Ottawa

FAST FACTS

- Canada’s capital city, Ottawa is located in the province of Ontario at the Québec border.
- Flying time: 1 hour east of Toronto, 1 1/2 hours north of New York City, 25 minutes west of Montreal and 7 hours (direct) from London.
- Impressive yet intimate metropolitan area of 1.1 million English and French-speaking residents and growing multicultural communities

- Attractions: national and historic sites, cultural attractions, a beautiful natural setting supporting year-round recreation and adventure, a relaxed urban rhythm with distinctive neighbourhoods, and a very walkable downtown.

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
The Canadian Museum of Civilization celebrates Canadian and world cultures. The Grand Hall, on the main level of the museum, houses an exhibition of six Pacific coast Indian house facades connected by a shoreline and boardwalk, and the largest collection of indoor totem poles in the world.
The Canadian Museum of Nature has been undergoing a major revitalization for the last 5 years and will reopen the historic “castle” on May 22, 2010 with a selection of new and upgraded galleries – think dinosaurs, blue whales and more!
Want to see and learn more about the famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police and their beautiful horses? Why not visit the RCMP Stables. Tour the stables, meet the horses and experience a living tribute to Canadian heritage and history. Rich in cultural treasures and attractions, Ottawa invites visitors to experience the best of Canada all in one place.
The National Gallery of Canada, houses the country’s national art collection and hosts outstanding special exhibitions. Summer 2010 features; Pop Life: Art in a Material World; Andy Worhol, Jeff Koons, Keith Haring and many more – this is the only North American stop for this sometimes racy exhibit!

LANDMARK CAPITAL SIGHTS
Famous national landmarks and historic sights greet visitors around every corner in Canada’s capital, and foremost among them is Parliament Hill. It’s the seat of Canada’s federal government and the setting for pomp and celebration including Canada Day (July 1st), the daily Changing the Guard ceremony and nightly Sound and Light Show in the summer. Parliament offers free daily tours and rides to the top of the soaring Peace Tower for a spectacular 360º view of the city. The Rideau Canal, Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, winds through the heart of Ottawa, and is filled with sightseeing cruises, pleasure boats, canoes and kayaks.

URBAN EXPERIENCES
Surprisingly intimate with a very walkable downtown, Ottawa is an urban setting that’s relaxed, friendly and welcoming. The eclectic ByWard Market just east of Parliament Hill is a visitor favourite: a farmers’ market and shopping district by day, with chic dining, outdoor cafés and lively clubs and pubs by night.
Ottawa’s culinary scene is alive with a community of chefs gaining national and international acclaim, and opening their own restaurants! The Savour Ottawa initiative encourages and promotes the use of locally grown and produced foods and their appearances on local menus. For a change of pace, the Casino du Lac-Leamy offers exciting gaming and entertainment.

SPORT, RECREATION & ADVENTURE
Ottawa is a natural for sports and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. May’s Ottawa Race Weekend attracts thousands of top national and international runners. During spring, summer and fall, Ottawa’s 175 km (108 miles) of paved recreational paths welcome cyclists, inline skaters and runners.
The Capital’s many waterways are ideal for kayaking, canoeing and boating, and the upper Ottawa River is one of the top 5 white-water rafting rivers in the world. Ottawa has more great golf courses within an easy drive of downtown than any other Canadian city.