experience with a focus on Canadian pieces, especially modern and contemporary art.
The Peacekeeping Monument is close by, commemorating Canada's role as a peacekeeper on the world stage, and adjacent to that, the picturesque Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica stands on the site of Ottawa's first church. The gleaming twin spires and gilded Madonna of Notre Dame today stands in contrast to the original diminutive wooden structure.
Next, a diversity of cultural experiences can be found at the bustling Byward Market. This busy marketplace is full of restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops. Visitors will enjoy taking a break here, wandering down the cobbled lanes, browsing the many vendors and being entertained by buskers while grabbing a bite at one of the many eateries.
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a prominent structure on the corner of MacKenzie Avenue and Wellington Street is next on the boulevard. This beautiful hotel was
commissioned by the Grand Trunk Railway in the early 1900s. It was built at the same time as Union Station across the street; this cavernous old railway station is now the Government Conference Centre, a site worth visiting.
Just a few steps over is the Rideau Canal. Originally a trading corridor running over 200 km (125 mi) from Ottawa to Kingston, it is now a pleasant place for recreation. During summer boaters take to the water and in winter the canal is transformed into an incredible skating rink, one of the largest in the world. The construction of the Rideau Canal is well documented in the nearby Bytown Museum, which exhibits artifacts and information about the early history of the city, originally known as Bytown. The Confederation Boulevard loop then brings visitors back to the cultural icons on Parliament Hill.
EXPLORE THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE CITY
Ottawa has a wealth of natural beauty and many ways to enjoy it. There are numerous parks to wander, gardens to appreciate, waterways to explore and waterfalls to photograph.
City parks are a great place for a morning jog, family outing or a romantic picnic among an amazing variety of trees and flowers. Centrally located, Major's Hill is a convenient place to stop for a rest while touring the city's many attractions. Expansive Gatineau Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. The clear lakes, dense foliage and plentiful wildlife can be enjoyed year round and seasonal activities, including hiking, swimming, skating and cross-country skiing, are also popular. More than just a park, Leamy Lake Ecological Park and Archaeological Site is situated at the confluence of the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers. This meeting point was once an important stopover for First Nations people, explorers and fur traders.
Another piece of Ottawa's natural heritage can be discovered by visiting a maple sugar shack (cabane sucre), a small cabin where sap is collected from maple trees and boiled down into maple syrup. Tour the surrounding maple forest, sit down to a hearty meal or take home a maple syrup delicacy.
ENTERTAIN THE WHOLE FAMILY
Ottawa is a family-oriented city and there are plenty of opportunities for entertainment for all age groups. Sports enthusiasts can go to Frank Clair Stadium, home to the Renegades Canadian Football League (CFL) team, or watch the Ottawa Senators at a National Hockey League (NHL) game at Scotiabank Place.
Families can have a fun day out at Ottawa's many movie theatres, recreation centres or theme parks. Calypso Theme Waterpark is the largest water park in Canada, while the Midway Family Fun Park has plenty of rides and activities for kids of all ages.
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