Travel Eye on Ottawa (Ontario, Canada)

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Overview:

The capital of Canada is sited on the south bank of the Ottawa River, opposite the French-speaking city of Hull across the water in the neighbouring province of Quebec. Its main landmark is the 302ft (92m) high Peace Tower.

The tower surmounts the imposing Parliament Buildings, which stand in Gothic splendour at the junction of the Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau rivers. Ottawa is a city of pomp and pageantry with a harmonious blend of French and English culture.

The city has a network of waterways and canals that link it to Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay. The historic Rideau Canal is used for boating in summer, and for ice sculpting and skating in winter, by locals and visitors alike.

Ottawa has numerous top class museums and galleries, and the National Arts Center, which houses an opera company, theatres, studios and restaurants.

Ottawa is predominantly business, diplomatic and federal government employees. Its rich history, fine buildings and attractive setting make it a popular tourist destination for Canadians and foreigners alike. Seems to be well disposed to families and educational groups.

The accommodation here seems to be a large concentration of predominantly business-orientated multistorey high-rises, ranging from affordable to quite expensive in and around the central business and government district. Many boast in-house leisure facilities and extensive conference amenities, while some are attached to shopping malls.

Locality:

Ottowa is in east Canada, in the south east corner of the Ontario province (250 mls NE of Toronto, 130 mls SW of Montreal, 100 mls S of Mont Tremblant ski-resort, 7½ mls N of MacDonald Cartier airport). Ottowa is bounded to the north by broad Ottawa River, which forms a boundary with Quebec province. The town centre is bisected by the Rideau Canal, with the 2 halves linked by 3 road bridges.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do

The shopping here is as varied as any major city. The huge Rideau Centre boasts over 200 retailers in fashion, food and entertainment, including glamorous department stores. In contrast, Byward Market is a renowned concentration of low-rise shops, street vendors and local artisans. Numerous other malls are dotted around the city centre.

During the daytime sightseeing opportunities are plentiful. There is an enormous variety of historic monuments, fine museums, art galleries, theatres and public buildings, most notable being the impressive 19th-century buildings and clock tower atop Parliament Hill, which incorporates Canada's own House of Commons and Senate offices; daily Changing of the Guard. There are numerous art and music festivals and exhibitions; row-boat races and boat tours on Ottawa River and its canals. The country's biggest event is the Canada Day celebrations, held here on July 1st.

The nightlife here is more family orientated than many cities, there is the usual array of nightclubs, bars and clubs as well as theatres.

Eating out herer is as varied as you like with places to suit all pockets. There is a strong French/Quebecois influence in many of the smarter restaurants and hotel bistros contrasts with traditional Canadian/American-style steakhouses, Chinese, Mexican, Thai and the usual gamut of international fast-food chains.