Ottawa holidays - Lovely, charming and friendly

A wonderful city that's charismatic and full of fun

Ottawa holidays are sure to be full of excitement, beauty, and wonder. Canada’s Capital is located near the centre of Canada and is home to majestic parks and waterways, historic architecture, and monuments showcasing its colourful history and multicultural perspective.

Situated on the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers, Ottawa has an interesting history as a centre of trade and commerce, traced back to Canada’s very beginnings in the 1800s. Ottawa continues to be a pivotal part of Canada’s cultural, political and artistic heritage. Ottawa is home to the country’s main Parliament buildings, the world’s only Peacekeepers Monument, 30 museums, and 50 galleries and theatres showcasing the best of Canadian and International art, music, dance, and theatre. Ottawa also hosts many festivals year-round including the world’s largest winter festival, Winterlude, which brings many visitors to Ottawa year after year, and a world renowned jazz festival. There is always much to see and do regardless of the weather or the time of year, which makes holidays to Ottawa ideal for everyone.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast looking to explore Canada’s political and cultural roots, an art enthusiast looking to explore local art or a nature lover in search of beautiful landscapes and local wildlife, a holiday in Ottawa has something for you. Ottawa’s Parliament Buildings offer daily tours and many heritage sites are within easy walking distance of the city core. Ottawa also offers unique indoor and outdoor shopping experiences including ByWard Market located in Ottawa’s oldest residential and commercial area.

Ottawa is very close to Quebec; an interprovincial bridge provides easy access from Ottawa City to Gatineau which houses the stunning Gatineau Park, a highlight for visitors and locals alike. It is also a short distance from Montreal. In the winter, Ottawa also features the world’s longest skating rink: Rideau Canal. The Canal is very historically significant as it formed one of the main reasons for settling in the Ottawa area back in the 1800s. If winter sport is not your thing, wait until the summer for your Ottawa holiday, when you can take a relaxing boat ride down the canal or a stroll or cycle along the paths beside it. Ottawa’s Canada Day festivities are also worth experiencing and feature the popular Changing of the Guard, a flag raising ceremony, live music and a spectacular fireworks display over Parliament Hill.

Ottawa Canada is extraordinarily friendly and diverse. Most locals believe it is the most beautiful and best city in the world and are very happy to welcome visitors. The city is a source of pride for Canada and a wonderful place for anyone to visit.