Ottawa is named one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, captivating many tourists year round. Getting around the city is very simple. You can visit Ottawa’s sites on a motor coach tour with overviews of the city’s prime attractions. Ottawa can also easily be explored on foot allowing you to truly experience the essence of the city. Your first stop can be Parliament Hill, the heart of Canada’s government system. It houses three buildings, the Center, East and West Block, each governing different aspects. The West Block houses offices for Members of Parliament and is not open to the public. The Center Block features The House of Commons, Peace Tower and the Senate. In the historic East Block, you can admire the restored office of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Take a building tour or climb to the top of the Peace Tower for a spectacular view of the nation’s capital. In the summer months witness the colourful ceremony of the Changing of the Guard.

One of Ottawa’s most prized treasures is the National Gallery of Canada. It is a building of astounding architecture, home to the largest collection of Canadian art and is embellished with lush interior gardens and courtyards. Immerse yourself in rich culture and history with a visit to some of Ottawa’s most intriguing attractions such as the Canadian War Museum, National War Memorial, Canadian Aviation Museum or the Canadian Museum of Civilization. A visit to the Royal Canadian Mint goes along with any visit to the nation’s capital. Get up close and personal in the making of coin currency with a guided tour of the historic mint. Travel across the Ottawa River to Gatineau Park where you can take in the beauty of nature with a walk along the many winding trails leading to spectacular lakes and panoramic look out areas.

One of Ottawa’s oldest, most popular landmarks is the Rideau Canal. Enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities amid a historic, natural setting. In the winter months the canal freezes over, becoming the world’s longest outdoor skating rink; an experience the whole family can enjoy! While in Ottawa, plan a visit to the ByWard Market, Ottawa’s jewel in entertainment, dining and of course, shopping! Browse through boutiques and galleries, sit back and relax at a street café, enjoy the sights and sounds of street musicians, colorful farmers market vendors and historic buildings transformed into restaurants and shops. The ByWard Market is steps away from many of the city’s famed festivals. Among the many festivals, the Canadian Tulip Festival, which takes place every May and showcases millions of tulips creating a mosaic of beauty and colour; Winterlude, which takes place every February, is noted as North America’s greatest winter festival. And the festival that showcases the nation’s symbol of pride is of course Canada Day. It is an event featuring street performers, concerts and a spectacular fireworks display. Definitely a celebration you won’t want to miss! With its vibrant display of cultures, rich historical background and dynamic world of natural beauty, it’s no wonder Ottawa is the nation’s capital and yours to discover! The currency used is the Canadian Dollar (CAD) Ottawa has a vast range of temperatures between summer and winter and is subject to unpredictable weather conditions. Winters are generally snowy and icy. Temperatures in winter can drop as low as -25°C (-13°F) at night but averages are misleading because days can be much warmer. Ice storms are possible. Summer weather in Ottawa is warm and humid with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F) fairly often, sometimes as early as April and as late as October. Summers are usually short though and spring and autumn are unpredictable, with early or late snowfalls possible or even unseasonal heat waves. Ottawa has one airport, Ottawa International Airport (YOW). It is located six miles (10km) south of Ottawa. There are hotel shuttles and limousine services available to downtown Ottawa. Bus 97 departs from outside the Arrivals area. Taxis and car rentals are also available for pick up at the airport.
110-120V 60Hz The official languages are English and French; however many other languages are spoken throughout. Vancouver to Ottawa: 4hrs. 30mins.
Toronto to Ottawa: 59mins. Government of Canada
Address: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9
Tel.:1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232)
Fax: (613) 941-1827 Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).