A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River and is bisected by the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal. It is a bilingual city, with the majority of residents fluent in both English and French. Furthermore, the city is rich in cultural diversity, effectively preserving Canada’s heritage and traditions.
The seat of Franklin County in eastern Kansas, Ottawa is an inviting town characterized by a bustling Main Street, a variety of engaging events, and captivating 19th- and early 20th-century architecture.
Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, is famous for its picturesque winter landscapes. It’s known as a longstanding capital of winter fun, where locals truly appreciate the season.
Fall is a magical time in Canada’s capital. So much so that gaping at the crimson, gold, and mint-green leaves is basically a sport and even has its own word: leafing.
One of the most beautiful capital cities in the world, Ottawa is as well-known for its stunning architecture, lush parks, and diverse food scene as it is for its politics. Although it’s a relatively large city by Canadian standards, Ottawa maintains a charming small-town vibe, and the major tourist attractions can easily be reached on foot—ideal for soaking in the beautiful views along the way. If you’re looking to experience all that Canada’s capital has to offer, this 24-hour itinerary is perfect for you.
Ottawa is a children’s playground with numerous outdoor activities and, in the case of summer showers, some of the best museums in the country. Here are the top attractions for children in Canada’s capital.
Like many of the world’s finest capital cities, Ottawa showcases national finery in the way of museums, shops, architecture, and governmental and historical highlights. The city has a cultured, yet friendly vibe. Building height restrictions and multiple pedestrian-friendly areas have kept it human in scale and comfortable to navigate.
Though Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal are among the most celebrated and well-known Canadian cities, Ottawa is the national capital. However, don’t confuse this city’s relative obscurity with blandness.
The second-largest city in Ontario and the seat of government in Canada, Ottawa has a population of about 883,000—it’s nearly 1.3 million if you factor in the metro region, which includes parts of eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. This attractive, tidy, and culturally vibrant city, bisected by the scenic Rideau Canal and separated from the smaller city of Hull, Quebec, by the Ottawa River, is just a 2.5-hour drive from Montreal and a 5-hour drive from Toronto. The nearest major U.S. cities—Boston and New York City—are about 8 hours away by car, but they’re easily reached by short (under 90-minute) direct flights.
Ottawa offers many exciting and unique experiences for couples and families alike. The city, often underrated as a Canadian vacation spot, holds a special place in our hearts since it was the first place I visited with my family many years ago. We continue to return year after year, making it feel like a second home.
Winterlude is an annual winter festival in Ottawa, spanning three weekends in February. We’ve been fortunate to attend multiple celebrations in Canada’s capital, consistently discovering new activities to enjoy. Our nation’s capital continually finds unique methods to celebrate winter in the great white north.
What are the top winter activities in Ottawa? After a half a dozen different winter trips to Canada’s Capital City, we’ve rounded up the best Ottawa winter attractions that you cannot miss.
Ottawa is a city of Museums. Like the Smithsonian of Washington DC, Canada’s capital city houses many of the great museums of our nation. We have visited Ottawa several times, feeling like it’s a second home. During our most recent visit, we finally explored all the Ottawa museums and can confidently present this guide to help you choose which museums to visit when exploring the Capital of Canada.
