Ottawa is the national capital of Canada and it couldn’t be otherwise, given its “central” position between the English-speaking and French-speaking worlds of this great nation. Located in the province of Ontario, a short distance from the smaller provinces and first colonies, opposite Montreal, the landmark of Quebec, Ottawa bears a name that in the language of the native Canadians means “place of trade”. In fact, this was the place where the indigenous explorers and hunters did meet to exchange goods and game, long before the arrival of Europeans. Today, visiting Ottawa is a choice of a special, original and certainly exciting vacation. Come and find out why.
When to go
Visiting Ottawa is a pleasure in any season, but if you really want a tip, go between June and September. In these months, in fact, the summer never reaches extreme temperatures and the pleasant coolness of the air makes the stay always suitable for all activities (sports, excursions, guided tours, relaxation).
Travel documents
A passport valid for up to 6 months is the first and most important paper to have, when you decide to travel to Canada. To this, you must also add an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA, in English) closely linked to the paper passport.
With a valid ETA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays, during the 5 years of validity of the document – except for “undesirable” countries. Do check before you leave if your nation is part of this “dark list”. Find out about your possibility of obtaining an ETA at Canadian consulates and embassies.
What to pack for your trip to Ottawa
Canadian weather varies greatly from area to area. Ottawa has a relatively mild climate, very similar to New York or Philadelphia, although certainly not hot!
Although Canadian summers can sometimes reach high temperatures, this does not happen often in Ottawa. So always pack light and heavy clothing, especially jackets. Remember hiking shoes, mosquito repellent and sunscreen. An umbrella is a must in a suitcase leaving for Canada, as is an adapter for electricity and a first aid kit – given that many activities take place outdoors and that you are not always close to residential areas.
How to get to Ottawa
You can easily get to Ottawa from the USA territory, by driving along the main motorways or using railways and international bus lines. If you arrive from abroad, Ottawa Airport (YOW) will be your main “welcome gate” to the city and the nation.
Ottawa Airport is well-equipped with modern amenities and offers a range of services to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for travelers. Business travelers, in particular, will appreciate the multiple workstations and free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, allowing for productivity even while on the go. For those looking for a quiet place to relax, Ottawa Airport’s terminal also hosts various displays of local artwork, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage and providing a unique and authentic Ottawa experience. The land connections consist in many choices (public and private transfers, rent-a-car).
How to move through Ottawa
With the city’s OC Transpo, you will easily find a means to move in and around Ottawa. The O-Train Confederation Line and the Trillium Line, allow residents and tourists to navigate between major attractions and neighborhoods with ease. For a more personalized experience, private transfer services like Transfeero cater to those looking for airport pickups, chauffeur services, and shuttles.
Ottawa prides itself on being a bike-friendly city, with an extensive network of cycling paths winding through scenic routes such as along the Rideau Canal. The capital’s flat terrain encourages cycling as a pleasant mode of transportation during the warmer months. Visitors can rent bicycles from various shops and explore the city at their own pace. Traditional taxi services and ride-sharing platforms like Uber are readily available everywhere in the city.
What to see
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is not the most important tourist place in Canada but it can also charm travelers with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Ottawa’s main landmarks concern the political life (Parliament Hill, Canadian Museum of History) and the local arts (National Gallery of Canada). But you will enjoy visiting many more interesting places, inside and alla round the city area.
Go relax in the lush expanse of Gatineau Park, which offers a breath of fresh air and countless outdoor activities throughout the seasons. Winter visitors are treated to the magical Winterlude festival, where ice sculptures and the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink, the Rideau Canal, create a frosty wonderland.
Enjoy a visit to Cornwall, Kingston, and going a bit further… Lake Mississippi, Montréal or Lake White. You can also reach Toronto and – crossing the border – the city of Buffalo, New York. You shall never get tired of exploring Ottawa!
What to do and NOT to do in Ottawa
Ottawa is perfect for those who love quiet places and art tours. It offers many itineraries based upon history and art, but you can also enjoy entertainment – in the evening – if you attend the right clubs in the right place (Byward Market, Old Ottawa South, Downtown).
Never complain about public transportation in Ottawa, though it has some problems due to narrow streets and traffic almost everywhere. Never eat chinese food in Ottawa! Never try to have a conversation with locals if you see they are not interested. People from Ottawa don’t like to be “bothered” … even by simple words!