Ottawa Information

Ottawa has been described as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. Less than an hour's drive from the American border, Ottawa enjoys the attributes of a major centre for the visual and performing arts, as well as other big city attractions. Yet, it still maintains the accessibility, atmosphere and charm of a smaller city, in addition to access to spectacular park and wilderness areas located within and around the city.

Ottawa Attractions and Events:

Parliament Buildings - Seat of the Federal Government and site of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Rideau Canal - In winter becomes the world's longest skating rink.
National Gallery of Canada - Home to Canada's premier art collection.
National Arts Centre - Features some of the best in Canadian dance, music and theatre.
Canada Aviation Museum - Recognized as having the most extensive aviation collection in Canada and one which ranks among the best in the world.
Byward Market - Ottawa's entertainment area, full of one-of-a-kind shops, over 80 restaurants and cafés, a thriving nightlife, and Canada's oldest continuously operating farmers' market.
War Museum - Features a life-sized replica of a WWI trench.
Royal Canadian Mint - Produces all of Canada's circulation coins, and manufactures circulation coins on behalf of other nations.
Ottawa Art Gallery - Ottawa's public gallery for contemporary and 20th century art.
Canadian Museum of Civilization - Explore Canada's cultural mosaic at the country's largest and most popular museum.
Canadian Museum of Nature - Be enthralled by Badlands dinosaurs, bizarre bugs and a host of other big and crawly critters.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Meet a mountie in characteristic red tunic, tour the renowned R.C.M.P. stables and enjoy the show as the horses go through their paces at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride Centre.
Winterlude - North America's largest winter festival.
Canadian Tulip Festival - The largest festival of its kind in the world.