Ottawa is Canada's capital. With over a million citizens, it is Canada's fourth-largest city, and Ontario's second-largest city. Across the Ottawa River is Gatineau, Quebec.
While most Ottawans are English-speaking, 15% are native French speakers, making Ottawa Canada's largest Francophone city outside of Quebec. Visitors come to Ottawa to see Parliament Hill, as well as Canada's national museums.
Ottawa swallowed the entirety of the former Carelton County that surrounded it in 2001. However, this guide deals (primarily) with the urban area of the Ottawa, sometimes called "Old Ottawa". Wikivoyage has separate guides on the suburbs of Kanata and Carp.
Ottawa started as a humble lumber town called Bytown, named after Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal (now a UNESCO World Heritage site which doubles as a giant skating rink in the winter), much of which was done by hand between 1826 and 1832. Lumber mills were built along the Ottawa River in the mid-19th century, and brought employment and wealth to the growing population. The centre of action then, as now, was the Byward Market. While it is still the centre of the city's nightlife, it has changed appreciably from the rough–and–tumble early days of brothels and taverns.
In 1857, Ottawa was chosen (in the legend "by Queen Victoria", really by Canadian politicians) as the capital of Canada. The choice was made to avoid a controversy, because it sidestepped the rivalry between Toronto and Montreal (then, as now, Canada's largest cities). But the new capital was still a tiny outpost in the middle of nothing much — an American newspaper famously commented that it was impregnable, as any invaders would get lost in the woods looking for it.
Unlike many federal capitals such as Canberra in Australia or Washington, D.C. in the United States, Ottawa is not part of a special federal district. There is an official National Capital Region containing Ottawa, Gatineau, Quebec across the Ottawa river, and surrounding areas in both provinces. However it is not a separate administration; the two cities have just regular municipal governments and are parts of their respective provinces. Each has its own Wikivoyage article.
During the latter half of the 19th century, the telephone was demonstrated to the Canadian public for the first time here and the city was electrified. The first electric streetcar service was started in 1891. A menu from 1892 states that, "the first instance in the entire world of an entire meal being cooked by Electricity" was in Ottawa.
Today, the major economic sectors are the public service, travel and tourism and the high-tech industry, which has earned the city the name "Silicon Valley North". Ottawa has remained a green city and is situated at the confluence of three rivers (Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau) and of the Rideau Canal. Many residents make regular use of Ottawa's parks and green spaces, bikeways and cross country ski trails. Many national attractions are in Ottawa: Parliament Hill, the National Library and Archives, the National Gallery, and the Museums of History, Contemporary Photography, Nature, War, and Science & Technology.
Ottawa has a humid continental or hemiboreal climate, featuring four distinct seasons, including warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Precipitation, falling mostly as snow in winter and as rain in the rest of year, is plentiful year-round. The city is neither particularly sunny or cloudy, though spring and summer are sunnier than autumn and winter.
Most people who visit Ottawa come during the summer, which lasts from the beginning of June to early September, when the days are longest and when the average high is around 25 °C (77 °F). During heatwaves, which can occur from May to September, temperatures can rise above 30 °C (86 °F), although there are also cooler and often rainier periods.
Autumn (fall) sets in during September and lasts until early-to-mid November. It features cooling temperatures, with mostly mild and occasionally warm days in September and pleasantly cool days in October and early November. The season is known for its bright colours and vibrant foliage.
Similar to most other Canadian cities, winters in Ottawa are long and cold with short days. There is an average of 225 cm of snowfall per winter, which usually begins falling in late October, with the ground typically being blanketed in a layer of snow from late November to the end of March, while the last of the snow falls in April. Temperatures in the winter months average between -7 and -10 °C (14 and 19 °F), although there are short thawing periods where they can rise to above 0 °C (32 °F) in addition to brief cold snaps where they can drop to below -20 °C (-4° F). Most bodies of water in and around the city freeze over during the winter, notably the Rideau Canal, which transforms into world's largest skating rink.
Spring begins in April and lasts until the end of May, featuring progressively warmer temperatures and many blossoms. It can sometimes be prone to swings in conditions (such as snow in April and brief episodes of summer-like conditions in the second half of May); however, the weather is generally pleasant.
In addition to the Capital Information Kiosk, the tourist office's eager helpers can be found in public places, ready to answer questions in French or English. You can identify them by their blue uniforms with white question marks ("?").
ATMs and a currency exchange booth are available in the arrivals hall (lower level). There is one International Currency Exchange (ICE) branded ATM near the baggage carrousels which charges higher transaction fees and offers poor exchange rates and one Royal Bank ATM near the washrooms with lower transaction fees and better exchange rates. There is a 24 hour baggage storage facility (Pars 2000) in the arrivals hall. Luggage can be stored for $5 per day or $8 overnight. There is also an information booth in the arrivals hall.
There are a number of restaurants and a few bars inside the departures area.
Direct flights to Ottawa within Canada include from Calgary (3.75 hours), from Edmonton (3.75 hours), from Halifax (1.75 hours), from Iqaluit (3.25 hours), from Montreal (45 minutes), from Toronto (1 hour), and from Vancouver (4.5 hours).
Direct flights to Ottawa from the United States of America include from New York City (1.5-1.75 hours) and Washington, D.C. (1.5-1.75 hours)
Services to Ottawa from outside North America, however, are limited to a daily flight from London Heathrow and a daily flight from Frankfurt with Air Canada, plus seasonal service from London Gatwick, which has been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Air France-KLM does not serve Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, it provides a shuttle bus connection for passengers booked between Ottawa Train Station (IATA: XDS) and Montreal Trudeau International Airport (IATA: YUL). This trip takes about two hours. Via Rail trains bound for Montreal also connect to Montreal Trudeau International Airport via a free shuttle bus from the nearby Dorval station.
Canadian airlines operating to Ottawa:
- __Public transit__ - To reach downtown via public transit, take [bus 97](http://www.octranspo.com/routes?rte=97) (the only bus at the airport, outside arrivals at pole #12) to Hurdman Station. At Hurdman, transfer to the O-Train Confederation Line (west to Tunney's Pasture) to the downtown stations Lyon, Parliament or Rideau (west to east). To get to the Ottawa Train Station, take bus 97 to Hurdman Station and transfer to the O-Train Confederation Line (east to Blair) to Tremblay Station, the next O-Train stop, which is next door to the train station. The bus fare is $3.50 which gives you 1½ hours of unlimited bus travel or $10.50 for an all-day pass. If you don't have a [Presto card](Presto_card), exact change is required; remember to ask the bus driver for a transfer to use as proof of payment for fare inspectors.
