Apr 11, 2012
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, and one of the most important cities of Ontario
Ottawa City
History of Ottawa
Étienne Brûlé a traveller from Europe crossed the Ottawa River on his voyage to the Great Lakes. He was the first European to visit this place and discovered it in 1610. Settlements in the region were seen in early 19th century when people from England found land to be fit for agriculture.
There was a major trading on Timber that went all the way from Ottawa to Quebec City. Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital because it was far away from the borders and was easily defendable at the times of attacks on the colony.
During this period only the city saw many emerging entrepreneurs setting up sawmills which soon became the largest in the world.
Tourism in Ottawa
Ottawa is one of the coldest capitals in the world. It has fun written all over it. The beautiful city has awesome destinations engraved within.
Rideau Canal at night
Rideau Canal: It is a 201 Kilometres long waterway that connects Kingston and Ottawa. In 2007 this site was recorded as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. One can rent and ride a bicycle along the roadside in summers but the scenario turns the other way round in winters when the mercury dips below zero freezing water into ice and the illusion looks just fantastic.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier: Even if you don’t take up an overnight stay at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, the castle-like hotel neighbour to the Parliament Hill is worth stopping by.
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute If you appreciate fine fare, reserve a table at Signatures, a CAA/AAA Five Diamond-rated restaurant that specializes in classic French cuisine with a modern twist.
National Gallery of Canada Arts lovers will want to include a visit to the National Gallery on their Ottawa itinerary.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
It’s the permanent home of the world’s most comprehensive collection of Canadian art, which includes distinctive works by Inuit sculptors.
Gatineau Park A haven for outdoors lovers in every season, Gatineau Park lies north of Ottawa. It’s a place where couples can go biking, hiking, canoeing, and even pitch a tent in warm weather. Come winter, it’s a major attraction for skiers. Whether you fancy snowshoeing, cross-country or downhill skiing, there’s a trail or slope for the two of you.
ByWard Market This fun and funky, four-square-block district in the center of Ottawa is one of the city’s major visitor attractions. Whether you want to get something fresh to eat, browse unique boutiques (if you want chain stores, the Rideau Centre shopping mall is at the outer edge of ByWard Market), be entertained, or simply stroll the urban tableau, this is a must-see destination. At night, ByWard Market’s ethnic restaurants, pubs, clubs, and music venues all have their fans.
Byward Market
Travelling Around Ottawa
Here is a handy list that gives an overview of how to travel Ottawa from some famous cities by road with an approximation of time.
- Kanata 17 minutes
- Richmond 11 hours, 37 minutes
- Kemptville 41 minutes
- Buckingham 33 minutes
- Rockland 8 hours
- Carleton place 40 minutes
- Casselman 40 minutes
May 09, 2012 @ 12:17:49
Hi! I am planning to bring my mother to Ottawa. I’ve heard about the Tulip Festival and I want my Mom to enjoy the said event. When is this festival celebrated and what can we expect? Thanks!
May 09, 2012 @ 21:41:52
Hi David
You mom is lucky !
May 15, 2012 @ 12:30:28
I’ll be visiting Ottawa next week and your site helped me a lot. I will try to visit all the tourist spots cited here but the ByWard Market caught my attention since I like to buy stuff. What time does the market open so that I’ll be able to manage my time. Thanks.
May 15, 2012 @ 20:11:39
Hi Tony
I think you’ll be fine with your time :
The ByWard Market is open 7 days a week year-round. Generally, the outdoor market is begins at 6 a.m. and can remain open until 6 p.m., but hours can depend on the weather and vary from stand to stand. Individual businesses set their own hours.
May 16, 2012 @ 11:40:59
My fiancee and I will be going to Ottawa on September. We both love arts and I have read about the National Gallery of Canada Arts in your site. We will surely visit this tourist spot. So, when is the gallery open?
May 18, 2012 @ 17:40:51
Hi Eduardo
Here are the opening hours :
1 MAY – 30 SEPTEMBER
Open daily, from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday to 8 pm.
1 OCTOBER – 30 APRIL
Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday to 8 pm. Open Remembrance Day starting at noon, during Spring Break Week and Easter Monday. Open Thanksgiving Monday, 24 and 31 December. Closed 25 December, 1 January and Good Friday.
May 18, 2012 @ 16:26:13
I am excited to tour around Ottawa on July with my best friend and we will surely visit the Rideau Canal. I’ve heard about the Skateway and I am hoping that we can do some enjoyable activities there. Now, I just want to ask who may use the Skateway? Thanks!
May 18, 2012 @ 17:35:58
Hi Suzy
The general public may use the Skateway on foot, on sled and, of course, on skates when the Skateway is open.
Dogs, bicycles and hockey sticks are not allowed on the Skateway.
May 19, 2012 @ 04:42:10
I like your article. It describes Ottawa well and I’d like to go there soon. However, I noticed that tower in picture at the top which wasn’t in the article. What is it? Can you give me some information about it?
May 30, 2012 @ 01:47:12
Hi
That tower is called the Peace Tower or The Tower of Peace and Victory. It stands on the Centre Block of the Canadian Parliament Buildings and has had a very extensive and colorful history. It’s also considered a Canadian icon and shows up in many of their dollar bills.
May 24, 2012 @ 04:32:10
I going to Ottawa next week for a quick trip. I’m excited to see all the sites you mentioned in your article. Just one quick question though: Just how big is Ottawa city how many people live there?
May 30, 2012 @ 01:42:41
Hi
Ottawa’s a very big city. It’s metropolitan region covers an area of 5,716.00 km2 (2,206.96 sq mi) with a population of over 1.2 million residing within it. That’s one of the reasons why Ottawa is currently the fourth-largest urban area in Canada.