Top 25 Attractions in Ottawa

The capital of Canada is considered one of the most interesting cities in the country, and at the same time in all of North America. There are 70 parks on its territory, so the streets, quarters and squares are immersed in greenery in summer, and in autumn they are dressed in stunning shades of yellow and crimson. It so happened that Ottawa is located at the junction of the English and French provinces. That is why it was destined to become the capital.

Ottawa is a surprisingly calm and well-groomed city with a measured rhythm of life. There are no industrial enterprises with smoking chimneys here, so it boasts good ecology. Interestingly, in the 19th century, residents of Montreal and Toronto considered Ottawa to be a boring and unworthy town, but in the 20th century the situation changed dramatically. Thanks to active development and financial investments, the city has become a modern and comfortable place to live.

What to see and where to go in Ottawa?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Parliament building of Canada

A neo-gothic castle from the early 20th century that houses the government of Canada. It is built of gray granite and is somewhat reminiscent of the Palace of Westminster, only in a more modest form. The central building of the building is the Peace Tower with a clock face, which was dedicated to the Canadians who died in the First World War. The architectural complex itself is called "Parliamentary Hill". It includes a castle and a number of monuments in honor of famous people.

Rideau Canal

The canal was dug in 1832, making it the oldest artificial waterway in North America. It connects the cities of Kingston and Ottawa. The length of the canal is 202 km, it is designed for the passage of rather bulky ships. Tourist boats ply the Rideau during the summer. In winter, there is a huge skating rink with a length of about 8 km.

Byward Market

One of the oldest and largest markets in Canada. It is a whole shopping area located in the city center. The market row plan was developed by military engineer D. Bai in 1826. Over the nearly 200 years of its existence, Byward has grown significantly. The quarter was overgrown with hotels, restaurants, industrial enterprises. By the 19th century, it was already an important commercial and industrial area in Ottawa.

Notre Dame

The Gothic Cathedral of Ottawa, in the good French tradition called "Notre Dame". Until 1841, a wooden church stood on the site of the temple. It was demolished to make way for new construction. The main part of the cathedral was ready by 1846, the spiers were installed 20 years later. Notre Dame is the oldest church in Ottawa. In 1990, the building was included in the list of national monuments of Canada.

Canadian War Museum

The history of the museum began in 1880 with a small collection of military artifacts; it received official status only in 1942. Since 1967, the collection has been located in the premises of the former State Archives, since 2005 - in a new building, specially built for the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. The exposition tells about the military history of Canada, as well as about the world wars of the XX century.

National War Memorial of Canada

The monument was erected in 1939 in Confederation Square. In 1925, the authorities announced an international competition for the best project, in which all subjects of the British Empire could take part. The opening of the memorial took place in the presence of the monarch George VI. At first it was dedicated to the Canadians who fell during the First World War, after 1982 it became a memorial for the victims of the Second World War and the Korean War.

National Gallery of Canada

One of the main art museums in Canada with a large collection of paintings, graphics, photography and sculpture. The main focus is on the work of Canadian artists. Works of masters from the USA and Europe are also presented. The gallery was founded in 1880 by Canadian Governor General Duke D. D. Campbell. Since 1988, the collection has been housed in a modern building designed by the Israeli architect M. Safdie.

Canadian Museum of Nature

Museum of Natural History, which opened in 1990. It houses an outstanding collection of minerals, numbering several thousand specimens, as well as an impressive collection of precious stones. The museum exhibits ancient fossils of fossil animals and plants. The herbarium with a huge number of plants (more than 500 thousand) deserves special attention.

Canadian Air and Space Museum

The collection is located on the territory of the training airfield near the prestigious area of ​​Ottawa called Rockliff Park. It was organized at the base of the Canadian Air Force in 1964. Here are various aircraft from rare to modern models. The museum often organizes exciting air shows, which attract a lot of spectators.

Canadian Museum of Civilization

A large historical museum located across the river from Ottawa in the city of Gatineau. The main part of the collection is exhibited in three sections: the Hall of Indigenous Peoples, the Grand Hall and the Canada Hall. Here visitors discover the history of Canada from ancient times to the present day. In the museum you can learn about the history of the country's indigenous population, the period of European colonization, as well as important events of the New Age.

Bytown Museum

The museum's collection focuses on the history of Ottawa and the Rideau Canal. The museum appeared in 1917 thanks to the efforts of the Women's Historical Society, which collected artifacts. Most of the exhibition consists of photographs, but there are also exhibits related to the laying of the canal. Since the middle of the 20th century, the museum has been located in the building of the former Commissariat, one of the first stone buildings in Ottawa.