- __Taxi__ - A taxi to downtown hotels should cost between $25 and $35, while a taxi to nearby hotels should not cost more than $10. Uber and Lyft serve the airport and a ride to downtown hotels should cost between $20 and $25.
- __Car rental__ - Most of the major international car rental agencies have a presence in the parking garage across from the airport terminal.
Autobus Gatineau. Operates a weekday bus service from smaller regional centres in the Outaouais region of West Quebec (to the north of Ottawa). The route travels between Ottawa and Grand-Remous including stops in Gatineau, Wakefield, Kazabazua, Gracefield, and Maniwaki. Travel time to Ottawa from Wakefield is 50-60 minutes and from Grand-Remous is 2.75-3 hours. 15 June 2020 In Grand-Remous, there is service under the Autobus Maheux brand from Montreal, Rouyn-Noranda, and Val-d'Or.
Autobus Maheux, service_client@autobusmaheux.com. Operates bus routes within Quebec with some connections to Ontario. 2022-05-01 Operates a bus route between Montreal and Ottawa including stops in Laval and Gatineau. Travel time to Ottawa from Montreal is 3.5 hours.
Book A Ride. Service from Kingston, Brockville, Belleville, and Toronto. 2021-12-09
FlixBus. Service from Windsor, London, Chatham-Kent, Hamilton, Toronto, Whitby, and Kingston. 2022-08-16
Megabus. Ottawa-Kingston-Toronto, twice daily Th-Su, leaving Toronto at 10:30AM and 5PM. Departures from Ottawa (OCTranspo St Laurent) at 10:30AM and 4:30PM. Toronto from $52 (5 hours 10 min), Kingston from $32 (2 hours) 2021-05-20
Rider Express. Offers service to Ottawa from Toronto via Kingston and Belleville. Travel time to Ottawa from Toronto is 5.25 hours and from Kingston is 2 hours. There is also service from Peterborough two days a week. 2021-03-19
Ontario Northland. Connects Ottawa to a number of smaller regional centres in Northern Ontario. 15 June 2020
Orléans Express, +1-450-640-1477. Operates bus routes primarily in Quebec. A bus route operates to Ottawa from Montreal (2.25-2.5 hours). 2021-07-06
Tour Express, +1-514-228-2303, info@tourexpress.ca. Intercity service Montréal-Ottawa and Montréal-Gatineau. Travel time to Ottawa from Montreal is 2 hours. 2021-07-26
See also: Rail travel in Canada
Walking downtown from Ottawa station
It is possible to get downtown from the main train station on foot, although it requires a bit of navigation. This path should not be taken alone after dark and may be flooded after periods of intense rain or snow melting. Have a street map with you so you can locate yourself once you have reached Strathcona Park. The station to Strathcona Park takes about half an hour (2½ km). Another half hour from the park to downtown. A map is available online.
To reach downtown from the station, passengers can take the light rail (Tunney's Pasture direction) from Tremblay O-Train Station, next door to Ottawa Station. The trip should take about 10 minutes. Tremblay Station has O-Train ticket vending machines which accept cash and credit cards. Taxis are also available and should cost about $10-15 for a trip downtown. There is a phone kiosk offering car rentals. Routes operating to Ottawa station: - Between Ottawa and Toronto including stops in Smiths Falls, Brockville, Kingston, Napanee, Bellevile, Cobourg, Port Hope, and Oshawa. Numerous trains per day. Travel time to Ottawa from Kingston is 2.25-2.5 hours and from Toronto is 4.75-5 hours. - Between Quebec City and Ottawa including stops in Drummondville, Saint-Hyacinthe, Saint-Lambert, Montreal, Dorval, and Alexandria. Multiple trains per day travel the entire route and some additional trains travel between Montreal and Ottawa. Travel time to Ottawa from Quebec City is 6 hours, from Drummondville is 3.75-4 hours, and from Montreal is 2-2.25 hours. - Travellers from Cornwall can reach Ottawa by changing trains in Kingston. It's possible to shorten the trip by instead changing trains at Brockville; however Via will not guarantee this connection, and both legs have to be booked separately.
Fallowfield Station is around 10 kilometers to the west of Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, making it the closest railway station to the airport. The airport is accessible by taxi or car in around 15 minutes. By comparison, OC Transpo buses departing from the adjacent Fallowfield bus station head north to downtown before looping back south to the airport and generally take more than an hour.
:It is also possible to cycle from Fallowfield to the airport (over relatively flat terrain) in about 33 minutes. The route begins by heading south to Fallowfield Road, turning left and eventually crossing Woodroffe Avenue. Then turn left again and follow the path which bends to the right in front of the Via train tracks. The trail continues along the tracks and through a wooded area to Prince of Wales Drive and Black Rapids Lockstation on the Rideau River.
:From there, turn left and cautiously ride up Prince of Wales Drive north to Hunt Club Road and turn right. Be especially careful at the intersection and on the bridge, as traffic moves quite quickly and it is not particularly friendly for cyclists. Continue down Hunt Club, turn right in front of the Days Inn by Wyndham and finally ride down Paul Benoit Drive through the employee parking lot to the lower level arrivals area.
The Ottawa River is navigable to Ottawa from Montréal, but is blocked to the west by rapids in Ottawa-Hull. There are no ferry services to Ottawa. However, there is a tourist-oriented water taxi that runs between Ottawa and Hull for about $6 one way.
The city is also accessible via the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which runs from the St. Lawrence River at Kingston to the Ottawa River at Ottawa where it empties via a series of locks. It is possible to dock at Dow's Lake Pavilion and at points along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River near downtown.
Ottawa can be reach from Sudbury and North Bay by traveling east on Highway 17 and 417, which are part of the Trans-Canada Highway. Highway 17 is the non-freeway part of the highway and Highway 417 is the part that is a freeway.
Ottawa is about a 4½-hour trip from Toronto via the 401 and 416 highways. Traveling on Highway 401, Highway 7, then Highway 417 is shorter (405 km vs. 450 km) but this more scenic route through Peterborough is two lanes almost all the way, saving you no time.
Montreal is 2-3 hours away along Autoroute 40 (in Quebec) and Highway 417 (in Ontario), which are both part of the Trans-Canada Highway.
From the American border at Prescott-Ogdensburg, it is 45 minutes to Ottawa's western suburbs (at the opposite end of Highway 416). Interstate 81 is 60 km (40 miles) further upriver in the Thousand Islands.
