Ottawa is bordered by the Ottawa River to the north, while the historic Rideau River and Rideau Canal meander north to south through the city. Directly across the Ottawa River are the City of Gatineau and the picturesque Outaouais region in the province of Quebec
This vibrant and colourful city will welcome you day and night with a wonderful array of activities and entertainment for all ages, and all interests. Whether your interest is culture, history or simply natural outdoor attractions, Canada's Capital region offers a unique combination of both. The city has 30 museums, 50 galleries and theatres, nightclubs, fine dining, world-class shopping, heritage sites, stunning architecture, festivals, cultural activities, attractions and tours, and natural wonders.
There are many things to do whilst visiting Ottawa. Here are just a selection:
Bytown Museum
For the complete story on the history and construction of the Rideau Canal, head to Bytown Museum. Nestled beside the Rideau Canal locks below Parliament Hill and adjacent to the Ottawa River, the Bytown Museum traces the early history of Ottawa, with a special focus on the construction of the Rideau Canal - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
ByWard Market
A historic farmers' market and shopping district by day, a favourite gathering place of restaurants and clubs by night - the ByWard Market just east of Parliament Hill is one Ottawa neighbourhood you won't want to miss.
Canadian Museum of Civilization
The incomparable CMC celebrates Canadian and world cultures, housing the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles in its beautiful Grand Hall. Located on the shores of the Ottawa River directly across from Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of Civilization is a stunning landmark building that celebrates the achievements and histories of Canadian and world cultures.
Gatineau Park
Located just minutes from Parliament Hill across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Gatineau Park is 361 square kilometres of natural wilderness crisscrossed with cycling and nature trails, forest, lakes and lookouts.
The Laurier House
The historic home of two of Canada's most renowned Prime Ministers and policital personalities, Laurier House is a National Historic Site of Canada located on Laurier Street in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood of downtown Ottawa.
Parliament Hill
No visit to Ottawa is complete without a visit to the Hill, the seat of Canada's national government and the setting for year-round celebration and ceremony. Parliament Hill is the most visited Ottawa attraction - truly a must-see!
Rideau Hall
The stately home and gardens of the Governor General, the Queen's representative in Canada. It is an impressive mansion surrounded by fabulous heritage gardens.
Rideau Canal
Ontario's first UNESCO World Heritage Site winds its way through the city, starting from the beautiful and historic locks at the Ottawa River. It is filled with boaters spring through fall and the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter.
Unique Ottawa neighbourhoods offer distinctive shopping, dining and nightlife experiences across Canada's capital city:
ByWard Market
Founded in the 1820's, the Market houses unique stores, restaurants and nightclubs, surrounding outdoor stalls that sell fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, and the work of local artisans.
Chinatown
Located moments away from downtown, Ottawa's Chinatown is a multicultural village offering local dining, shopping and entertainment experiences with a unique Asian flavour.
Downtown Rideau
Shopping lovers and arts enthusiasts head to Downtown Rideau for an abundance of trendy retail outlets, exquisite restaurants, capitivating theatres and a hub of cultural activity in Ottawa's Retail, Arts & Theatre District - 23 blocks surrounding Rideau Street, east of the canal.
Preston Street/Little Italy
Ottawa's Corso Italia offers popular restaurants and specialty stores, and is located between Carling Avenue at Dow's Lake and LeBreton Flats.
Bank Street Promenade
The Bank Street Promenade is located on "Ottawa's original Main Street". With over 250 eclectic shops, services, bars and restaurants stretching 15 blocks from Wellington Street to Gladstone Avenue.
Beechwood Village
Bordered by the Rideau River to the west and exclusive Rockcliffe Park to the North, Beechwood Village is a vibrant neighbourhood offering a unique blend of shops, boutiques and stores, fine restaurants, and a relaxed ambience.
Glebe
The Glebe is a relaxed and historic neighbourhood of shops, restaurants, pubs and services along Bank Street just south of Highway 417, otherwise known as the Queensway.
Somerset Village
Located between Bank & O'Connor Streets and only minutes away from Parliament Hill, Somerset Village features beautiful heritage 19th Century buildings that are home to many fine restaurants, businesses and services.
Sparks Street
One block away are the Parliament Buildings, house for the Canadian government. Nearby, are some of the city's finest hotels, shopping, restaurants and historical sites.
Wellington Village
Home to some of the city's most highly ranked restaurants, the Wellington Village/Hintonburg area west of downtown offers a funky blend of dining, unique shopping and theatre.
Westboro Village
The Village's shopping district offers a unique mix of boutiques, restaurants and many other delightful stops along the way.
Ottawa experiences four very distinct seasons. Ottawa usually receives a considerable amount of snow in the winter, and moderate amounts of rain in all other months. Beautiful summer heat is common in the summer, and the Autumn is a showcase of colours and fresh, brisk air.
Average Temperatures (degrees celsius):
Month
January: -11.5
February: -10
March: -4
April: 6
May: 13
June: 18
July: 21
August: 20
September: 15
October: 9
November: 2
December: -8
