About Ottawa

The Benefits of Ottawa

Chosen as Canada’s capital by Queen Victoria in 1858, Ottawa is safe, clean and green. Surrounded by a 42,000-acre greenbelt of protected farmland and wetlands, Ottawa residents often enjoy summer walks along the Rideau Canal that runs through the heart of the city and becomes the world’s longest skating rink in winter. Nestled beside the river that lends its name to the city, Ottawa’s Parkway provides bike paths and green space, minutes from downtown.

Across the river in neighbouring Quebec, the Gatineau Park offers paths for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing, while also providing spectacular views from several lookouts on the Eardley Escarpment, including one across from the country retreat of former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.

Ottawa boasts the finest in Canadian arts, culture and history. Tour the Parliament Buildings and admire the treasures within the National Gallery of Canada and 29 other museums (including 12 national museums). Enjoy artistic performances at the National Arts Centre or a play at the Great Canadian Theatre Company. Ottawa also has many musical venues showcasing the finest local and national musicians.

Thrill to one of over 60 festivals, including the internationally recognized Winterlude, Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Bluesfest, Canadian Tulip Festival, Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival and the National Capital Air Show.

If it is entertainment you are looking for, Ottawa has a variety of venues to suit every taste. The Byward Market and Elgin Street are well-known for their night clubs, dance clubs, pubs and live music halls. The Casino de Hull offers both gaming tables and slot machines. Scotiabank Place, an 18,500-seat sports and entertainment facility, offers National Hockey League games (featuring the Ottawa Senators), the world’s biggest music stars, figure skating, family events and more.

Ottawa is also a city of great food and offers a number of world cuisines and fine dining establishments to satisfy your palate. Movie complexes, libraries, skating rinks, wave pools and indoor and outdoor sporting centres; the city has it all.

Ottawa also has three universities, three community colleges and a wide choice of primary and secondary schools, with education in both official languages at every level. Whether you choose to live in the downtown core, or out in Ottawa’s quiet suburbs, you are close to an educational facility.

No matter who you are, or where your interests lie, Ottawa is the city for you. There is always something to do, and always something to see. Come and find out what Queen Victoria knew more than 150 years ago.