Ottawa Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Ottawa

Ottawa is Canad's capital and probably one of the most "overlooked" cities in the world! Overshadowed by places like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, Ottawa is Canada's 4th largest urban centre and one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country. As the national capital, Ottawa has all the...more Ottawa is Canad's capital and probably one of the most "overlooked" cities in the world! Overshadowed by places like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, Ottawa is Canada's 4th largest urban centre and one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country. As the national capital, Ottawa has all the amenities you would expect in a capital city. The are incredible shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs,especially in an area called the By Ward Market. (Somebody told me that there are over 365 restuarants in this section of town and I believe it. People are all out on the patios eating, drinking and having a GREAT time!) There are also 17 national museums, five art galleries, numerous theatres and concert halls, the Parliament Buildings (which are INCREDIBLE!) and, because it is location on the boarder of Québec and Ontario, the city is perfectly bilingual in English and French. Ottawa is a city devoted to outdoor activity and nature. The downtown area is very green with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rideau Canal and the mighty Ottawa River flowing right through the center of it. Within 10 minutes drive of our our hotel we were able to go white water rafting, hot air ballooning, swimming, hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking and rock climbing. Ottawa has over 450 kilometers of nature trails, 280 kilometers of paved bike trails, 10 fresh water beaches, a huge National Park (Gatineau Park), and 6 internationally renowned golf courses. If you love nature you can be hiking or camping deep in the Canadian wilderness within 15 minutes drive from the downtown. We love the great outdoors and saw deer, foxes, elk, beaver and even the famous northern lights (aurora borealis) during our treks through Gatineau Park. I would highly reccommend this city to ANYONE who loves culture, people and seeing the Canadian wilderness.close

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by anonymous – posted on Nov 20, 2008

When my fellow teachers and myself arrived in Ottawa, we were amazed by the cleanliness and peacefulness of the place.The people were so gentle and the architectural designs of the buildings were worth remembering.There was no repentance why we chose the United States Embassy of Ottawa as the...more When my fellow teachers and myself arrived in Ottawa, we were amazed by the cleanliness and peacefulness of the place.The people were so gentle and the architectural designs of the buildings were worth remembering.There was no repentance why we chose the United States Embassy of Ottawa as the place for the renewal of our HIB visa. It was the unforgettable place we ever have visited in our lives. Thanks again.Ms.Gasparclose

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by loveliegaspar1989 – posted on Apr 10, 2007

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