Ottawa

Canada's capital city featuring Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It combines government grandeur with cultural attractions and scenic riverside settings.

Things to do

• Parliament Hill Tour — Explore the iconic Gothic Revival parliament buildings and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony on the front lawn during summer months.
• Rideau Canal Skating — Skate along the world's longest naturally frozen canal during winter, a beloved local tradition with warming huts and snack vendors along the route.
• Canadian Museum of History — Discover Canada's cultural heritage through extensive exhibits on Indigenous peoples, immigration, and national identity housed in a stunning riverside building.
• National Gallery of Canada — View an impressive collection of Canadian and international art including works by the Group of Seven in an architecturally distinctive glass building.
• Byward Market Exploration — Wander through Ottawa's historic public market filled with fresh produce, local crafts, restaurants, and vibrant street life since 1826.
• Gatineau Park Hiking — Escape to this vast wilderness park across the river featuring scenic trails, lakes, and the Mackenzie King Estate with stunning Ottawa Valley views.

Food to try

• Beavertails Pastry — A sweet fried pastry shaped like a beaver tail, traditionally topped with cinnamon sugar, and an iconic Canadian treat widely available at markets and shops.
• Byward Market Crepes — Fresh savory or sweet crepes made to order by street vendors in the bustling market, offering quick authentic Franco-Ontarian flavors.
• Poutine — Ottawa's take on Quebec's classic dish features fries, gravy, and cheese curds, with many local restaurants offering gourmet variations.
• Tourtière Meat Pie — A traditional French-Canadian spiced ground meat pie that reflects the region's francophone heritage, often enjoyed during holidays but available year-round.
• Local Craft Beer — Ottawa's thriving craft beer scene includes breweries like Mill Street and Tooth and Nail, showcasing regional hops and innovative brewing styles.

Local customs & good to know

• Bilingual Environment — As Canada's capital, Ottawa is officially bilingual with English and French equally prominent; many signs, services, and cultural events reflect both languages.
• Winter Celebration Culture — Locals embrace winter with enthusiasm through seasonal activities like canal skating, the Winterlude festival, and outdoor markets rather than avoiding the cold season.
• Parliamentary Respect and Access — While Parliament Hill is accessible to tourists, maintain respectful behavior as it remains an active government workplace; free tours require security screening.
• Indigenous Acknowledgment — Ottawa sits on traditional Algonquin Anishinaabeg territory; visitors will notice land acknowledgments at cultural institutions and should respect this important historical context.