Touring Ottawa

The capital of Canada, Ottawa is located at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River. The city is in the southern portion of the Canadian province of Ontario. The city is directly opposite the city of Gatineau, on the northern bank of the Ottawa River in western Quebec. 

The Parliament Buildings are located on Parliament Hill. From the hill, you can have amazing views of the Ottawa River.

The Library of Parliament has an octagon-shaped structure. You can tour the historic Centre Block on a guided tour.

The grassy front area of the buildings is patrolled by the Canadian Mounted Police in the summer. The Changing of the Guard attracts visitors with its regimental band and pipers.

Rideau Canal connects Ottawa with Kingston on Lake Ontario. In the summer the canal and locks are an active waterway. You can enjoy a Rideau Canal Cruise on a tour boat and there is also an overnight cruise available.

In the winter when the canal freezes over it becomes a recreational area for skating and festivals.

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel is one of the grandest old buildings in Ottawa. It has the look of a medieval castle and was built in 1912. 

The Canadian War Museum is located by the Ottawa River. It introduces visitors to the military past of Canada. There are exhibits from the fighting between the French and Iroquois people in the 16th century to the Canadian contribution to WW I and WW II. Some exhibits are interactive and there is a collection of military vehicles.

The National Gallery of Canada has prism-like glass towers. It is one of the largest art museums in North America. The museum displays aboriginal art, Canadian art, European Impressionism, and temporary exhibits.

The Peace Tower offers panoramic views from the observation deck. It is the highest point in Ottawa. In the elevator to the top, you get to see the tower bells and a memorial room to Canadians who died in WW II. 

The Canadian Museum of Nature has displays from the world of dinosaurs to the animals of today. 

The National War Memorial is an impressive bronze sculpture of WW I soldiers emerging from a granite arch. At the foot of this memorial is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The base of the statue is known as “The Response” and depicts the years of conflicts fought by Canadian forces. A Changing of the Guard ceremony is held here daily at hourly and half-hourly intervals.

Notre Dame Cathedral is a lovely Catholic basilica dating from 1846. It has an impressive interior with mahogany carvings by Phillipe Parizeau and by Louis-Philippe Hebert figures of the four evangelists, prophets and apostles. There are a series of 17 windows depicting scenes of the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.

The Royal Canadian Mint no longer manufactures circulating coins of Canada. The facility creates crafted medals, commemorative coins for collectors, and awards in precious metals among them Olympic medals. You can get a 45-minute guided tour. 

The Canada Science and Technology Museum CSTM is a state-of-the-art museum highlighting the major innovations in the fields of science and technology in Canada. Among the highlights is a large model of the Titanic, vintage snowmobiles, musical instruments, and household appliances made in Canada.

The Bank of Canada Museum offers an interesting look into history and finances. There are interactive displays and exhibits that relate to the National Currency Collection of Canada. You can see examples of currency from all over the world, and antique cash registers. There is also a library and archive.

Dows Lake Pavilion is located near the city's arboretum and Experimental Farm. The pavilion juts out into and overlooks the Dows Lake. This facility has many restaurants. There is an outdoor patio popular in the summer. 

The lake is a popular fishing destination. In the winter you can skate on it and take part in the Winterlude Festival. In the spring it is decorated with formal tulip displays during the Tulip Festival.

In the spring the Canadian Tulip Festival marks the end of winter. Colorful tulips bloom all over Ottawa. Among the best places to see the tulips and festivities are on the banks of the Rideau Canal.