National Center for the Arts

The center is located in a building built in 1969 in the brutalist style (one of the directions of modernism). Its four venues host concerts, festivals, theatrical performances, opera and ballet. The center actively supports emerging artists, paying a lot of attention to educational programs. In 2006, the building was listed as a national monument.

Chateau Laurier

City hotel and at the same time an interesting architectural monument. The building resembles a French castle, which is why it was called "Chateau Laurier". The hotel was built in 1912 from Indiana limestone. The interior is not inferior to the exterior, it is made with a special elegance. The halls are decorated with Tiffany stained glass and figured stucco, which has been preserved since the beginning of the century.

Rideau Hall

The residence of the Canadian Governor General and the seat of the English monarch during his visit to the country. Due to its secluded location, Rideau Hall is more like a private mansion than an official residence. The building was built in the Victorian style in 1838 in the era of Edward VII. It was intended for the industrialist T. McKay and his family. The mansion received its current status only in 1867.

Royal Canadian Mint

A functioning mint and museum located in downtown Ottawa. Visitors can see here not only an exhibition of coins and ingots, but also watch the fascinating process of minting. The local store sells collectible items made of precious metals. Now only commemorative money is made at the mint, since the main production moved to Winnipeg in 1976.

Supreme Court of Canada building

The Supreme Court sits in a mansion built in an Art Deco style with a clear nod to the Victorian style. It was designed by E. Cormier. From the side, the gray facade looks quite gloomy, especially against the background of the surrounding green lawns. Deprived of any decor, the imposing walls are crowned with a sloping roof. Along the edges of the main staircase are statues of Justice and Truth.

"Canadien Thayer Center"

Sports arena for various types of competitions, built in Ottawa in 1996. The stadium is home to the Ottawa Senators of the NHL. In addition to the playground, the complex includes a fitness center, the Hall of Fame and several restaurants. The arena hosted matches of the Stanley Cup and the Ice Hockey World Championship. In addition to sporting events, the Canadian Thayer Center can host music concerts.

Diefenbunker

Nuclear shelters that were created during the Cold War in the 1960s at the behest of the country's government. In total, about 50 shelters were built. The main reserve bunker is located 30 km from Ottawa on the territory of a military base. This four-story shelter has now been turned into a museum, and visitors can see living evidence of the hysteria that was going on in the country because of the threat of a nuclear strike.

Bridge of Alexandra

A metal bridge over the Ottawa River built in 1901. At first it was a railway, after the modernization of the 1950s, it turned into a car and pedestrian. The Alexandra Bridge connects Ottawa and Gatineau. It is an example of industrial architecture of the early 20th century. The structure stands on massive structures - brackets that can withstand a very large weight.

Gatineau Park

The park is located on a vast territory of 360 km². There are hundreds of kilometers of cycling trails and dozens of hiking trails. From entertainment, tourists can enjoy fishing in local lakes, canoeing, swimming, horseback riding and other active activities. The park has a marble cave, beaches, a mountain, as well as the Mackenzie King estate with picturesque gardens and cozy chalets.

Majors Hill Park

The park is located in central Ottawa on a hill where the Rideau Canal flows into the Ottawa River. In the first half of the 19th century, the houses of the builders of the waterway were located on the site of green spaces. By 1938, the area had become a well-groomed city park. Due to its convenient location, Majors Hill often becomes the site of city festivals.

Arboretum Dominion

Research center and experimental farm in the heart of Ottawa. There is a botanical garden with 1,700 species of plants, a Fletcher Wildlife Garden, a small zoo with pets, an agricultural museum, a farmers' market and many other interesting objects. Dominion came into being in 1889. Today it occupies a vast territory of 26 hectares.

Hogs Back Falls

Artificial waterfalls on the Rideau River, which are located on the border with the canal of the same name. Previously, the site of Hogs Back was occupied by natural river rapids with a jet fall height of about 2 meters. The waterfalls arose as a result of the construction of a canal and the construction of a dam. Despite its artificial origin, the stream looks quite natural and picturesque. Especially, it is noticeable in autumn, framed by yellowed foliage.

Rideau Falls

Water streams are located at the junction of the Rideau and Ottawa rivers. The natural attraction is located near the city hall and the headquarters of the National Research Council. Due to the relatively weak power of the stream in winter, the waterfalls freeze completely and the water jets turn into bizarre figures of ice. The sight is fascinating, especially if you admire it from the observation deck.

Beechwood

The cemetery where the mayors of Ottawa, prominent Canadian politicians, as well as the military and police are buried. The necropolis was founded in 1873 in the suburbs on a small plot of land. As the settlement grew, the burial turned out to be within the city limits. Today Bichvuch is the largest cemetery in the area. There are many beautiful sculptures and tombstones here, but in general the place has a modest and neat appearance.