Canada’s capital and festival city
Located in the Ottawa Valley in the east of Southern Ontario, Ottawa is the capital of Canada. A popular destination for travellers, learn about the French colonial heritage in the numerous museums and exhibitions throughout the city. The Rideau Canal is an idyllic place for an afternoon stroll, follow the trail to Watson’s Mill and enjoy the onsite museum charting the building’s history. Take a row boat out onto Dow’s Lake and sail up to the Hog's Back Falls. Ottawa city centre is a thriving cosmopolitan place with several bars and restaurants. Browse over 180 stores at the Rideau Centre and relax with a coffee at the food court. Wander around the busy Byward Market in the downtown area and pick up a souvenir of your trip. Unwind in the sprawling parkland of the Dominion Arboretum and enjoy the roses and lilacs in the picturesque Ornamental Garden.
Why Go?
Visitors to Ottawa can enjoy a modern city of historical treasures. With a contemporary mix of stylish bars and restaurants together with large shopping boulevards and malls, Ottawa is an energetic place. Sail along the river, tour the cultural sights and be sure to try a French-Canadian dish.
When To Go?
Ottawa has a Continental climate with a flexible humidity range throughout the year. Summers are traditionally warm and bright with average daily temperatures of 25°C. The weather means that July and August are popular months with travellers. Winter months in Ottawa are very cold with freezing fog, ice and snow; average temperatures rarely exceed -3°C. The extreme changes between the seasons have contributed to Ottawa’s festival calendar including National Canada Day and the Winterlude Festival.
How To Get There?
Ottawa is served by three airports; Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), serving overseas destinations and Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport (YND) and Carp Airport (YRP) offering regional, charter flights. Direct flights from London Heathrow are available with Air Canada and flights to New York with Continental Express allow passengers to connect to destinations around the globe. A shuttle bus service operates from the terminal building taking passengers into Ottawa city centre and main train station.
Must See
No trip to Canada’s capital city would be complete without touring the extensive collection of museums and galleries. Enjoy the exhibits of Bytown Museum located on the banks of the canal it is said to be haunted with the ghosts of Canadian merchants. Marvel over the giant spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois at the entrance to the National Gallery of Canada and see work by Andy Warhol inside. Pinhey's Point Historic Site is Ottawa’s most popular attraction, wander around this preserved village and experience life during the 18th century in one of several interactive displays.