Canada

Ottawa

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Tulip Festival, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Rideau Canal in Winter, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Why visit Ottawa

Ottawa combines rich culture, history and natural beauty of Canada. The Gothic towers of Parliament Hill rise above the Ottawa River, while ByWard Market hums with cafés, galleries and local produce. The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, winds through the city, linking museums, green spaces and waterfront paths.

In spring and summer, Ottawa bursts with colour. The Tulip Festival paints the parks in bloom, and the canal paths fill with walkers and cyclists. Outdoor dining, riverside concerts and festivals bring a lively energy to the city.

In autumn and winter, the pace slows but the charm deepens. Trees along the river blaze with red and gold, and when the canal freezes, it becomes the world’s largest skating rink. Cosy cafés, excellent museums and seasonal markets make it a wonderful year-round destination.

National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Highlights of Ottawa

  • Parliament Hill: The Gothic towers of Parliament Hill dominate the Ottawa skyline. It is lovely to wander the grounds along the Ottawa River for striking views, especially as the sun sets over the city.

  • Rideau Canal: This UNESCO World Heritage Site snakes through the city, lined with leafy paths. In winter it becomes a magical skating rink, while in summer its banks are perfect for strolling or cycling.

  • ByWard Market: One of Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhoods, ByWard Market brims with character. Street stalls, cafés and galleries offer local flavours and handmade treats amid a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.

  • Gatineau Park & Ottawa River: Forested trails, riverside spots and sparkling waterways make Ottawa’s green spaces a year-round draw. Gatineau Park has cycle paths among the trees, and the rapids on the Ottawa River are excellent fun to conquer on a raft.

  • National Gallery of Canada: Ottawa’s National Gallery is known for its bold design and its Canadian and Indigenous works. It’s best experienced before opening hours with a private guide.

  • Ottawa by Water: From a private boat, the city can be admired from the water, with historic architecture, riverside scenes and the Ottawa Locks

Ottawa in Bloom

Ottawa is home to over a million tulips each spring, thanks to a gift from the Netherlands after World War II, a colourful festival celebrates this every May.

Whispering Wall

Part of the Rideau Canal locks, this curved wall was built so operators could communicate across the distance. Today, a whisper at one end carries clearly to the other.

Good to know

Getting to Ottawa

From the UK, daily direct flights operate from London Heathrow to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW), taking around seven to eight hours.

From the US, major cities offer frequent direct flights to Ottawa, making the capital easily accessible from across North America.

Within Canada, Ottawa is well connected to Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver, with multiple daily services.

The airport is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, making the city quickly and conveniently accessible upon arrival.

 

 

 

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

Ottawa is a year-round destination. In spring, tulips brighten the city. Summer brings leafy parks, cycle paths and busy markets. In autumn, streets and forests turn gold and crimson. Winter transforms the Rideau Canal into a skating rink, while the surrounding forests are perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

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