Ottawa Travel Guide
For details of what to do and see in Ottawa check out our Ottawa guide to car hire in Ottawa
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Canada's modern capital is a clean and pleasant city with plenty of open spaces and parkland to complement the many impressive government buildings and prestigious art galleries and museums that dominate the city's cultural scene. The city has an airy feel that reflects both the pride and the modesty that the Canadian people have in their nation. Like Washington DC in the USA, Ottawa was constructed in order to be the capital, and as such, it is primarily a government city, where the business of running an enormous country is carried out.
Lying roughly on the border between the provinces of Ontario and Quebec quite close to the city of Montreal, Ottawa is a great place from which to begin a holiday touring the Atlantic East, and Great Lakes regions of Canada. Amongst the many attractions that can be explored with Ottawa as a base, Toronto and Montreal are relatively close by, and both cities have a reputation for being cosmopolitan and exciting places with plenty to see and do. Close to Toronto, Niagara Falls, and the Algonquin National Park are also very popular places to spend time.
Within Ottawa itself, there are numerous things to see and do, with many high quality sights to enjoy, as one would expect in such an important city. Visitors should definitely make at least one visit to see the national collection of arts at the National Gallery, which is perhaps the best in all of North America, and includes works by all the old masters as well as more contemporary stuff along side it.
As far as nightlife goes, while Ottawa may not enjoy a reputation as the most happening place in the world, and there is certainly not so much going on as there is in the much larger neighbouring cities of Toronto and Montreal, but like Washington DC, much of the appeal of Ottawa lies in its importance as capital of the country, and the prestige that goes along with this. Ottawa's nightlife at first glance seems to be of a limited, if very sophisticated nature, with elegant bars and clubs attracting well dressed people, and plenty of cultural events throughout the year.
Scratch beneath the surface though, especially just away from the city centre, and you can find lively bars with a younger clientele, and plenty of live music to entertain you, no matter what kind of thing that your tastes run to.
