About Ottawa - Culture, History & Character
Ottawa is officially bilingual. English is the most common language, but French is widely spoken and all city and federal services are offered in both languages. The greeting 'Bonjour-Hi' is common.
Explore the fascinating past of Ottawa and discover how it has developed over the centuries.
The area was for millennia an important trading center for the Algonquian nations. French explorer Samuel de Champlain was one of the first Europeans to navigate the Ottawa River in the 17th century. The area was a key point on the fur trade route.
The town was founded as 'Bytown' in 1826, a construction camp for the Rideau Canal, a strategic military project. It became a center of the logging industry. In 1857, Queen Victoria chose remote Bytown as the capital of the Province of Canada, partly because of its defensible location and as a compromise between the rival centers of Toronto and Montreal. It was then renamed Ottawa.
Following Canadian Confederation in 1867, Ottawa became the capital of the new nation and the majestic Parliament Buildings were completed. In the 20th century, the Gréber Plan transformed the city, creating parks, green belts and a more monumental capital. In recent decades, it has grown into a major technology hub, known as 'Silicon Valley North', while honing its role as the cultural and political heart of Canada.
The historical timeline shows the key moments that have defined the development of Ottawa through the centuries.
Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system
One of the safest cities in North America. Crime is low and visitors can feel very comfortable exploring.
One of the safest cities in North America. Crime is low and visitors can feel very comfortable exploring.
The downtown core, including Parliament Hill, ByWard Market and museums, is very compact and easily explored on foot.
The downtown core, including Parliament Hill, ByWard Market and museums, is very compact and easily explored on foot.
The OC Transpo system, with its light rail (O-Train) and extensive bus network, is efficient for getting around the city.
The OC Transpo system, with its light rail (O-Train) and extensive bus network, is efficient for getting around the city.
An expensive destination: lodging and nightlife add up; use public transport and set menus.
An expensive destination: lodging and nightlife add up; use public transport and set menus.
A decent but quiet nightlife, centered around the pubs and restaurants of the ByWard Market. It is not a party city.
A decent but quiet nightlife, centered around the pubs and restaurants of the ByWard Market. It is not a party city.
As the capital, it is home to the nation's major cultural institutions, offering a deep dive into Canadian history and art.
As the capital, it is home to the nation's major cultural institutions, offering a deep dive into Canadian history and art.
A strong and growing food scene, famous for its local products and for being the birthplace of BeaverTail.
A strong and growing food scene, famous for its local products and for being the birthplace of BeaverTail.
Good shopping options, with a large central shopping center, markets and neighborhoods with independent boutiques.
Good shopping options, with a large central shopping center, markets and neighborhoods with independent boutiques.
Ottawa's biggest drawback. Winters are extremely cold and long, although the city adapts admirably to them.
Ottawa's biggest drawback. Winters are extremely cold and long, although the city adapts admirably to them.
Extremely tourist friendly. The city is designed to welcome national and international visitors, with bilingualism that makes everything easier.
Extremely tourist friendly. The city is designed to welcome national and international visitors, with bilingualism that makes everything easier.
An exceptional family destination. It is safe, clean and its museums are interactive and educational for all ages.
An exceptional family destination. It is safe, clean and its museums are interactive and educational for all ages.
A very welcoming and inclusive city, with a visible community and a progressive atmosphere.
A very welcoming and inclusive city, with a visible community and a progressive atmosphere.
Ottawa residents are known for being polite, friendly and a little more formal, in line with the character of a government city.
Ottawa residents are known for being polite, friendly and a little more formal, in line with the character of a government city.
A scenic beauty that comes from the majesty of its rivers, the canal and the proximity to the wild Gatineau Park.
A scenic beauty that comes from the majesty of its rivers, the canal and the proximity to the wild Gatineau Park.
A showcase of Canada's civic architecture, from the neo-Gothic of Parliament to the modernism of its museums.
A showcase of Canada's civic architecture, from the neo-Gothic of Parliament to the modernism of its museums.
As the seat of the federal government, it is the center of Canada's political and civic history.
As the seat of the federal government, it is the center of Canada's political and civic history.
One of the greenest capitals in the world, surrounded by green belts and with the massive Gatineau Park at its doors.
One of the greenest capitals in the world, surrounded by green belts and with the massive Gatineau Park at its doors.
A very clean and well-maintained city, a reflection of its status as the nation's capital.
A very clean and well-maintained city, a reflection of its status as the nation's capital.
A strong technology center, especially in telecommunications and software, with a highly educated workforce.
A strong technology center, especially in telecommunications and software, with a highly educated workforce.
A quiet and functional city to work in, but it lacks the vibrant community of digital nomads of other metropolises.
A quiet and functional city to work in, but it lacks the vibrant community of digital nomads of other metropolises.
Comprehensive assessment of this destination
Descubre las mejores épocas para visitar Ottawa y qué esperar durante todo el año.
Ottawa's biggest drawback. Winters are extremely cold and long, although the city adapts admirably to them.
Warm and sunny summers.
Spectacular autumns.
The city embraces winter with unique activities.
The winters are among the coldest of any capital in the world.
The 'dirty snow' season in the spring is unappealing.
The four seasons are very pronounced. Winters are harsh and require serious warm clothing.
Summer (June-August) is the high season, with ideal weather for exploring the city.
Cool temperatures and the awakening of the city. Famous for the Canadian Tulip Festival in May.
Warm and humid. The best time for festivals, canal boat rides and the big Canada Day celebration.
