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Ottawa Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

A trip to Ottawa

Canada’s capital city is located in the country’s southeast, within easy driving distance of both Toronto and Montreal. There are plenty of attractions in Ottawa to draw good numbers of visitors each year, from pleasant strolls around the classic architecture of the centre during the summertime to wintertime sports, which are well-provided for as well. This is a small city that’s easy to get around and it features as one’s of Canada’s more popular visitor destinations.

Flights to Ottawa
Arrival by air brings visitors into Ottawa International Airport, located just six miles to the south of the city. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Ottawa try Expedia. Other alternatives for reaching the capital include driving from points in Canada and the US and travel by bus and train.

Once in the city, a network of buses will take you most anywhere you need to go. Most major car hire companies have offices at the airport and in the centre, and driving can be a good option for those interested in taking daytrips. Taxis are readily available as well, and can be flagged on the street, found at taxi stands or booked in advance by telephone.

Ottawa


Sightseeing in Ottawa
Ottawa’s architecture is largely dominated by neo-Gothic government buildings that line its wide streets and border splendid parks. Some of the city’s popular tourist attractions include the National Gallery, Royal Mint, War Museum and numerous stately homes. The city centre is divided by the Rideau Canal, with the liveliest part of the city found to the east of the canal, near Byward Market.

Rideau Hall is the historic office and residence of the country’s Governor General, found on the lovely Sussex drive, not far from Parliament Hill, and is open to the public. The city’s oldest parish church is St Patrick’s Basilica, which was established in 1855 and is well worth a visit. Also of interest is a family attraction called the Enchanted Gardens, a magical theme park offering something for all members of the family.

Book Sightseeing Tours

Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Byward Market is a good place to head for an evening out, regardless of your taste in entertainment. There are live music venues, café-bars, Irish pubs and a number of restaurants here. Other parts of the city, such as Bank and Elgin streets, feature a selection of more upscale bars. The locals love to dine out, and the huge number of choices in eateries testifies to this fact. Ottawa offers visitors restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world, in addition to the typical Canadian staples.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
Ottawa has a great selection of shopping options including major department stores, designer boutiques and discount warehouses. Interesting shopping districts can be found around the city, such as Byward Market, Glebe, Bank Street Promenade, Rideau street, Westboro Village and the oldest pedestrian mall in North America, at Sparks street. These areas offer up an excellent range of locally-crafted and antique items.


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