Guide to Canadian Capital : Ottawa

Canada’s capital Ottawa is located in the valley along the Ottawa River in the Province of Ontario.  It is the 4th largest city in Canada and attracts over 7 million visitors each year.  Come to Ottawa to celebrate its quality of life, to explore its waterways and to enjoy its cultural attractions. This modern centre for Technology and Science still has a deep appreciation for ceremony and History.  For years,  Ottawa was being outshined by is neighbours- Toronto and Montreal, but now things have changed. Ottawa is now a young and prosperous city with appetite for good food, drinks and culture.

Getting around Ottawa is easy. Public transport is available, but visitors and locals usually walk or bike ride in the city. As Ottawa is a quiet and soothing place, the best way to go around the city is by walking along its streets and blocks. The city comes to life during the warmer months when locals enjoy the pop-up terraces on the waterfront. Places to visit in Ottawa include Little Italy, Rideau Canal, Commissariat Building, Parliament Hill, National Gallery of Canada, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Byward Market, Canada Agriculture & Food Museum, Canada Aviation & Space Museum, Canadian Museum of Civilisation and Gatineau Park etc. As the 2^nd largest country in the world, Canada has everything from snow-capped mountains to lush green valleys.  Being the capital of all this, Ottawa offers just a taste of what is to come.

Food is very good here as there are 1200 farms within the city limits. Local food is huge and very popular. Produced locally, it’s really fresh and of the best quality. When you visit any restaurant, you will find stuff mentioned in the menu as grown locally. Byward Market is the best place for food in Ottawa. Byward Market has tonnes of stalls and stores with each one adding something different in the recipe.  The Market not only has Canadian food, a whole lot of multi-cuisine restaurants are also present here. Little Italy is another very famous place for food in Ottawa. It is usually packed during the warmer months and provides a great variety of Italian cuisine. Hence, food will not be a problem for you. At the end, don’t forget to taste Ottawa’s favourite desert –  Beaverdale pastry.

Shopping is not something Ottawa is famous for. Though it has great markets and shopping streets, but visitors invest most of their time in Food and Sightseeing. Big Brands may be found here, but are on the expensive side. If you are visiting other Canadian cities like Toronto or Montreal, shop from there. Ottawa is a city to sit back, relax, eat, drink and enjoy the sights. Hence, try to rule out shopping from your itinerary.

Ottawa is well connected by Rail, Road and Air. If you are coming from other Canadian cities, Rail/Road is the best. Ottawa has an International Airport, but it’s not that well connected. There are only few carriers flying into Ottawa. Air Canada has some international flights to Ottawa. When travelling from other Continents touch down at Toronto and drive to Ottawa. Ottawa is around 450 kms from Toronto. The drive along countryside is very beautiful.

So, go ahead and have a relaxing tour to Ottawa.

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