Ottawa is a beautiful city suspended in time vis-à-vis its multi-cultural heritage, rich history, architecture, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Nestled in a valley created by the majestic Ottawa River and bordered by the incredible Laurentian Mountains minutes away in Quebec, Ottawa ceremoniously presides as Canada’s capital. Ottawa caters to its citizens and visitors with spectacular events, scenery, and accommodations during every season.
Ottawa is a beautiful city suspended in time vis-à-vis its multi-cultural heritage, rich history, architecture, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Nestled in a valley created by the majestic Ottawa River and bordered by the incredible Laurentian Mountains minutes away in Quebec, Ottawa ceremoniously presides as Canada’s capital. Ottawa caters to its citizens and visitors with spectacular events, scenery, and accommodations during every season.
Winter Celebration
Ottawa is home to the longest skating rink in the world, the Rideau Canal. Built in 1832, the UNESCO World Heritage Site connects the city to the St. Lawrence Seaway, but every year celebrates winter during Winterlude, a family festival of snow, ice sculptures, skating, and hot chocolate.
Spring Flowers
The Canadian Tulip Festival, held annually in May, is the largest tulip festival in the world. In 1945, Princess Juliana of the Netherlands presented 100,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa as gratitude for sheltering the Princess and her daughters during World War II. As a symbol of international friendship, tolerance, and acceptance, more than one million tulips are in full-bloom for three weeks every spring.
May Run
If you are a fan of marathons, plan to be in town for the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend in May. The event features multiple races, including its premiere event the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon. You can join by paying a small annual fee, a cost which includes coaching and discounted race entry prices. Run Ottawa also holds a free monthly 5K for those interested in testing their ability.
Summer Festivals
Ottawa is a city of festivals and salutes its heritage and culture through art, dance, language, food, and music. The Canada Dance Festival, Ottawa International Children’s Festival, Festival Franco Ontarien, Carnival of Cultures, Canada Day Festival, and the International Busker Festival are just a few. The Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel, similar in design to a charming French château, is close to many of these attractions.
Autumn Splendor
The spectacular colors of autumn are on display in and around Canada’s capital city each autumn, and the Ottawa Fall Rhapsody applauds the season. In addition, the ByWard Market, one of Canada’s most historical landmarks, is located in the heart of the city. Local merchants display their wares, produce, famous Canadian maple syrup, as well as artifacts, souvenirs, clothing, and offer dining at eclectic sidewalk cafés. The Cartier Place & Towers Suite Hotel, a unique pet-friendly downtown hotel, has spacious suites, an indoor pool, whirlpool, a sauna, exercise, and play rooms. Located one block from the Rideau Canal, Cartier Place is within walking distance of the ByWard Market and the Parliament Buildings, home of the federal government.
All Year
Ottawa has fifteen family-friendly museums including the Museum of Nature, the Museum of Civilization, the National Art Gallery, the Bytown Museum, and the Canadian Museum of Science & Technology. Ottawa also has almost 600 kilometres (four hundred miles) of hiking, jogging, cycling, walking, and cross-country skiing trails and pathways, which are popular with sports enthusiasts of all ages.
Ottawa hosts spectacular events all year, but this national treasure celebrates the seasons through its extraordinary beauty, history, and cultural diversity. These tips should help you plan your stay in Ottawa!
