Ottawa: Canada's Capital Centre

An Aerial view of Parliament Hill, Ottawa

A concern for the environment has always played an important role in the growth of Ottawa, Canada's Federal Capital. This has resulted in a city with all the benefits of urban life, and yet because it is a centre of government and service, Ottawa lacks the industrialization so common in most cities of the same size. Ottawa is a city of parks and trees and is surrounded by farmlands, forests and rivers, so nature is never far away. It has much to offer the visitor, from pageantry and tradition to marvellous museums and galleries and outstanding recreational facilities.

CLIMATE

	Tulip-time in Ottawa

Ottawa's climate varies considerably from summer to winter. Winters can be bitterly cold and snow is common from November through to March, though due to excellent snow removal procedures the city is seldom shutdown by a blizzard. Summer is usually pleasantly warm but can sometimes be rather humid. Spring is one of the best times to visit, not only because of the more moderate temperatures but also because of the beautiful flowering bulbs, culminating in the world's largest Tulip Festival. Likewise fall also promises magnificent colours from the city's many trees and those in the surrounding countryside.

TRANSPORTATION

Ottawa is served by an international airport, which provides direct service to major Canadian and U.S. destinations, and good connections through Toronto to anywhere worldwide. There is also nonstop service from London, England. Canada's rail network Via Rail serves Ottawa, and it is linked to the main transcontinental route across the country. Major bus lines also serve the Capital Region. Ottawa also has easy highway access. Ottawa has a very good local transit system. (For more transportation information click here)

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

The Canadian Parliament Buildings in Ottawa

Overlooking the Ottawa River and the definite focal point of the city, is the world famous Parliament Hill. The Parliament Buildings are gothic in design, with green copper roofs and soaring spires. The centre of it all is the Peace Tower with the Canadian flag raised at the very top. As well as touring Parliament, be sure to catch the tradition of the Changing of the Guard ceremony on summer mornings. On warm evenings return to witness the spectacle of 'Reflections of Canada', a sound and light show shown against the backdrop of the Parliament Buildings.

The National Gallery of Canada is considered by many to be as much a work of art in itself, as some of the work it houses. It is noteworthy for the expanse of glass used in its construction. The centrepiece of the museum is its collection of Canadian art, and this includes work by the Group of Seven. The upper level galleries include a wide range of work by the great masters, ranging from Rembrandt to Picasso.

	The Canadian Museum of Civilization

Across the Ottawa River is the city of Gatineau, formed when the cities of Hull, Gatineau, Aylmer, Buckingham and Masson-Angers amalgamated in 2002. Although Gatineau is in the province of Quebec, it is part of the National Capital Region. This is home to the magnificent Canadian Museum of Civilization, which lies directly across the river from the Parliament Buildings. This museum illustrates Canada's history from prehistoric times, through the original Canadians, early settlers and explorers, to the fur traders, and mass immigration to modern times. Life sized reconstructions of all these stages in history fill the museum.

Another museum that is very much worth a visit is the National Museum of Science and Technology. This includes historical displays of such items as steam locomotives, bicycles, domestic technology, communications and space technology, computers, printing presses and cars. There is a large telescope, which along with many other exhibits is hands-on. Many different workshops are available.

The Rideau Canal in Fall

The most popular and prominent recreational facility in Ottawa is the Rideau Canal. This was originally built to provide a safe passageway for British gunboats, and later it served a commercial purpose for the logging industry. Today the Rideau Canal is the world's longest ice-skating rink. Some civil servants and students even skate to work or classses. There are cross-country skiing trails on the banks of the canal. Once the ice melts then the same trails become ten kilometres of pathways well used by walkers, joggers and cyclists, and kayaks, canoes and pleasure craft sail the canal.

ByWard Market is a restored 1830's shopping district, that has helped preserve some of Ottawa's past. It is full of cafes and nightclubs, craft shops, and produce stalls. Here you can purchase fresh seafood and fish, meats, pastries, fruits and vegetables, as well as local artwork and crafts. A local specialty is a pastry known as a "Beaver Tail."