Tourist 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
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 streets, blocks and squares are buried in greenery in summer, and in autumn they dress 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 pipes, so it boasts a good ecology. Interestingly, in the XIX century, residents of Montreal and Toronto considered Ottawa a boring and not worth paying attention to the town, but in the XX century the situation has changed dramatically. Thanks to the active development and financial injections, the city has turned into a modern and comfortable place to live.
Top 25 Tourist Attractions in Ottawa
Canadian Parliament Building
The neo-Gothic castle of the beginning of the XX century, in which the government of Canada sits. It is built of gray granite and somewhat resembles the Palace of Westminster, only in a more modest form. The central structure 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 "Parliament Hill". It includes a castle and a number of monuments in honor of famous people.
Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa
The canal was dug in 1832, which makes it the oldest waterway of artificial origin in North America. It connects the cities of Kingston and Ottawa. The length of the channel is 202 km, it is designed for the passage of rather bulky vessels. In summer, tourist ships ply the Rideau. In winter, there is a huge skating rink with a length of about 8 km.
Ottawa Sign, ByWard Market
One of the oldest and largest markets in Canada. It is a whole shopping district located in the center of the city. The plan of market rows was developed by military engineer D. Bai in 1826. For almost 200 years of its existence, Byward has grown significantly. The quarter is overgrown with hotels, restaurants, industrial enterprises. By the 19th century, it was already an important commercial and industrial area of Ottawa.
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
The Gothic Cathedral of Ottawa, named "Notre Dame" according to the good French tradition. 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 spires 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 Archive, 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.
The National War Memorial
The monument was erected in 1939 on 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 monument 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, photographs and sculptures. The main focus is on the work of Canadian artists. The works of masters from the USA and Europe are also presented. The gallery was founded in 1880 by the Canadian Governor-General Duke D. D. Campbell. Since 1988, the collection has been located in a modern building designed by Israeli architect M. Safdi.
Canadian Museum of Nature
The Museum of Natural History, which opened in 1990. It houses an outstanding collection of minerals, numbering several thousand samples, 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.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
The collection is located on the territory of a training airfield near the prestigious area of Ottawa called Rockliff Park. It was organized at the Canadian Air Force base in 1964. Various aircraft from rare to modern models are presented here. The museum often acts as an organizer of exciting aviation shows, to which quite a lot of spectators gather.
Canadian Museum of Civilization
A major historical museum located across the river from Ottawa in Gatineau. The main part of the collection is exhibited in three sections: "Indigenous Peoples Hall", "Grand Hall" and "Canada Hall". Here visitors can discover the history of Canada from ancient times to the present day. In the museum you can learn about the history of the indigenous population of the country, the period of European colonization, as well as about important events of Modern times.
Baytown Museum
The museum's collection is dedicated to the history of Ottawa and the Rideau Canal. The museum appeared in 1917 thanks to the efforts of the Women's Historical Society, which was engaged in collecting 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 XX 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 1969 building erected in the brutalist style (one of the trends of modernism). Concerts, festivals, theatrical performances, opera and ballet are held at its four venues. The Center actively supports aspiring artists, paying much attention to educational programs. In 2006, the building was listed as a national monument.
Chateau Laurier
A 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 special grace. The halls are decorated with Tiffany stained glass windows and figured stucco, which has been preserved since the beginning of the century.
Rideau Hall
The residence of the Canadian Governor-General and the residence of the English monarch during his visit to the country. Due to its secluded location, Rideau Hall looks 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 industrialist T. McKay and his family. The mansion received its current status only in 1867.
Royal Canadian Mint
The current mint and museum, located in downtown Ottawa. Visitors can see here not only an exhibition of coins and bullion, but also watch the fascinating process of minting. A local store sells collectible items made of precious metals. Now only jubilee money is made at the mint, since the main production moved to Winnipeg in 1976.
The building of the Supreme Court of Canada
The Supreme Court sits in an Art Deco mansion with a clear reference to the Victorian style. It was built according to the project of E. Cormier. From the outside, the gray facade looks quite gloomy, especially against the background of the surrounding green lawns. The impressive walls, devoid of any decor, are crowned by a sloping roof. On the edges of the grand staircase there are statues of Justice and Truth.
Canadian Thayer Center
A 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, a Hall of Fame and several restaurants. The arena hosted matches of the Stanley Cup and the 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 direction 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-storey shelter has now been turned into a museum, and visitors can see living evidence of the hysteria that was going on in the country due to the threat of a nuclear strike.
Alexandra Bridge
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. Alexandra Bridge connects Ottawa and Gatineau. It is an example of industrial architecture of the early XX century. The structure stands on massive structures – brackets that can withstand very heavy weight.
Gatineau Park
The park is located on a huge territory of 360 km2. There are hundreds of kilometers of cycling routes and dozens of hiking trails. From entertainment, tourists can enjoy fishing in local lakes, canoeing, swimming, horseback riding and other active activities. On the territory of the park there is 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 the central part of Ottawa on a hill at the confluence of the Rideau Canal with the Ottawa River. In the first half of the XIX century, the houses of the builders of the waterway were located on the site of green spaces. By 1938, the territory had turned into a well-groomed city park. Due to its convenient location, Majors Hill often becomes a venue for city festivals.
Dominion Arboretum
The research center and experimental farm are practically 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 agriculture museum, a farmer's market and many other interesting objects. The Dominion emerged in 1889. Today it occupies a vast territory of 26 hectares.
Hogs Back Waterfalls
Artificial waterfalls on the Rideau River, which are located on the border with the canal of the same name. Previously, the place of the Hogs-Back was occupied by natural river rapids with a jet drop height of about 2 meters. 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. This is especially noticeable in autumn in the frame of yellowed foliage.
Rideau Falls
The water flows 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 flow in winter, the waterfalls completely freeze and the water jets turn into bizarre figures made of ice. The sight is fascinating, especially if you admire it from the observation deck.
Beachwood
The cemetery where Ottawa mayors, prominent Canadian politicians, as well as military and police officers 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 in the city limits. Today Bichvuch is the largest cemetery in the district. There are many beautiful sculptures and tombstones installed here, but in general the place has a modest and neat appearance.