OC transpo, +1 613-560-5000. Operates the city's bus service and the O-Train, a light rail system consisting of two lines. 2022-09-26 The Confederation Line (Line 1, red in maps), which began service in 2019, runs west-east with an underground segment through the city centre. The Trillium Line (Line 2, green) runs from the south. The lines meet at Bayview station. (Note: The Trillium Line is closed at least until at least 2023 due to construction. In the meantime, it is being replaced by the Line 2 bus.) The bus rapid transit (BRT) system, called the Transitway, has service as frequent as 1 to 2 minutes at rush hour.
The O-Train Confederation Line runs east-west under the downtown area served by Lyon, Parliament, Rideau and uOttawa O-Train stations. If you are going to the Byward Market, get off at Rideau O-Train Station. To go north-south, take bus route 6 or 7 along Bank Street from either Parliament or Rideau O-Train stations.
OC Transpo has a webpage to look up schedules and maps for all the O-Train and bus routes mentioned above. It also has a Customer Service Centre on the 3rd floor of the Rideau Centre, above the corner of Rideau Street and Colonel By Drive in downtown Ottawa. There are others at major bus stations: Lincoln Fields in the west end, Place d'Orleans and St. Laurent in the east.
As of October 1, 2019, the cash fare for regular routes is $3.60 for adults and youth (13-64), $2.70 for seniors (65+), $1.85 for children (6-12). (Fares are 5 cents cheaper if paying by Presto card.) Seniors can ride the OC Transpo system free on Wednesdays and Sundays (except Para Transpo). Children 5 and under always ride for free. Payment is by exact change or the Presto card. If you pay cash, get a transfer to act as proof of payment for fare inspection. Your fare allows you to ride any buses and the O-Train for roughly 1½ hours, longer at night. Stop-overs and return trips are permitted.
A day pass ($10.50) is good for buses and the O-Train. On weekends and holidays, up to two adults and four children (age 11 and under) can share a day pass. Buy the pass from the bus driver using exact cash or Presto card. (If you're using the card to pay for a day pass, you must ask the driver before tapping the card to the reader, or it will deduct a normal fare instead). Day passes are also available from ticket vending machines at O-Train stations and at customer service centres.
O-Train stations (except Bayview station) have ticket vending machines that issue a single-ride ticket. The O-Train ticket acts as a transfer which expires 90 minutes after purchase.
You can buy a Presto card for $6 (non-refundable) plus a minimum $10 balance at a Customer Service Centre, kiosks at O-Train stations, at selected Loblaws grocery stores or Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies, by phone (+1-877-378-6123 ) or online (for delivery in Canada only). Have a Customer Service Centre add the birth date to a Presto card for a senior or a child to qualify for fare discounts. The Presto card is also valid in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton.
Presto card readers are available on buses at the front door (and also at the rear door of long, articulated buses) and on O-Train platforms. Paying the fare by tapping the Presto card on the reader will also record a 1½ hour transfer period on the card. Tap your Presto card every time you board a vehicle. Upon the first tap, the Presto machine will momentarily display the fare deducted and the Presto balance remaining. When you tap within the transfer period, the Presto machine will display the minutes left in the transfer period.
On weekdays (excluding holidays), OC Transpo bus 15 connects Lyon O-Train Station to Gatineau, Quebec terminating in front of the Canadian Museum of History (stop: Laurier / Élisabeth-Bruyère); it uses OC Transpo fare media, including Presto, even when boarding in Gatineau.
Many Gatineau buses (marked "STO" - Société de transport de l'Outaouais) come into Ottawa, run along Wellington Street and pass by the Byward Market. They can be caught near Lyon, Parliament and Rideau O-Train stations. The colour schemes for the two transit systems are different, red and white for OC Transpo but blue and white for STO. OC Transpo and STO accept each other's transfers including O-Train tickets. STO accepts an OC Transpo transfer recorded on a Presto card; however, STO will not accept Presto to pay the fare on its own buses. STO accepts the OC Transpo day pass but not as a group pass.
Taxis are easy to find downtown; elsewhere, phone for a cab. All taxis should have a meter and the base charge is $2.45, and overall rates are quite high compared to most other North American cities. A ride from downtown to the airport will be costly, running between $25 and $35 for a trip that will take less than a half-hour outside of peak traffic periods. Cabs will not take credit cards for fares below $10. Most cab drivers know Ottawa well, but have clear instructions if you're going anywhere in the suburbs as many developments in the outskirts are relatively new. Ottawa cabs aren't supposed to pick up customers off the street on the Quebec side; the converse applies to Quebec cabs in Ottawa. You may phone a Quebec cab if you are in Ottawa and vice versa.
Parking at most attractions is convenient, though on-street parking in downtown areas is at a premium (more expensive than most other cities in North America). If you are driving to downtown on the weekend, parking is free in the garage at the World Exchange Plaza. There are entrances to the garage on Metcalfe Street and on Queen Street. A map is useful if you are going to be driving around downtown as many of the streets are one-way. Drivers in Ottawa are rated as some of the worst in Canada, often failing to signal for lane changes or making illegal turns into far lanes rather than the closest lane.
Most major car rental companies have several offices in Ottawa with all of them represented downtown and at the airport.
Driving while talking on your cell phone is illegal in Ontario unless you use a hands-free system.
Ottawa is a great city to explore on foot, though in winter you need good clothes and warm boots to consider it. With pedestrian-friendly streets and the density of attractions, a car is expensive and unnecessary for the most part. An excellent place to start any tour of Ottawa is the Capital Information Kiosk, at 90 Wellington Street, directly across from the Parliament buildings. They have maps and brochures for most tourist attractions in Ottawa, many of which are within walking distance.
Popular pedestrian areas, especially during spring and summer months, are the various streets in the Byward Market. Sparks Street, running through downtown parallel to the Parliament Buildings, is a popular pedestrian area during the day and night, particularly in the spring and summer months.
Guided walking tours are available with Ottawa Walking Tours, which include some history and other tidbits of trivia not commonly known. Especially popular is the Haunted Walk of Ottawa that provides a variety of walking tours focusing on the city's darker and more offbeat past.
Ottawa is a city with a truly continental climate. In winter, exposed skin can freeze in minutes or less, so layer up on the clothing and protect yourself by wearing a hat (toque or hunters cap), gloves and boots. Despite being slightly closer to the North Pole than the equator, summer temperature and humidity can be oppressively high, so bring water if you're doing any amount of walking or cycling. If you are on the public pathways near the canal or the river, there are drinking fountains to refill your bottles. Also, don't forget the mosquito repellent.
