Canada’s capital city is located on the Ottawa River, on the border between the provinces of Ontario and Québec, and is intersected by the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ottawa is a vibrant, multicultural city, with year-round festivals, concerts, and special events.

Located in the heart of Canada, Ottawa offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As the nation’s political center, Ottawa boasts a rich tapestry of attractions, celebrations, and culinary delights, all nestled within its welcoming embrace. From the iconic Parliament Hill and historic ByWard Market to the picturesque Rideau Canal and expansive Gatineau Park, there’s no shortage of treasures to discover.

Surrounding the capital, verdant countryside and quaint villages invite exploration, offering opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, cycling, and boating. From the rolling hills of the Ottawa Valley to the serene shores of the Rideau Lakes, the region’s natural beauty captivates at every turn.

DIVERSITY HUB

Ottawa thrives on its remarkable diversity, reflecting a mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions from around the globe. From its multicultural neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy to its thriving Indigenous communities, Ottawa celebrates its multicultural heritage through festivals, events, and culinary offerings. The city’s diversity is evident in its array of international cuisines, vibrant arts scene, and dynamic cultural festivals, which showcase the talents and traditions of its diverse population. Moreover, Ottawa’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its support for LGBTQ+ rights, accessibility initiatives, and efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding.

FESTIVALS 

Ottawa offers a variety of experiences to suit every taste and interest. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, foodie, or culture connoisseur, it promises an unforgettable journey filled with endless discoveries and cherished memories through each event.

MUSIC

CULINARY

CULTURAL

ANNUAL EVENTS

  • Winterlude Festival
  • Ottawa’s Canada Day festivities on July 1st are the biggest in the country!

While government is Ottawa’s biggest employer, the city is also a growing high-tech centre. Ottawa is home to several technology companies, including Nortel, Corel, Mitel, Cognos and JDS Uniphase, as well as regional offices for 3M, Adobe Systems, IBM, Hewlett-Packard and others. It is also a major centre for health science and pharmaceuticals, with companies like Nordion and i-Stat based there.

PLACES TO VISIT

DESTINATIONS OUTSIDE OTTAWA

  • The 1,000 Islands, a scenic island chain on the St. Lawrence River east of Kingston, Ontario
  • Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada’s oldest provincial park, located between Ottawa and Toronto
  • Edelweiss Valley, a popular ski resort in the Gatineau region across the Quebec border
  • Upper Canada Village, an open-air museum southeast of Ottawa
  • For a weekend trip, Ottawa is perfectly located between Montreal, Québec and Toronto, Ontario—Canada’s two largest cities, offering a multitude of attractions, shopping destinations, concert halls, and sporting events.

TRANSPORTATION

Ottawa’s public transit network provides services to nearly one million people. With some services available 24 hours a day and over a dozen bus routes going through the University of Ottawa campus, OC Transpo is the preferred mode of transportation for students across the city of Ottawa.

Explore Ottawa

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