Ottawa, Canada

Nearby areas in Ottawa, Canada

Parliament Hill

This area contains all of the beautiful gothic government buildings overlooking the Ottawa River. Skilled carvers decorated the parliament buildings with stone friezes of gargoyles, birds, other animals, and historical Canadian events. A walking tour through the Peace Tower, the Centre Block and the East Block is a good way to learn about early Canada. A Noonday Gun is fired daily, and in the summer, visitors watch the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Rideau Canal

In the wake of the War of 1812, British North America feared attack from the United States. Engineers built this canal in the early 19th century to secure a supply route between Montreal and Kingston. The Canal looks much as it did over 150 years ago, with limestone locks, hand-operated cranks, wooden lock master houses, and stone supply buildings. Parks Canada presents visitors with exhibits and programs telling the history. This is also one of the most popular recreational areas. In the winter, the Rideau Canal transforms into the world's largest skating rink. A great place to bring the kids!.

Gatineau Park

On the northern border of Ottawa, this park has an 88,000-acre forest, 40 lakes, and a great variety of wildlife. "The Gatineaus" is a superb area for hiking, biking, cross-country and downhill skiing, and swimming. There are ski resorts within the park for overnight winter retreats.

For more information about Ottawa, Canada

Ontario Tourism

180 Greenwich Street, Brantford, Ontario N3S 2X6, Canada, phone toll-free 800-267-3399.

New York

1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, phone 212-596-1783 or toll-free 800-267-3399.