Bicycling is one of the best ways to see Ottawa up close. You can cover a lot of ground, stop anywhere to sight-see, and enjoy the ambiance of the city. The downtown is very well-served by protected cycling infrastructure, and paths run along the canal and the rivers, including into Gatineau on the Quebec side. In the summer, the downtown bike corridor on Laurier Ave counts 70,000 bike rides a month. The bike routes along the canal see around 350,000 bike rides a year. Again, you may want to start immediately opposite Parliament Hill to pick up a map of the area (in the World Exchange Plaza's NCC booth in the main hallway) or find a bicycle rental. Cycling to the attractions around downtown Ottawa is a great way to get around, but don't ignore the Gatineau side of the river. The city has several attractions along the river including the Museum of History and if you want to really stretch your legs, Gatineau Park has many great cycling paths; the Champlain Look Out has a wonderful view over the Ottawa Valley.
There are usually a few options for renting bicycles downtown, including:
The city is criss-crossed by over 170 km of multi-use bike paths, shared with pedestrians and in-line skaters. Dogs on leash are allowed along many of the paths, but only if the owner is on foot. Many paths are unlit at night, so careful that you don't ride into a leash between the dog and its owner. The maximum speed on the pathways is 20 km/h (13 mph).
The National Capital Commission closes 20 km of roadways to cars summer weekends from Victoria Day (late May) to Labour Day (early September) allowing for cycling, in-line skating and walking on these roadways.
Maps of the Capital Pathway are available, including the Official Cycling Map for Ottawa-Gatineau and the simplified Ottawa Multi Use Pathway Pocket Map created by a local cycling blogger.
For more route suggestions, check out these local cycling blogs:
OC Transpo has bicycle racks on the front of many buses (seasonally). You can load your bike on the rack and then ride the bus for the normal passenger fare. The O-Train will take bikes as well, in the forwardmost car.
The City of Ottawa has bike repair stations in public spaces along paths and across from City Hall, at libraries and community centres. The stations consist of a pump and the most important tools, connected to a base with steel cables.
Long time advocacy group Bike Ottawa (since 1984) also maintains an extensive website with a set of interactive bicycle route maps that rate all bicycle routes through Ottawa and Gatineau on a 1-4 scale, with 1 being child-friendly and 4 being very stressful. They also make available information on infrastructure progress. Contact them also with questions about routes, concerns and popular destinations. Although it is a volunteer-run organisation, they are usually fairly fast in responding. #ottbike is the commonly used hashtag on social media.
The primary attraction for most visitors is Parliament Hill, 45.42415°, -75.69908°. Parliament Hill is in the middle of downtown Ottawa, overlooking the Ottawa River. Not only is the building a fine example of the Gothic revival style, it makes an excellent starting point to visit all other points of interest in the area.
Tours of the building are available daily with multiple tours (in English and French) available at staggered times throughout the day. If you have a group of greater than 10 people, you must make a reservation in advance by reserving online or by calling the reservations office at +1 613-996-0896. The admission is free, but you need tickets (one for the House of Commons at West Block, one for the Senate at the Senate of Canada Building) which you get at the office. The office opens at 9am, but because of the interest in the summer, you should stand in line at least at 8:30am or even earlier. It can take an hour or more until you reach the desk and get your tickets. Masks are required for either tour.
There are many national museums and galleries in Ottawa and neighbouring Gatineau. All museums in Ottawa have free admission on Canada Day, July 1, although they are generally very crowded then.
Bank of Canada Currency Museum, 30 Bank St, 45.42068°, -75.70283°, +1 613-782-8914, museum@bankofcanada.ca. Th-M 10AM-5PM. A collection of historic and current currencies from Canada and around the world, history of Bank of Canada and the application of interest rate in the society and economy. Free 2022-05-25
Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Ln (at the Rideau Canal locks between Parliament Hill and Chateau Laurier), 45.42582°, -75.69765°, +1 613-234-4570. Victoria Day weekend-Thanksgiving Day: F-W 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-9PM. Rest of year: Tu-Su 11AM-4PM. A small museum at the foot of Parliament Hill with a focus on Ottawa's early history. Temporary closed due to COVID-19. $5 adults, $4 seniors/students/youth, $2 children 5-12 2022-05-22
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, 861 Prince of Wales Dr, 45.38728°, -75.70937°, +1 613-991-3044. Exhibitions: 9AM-5PM daily late Feb-late Nov. Animal barns: 9AM-5PM daily all year. A working animal farm in the city. You can visit animal barns, see various demonstrations and exhibitions, and ride on a horse-drawn wagon. The museum also has a playground and picnic area. It is very popular with young children and a welcome change of pace for kids who have seen enough history after visiting some of the other sights. $7 adults, $6 students/seniors, $4 children 3-14, $16 families (2 adults and 3 children), free for children under 3. Seniors free on Tuesday. Admission to animal barns is by donation during time of year when the exhibitions are closed 2021-07-04
Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Parkway (at Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport), 45.45896°, -75.64392°, +1 613-993-2010, +1 613-990-7530 (TTY). 10AM to 5PM, daily, closed Tuesdays. Former RCAF base with civilian and military aircraft ranging from pre-World War I to modern, including 1920s-1940s bush planes, war planes from both World Wars and the Cold War, surviving components of the 1950s' Avro Arrow interceptor and Space Shuttle Endeavor's Canadarm, a Canadian-built robotic arm. Guided tours, boutique. $15, student/seniors $13, Youth (ages 3-17) $10 2021-07-04
Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St. K2P2R1, 45.41278°, -75.68863°, +1 613-566-4700. W F-Su 10AM-4PM; Th 10AM-7PM. Open on some holiday Mondays. Galleries of fossils, mammals, birds and geology among others. Free admission Thursdays after 4PM and all day Canada Day (July 1st). $17 adult (general admission), $15 senior/student, $13 child (3-12) 2022-05-22
Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, 45.41699°, -75.71738°, +1 819-776-7000. Sept–June: M–W F–Su 9:30AM–5PM, Th 9:30AM–8PM. June–Sept: M–W F–Su 9:30AM–6PM, Th 9:30AM–8PM. The museum presents Canada's involvement in armed conflict beginning with battles between the French and British, through to the World Wars, Korea, and the country's current involvement in NATO and UN operations. $12 for adults. A joint War Museum and Museum of History ticket $18 (good for one entry into each museum in a three-day period). Free on Th after 6PM, and on November 11
