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Jan
10
Ottawa Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Canada
A trip to Ottawa
Canada’s capital city is located in the country’s southeast, within easy driving distance of both Toronto and Montreal. There are plenty of attractions in Ottawa to draw good numbers of visitors each year, from pleasant strolls around the classic architecture of the centre during the summertime to wintertime sports, which are well-provided for as well. This is a small city that’s easy to get around and it features as one’s of Canada’s more popular visitor destinations.
Flights to Ottawa
Arrival by air brings visitors into Ottawa International Airport, located just six miles to the south of the city. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Ottawa try Expedia. Other alternatives for reaching the capital include driving from points in Canada and the US and travel by bus and train.
Once in the city, a network of buses will take you most anywhere you need to go. Most major car hire companies have offices at the airport and in the centre, and driving can be a good option for those interested in taking daytrips. Taxis are readily available as well, and can be flagged on the street, found at taxi stands or booked in advance by telephone.
Ottawa
Sightseeing in Ottawa
Ottawa’s architecture is largely dominated by neo-Gothic government buildings that line its wide streets and border splendid parks. Some of the city’s popular tourist attractions include the National Gallery, Royal Mint, War Museum and numerous stately homes. The city centre is divided by the Rideau Canal, with the liveliest part of the city found to the east of the canal, near Byward Market.
Rideau Hall is the historic office and residence of the country’s Governor General, found on the lovely Sussex drive, not far from Parliament Hill, and is open to the public. The city’s oldest parish church is St Patrick’s Basilica, which was established in 1855 and is well worth a visit. Also of interest is a family attraction called the Enchanted Gardens, a magical theme park offering something for all members of the family.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Byward Market is a good place to head for an evening out, regardless of your taste in entertainment. There are live music venues, café-bars, Irish pubs and a number of restaurants here. Other parts of the city, such as Bank and Elgin streets, feature a selection of more upscale bars. The locals love to dine out, and the huge number of choices in eateries testifies to this fact. Ottawa offers visitors restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world, in addition to the typical Canadian staples.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Ottawa has a great selection of shopping options including major department stores, designer boutiques and discount warehouses. Interesting shopping districts can be found around the city, such as Byward Market, Glebe, Bank Street Promenade, Rideau street, Westboro Village and the oldest pedestrian mall in North America, at Sparks street. These areas offer up an excellent range of locally-crafted and antique items.
Daytrips
There are several worthwhile daytrip destinations within easy reach of Ottawa, all of which are conveniently accessed by hire car. Of particular interest to nature lovers is the Laurentian Mountain range, popular for hiking and camping in the summer and skiing in the winter. An excursion to the Laurentian Mountains reveals picturesque lakes, pristine forests and charming hamlets.
Algonquin Park is another popular natural attraction. Situated in the western portion of Ontario province, this parkland hosts an impressive array of outdoor activities including hiking and canoeing. The latter activity takes advantage of the nearly 1,000 miles of navigable routes through local lakes and rivers.
Montreal is also within reach of Ottawa. This relaxed city boasts a delightful Old Quarter (Vieux Montréal) laid out in a network of cobblestone avenues lined with Parisian cafés. Highlights in Montreal include the central market square (Place Jacques Cartier), a number of museums, the Old Port, and the Basilica Notre Dame, many of which are within walking distance of one another.
Must-see attractions
Ottawa’s headlining attraction is Parliament Hill, the seat of the national government and an important stopover for all visitors to the city. Poised over the Ottawa River, this magnificent Gothic structure is in many ways the focal point of Ottawa and makes an excellent starting point for a day of sightseeing. Parliament Hill also offers guided tours (in English and French) that take in the Senate, the Library of Parliament and the House of Commons.
The National Gallery is Canada’s foremost collection of modern and classical art, boasting works by world-renowned artists including Andy Warhol, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. Visitors have access to a host of other cultural activities such as the Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum and the Science and Technology Museum.
Ottawa’s oldest church is the Notre Dame Cathedral, a blend of neo-Gothic and neo-classical architecture. On site is an impressive collection of saints’ statues, meticulously crafted wood carvings and beautiful stained glass windows.
Best time to go
The best time to visit Ottawa is during the summer, particularly in August as rainfall is on the decrease while the days remain warm and relatively long. This season is best suited for daytrips and outdoor activities, and as a result the city sees a large influx of visitors. Fewer come during the winter months although this is a good time for winter sports enthusiasts as the nearby mountains offer a number of first class ski resorts.
Rainy day suggestions
June and July are two of the rainiest months in Ottawa, and as this is in the midst of the peak tourist season visitors are likely to need plan a rainy-day activity or two. The National Arts Center hosts a broad assortment of staged performances ranging from musical performances and theatre to stand-up comedy. Indoor sports like hockey are enthusiastically embraced by locals, particularly in the off-season.
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