Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, might be known for Parliament Hill and government buildings, but there’s a whole other side to this city waiting to be discovered.
From quirky museums to culinary delights, get ready to be surprised by Ottawa!
Mind-blowing Facts
-
Winter Wonderland: Ottawa embraces the cold! The Rideau Canal transforms into the world’s largest skating rink during Winterlude, a festival of ice sculptures and frosty fun.
-
Tulip Mania: Every spring, the Canadian Tulip Festival bursts with color, celebrating the gift of tulips from the Netherlands after WWII.
-
Museum Mecca: Ottawa boasts impressive national museums, like the Canadian War Museum, the National Gallery of Canada, and the quirky Diefenbunker (a Cold War bunker turned museum).
-
Haunted History: Take a ghost tour and hear spooky tales of the Bytown Museum, Fairmont Château Laurier, and even Parliament Hill!
-
ByWard Market: Foodie & Shopping Haven: This historic market buzzes with restaurants, shops, and stalls selling fresh produce and artisanal goodies.
-
Nature on Tap: Surprisingly, Ottawa has tons of green space. Explore the Gatineau Park across the river, urban trails, or the Central Experimental Farm.
-
Craft Beer Craze: Ottawa has a thriving craft beer scene, with local breweries and pubs popping up all over the city.
-
Changing of the Guard: But Fancier: Witness the pomp and ceremony of the Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill, complete with a marching band.
-
Nordik Spa-Nature: Pure Relaxation: Just across the river in Chelsea, Quebec, this world-renowned spa offers Scandinavian-style relaxation amidst stunning scenery.
-
“Shawarma Capital”? Ottawa has a surprisingly high concentration of shawarma shops, reflecting its diverse population and love for this Middle Eastern dish.
-
Hockey Hotbed: The Ottawa Senators ignite the city’s hockey passion, bringing NHL action to the Canadian Tire Centre.
-
Waterway Adventures: Paddle the Rideau Canal, kayak on the Ottawa River, or take a relaxing cruise and admire the city from the water.
-
Festival Fever: Ottawa loves to celebrate! From Bluesfest, a major music event, to the vibrant Dragon Boat Festival, there’s always something happening.
-
Parliament’s Cats: Yes, there’s an official colony of cats on Parliament Hill, tasked with keeping rodents in check!
-
Bilingual City: Ottawa is where English and French Canada meet, creating a unique bilingual atmosphere.
Conclusion
Ottawa is more than just politics and politeness! It’s a city of diverse neighborhoods, surprising culinary scenes, outdoor adventures, and a touch of the unexpected. So, next time you visit, venture beyond those government buildings and discover the true heart of Ottawa.
Although Ottawa has grown tremendously over the years, it’s still a boring city, offense. The influence of the federal government and the diplomats make it as such.