Ottawa Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
capital city of Canada
About Ottawa
Ottawa started as a humble lumber town calledBytown, named after Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers who oversaw the construction of theRideau Canal(now a UNESCO World Heritage site which doubles as a giant skating rink in the winter), much of which was done by hand between 1826 and 1832. Lumber mills were built along the Ottawa River in the mid-19th century, and brought employment and wealth to the growing population. The centre of action then, as now, was the Byward Market. While it is still the centre of the city's nightlife, it has changed appreciably from the rough–and–tumble early days of brothels and taverns. In 1857, Ottawa was chosen (in the legend by Queen Victoria, really on the advice of Canadian politicians) as the capital of Canada. The choice was made to avoid a controver
Top Attractions in Ottawa
Explore the best things to see and do in Ottawa:
- ★24 Sussex
- ★Atlético Ottawa
- ★Bank of Canada Currency Museum
- ★Bluesfest
- ★Bytown Museum
- ★Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
- ★Canada Aviation and Space Museum
- ★Canada Day
Where to Eat in Ottawa
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Ahora Mexican Cuisine
- 🍴BeaverTails
- 🍴Beckta
- 🍴CafeMyHouse
- 🍴Coconut Lagoon
- 🍴Di Rienzo
Where to Stay in Ottawa
- 🏨Andaz Ottawa
- 🏨Arc
- 🏨Auberge King Edward Bed and Breakfast
- 🏨Australis Guest House
- 🏨Barefoot Hostel
- 🏨ByWard Blue Inn
Ottawa Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 15 sections including: