OTTAWA
Area: Ontario
Country: Canada


Location:
In E Canada, in SE corner of Ontario province. 250 mls NE of Toronto. 130 mls SW of Montreal. 100 mls S of Mont Tremblant ski-resort. 7» mls N of MacDonald Cartier airport.

Telephone code from UK:
1 613

Website:
http://www.capitalducanada.ca

Position:
Bounded to N by broad Ottawa River, which forms boundary with Quebec province. Town centre bisected by Rideau Canal, with 2 halves linked by 3 road bridges.

Description:
With the cities of Toronto, Montreal or Quebec often mistakenly thought to be Canada's capital, Ottawa has in fact been the seat of the nation's government since 1867 _ 10 yrs after Queen Victoria settled the dispute between the bickering factions. It cannot be compared to the faceless, purpose-built federal capitals in other parts of the world, such as Canberra or Bonn, though it does have its fair share of bland concrete government institutions, grey-suited mandarins, the occasional architectural monstrosity and formal grid layout. Instead, Ottawa has a genuine character of its own, enhanced by many fine historic buildings and monuments. These are set against a backdrop of intrinsic natural beauty, well-planned parks, tree-lined avenues and attractive waterways. The city is relatively compact with most attractions within easy walking distance of each other. The downtown area is 1» mls by 1 ml, with everything focused on Parliament Hill and its impressive 19th-century architecture overlooking the river.

Suitability:
Predominantly business, diplomatic and federal government employees. Its rich history, fine buildings and attractive setting make it a popular tourist destination for Canadians and foreigners alike. Well disposed to families and educational groups.

Accommodation:
Large concentration of predominantly business-orientated multistorey high-rises, ranging from affordable to quite expensive in and around central business and government district. Many boast in-house leisure facilities and extensive conference amenities, while some are attached to shopping malls.

Shopping:
As varied as any major city. Huge Rideau Centre boasts over 200 retailers in fashion, food and entertainment, including glamorous department stores. In contrast, Byward Market is a renowned concentration of low-rise shops, street vendors and local artisans. Numerous other malls dotted around city centre.

Entertainments:
Daytime: enormous variety of historic monuments, fine museums, art galleries, theatres and public buildings, most notable being the impressive 19th-century buildings and clock tower atop Parliament Hill, which incorporates Canada's own House of Commons (with public gallery) and Senate offices; daily Changing of the Guard; numerous art and music festivals and exhibitions; row-boat races and boat tours on Ottawa River and its canals. Country's biggest event is the Canada Day celebrations, held here on July 1st. Nightlife: although more family orientated than many cities, there is the usual array of nightclubs, bars and clubs as well as theatres.

Eating:
As varied as you like with places to suit all pockets. Strong French/Quebecois influence in many of the smarter restaurants and hotel bistros contrasts with traditional Canadian/American-style steakhouses, Chinese, Mexican, Thai and usual gamut of international fast-food chains.

Public-transport:
Visitors staying in relatively compact, flat downtown area either side of Rideau Canal are within walking distance of most major attractions. However, efficient and fairly cheap public buses run E or W, according to direction of one-way streets, and a light railway crosses city from N to S. Abundant taxis.

Local-excursions:
Numerous city-wide guided walking tours. Lots of trips to region's extensive conservation areas, lakes, rivers, heritage trails and historic local towns.