Ottawa Map

About Ottawa City

Ottawa is the national capital of Canada and the 4th largest city. It is the political and technological center of the country, and is one of the fastest growing cities due to its low crime, low unemployment, and high tech developments. The city is also a great example of Canada’s growing identity as a hub of multiple nationalities.

Geography

Ottawa is located on the southbanks of the Ottawa River, east of Southern Ontario. It borders the cities of Quebec and Gatineau, wherein they form the country’s National Capital Region. Ottawa is mainly an urban area but suburbs and rural areas surround the city limits.

How to Reach

Plane – Ottawa is served by its main international airport, the MacDonald – Cartier International Airport. It services several Canadian and American cities, with international flights limited to London and Frankfurt only. Seasonal flights to and from European cities are also available at the airport but most international destinations are serviced by Montreal’s main airport.

1. Bus –

   the city has easily accessible buses with their public transport system named OC Transpo, that serves areas around the city. The Greyhound terminal offers long haul trips to neighboring cities.

2. Boat –

   water shuttle taxis that are eco-friendly can take passengers through the Ottawa and Gatineau River

3. Train –

   there are two major train stations in Ottawa – the Ottawa Station located downtown and the Fallowfield Station in the western suburb of Barrharen

4. Taxi –

   taxi services are easily accessible in Ottawa’s downtown districts

5. Bike –

   Ottawa has 170 km of bike paths and tourists and visitors can rent bikes all around the city

When to Visit

The best time to visit Ottawa is between March and May. This is when temperatures start to rise and the city is in bloom. The summer season is the most popular time to visit the city, as the good weather coincides with Ottawa’s celebration of special events.

Culture (fairs and festivals) and Traditions

As the capital of Canada, Ottawa boasts of festivals and events that attract thousands of visitors. Among the most popular festivals are:

1. The Canadian Tulip Festival –

   for 10 days in May, Ottawa is filled with tulips that bloom everywhere. There are parades and musical concerts, as well as ceremonies that celebrate the city’s official flower. The tulip represents friendship for the city, as it was given to the city as a gift by the Dutch Royal Family for providing a safe sanctuary for them when they were exiled during the Second World War. Each year, this festival celebrates friendship and the coming of spring.

2. Winterlude –

   For the first 3 weekends of February, the city of Ottawa is filled with activities that transform certain places into a winter wonderland. The Rideau Canal becomes the world’s largest skating rink during the winter and serves as the highlight of the event. Other highlights include snow playgrounds, ice sculpture competitions, and many winter-inspired activities.

3. Ottawa Race Weekend –

   Ottawa hosts the largest running event in the country for several days every year. Different categories bring in tens of thousands of participants with the last race attended by over 44,000 runners.

4. Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival –

   the largest in the world, the festival is held every year and gathers both international and local acts for several days of classical music

Points of Interest (Places to Visit)

1. Canadian War Museum

   Its architecture is prize-winning but there’s more to this attraction than its fascinating facade. Inside you can find artifacts, moving exhibits, art, and photographs that showcase Canada’s long military history.

2. MosAika

   For every night from July to September 1, the Parliament’s Central Block is a spectacle of moving narratives and projections that tell the story of Canada. Open to the public and free of charge, MosAika is a sound and light show produced by the government of Canada.

3. Parliament Hill and Buildings

   The office of the seat of Parliament, the buildings are 3 Gothic-Revival style infrastructures that overlook the Ottawa River. Free guided tours are offered on a daily basis.

4. The Rideau Canal

   Boats fill this canal in the summer but in the winter, it transforms into a large surface of ice that has dubbed it the world’s largest skating rink in winter. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accommodation

Ottawa has plenty of accommodation choices for the visitor or tourist. Some of the world’s major chain of hotels are found in the city, as well as budget hostels, boutique hotels, and a range of other places to stay.