Discover Ottawa

The seat of the Canadian Parliament sits on a hill above the Ottawa River and impresses with neo-Gothic architecture, the striking Peace Tower and the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony in summer, plus free tours of the buildings.

The waterway, completed in 1832, is one of the oldest continuously operated canal systems in North America and transforms into the world's longest natural ice skating rink in winter, while houseboats and kayaks define the scene in summer.

One of Canada's oldest and largest public markets has offered fresh produce from local farmers, street food, boutiques and lively nightlife for over 190 years, right in one of Ottawa's historic old town neighborhoods.

The country's largest art gallery houses the world's most comprehensive collection of Canadian art as well as significant European masterworks, and is recognizable from outside by its striking glass dome and the giant spider sculpture Maman.

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport is located about 15 kilometers south of downtown and reachable by taxi or bus in about 25 minutes. Trains also run regularly directly to the capital from Toronto and Montreal.

The seat of the Canadian Parliament sits on a hill above the Ottawa River and impresses with neo-Gothic architecture, the striking Peace Tower and the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony in summer, plus free tours of the buildings.

The waterway, completed in 1832, is one of the oldest continuously operated canal systems in North America and transforms into the world's longest natural ice skating rink in winter, while houseboats and kayaks define the scene in summer.

One of Canada's oldest and largest public markets has offered fresh produce from local farmers, street food, boutiques and lively nightlife for over 190 years, right in one of Ottawa's historic old town neighborhoods.