Carleton University Art Gallery, St. Patrick's Building, 1125 Colonel By Drive, 45.3875°, -75.6983°, +1 613-520-5611. Reopening Sep 25, 2022. Art exhibitions and educational events to explore and activate the ideas that shape contemporary society. free 2022-09-08
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Ch. Old Montréal Rd (about 25 km east of downtown Ottawa, bus 221 to stop: Old Montréal / Ad. 2907), 45.5177°, -75.3913°. A museum village featuring buildings from the early 20th century including a railway station. 2021-09-21
Diefenbunker - Canada's Cold War Museum, 3911 Carp Rd, Carp (from Ottawa, take Hwy 417 west to exit 144, then go north on Carp Rd, watch for the sign on the left side of the road), 45.35136°, -76.04796°. Self-guided tours 11AM-4PM daily. Built to protect the government from nuclear attack, this once-secret bunker is now a museum and National Historic Site of Canada. "Diefenbunker" is a play on "Diefenbaker", the Canadian prime minister in the 1950s who authorized the construction of the facility. In addition to preserving and promoting Canada's Cold War history, the museum offers a variety of visitor programs and services. You can learn, play or shop as you discover the bunker's secrets and relive the experience of the Cold War. Guided tours by reservation only. If you do not have access to a vehicle and are willing to do a 50 minute bus ride plus pay a $30 taxi, you can # take the OcTranpo #95 or #97; # Transfer to the #93 at Lincoln Fields; # Get off at the Legget / Ad. 515 stop; # Walk 3 minutes to Brookstreet Hotel; # Take a taxi to the Diefenbunker. $14 adults, $13 seniors, $10 students , $8 youth 6-18, $40 families (2 adults plus 3 youth), free for children 5 and under 2017-01-16
Laurier House National Historic Site, 335 Laurier Ave., 45.4277°, -75.6779°, +1 613-992-8142, Laurier-House@pc.gc.ca. May 1-Jun 30: Th-M 10AM-5PM. 1878 house that is the former residence of two Canadian prime ministers: Sir Wilfrid Laurier (for whom the house is named) and William Lyon Mackenzie King. Adult $3.90, senior (65+) $3.40, youth (17 and under) free 2018-04-28
National Gallery, 380 Sussex Dr, 45.42946°, -75.69863°, +1 613-990-1985. Photography, traditional and modern art from Canadian and international artists. Housed inside a glass building with a giant spider structure on the outside. Free admission Th after 5PM 2017-01-16
Science and Technology Museum, 45.4033°, -75.6203°. Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. Several displays are popular with children, including massive locomotives inside the building and electricity demonstrations. Re-opened on November 17, 2017, after years of renovations because of a mould problem, this museum is even more family-friendly than it was before its forced closure. Adult $17, youth (3-17) $11, senior (60+) or student $13 2017-11-20
Ottawa has dozens of neighbourhood parks and other parcels of green space in the urban core.
There are walking tours to introduce you to the capital area.
Ottawa has many movie theatres to choose from, but there are also a few that specialize in "foreign" films (i.e., not American), early releases, old returning films and specialty films. The Mayfair Theatre is at 1074 Bank St. near Sunnyside. In addition, the Canadian Film Institute screens films at several venues for the specialist film crowd.
Ottawa has lots of live entertainment, including music and theater from small shows to large productions.
Winter officially begins in late December, but daylight is already noiceably shorter by then, and holiday light displays and snow arrive in late November. Cold winters don't keep most locals inside - in fact, many people wish for an early freeze and lots of snow so that conditions are perfect for some annual traditions and winter hobbies.
The two best known universities in the city are Carleton University and the bilingual University of Ottawa. Bilingual St. Paul's University is a Catholic university with ties to the University of Ottawa, offering various degrees in theology and social sciences. Dominican University College is a Dominican university where theology and philosophy can be studied at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, also in English or French. There is also Algonquin College and the francophone Cité Collégiale.
The Federal Government is the region's largest employer with the high-tech sector firmly in second place. Unless you are a Canadian resident, you will need a work visa to work in Ottawa, and some Federal Government jobs require Canadian citizenship. Most Federal Government jobs require applicants to be bilingual in English and French.
Larger shopping malls include the Rideau Centre (downtown), St. Laurent Shopping Centre (East Central), Place D'Orleans (East End), the Bayshore Shopping Centre and Carlingwood Mall (West End).
The last Saturday in May, Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood hosts the annual Great Glebe Garage Sale. Hundreds of residents set up tables in their garages or on their lawns and sell used goods ranging from household knick-knacks to electronics to clothing. Businesses in the area also hold sidewalk sales, and vendors sell artwork, baking, and refreshments. Driving and parking during the sale itself is unnecessary and nearly impossible. Arrive on foot or park and walk into the neighbourhood. For parking, and for the best deals (especially on larger items like furniture), arrive early. The event is bustling by 8AM but continues well into the afternoon. Vendors are encouraged to donate a portion of their proceeds to the Ottawa Food Bank.
Ethnic foods from around the world are available at a wide variety of restaurants and street vendors throughout the city. The Byward Market area has a wide selection of different cuisines; the Chinatown area is along Somerset West (#2 bus from downtown) between Bronson Ave. and Preston St; Little Italy runs along the length of Preston Street, from Carling Avenue to Albert Street (#2 to Somerset & Preston or #3 along Preston).
Try a poutine from Smoke's Poutinerie, or a shawarma from one of the many around the city. Local favourites include Shawarma Palace and 3 Brothers.
Coffee shops are found throughout the city, and include dozens of two specialty chains Second Cup and Starbucks, in addition to the mainstream Tim Horton's (seemingly planted at every intersection). Bridgehead is a fair trade coffee house and can be found at a half dozen or so locations. Try their small double shot lattes, which are significantly better than their competitors'. There are several coffee houses in Little Italy, on Preston Street. One of the most popular, Pasticceria Gelateria Italiana (200 Preston Street, +1 613-594-5303), also houses an award-winning pastry shop. Bar Robo on Somerset St under the Chinatown arch offers locally-roasted coffee during the day, along with fresh croissants and donuts.
Ottawa has a lot of shawarma (kebab and fixings in pita bread) restaurants and most of them will serve up a great shawarma for around $5. Their busy times are typically weekdays at lunch-hour, and on weekends after the bars close. The Byward Market and Elgin St. have several restaurants to choose from. Shawarma Palace, on Rideau St and in several suburban locations, are another popular choice.
