Nestled between the bustling cities of Toronto and Montreal, Ottawa stands as a beacon of Canadian heritage and modern vibrancy. This welcoming capital city is not just easily accessible from the eastern United States, but it's also a unique crossroads of two provinces, offering you the best of Ontario and Québec!

Land Acknowledgement

The Ottawa region is the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin, who have stewarded, travelled and inhabited these lands for millennia. We acknowledge the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit on this land.

Exploring Ottawa: A Blend of Urban Charm and Natural Splendor

Walkable urban spaces

• Around every corner on both the Ontario and Québec sides of the Ottawa River, you’ll find unique, safe and walkable neighbourhoods to explore. Try craft beverages and fresh cuisine, shop for big brands or local designers, and admire colourful urban art. For instance, the historic ByWard Market area is always bustling, with its year-round farmers’ market, restaurants, cafés and nightlife.

• The diverse culinary scene in Ottawa includes everything from food trucks to fine dining, as well as dozens of craft breweries, distilleries and wineries. Chefs and residents benefit from a bounty of fresh products from over 1,000 farms.

Accessible outdoors

• Pristine outdoor spaces within the city and in the nearby countryside offer a wide variety of activities in all four seasons. The region is framed by beautiful waterways, including the Ottawa River, the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Cycling enthusiasts of every level can explore over 800 kilometres (497 miles) of urban and rural pathways, plus mountain biking trails in the nearby hills, including Gatineau Park.

Rich culture

• Ottawa is the perfect place to soak up national and regional cultures. Parliament Hill, the seat of Canada’s federal government, welcomes visitors on free tours of its historic buildings. Seven of Canada’s nine national museums immerse you in Canadian history, art, war, aviation, science and more. The National Arts Centre represents the entire country through orchestra, dance, variety, and multilingual theatre programming.

Learn more about Ottawa