Canada’s green capital contains many of the features that make its mother country great: rich natural landscapes, stately and colourful Gothic Revival structures and a robust tradition of arts and culture. Watch Canada’s parliament in action, sample the wide array of art and science museums and hike an extensive network of trails in beautiful Ottawa.
Upon arrival, head straight for the most prominent building in town: the Peace Tower. Climb up into the Victorian Gothic structure and gaze out over the forested landscape of the riverside city. The tower rises above Ottawa’s Parliament Buildings. Listen to parliamentary debates in the Centre Block and admire the ceilings covered in gold leaf. With stained-glass windows and a brilliant blue-and-gold nave, Notre Dame Basilica is another example of the city’s fine architecture.
You can’t experience Ottawa fully without visiting its world-class museums. The work of European masters and Canadian contemporary artists are on display at the National Gallery of Canada. See the masterpieces of Canada’s earliest residents at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, which features thousands of artefacts. Modern history buffs should check out the Canadian War Museum and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, where you can get a helicopter tour of Ottawa’s skies. Opening hours can vary by season, so call ahead before visiting.
With snowy winters and temperate summers, Ottawa offers attractions in all seasons. During the winter, cross-country ski along the extensive trails of Gatineau Park and spend a cosy night in a yurt. In the summer, float along the Rideau Canal on a boat.
A small city with most of its attractions clustered in the centre, Ottawa is easy to get around on foot and by public transportation. The summer months from June through August bring the most visitors. The low season lasts from November through April. Regardless of the season, Ottawa is a gorgeous and exciting city with plenty to do and see.