The usual range of diners, bagel shops and fast food restaurants can be found in shopping areas throughout the city. You will also find "chip wagons" or "chip trucks" parked in various locations around the city at lunch time. Most of them serve hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage-in-a-bun, pogos (corn dogs - deep fried, breaded hot dogs on a stick), chips (French fries) and poutine (French fries covered with cheddar cheese curd and gravy - very popular in Quebec and eastern Ontario). You can find the occasional truck that sells Caribbean roti, fish and chips, Canadian "Chinese" food, or other foods. One popular bagel shop is Kettleman's Bagel Co., which has three locations in Ottawa, the original being at 912 Bank St (near Lansdowne Park), and serves Montreal-style bagels.
At lunch time, Di Rienzo and La Bottega Nicastro will sell you a good $5 sandwich; opinion is split among locals as to which is better, but they're both very good. If you're in town for a few days, try them both.
Major restaurant areas can be found on Elgin Street, on Bank Street in Centretown, on Bank Street in the Glebe, in Westboro and in the Byward Market, with entrees ranging from $12–25. Similar restaurants can be found in major suburban shopping areas too.
Ottawa has excellent options for fine dining if you feel like spending a bit extra. Budget $150 for a three-course dinner for two, including wine and gratuity.
The most popular bar areas are in the Byward Market, along Wellington Street in Westboro, along both Elgin Street and Bank Street between Somerset and Gladstone in the Centretown area, and further south on Bank. There are pubs and bars scattered throughout the city as well.
You can also take a small trip over the Ottawa river to Gatineau. Bars in both Ottawa and Gatineau close at 2AM (even though the rest of Quebec has a last call of 3AM). Quebec has a lower minimum age to purchase alcohol (18, vs. 19 in Ontario) and sells beer in corner stores. Ottawa police often set up checkpoints near the bridges to catch drunk drivers returning from Quebec after closing time.
Smoking (both traditional and e-cigarettes, also called "vaping") of tobacco or cannabis is not permitted in restaurants and bars, or on patios.
Combining the Irish tradition for casual hearty meals, with Quebec’s cinq à sept (“five to seven” - a social gathering in the two hours after leaving work), Ottawa’s many pubs are lively throughout the day, all week long. Several pubs have grown into local chains, while maintaining a character endeared to each neighbourhood.
During the day, the Byward Market’s produce stands and small shops are busiest, but in the evening, it’s the city’s entertainment district. In the warmer months, the boulevards and streets surrounding the market building, and courtyards framed by historic stone buildings come alive with large patios.
Bank Street is the city’s commercial spine, connecting many of the neighbourhoods in downtown Ottawa to Wellington Street and Parliament Hill. In it’s downtown blocks, it’s a lively pedestrian friendly Main Street. The intersection of Bank and Somerset is the center of Ottawa’s LGBT community. South of the Queensway, Bank passes through the family friendly, trendy "The Glebe" neighbourhood.
Elgin Street runs parallel to Bank Street, connecting neighbourhoods further east in the downtown to the National Arts Centre and Chateau Laurier.
The area codes for Ottawa are 613 and the overlay code 343. Hull (819, overlaid with 873) has the full Ottawa local calling area. Ten-digit dialling (area code+local number) is required for all local calls.
Most coffee shops, hotels, and public library branches have free wi-fi Internet access, although the speeds may be slower than you're accustomed to. There are internet cafes throughout the city.
Ottawa is a very safe place to live and visit, so if you use common sense it is at least as safe as any other city. There are many tourists in the city, especially in summer months, and there are very few incidents of robbery or assault.
There have been incidents on buses and at transit stations of violence and swarmings/robberies, even during daytime hours. OC Transpo has hired new constables and placed plainclothes security and cameras on select buses and trains to counter the problem. Use common sense, especially when riding at night, every transit station has multiple emergency call boxes. After dark, take extra care in areas near downtown such as Lowertown East, and also Hintonburg, Vanier, Bayshore, Ledbury, Heatherington, Caldwell and South Keys. These neighbourhoods are known to have gang presence and drug problems. (Ledbury, Heatherington, and South Keys have nothing in the way of tourist draws, anyway.) The section of Rideau Street between Sussex Drive and King Edward Avenue is infamous for homeless people and panhandlers (they'll thank you and wish you a good day, even when you don't give), though this rarely causes problems for anyone. Ottawa is generally very safe, but like any other city it has bad apples.
Ottawa is the fourth coldest capital city by annual average temperature, but it has the second coldest January, only topped by Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Add to that nearly 3 m (10') of snow per average winter and throw in an ice storm from time to time, winter can be a challenge but locals do a great job of handling it particularly with recreation. Summers are (normally) short, warm and at times hot and humid. Humidity in the summer can make the heat feel unbearable, while humidity in the winter, coupled with wind chills, can make the cold feel very brutal. Dress for the weather and don't forget to cover your head and ears with a warm hat. Ottawa is not a very fashion-minded city, but in winter, everyone throws in the towel.
See also: Cold weather
The emergency telephone number for police, fire, and ambulance is 9-1-1.
All pay phones at O-Train stations have buttons that you can use to make a free call to the Distress Centre of Ottawa, or you can call 613-238-3311 if you're anywhere in Ottawa. They'll help with any mental health concerns. Service is provided in English and French.
