Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. The city is situated along the Ontario side of the Ottawa River, opposite Gatineau, Quebec. Ottawa has proudly remained a green city, with many parks and green spaces. Many national attractions are located in Ottawa: Parliament Hill; the National Library and Archives; the National Gallery; as well as the Museums of Civilization, Contemporary Photography, Nature, and Science & Technology.
The Rideau Canal meanders through the city and the Gatineau Hills and Park, which offer outstanding recreational opportunities and breathtaking views, are located only 10 minutes from the downtown core. Ottawa has a European flavour to it with outdoor cafes, the By Ward Market, Gothic architecture and stone heritage buildings.
Things to See & Do
* Parliament Hill
* Parliament Hill Sound & Light Show
* Gatineau Park
* Byward Market area
* Sparks Street
Cruise Season – May - Nov
Currency – Canadian dollar (C$)
Language – English and French
Land Area – 2274 km²
Population – 860,000
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time – GMT minus five hours
International Country Telephone Code – 1
Port Location – Ottawa Docks are located on the Ottawa River close to downtown Ottawa. Gatineau docks are located on the opposite side of the river in Hull.
Transport Links - The newly renovated and expanded MacDonald-Cartier International is Ottawa's main airport with regular arrivals and departures from most major Canadian and many American cities. Services outside North America, however, are limited to a daily flight to London Heathrow with Air Canada, less frequent flights with Zoom Airlines to London Gatwick and Glasgow. There is a Voyageur/Greyhound terminal in Ottawa with regular service to Toronto and all other cities in North America.
The city's public transit is run by OC Transpo and includes the bus service as well as the O-Train light rail system. The network includes the Transitway, a bus rapid transit system running through and out of downtown. Ottawa is great city to explore on foot and taxis are easy to find downtown.