Ottawa is the capital of Canada. With under 1 million people the city has a smaller feeling yet because of its national importance provides visitors with lots to see and do. During the summer Ottawa provides a constant line up of festivals.

Duration

9 years

GettingThere

Air: Ottawa International airport has flights from across Canada, a few US cities and a few international cities.  From other destinations flights go via Montreal or Toronto.

Bus: Greyhound hourly service from Montreal (~2 hours) and several times a day from Toronto (~5 hours).

Train: Via train service from Montreal and Toronto.

Places To Stay

High End:

• Fairmont Château Laurier
• Westin

Trendier:

• The Arc Hotel

Hostel:

• Ottawa Hostel was the old city jail. Right in the downtown area. 

Indoor Attractions To See

Being Canada's Capital there are a lot of national attractions.

Parliament Buildings : Free tours of the buildings, best time to go is not during the summer.  You can also go sit in the gallery when the house is sitting.  Make sure to pay a visit to the cats.

National Art Gallery : Some areas are free. Usually has a great travelling exhibit. 

Museum of Civilization : Just across the river in Gatineau.  Great museum with good touring exhibits and permanent Canadian exhibits.

Outdoor Attractions To See

Across from Ottawa is Gatineau with Gatineau Park .  Some small downhill ski areas and  loads of cross country ski trails.

In Ottawa the Rideau Canal offers the longest skating rink in the world at 7.8 km.  

Festivals

Winterlude - February - If you can stand the cold of Ottawa during the winter then this a great event to check out.  Make sure to bring warm clothes and skates to this one.

Tulip Festival - May - Yep I am not joking. Only in Canada will you find a festival for tulips.  Other then looking a tulips the festival provides some good music outdoor shows.

Canada Day - July 1st - The biggest  party of the year in Ottawa. Lots of beer, people and free music on the hill.

Bluesfest - July - Great music festival featuring international music stars.  

Places to Eat

If you only have one night in town then head to the Ironwood Cafe (Bank and Summerset Area).  Amazing food. A bit pricey but worth it. 

The Market area and Elgin street have the largest concentration of restaurants.

Also the Little Italy and China Town are good eating areas.

Night Life

The Market (North of Rideau and East of Sussex) has a mix of clubs, martini bars, live music venues and pubs.

Elgin Street is a bit older crowd with lots of clubs with dancing.

Getting Around

OC Transpo is the public bus system. Bus service ends around midnight. 
Taxi service is fairly good. All are licensed by the city with a set rate.  

Safety

Ottawa is a very safe city.

External Links

http://www.tourottawa.org/
http://www.ottawakiosk.com/