Diplomatic missions | list |
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style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | - 🇦🇫 Afghanistan, 240 Argyle Ave.. - 🇦🇱 Albania, 130 Albert St, Ste 302, +1 613-236-3053. - 🇩🇿 Algeria, 500 Wilbrod St.. - 🇦🇷 Argentina, 81 Metcalfe St, +1 613-236-2361, ecana@mrecic.gov.ar. M-F 9AM-5PM. - 🇦🇲 Armenia, 7 Delaware Ave, +1 613-234-3710. - 🇦🇺 Australia, 50 O'Connor St, Ste 710, +1 613-236-0841. - 🇦🇹 Austria, 445 Wilbrod St, +1 613-789-1444. - 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 275 Slater St, Ste 904, +1 613-288-0497. - Bahamas, 99 Bank St., Ste 415. - 🇧🇩 Bangladesh, Suite 1100, 350 Sparks St, +1 613-236-0138, mission.ottawa@mofa.gov.bd. M-F 9AM-5PM. 2020-08-27 - 🇧🇧 Barbados, 55 Metcalfe St., Ste 470. - 🇧🇪 Belgium, 360 Albert St, Ste 820, +1 613-236-7267. - 🇧🇴 Bolivia, 130 Albert St, +1 613-236-5730. M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM. - 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 130 Albert St, Ste 805, +1 613-236-0028. - 🇧🇷 Brazil, 450 Wilbrod St.. - Brunei, 395 Laurier Ave. East. - 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 325 Stewart St, +1 613-789-3215. 2018-06-16 - 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso, 48 Range Rd.. - 🇨🇲 Cameroon, 170 Clemow Ave.. - 🇹🇩 Chad, 350 Sparks St., Ste 802. - 🇨🇱 Chile, Suite 1413, 50 O'Connor St, +1 613-235-4402, echile.canada@minrel.gov.cl. - 🇨🇳 China, 515 St. Patrick St, +1 613-789-3434-791-0511, chinaemb_ca@mfa.gov.cn. - 🇨🇴 Colombia, Suite 1002, 260 Albert St, +1 613-230-3760, cottawa@cancilleria.gov.co. - Democratic Republic of the Congo, 18 Range Rd.. - Republic of the Congo, 322 Waverley St.. - 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, Suite 701, 350 Sparks St, +1 613-562-2855, embcr@costaricaembassy.com. - 🇭🇷 Croatia, 229 Chapel St, +1 613-562-7820. - 🇨🇺 Cuba, 388 Main St, +1 613-563-0141, embacuba@embacubacanada.net. Tu-F 9AM-1PM. 2018-06-16 - 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 150 Metcalfe St., Ste 1002. - 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 251 Cooper St, +1 613-562-3875. - 🇩🇰 Denmark, 47 Clarence St, +1 613-562-1811. - 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic, 130 Albert Street, Suite 1605, +1 613 569-9893, info@drembassy.org. M-F 9:15AM-3:30PM. 2020-08-27 - 🇪🇨 Ecuador, Suite 230, 99 Bank St, +1 613-563-8206, embassy@embassyecuador.ca. - 🇪🇬 Egypt, 454 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, +1 613-234-4931, egyptemb@sympatico.ca. 9AM-4PM. - 🇸🇻 El Salvador, 209 Kent St.. - 🇪🇪 Estonia, 260 Dalhousie St, Suite 210, +1 613-789-4222, embassy.ottawa@mfa.ee. 2020-08-27 - 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 275 Slater St., Ste 1501. - 🇫🇮 Finland, 55 Metcalfe St, Ste 850, +1 613-288-2233, embassy@finland.ca. M-Th 9AM-noon, 1PM-3PM; F 9AM-11:30AM. - 🇫🇷 France, 42 Sussex Dr, +1 613-789-1795. - 🇬🇦 Gabon, 2283 St. Laurent Blvd., Ste 103. - Georgia, 240 Albert St., Ste 940. - 🇩🇪 Germany, 1 Waverley St, +1 613-232-1101. - 🇬🇭 Ghana, 1 Clemow Ave.. - 🇬🇷 Greece, 80 MacLaren St, +1 613-238-6271, +1 613-238-6273. - 🇬🇹 Guatemala, 130 Albert St., Ste 1010. - 🇬🇳 Guinea, 483 Wilbrod St.. - 🇬🇾 Guyana, 151 Slater St, Ste 309, +1 613-235-7240, +1 613-235-7249. - 🇭🇹 Haiti, 85 Albert St., Ste 1110. - 🇭🇳 Honduras, 130 Albert St., Ste 805. - 🇭🇺 Hungary, 299 Waverley St, +1 613-230-2717. - 🇮🇸 Iceland, 360 Albert St, Suite 710, +1 613-482-1944, ottawa@mfa.is. M-F 9AM-4PM. 2020-08-27 - 🇮🇳 India, 10 Springfield Rd, +1 613-744-3752, hicomindia@hciottawa.ca. - 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 55 Parkdale Avenue, +1 613-724-1100. 2018-01-15 - 🇮🇶 Iraq, 189 Laurier Ave. East. - 🇮🇪 Ireland, 130 Albert St, Ste 1105, +1 613-233-6281. - 🇮🇱 Israel, 50 O'Connor St., Ste 1005. - 🇮🇹 Italy, 275 Slater St, 21F, +1 613-232-2401. - Ivory Coast, 9 Marlborough Ave.. - 🇯🇲 Jamaica, 151 Slater St, Ste 1000, +1 613-233-9311. - 🇯🇵 Japan, 255 Sussex Dr, +1 613-241-8541. - 🇯🇴 Jordan, 100 Bronson Ave., Ste 701. - 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 150 Metcalfe St., Ste 701. - 🇰🇪 Kenya, 415 Laurier Ave. East. - Kosovo, 200 Elgin St., Ste 501. - 🇰🇼 Kuwait, 333 Sussex Dr.. - 🇱🇻 Latvia, 350 Sparks St, Ste 1200, +1 613-238-6014. - 🇱🇧 Lebanon, 640 Lyon St.. - 🇱🇸 Lesotho, 130 Albert St., Ste 1820. - 🇱🇾 Libya, 170 Ave. Laurier West, Ste 710. - 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 150 Metcalfe St, Ste 1600, +1 613-567-5458. - 🇲🇬 Madagascar, 3 Raymond St.. - 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 60 Boteler St.. - 🇲🇱 Mali, 50 Goulburn Ave.. - 🇲🇺 Mauritius, 2918 Southmore Dr E, +1 613-737-7322. Honorary consul. The Mauritius embassy in Washington, D.C. covers Canada. - 🇲🇽 Mexico, Suite 1000, 45 O'Connor St, +1 613-235-8988, info@sre.gob.mx. M-F 9AM-5PM. - Moldova, 275 Slater St., Ste 801. - 🇲🇳 Mongolia, 132 Stanley Ave.. - 🇲🇦 Morocco, 38 Range Rd, +1 613-236-7391. M-F 9AM-4PM. 2018-06-16 - 🇲🇲 Myanmar, 336 Island Park Dr.. - 🇳🇵 Nepal, 408 Queen Street, +1 613-680-5513, eonottawa@mofa.gov.np. March 15 – November 14: M-F 9AM-5PM, November 15 – March 14: M-F 9AM-4PM. 2020-08-27 - 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 350 Albert St, Ste 2020, +1 613-237-5030. - 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 99 Bank St, Ste 727, +1 613-238-5991. - 🇳🇮 Nicaragua, 104 Black Maple Private. - 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 295 Metcalfe St, +1 613-236-0521, +1 613-236-0523. - North Macedonia, 130 Albert St, Ste 1006, +1 613-234-3882, ottawa@mfa.gov.mk. - 🇳🇴 Norway, Suite 1300, 150 Metcalfe St, +1 613-238-6571, emb.ottawa@mfa.no. M-F 9AM-3PM. - 🇵🇰 Pakistan, 10 Range Rd, +1 613-238-7881, parepottawa@rogers.com. - 🇵🇦 Panama, Suite 300, 130 Albert St, +1 613-236-7177. - 🇵🇾 Paraguay, 161 Slater St, +1 613-557-1283, embassy@embassyofparaguay.ca. M-F 9AM-4PM. - 🇵🇪 Peru, Suite 1901, 130 Albert St, +1 613-232-3062. - 🇵🇭 Philippines, 30 Murray Street, +1 613-233-1121. - 🇵🇱 Poland, 443 Daly Ave.. - 🇵🇹 Portugal, 645 Island Park Dr, +1 613-729-0883, sconsular.ottawa@mne.pt. M-F 9AM-1PM, admission by appointment only (email for appointment). 