Cool and pleasant weather, with a stunning display of autumn colors ('Fall Rhapsody'), especially in nearby Gatineau Park.
Very cold, with a lot of snow. The Rideau Canal transforms into the world's largest skating rink during the Winterlude festival.
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Daily spending per person
Moderately expensive. It's more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver. Many of the best museums and attractions are free or low-cost.
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Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer
The political and symbolic heart of Canada. A complex of impressive neo-Gothic style buildings that houses the federal government. Tours are free (reservations required).
UNESCO World Heritage Site. In winter it becomes the largest natural ice skating rink in the world. In summer, it is a picturesque place for boating, walking or cycling.
One of the oldest and largest farmers markets in Canada. A vibrant neighborhood full of food stalls, restaurants, pubs and boutiques.
Located in Gatineau (riverfront), it tells the story of Canada from the first people to the present day. Its Great Hall with its collection of totems is spectacular.
An impressive glass and granite building designed by Moshe Safdie. It houses the most important collection of Canadian art in the world, as well as European and international works.
A museum of striking architecture that explores Canada's military history in a moving and thoughtful way.
Try the local delicacy invented in Ottawa: a fried dough stretched into the shape of a beaver tail, topped with cinnamon, sugar and other goodies. The original stall is located in the ByWard Market.
An immense conservation reserve just minutes from the city. It offers hundreds of miles of hiking and skiing trails, lakes for swimming, and the Champlain Overlook for breathtaking views.
Discover fascinating destinations near Ottawa perfect for day getaways
A charming, bohemian town on the banks of the Gatineau River. Famous for its covered bridge, cafes and Black Sheep Inn music venue.
A wildlife park where you can drive through natural habitats and see Canadian animals like bears, wolves, moose and bison from your car.
Canada's first capital, a historic university city. From there you can take cruises to explore the beautiful Thousand Islands region.
A living history museum that recreates life in a rural village in the 1860s, with costumed staff and demonstrations of period crafts.
Discover the unique character and charm of each city district.
The civic and business heart. Home of Parliament, offices and Sparks Street.
Historic and lively. The center of nightlife and gastronomy, with a bustling market during the day.
Charming and familiar. An upscale residential neighborhood with boutiques, restaurants, and TD Place Stadium.
Modern and active. Popular for its outdoor clothing stores, boutiques, and an urban beach.
Artistic and emerging. Known for its independent theaters, art galleries and innovative restaurants.
Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year
An iconic winter festival. The main attraction is skating at the Rideau Canal Skating Rink, the largest in the world. There are also ice sculptures, snow parks and concerts.
The world's largest tulip festival, celebrating a historic gift from the Netherlands. Millions of tulips bloom throughout the city, especially in Commissioners Park.
As the nation's capital, Ottawa is the epicenter of the Canada Day celebration. There are massive concerts on Parliament Hill, activities throughout the city and a spectacular fireworks show at night.
The National Capital Region is dressed in spectacular autumn colors. Gatineau Park is the best place to enjoy the foliage, with a free shuttle on weekends.
Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of this city through its unique festivals
A three-week winter festival focused on ice skating, snow sculptures and Canadian culture.
A festival of friendship celebrating the gift of tulips from the Netherlands with millions of flowers spread across the city.
One of the largest music festivals in Canada, featuring big stars not only of blues, but also rock, pop and hip-hop.
Celebrating the nation's birthday, with the country's biggest party on Parliament Hill.
Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe
Ottawa is extremely safe
It is one of the safest cities in North America. Visitors can feel comfortable exploring on foot, both day and night.
Beware of cyclists
Ottawa has an extensive network of bike paths. Pay attention when crossing these roads, as cyclists can go fast.
Don't leave without trying a BeaverTail
This fried dough delight was invented here. The original stall at ByWard Market is a must stop, especially after skating on the canal.
Explore ByWard Market
It's not just for tourists. The market is full of excellent restaurants, pubs and food stalls. Head off the main street to find hidden gems.
Tipping is the norm
A tip of 15-20% is expected in restaurants and bars for good service.
Book Parliament tours in advance
Free tours of the Parliament buildings are very popular and sell out. Book them online well in advance of your visit.
Use a PRESTO card
It is the rechargeable payment card for the public transportation system (buses and O-Train). It is easier and cheaper than paying in cash.
Cross to Gatineau
Walk or take a water taxi across the Alexandra Bridge to Gatineau, Quebec. You will have the best view of Parliament Hill and you can visit the History Museum.
Bilingualism is appreciated
Although English is dominant, a 'Bonjour' and a 'Merci' will be very well received and will open doors for you.
Punctuality is important
Canadians in general, and Ottawa residents in particular, value punctuality in appointments and bookings.
drinking age
The legal age to purchase and consume alcohol in Ontario is 19 years old.
Cannabis
Cannabis is legal for adults over 19 years of age. It can only be purchased from authorized dispensaries and its consumption is restricted (not in public places).
Drinking water
The tap water is of excellent quality and completely safe to drink.
travel insurance
Medical care is expensive for non-residents. It is essential to have complete travel insurance.
Skating on the Canal is a magical experience
If you visit in winter when the canal is open, don't miss it. It is a unique experience in the world. Rent some skates and enjoy.
The changing of the guard
In summer, don't miss the colorful Changing of the Guard ceremony on the lawns of Parliament Hill. It is a free and very colorful tradition.
Explore Gatineau Park
Most tourists stay in the city, but Gatineau Park is just 15 minutes away and offers spectacular nature. In autumn, it is a must-see.
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