Ottawa - the unknown capital of the western world. When foreigners give some thought to Canada's capital city they often first think of Toronto or Montreal. Founded in 1826 as Bytown, the city had its roots in logging. Incorporated as Ottawa in 1855, the city name is derived from the Algonquin word "to trade". On December 31, 1857, Queen Victoria selected Ottawa as the new capital of the Dominion of Canada. The city won out over four other rivals - Toronto (too English), Kingston (too susceptible to American invasion), Montreal (too French) and Quebec City (too isolated).
Ottawa evolved early into a political centre and much later, into a technological centre. Situated near the confluence of three rivers - Rideau, Ottawa and Gatineau - the city is home to approximately 900,000 residents.
Ottawa is home to most of the national museums, including the single most visited attraction in the national capital region (NCR) - the Canadian Museum of History. Ottawa is also a city of festivals including one of the most prominent winter festivals in North America. Winterlude takes place annually on three weekends in February.
Ottawa is blessed with countless kilometres of paved bike trails, often scenically located next to the Ottawa River, or the Rideau River and Canal.
Ottawa consistently ranks highly worldwide in the quality of living index and is considered one of the cleanest cities in the world. Ottawa is definitely worth exploring!
Ottawa evolved early into a political centre and much later, into a technological centre. Situated near the confluence of three rivers - Rideau, Ottawa and Gatineau - the city is home to approximately 900,000 residents.
Ottawa is home to most of the national museums, including the single most visited attraction in the national capital region (NCR) - the Canadian Museum of History. Ottawa is also a city of festivals including one of the most prominent winter festivals in North America. Winterlude takes place annually on three weekends in February.
Ottawa is blessed with countless kilometres of paved bike trails, often scenically located next to the Ottawa River, or the Rideau River and Canal.
Ottawa consistently ranks highly worldwide in the quality of living index and is considered one of the cleanest cities in the world. Ottawa is definitely worth exploring!
