Ottawa is the capital of Canada and the fourth largest city in the country. Located on the border of English-speaking Ontario and French-speaking Quebec, Ottawa is the only bilingual city in North America. There is something for everyone here, from cultural events and museums to spectacular landscapes.
The 11 best Ottawa sights & landmarks - TripAdvisor
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is the political center of the country, where government buildings are located. The austere Gothic architecture dominates the center of the capital. Canada Day (July 1) is celebrated here, as well as summer light shows. The park overlooks the Parliament, the river and the province of Quebec, which begins on the other side.
Rideau Canal
This 202 km long canal is a UNESCO heritage site. It connects Ottawa with the previous capital, Kingston. The Rideau Canal was built in the 1800s for military purposes and is still in operation. Walking along the canal is a great way to explore the sleeping areas and see how the locals live.
Street art
Canada is destroying the stereotype that graffiti is the art of poor, disadvantaged areas. Artists from different parts of the country come to Ottawa under the Paint! ("Paint it up!"). Their works adorn the main squares and parks. Top neighborhoods to experience street art are Westborough, Quartier Vannier and Little Italy.
Byward Market
For several hundred years, Byward Market has been the main meeting point for residents. Over the years, it has changed to meet the new trends and needs of the capital. This is a lively outdoor market selling organic produce and fresh flowers. Try the famous beaver tails or Barack Obama's favorite Obama cookies.
Houses of Parliament
The main attraction of the city is a complex of buildings of the Parliament of the XIX century on the hill of the same name. It is ranked among the ten most beautiful government palaces in the world by Tripadvisor. Until January 2019, it was open to the public: tourists could visit the fabulous library in the spirit of Hogwarts for free, see the room where the Senate sits and climb to the observation deck on the main tower. Unfortunately, the Parliament is closed for reconstruction for 10 years.
Historical Museum
The most visited museum in the city. Here you will find four million documents and artifacts about indigenous peoples, Canadian and world history, as well as learn more about the events that led to the formation of the state of Canada.
National Arts Center
The National Center for the Arts (NAC) puts on over a thousand performances a year. The performances feature both the country's talents and world-class stars. Shows are varied: theatrical performances, ballet, Broadway musicals. This is one of the most beautiful cultural venues in Ottawa.
National Gallery
The unusual architecture of the building with glass panels and the sculpture of a 9-meter spider by Louise Bourgeois in the square in front of the museum will not let you pass by. The gallery houses 40,000 works of art, including the world's largest collection of works by Canadian artists. Of particular interest is the work of Inuit and Aboriginal people who lived in Canada before the arrival of Europeans.
Cathedral of Notre Dame
Built in 1846, Notre Dame is the oldest and largest church in Ottawa. Services are held in two languages: French and English. Modest on the outside, Notre Dame amazes with its interiors: impressive colorful stained glass windows and Gothic sculptures. Concerts are often held here - the schedule can be viewed on the official website.
War museum
This is one of the youngest museums in the capital - it was opened in 2005. The exhibition space covers the entire military history of the country: from conflicts between Indian tribes and the first years of the country's existence to modern wars. Audiovisual effects complement the collection of guns, tanks and aircraft and help bring the story to life.
Festival "Winterlude"
One of the city's highlights and the largest winter festival in North America. It attracts 600,000 visitors from all over the world annually. Over the course of three weekends in January and February, the Rideau Canal turns into the world's largest natural ice rink, 8 km long. Guests of the event can watch the professionals in hockey tournaments and skate themselves. The festival hosts ice carving competitions, ice sculpture competitions, ice houses and slides. At Dow Lake, unusual contests are held - for example, bed races.
