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Ottawa

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Ottawa (Canada)

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Ottawa is the capital of Canada, ideally situated on the south bank of the Ottawa River in eastern Ontario, at the boundary between English-speaking Ontario and French-speaking Quebec. Chosen by Queen Victoria in 1857 for its strategic location and defensive positioning, it has grown from a lumber town into a sophisticated political and technological center. At the heart of the city lies Parliament Hill, where the striking Gothic Revival buildings and the Peace Tower symbolize the country’s democratic foundations. Ottawa is home to the nation’s most significant cultural institutions, including the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian War Museum, preserving the rich tapestry of Canadian heritage. A unique feature of the urban landscape is the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site that connects the city to Kingston; in the winter months, it transforms into the world's longest skating rink. Economically, the city is a powerhouse for the high-tech industry, often referred to as Silicon Valley North due to its dense cluster of telecommunications and software firms. With its commitment to green space, public transit, and a bilingual workforce, Ottawa consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in North America. Each year, the Canadian Tulip Festival paints the city in lively hues, commemorating the historic bond between Canada and the Netherlands.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-11-10-45131821201681-7
Rain mm6155658585104988887997380

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is open to visitors all year. You can tour the Parliament Building, the Rideau Canal, and many national museums.
🕒
Typical hours
Opening hours of major sights vary; Parliament and museums usually open at 9 or 10 AM and close between 5 and 6 PM. The Rideau Canal is accessible 24 hours in good weather.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed on Parliament Hill and in most museums, sometimes without flash. Indoors, selfie sticks and tripods are often not permitted.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow at least two full days to visit the top museums and Parliament. For a relaxed exploration including a canal walk, three days are good.
➕
Combine with
Combine your visit with a trip to Gatineau, Québec, home to the Canadian Museum of History. Gatineau Park hiking trails are also just 20 minutes away.
🧭
Getting there
Ottawa is easily reached by plane, long‑distance bus, or car. The international airport is served by many cities; a bus runs from the airport to downtown.
💡
Insider tip
In winter the Rideau Canal freezes into the world's largest natural skating rink - bring your skates. In summer, guided boat tours offer a different perspective on the city.

History & landmarks

Victorian Era

1826

Geography

Elevation
70 m
Coordinates
45.42150, -75.69720

Facts

  • Ottawa became Canada's permanent capital in the mid-19th century.
  • The Ottawa River separates the city from the province of Quebec.
  • The Canadian Museum of History is one of the country's most-visited cultural institutions.
  • The Rideau Canal spans 202 km and is a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering.
  • The National Gallery of Canada is a prominent feature of the downtown area.
  • The annual Tulip Festival showcases millions of blooms every spring.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Rideau CanalRideau Canal<1 km · SEExplore →
GatineauGatineau6 km · SExplore →
Brockville Railway TunnelBrockville Railway Tunnel23 km · WExplore →
Thousand IslandsThousand Islands45 km · SWExplore →
Gananoque (Thousand Islands)Gananoque (Thousand Islands)60 km · SWExplore →
Parc OmegaParc Omega82 km · NExplore →
MontebelloMontebello85 km · NExplore →
Fort Henry (Kingston)Fort Henry (Kingston)91 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ottawa (14)

Billings Estate Museum🏛 museum

The Billings Estate Museum is a historic house museum that interprets early settler life in Ottawa.

💶

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum🏛 museum

The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is a living history museum at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa.

🕒 Mar-Oct 09:00-17:00; Nov-Feb We-Su 09:00-17:00💶

Canadian Museum of Nature🏛 museum

The Canadian Museum of Nature is a natural history museum housed in the Victoria Memorial Museum Building in Ottawa.

🕒 Mo-We,Fr-Su 09:00-18:00; Th 09:00-20:00💶

Canadian Tribute to Human Rights🏺 historical

The Canadian Tribute to Human Rights is a monument in Ottawa symbolizing the commitment to human rights.

Ottawa City Hall🏺 historical

Ottawa City Hall is the seat of municipal government located on Laurier Avenue West.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:30-17:00♿

St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church⛪ religious

St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish church in Ottawa's west end.

St John the Evangelist⛪ religious

St John the Evangelist is an Anglican church located on Wellington Street in Ottawa.

St. Peter and St. Paul's⛪ religious

St. Peter and St. Paul's is an Anglican church in the Glebe neighbourhood of Ottawa.

Ottawa Chinatown Arch📍 landmark

Ottawa Chinatown Arch is a paifang archway marking the entrance to Ottawa's Chinatown.

♿

Mackenzie King Bridge📍 landmark

Mackenzie King Bridge is a bridge spanning the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa.

Laurier Bridge📍 landmark

Laurier Bridge is a bridge that carries Laurier Avenue over the Rideau Canal in Ottawa.

Confederation Park🌳 park

Confederation Park is a park in downtown Ottawa, home to the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument.

Brewer Park🌳 park

Brewer Park is a park in Ottawa's Old Ottawa East neighbourhood along the Rideau River.

Fletcher Wildlife Gardens🌳 park

Fletcher Wildlife Gardens is a wildlife garden within the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main attraction in Ottawa?
Parliament Hill, the seat of Canada's federal government.
Can you skate on the Rideau Canal?
Yes, in winter it becomes the world's longest skating rink.
Which museum is a must-visit?
The Canadian Museum of History (located just across the river).
What is the ByWard Market?
A historic district known for its market stalls, cafes, and nightlife.
When is the Tulip Festival?
Every May, featuring millions of blooming tulips across the city.
Ottawa: where is it located?
Ottawa is located in Canada.
Ottawa: what is there to see?
Highlights include Billings Estate Museum, Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canadian Museum of Nature.
Ottawa: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Ottawa: why is it worth visiting?
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, ideally situated on the south bank of the Ottawa River in eastern Ontario, at the boundary between English-speaking Ontario and French-speaking Quebec.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Parliament Hill — Ottawa (Canada)
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The seat of Canada's federal government in Ottawa.
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