2018-06-16 - 🇶🇦 Qatar, 150 Metcalfe St., 8th and 12th floors. - 🇷🇴 Romania, 655 Rideau St, +1 613-789-3709, +1 613-789-5345, ottawa@mae.ro. M-F 9AM-1PM, 2-4PM. Embassy. - 🇷🇺 Russia, 285 Charlotte St, +1 613-235-4341, +1 613-236-1413. - 🇷🇼 Rwanda, 294 Albert St., Ste 404. - 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis, 421 Besserer St.. - 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia, +1 416-203-8400. Saint Lucian consular service is provided from their office in Toronto. 2018-06-16 - 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, 201 Sussex Dr.. - 🇸🇳 Senegal, 57 Marlborough Ave.. - 🇷🇸 Serbia, 21 Blackburn Ave.. - 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 50 Rideau Terr.. - 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 150 Metcalfe St., Ste 2200. - 🇿🇦 South Africa, 15 Sussex Dr, +1 613-744-0330. - South Korea, 150 Boteler St, +1 613-244-5010. M–F 9AM-noon, 1-5PM. - 🇪🇸 Spain, 74 Stanley Ave, +1 613-747-2252. - 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, Suite 1204, 333 Laurier Ave, +1 613-233-8449, slhcit@rogers.com. M-F 9AM-4:45PM. - 🇸🇩 Sudan, 354 Stewart St.. - 🇸🇪 Sweden, 377 Dalhousie St, +1 613-244-8200, sweden.ottawa@gov.se. M-F 9AM-noon. - 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 5 Marlborough Ave, +1 613-235-1837. - Syria, 46 Cartier St, +1 613-569-5556. - Tanzania, 50 Range Rd.. - 🇹🇭 Thailand, 180 Island Park Dr.. - 🇹🇬 Togo, 12 Range Rd.. - 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago, 200 First Ave, +1 613-232-2418. - 🇹🇳 Tunisia, 515 O'Connor St.. - 🇹🇷 Turkey, 197 Wurtemburg St, +1 613-789-4044, +1 613-789-3440. - 🇺🇬 Uganda, 350 Sparks St., Ste 1210. - 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 310 Somerset St W, +1 613-230-2961. - 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 125 Boteler St.. - 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 80 Elgin St, +1 613-237-1530. - 🇺🇸 United States, 490 Sussex Dr, +1 613-238-5335, OttawaACS@state.gov. - 🇺🇾 Uruguay, Suite 901, 350 Sparks St, +1 613-234-2727, embassy@embassyofuruguay.ca. - Venezuela, 32 Range Rd, +1 613-235-5151. - Vietnam, 55 MacKay St, +1 613-236-0772. M-F 9:30AM-5PM. - 🇾🇪 Yemen, 54 Chamberlain Ave.. - 🇿🇲 Zambia, 151 Slater St, +1 613-232-4400, zhc.ottawa@bellnet.ca. - 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe, 332 Somerset St W, +1 613-421-2824, zimottawa@zimfa.gov.zw. M-Th 9AM-4PM, F 9AM-1PM. The Embassy of Zimbabwe in Ottawa. |
Since Ottawa is located on the provincial border, daytrips to neighbouring Quebec can be made easily. If you enjoy the outdoors, especially if you are a cyclist, you should definitely visit Gatineau Park just across the river from Ottawa. Ottawa and the surrounding area boasts over 170 km of public paved trails on which you can run, bike, walk or rollerblade. If you are looking for a place to start, head to the nearest waterway: paved trails line both sides of the Ottawa River, the Rideau Canal, and the Rideau River. The Trans Canada Trail enters Ottawa through the outskirt communities of Carleton Place and Stittsville, then joins up with the Ottawa River at Brittania Bay (near Carling Avenue at Bayshore Drive). It follows the river 13 km east to Parliament Hill, then crosses over to the Quebec side, extending into and beyond Gatineau Park.
Just across the river from Ottawa is the city of Gatineau, which has the stunning Canadian Museum of History and some mighty good restaurants too. It is the centre of the Outaouais region which includes the lovely village of Wakefield, and Gatineau Park with its high cliffs and deep, clear lakes. A little further west is the Pontiac where you will find small rural towns and rafting expeditions. There is a bus service from Ottawa and Gatineau to the Pontiac. You can cycle from Quyon to Pembroke on 72 km of railway bed turned into a bike trail. Stop by the Shawville Fair in late August/early September.
To the south and east of Ottawa is a large flat rural area consisting mostly of small commuter towns, agricultural villages, and the occasional woodland. This lowland stretches all the way to Montreal (roughly 165 km to the east) and the United States border (just shy of a hundred kilometres to the south). The Rideau Canal runs through it. Among the many scenic towns are Merrickville, which has a good claim to the name "Canada's prettiest village," and Perth with its mills and heritage buildings.
Going west beyond Kanata, the village of Carp (about 40 minutes away, in West Carleton, officially part of Ottawa) houses the surreal Cold War "Central Emergency Government Headquarters" (the Diefenbunker), now a museum and listed under "Museums" above. Beyond that is the Ottawa Valley region, towns and farms, then the Madawaska Highlands wilderness area starting about 90 km from Ottawa. In that area is Calabogie, a ski resort in winter and lake resort in summer. A little further on is another wilderness recreation area, Algonquin Provincial Park.
Beyond the Ottawa region lie other Canadian cities, such as:
If you're interested in a very different destination, Ottawa is one of the very few cities south of the 60th parallel that has regular scheduled air service - and the only one with year-round direct air service - to Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut.
Related: Gatineau