Ottawa
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is the perfect place to experience some of the country’s best attractions, celebrations and flavours in one welcoming city. With its unique blend of urban and rural beauty, year-round outdoor activities, and vibrant neighbourhoods, the Ottawa region is best explored over three days or more.
Located between Toronto and Montreal, and just north of the eastern United States, getting to Ottawa is easy. And since the metropolitan region stretches across the Ottawa River to Gatineau, Québec, you can visit two provinces in one destination. Cross one of the bridges, take a boat across the river, or even ride the world’s first interprovincial zipline!
The Ottawa region’s identity has been influenced by many cultures, including First Nations, French, English, Scottish and Irish. The city of Ottawa is located within the traditional Anishinàbeg Algonquin territory. Since several rivers meet here, the area was an active transportation corridor for an astounding diversity of Indigenous groups and travellers. In fact, the city’s name is derived from the Algonquin word “Odawa,” meaning “to trade.”
European explorers passed through the region beginning in the 1600s, followed by Irish, French and Scottish settlers, who launched the local timber trade in the early 1800s. Population also increased with the construction of the Rideau Canal (1826-1832) as a military defence and transportation route in case of war with the United States. The settlement was known as Bytown until it was incorporated as the city of Ottawa in 1855. Queen Victoria chose it as the new capital of Canada in 1857.
Walkable
Urban
Spaces
The diverse culinary scene in Ottawa includes everything from food trucks to fine dining, as well as dozens of craft breweries, distilleries and wineries. Chefs and residents benefit from a bounty of fresh products from over 1,000 farms—more than Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver combined—and shop at popular farmers’ markets. Many local chefs trained at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute (the famed school’s only official campus in North America) or in culinary programs at local colleges.
Around every corner on both the Ontario and Québec sides of the Ottawa River, you’ll find unique, safe and walkable neighbourhoods to explore. Try craft beverages and fresh cuisine, shop for big brands or local designers, and admire colourful urban art. For instance, the historic ByWard Market area is always bustling, with its year-round farmers’ market, restaurants, cafés and nightlife, as well as unique spots such as the original kiosk of the world-renowned BeaverTails pastry treat.
Local
Flavours
Accessible
Outdoors
Pristine outdoor spaces within the city and in the nearby countryside offer a wide variety of activities in all four seasons. The region is framed by beautiful waterways, including the Ottawa River, the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From spring through fall, you can go boating or paddling; for an adrenaline rush, one of the world’s best whitewater rafting destinations is just over an hour from the city centre. Winter weather brings opportunities for snowshoeing and skiing (cross-country and downhill), as well as ice skating options ranging from trails in the forest to the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway.
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Cycling enthusiasts of every level can explore over 800 kilometres (497 miles) of urban and rural pathways, plus mountain biking trails in the nearby hills, including Gatineau Park. The Greenbelt surrounding the city’s core features hundreds of kilometres of eco-friendly, multi-use trails for walking and hiking through diverse landscapes, such as forests, sand dunes and wetlands.
Year
Round
Events
Ottawa hosts exciting annual events that attract international audiences. Visit during Winterlude to celebrate Canadian winter culture and activities, including a giant snow playground for the whole family. Celebrate spring’s beauty during the Canadian Tulip Festival, the largest event of its kind in the world. Enjoy concerts by famed international artists and up-and-coming local acts at music festivals in genres ranging from chamber and classical music to blues and EDM. Other fun events celebrate food, fireworks, hot air balloons, international cultures and animated films.
Ottawa is easy to reach from London with direct flights from Gatwick on Air Transat in the summer or smooth one‑stop connections. Travellers can fly with Air Canada, British Airways, WestJet, American, or United via Toronto or Montreal, enjoying frequent schedules and seamless onward links. It’s a convenient, well‑served route that makes discovering Canada’s capital wonderfully straightforward.
Flights to Ottawa
Seasons of Ottawa
Ottawa is a year-round destination with four very distinct seasons to experience!
Winter
Ottawa usually receives a considerable amount of snow in the winter and temperatures do become quite cold, making it the perfect time to experience a true winter wonderland! Must do’s include grabbing a hot chocolate and skating the world’s largest frozen rink – the Rideau Canal Skateway.
Spring
April showers bring May flowers, and in no place is it truer than in Ottawa. With moderate amounts of rain signalling the return of spring, over a million tulips bloom in response across the capital. Once you can spot cyclists along the recreational pathways, it is officially spring in Ottawa!
Summer
Ottawa was made for summer! Beautiful summer heat and long, sun-filled days are common from June to August, making it the perfect weather for outdoor adventures, open-air festivals and sipping craft beers on a patio.
Autumn
Fall is a breathtaking time to explore Ottawa. As the temperature cools and the air becomes crisp, the leaves begin to turn beautiful shades of red, orange and gold. This weather is best enjoyed on outdoor hikes and local farmers markets.