After a very rough start as North America's "most feared community" Ottawa became Canada's capital in 1857. The choice wasn't based on any outstanding features already present in the growing city, but on what wasn't there easy military access. Ottawa was selected more for being a backwoods and inaccessible city than anything else. Despite its early reputation as a backwater town, Ottawa has made the best of it, and grown into a flourishing and beautiful capital city with much to offer.
Hot Fun in the Summer
Take the wide rivers that crisscross the city for one, and that are lined with recreational pathways. A leisurely stroll filled with breathtaking views will instantly erase the hustle and bustle of downtown from your mind. Feel like crossing the river instead? Pop over the bridge and you'll find yourself in Gatineau, Quebec, where a distinct francophone culture flourishes. And if you're a little more adventurous, and would prefer to travel on, rather than over, the water, the Ottawa River offers some awesome white water rapids, that are best experienced by raft or kayak.
If you prefer a spectator event, don't miss the time-honoured Royal Canadian Mounted Police parading their horses on the Musical Ride, and the Ceremonial Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill. For something a little more theatrical check out the Ottawa Fringe Festival , or see what's playing at the National Arts Centre.
More in the mood for a celebration? From music to dance, from cartoons to cultures, Ottawa has a festival to showcase just about everything. Into jazz? Check out the Ottawa Jazz Festival in late June. Prefer the blues? The Ottawa Bluesfest is one of the biggest of its kind, drawing blues legends and the latest musical superstars together for a couple of sultry weeks every July.
Of course, the single biggest event in the capital is July 1st Canada Day. The city pulls out all the stops to make sure its birthday party is the best of the year.
Falling for the Capital
Once you've seen autumn in the Ottawa valley, you'll know why the maple leaf on Canada's flag is red. Enjoy the changing colours of the leaves on foot, or bike, in Gatineau Park's Fall Rhapsody, or spend the day apple picking.
For something a little more festive, there's the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, and for those whose imaginations are already in the clouds, the Ottawa International Animation Festival.
Then there's always Halloween in a city that's just teeming with ghosts! Sample the tours offered by the Haunted Walk of Ottawa and discover not only what hauntings the city has to offer, but your very own hostel!
Just Chillin' in Ottawa
They say that Canadians are born with skates on and this isn't more true than in Ottawa where everyone ties on a pair of skates and glides down the Rideau Canal, the longest skating rink in the world. The icing on the cake (or on the lake?) comes with Winterlude Ottawa's famous February festival. After checking out the fantastic snow sculptures downtown, you can skate to Dow's Lake and chill at the ice café or warm up at a classic Canadian campfire.
Spring Blooms in the Capital
Come springtime, everything's coming up tulips in Ottawa. A walk, cycle, or rollerblade along the Canal will thrill with the sights and smells of millions of flowers. Paupers and queens have long loved this fair city, but during World War II the Dutch royal family took a special shine to it. Exiled from their homeland, these royals were hosted in Ottawa and since then, their great Dutch thank-you gift of tulips has graced our civic gardens every May. Once again the whole city puts on its festival clothes and throws a huge party at the Canadian Tulip Festival.