DESTINATION: OTTAWA, CANADA (metro population: approx 848,720)

Ottawa welcomes visitors. A city rich in cultural history, Ottawa has many museums and attractions, and hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. Ottawa is officially bilingual, and most services are available in English or French.

LOCATION
Ottawa is the nation's capital, and the fourth-largest city in Canada. Located on the Quebec border in southeastern Ontario, Ottawa is part of the overall National Capital Region. The NCR includes the neighbouring Quebec municipality of Gatineau, and large rural areas.

ECONOMY
Ottawa was once a lumber town. The Ottawa River was a major logging and trading route. Today, Ottawa is the seat of Canadian Parliament, and most employment is in government and the hi-tech industry. Tourism also contributes to the economy.

BRIEF HISTORY
Originally, the Algonquin First Nations people lived in the area. Lumber companies came into the region after 1800. In 1825, Colonel John By started work on the Rideau Canal. He established the settlement of Bytown, on the southern shore of the Ottawa River.

In 1855, Bytown became incorporated as Ottawa. England's Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the Canadian capital in 1857.

CULTURE AND FESTIVALS
Ottawa is multicultural and officially bilingual (English/French). Festivals include the Franco-Ontarian and the Caribbean Festival, the Children's Festival, and many musical and culinary celebrations - even a Beerfest.

A springtime favourite is the Tulip Festival, and Winterlude is popular with tourists and residents alike. Visitors can explore the history and culture of First Nations people at Aboriginal Voices, on Victoria Island.

ATTRACTIONS: PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The Ottawa Parliament Buildings have been the seat of Canadian government since 1866. Built in the neo-gothic style, the buildings are rich in architectural detail. Tours are available, and regular events on Parliament Hill include the Changing of the Guard, and the RCMP Musical Ride.

ATTRACTIONS: RIDEAU CANAL
The Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. Finished in 1832, the canal is a system of waterways and working locks, from downtown Ottawa, south to the St Lawrence River. The Bytown Museum, at the junction of the canal and the Ottawa River, is the oldest stone building in Ottawa.

In winter, the Rideau Canal is the world's longest skating rink, and a popular Winterlude

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