Ottawa is the capital city of Canada and is located on Ottawa River’s southern banks. It is dissected by Rideau Canal and Rideau River. People in this city speak mostly English & French. The city also boasts of having attracted migrants from diverse cultures from all over the world. It also has been successful to keep its own heritage and culture intact. You can enjoy to your maximum by booking the best hotels in Ottawa of your choice in advance.
- Parliament: It overlooks the Ottawa River and is located in the midst of the city centre, while being home to the Canadian Parliament. The Parliament Hill is made up of three buildings including a formal, expansive garden. The complex grounds are site to several shows, demonstrations and national celebrations. There are conducted multiple tours throughout the day in French and English language lasting for about 30-60 minutes. You can book your spot at 9am.
- Outdoor Skating Rink: It is considered to be the world’s largest, where you can skate to your fill. A part of Rideau Canal during winter months is converted into huge skating rink enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. This outdoor rink stretches for almost 8 Km and open 24 hours a day. It is indeed a wonderful place for couples to have romantic evening. Even solo travellers and families can have a gala time. Without Beaver Tail, skating along Rideau Canal is incomplete. They are dough sweets that are deep fried and sold through kiosks set up along this rink and in Byward Market area.
- Byward Market: It is Canada’s oldest markets and located in the city’s heart. There is a min building enclosed by open air stalls. Although the main building is open throughout the year, the nearby stalls open up only during nice weather. This colourful place allows you to shop for fresh fruits, flowers, vegetables and grocery items. This market also has several fast food kiosks, boutiques and restaurants.
- Get to know the city’s darker side: The city also does have an infamous history like the Haunted Walk. Tour focuses upon the dark past of the city, where you can learn about haunting stories about few popular spots such as Fairmont Chateau Laurier Ottawa Jail Hostel and Bytown Museum. Guides wearing black cloaks and holding lanterns conduct the tours to make it spookier. Such tours are conducted throughout the year, irrespective of the weather. The best time to visit is obviously during Halloween.
- Canada’s History: There are several national museums here, where you can get to learn the city’s history. Few such popular museums here are the Canadian Nature Museum, National Gallery, Canadian History Museum, Canadian War Museum and Canadian Agriculture Museum. Also are present various specialty museums which are interesting. It includes Canadian Contemporary Photography Museum, Canadian Science & Technology Museum, Portrait Gallery and Currency Museum.
- Historical Chateau: Fairmont Chateau Laurier is a 660,000 sq. ft. castle that has been converted into a luxury hotel. So, tourists have restricted access to this chateau. This French Gothic castle is located at intersection of Sussex Drive and Rideau Street and overlooks the Rideau Canal. The hotel was developed way back in 1912 with just 350 rooms and half of it having private bathroom. Presently, the chateau boasts of having 429 guest rooms in total. The whole architecture is simply stunning and features copper roof, Roman columns and Tiffany stained glass windows. Lobby area also boasts of having Belgian marble floors. The lounge area is considered to be a stunning atrium having glowing chandeliers.
- Culinary delights: The city can be referred to as a melting culture pot that can be witnessed in its diverse cuisines. You can enjoy food from all parts of the world including few Canadian classics. BeaverTails is a must have. It comes with diverse interesting topping options like chocolate hazelnut spread, cinnamon sugar, maple syrup, peanut butter. Poutine, a popular Canadian-French dish comprising of cheese curds, gravy and chips is interesting. You can also have Vietnamese food, Chinese food and Lebanese food. The restaurants spread all over the city offers Mediterranean, Italian, French and Indian cuisine.
- Visit the Park: Major’s Hill Park is located just above Rideau Canal. From Parliament Hill, it is across the canal and among the oldest green spaces of the city. It is open throughout the year. Several events are held here like annual ‘B In The Park’, which highlights pipe bands and Canada Day celebrations. It also is an amazing place to spend the afternoon. From this park, you can have clear views of Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, Parliament Hill, Fairmont Chateau Laurier and the American Embassy.
- Beach: Ottawa does have a beach, located at Petrie Island on Ottawa River. The island boasts of having two beaches, with both being on the northeast corner. It is open for locals & tourists from 17th May to 1st September, from 12 noon to 7pm.The city runs this beach and there are lifeguards on duty all 7 days of the week. Families, couples and solo travellers may come to this place for a swim, to have picnic or simply to escape the busy city centre.
- Sports match: If you love watching sports, then Ottawa does boast of having several professional sports teams. The most famous are the Ottawa Senators, the National Hockey League team. At Canadian tire Centre, the team plays home games. This ground is also home to Hall of Fame. The place where you can watch the Ottawa Redblacks practicing rigorously is the TD Place Stadium. They are a Football League Team. The stadium is also used by Ottawa Fury FC for home games. Those who love Baseball games can visit Raymond Chabbot Grant Thornton Park and watch their Ottawa Champions live. This team is considered to be part of Canadian-American Professional Baseball Association or Can-Am League.
There are several more attractions here that has made this city a must visit place by world-wide tourists.