Local Information

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and the country's fourth largest city. It is a major political, educational and cultural centre, a vibrant home to numerous festivals and events. Ottawa is situated on the banks of the Ottawa River, right at the border with Quebec. The population of the city proper is close to 810,000, not counting the greater Metropolitan Area.

With a wealth of museums, galleries, monuments and landmarks, Ottawa is a showcase for Canada's history and culture, and a blessing for sightseeing lovers. The National Gallery of Canada is a visual arts museum of international stature, located in one of the most spectacular sites of Ottawa. The same area of ByWard Market hosts a number of other interesting art galleries. ByWard Market itself is a historic site and a major attraction for locals and visitors. This is a traditional farmers' market surrounding a two-floor building of boutiques and featuring some fine restaurants as well as numerous places to grab a snack or a glass of wine or beer.

Ottawa has most of Canada's national museums. You can explore the history of Canada at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, or Ottawa's rowdy, lumberjack past at the Bytown Museum. One more must-see is the Canadian War Museum which presents Canada's rich military history from earliest times to the present day, featuring the viewpoints of the people who lived it. Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography displays more than 160,000 art and documentary photographic works. Canadian Museum of Nature, housed in the Victoria Memorial Museum Building, gives an exciting opportunity to explore the world of insects, prehistoric dinosaurs, animals, and the changing face of the earth.

One of Ottawa's most remarkable landmarks is Parliament Hill. These three Gothic Revival-style buildings are located on a 170-foot bluff overlooking the Ottawa River and house the offices of the members of Parliament, the House of Commons and the Senate. Rideau Hall is another notable building, the home of the Governor-General of Canada.

Ottawa's nightlife varies from quiet and intimate to busy and happening, and has something exciting for everyone. ByWard Market is the heart of the night Ottawa, offering diverse entertainment along with great restaurant and bar selection. Elgin Street is one more nightlife hub. A lot of events, such as live performances and music festivals take place outdoors. Local theatre scene is rich and vibrant, both in French and English. Located on a scenic Leamy Lake, the Casino du Lac-Leamy is an impressive place to enjoy gambling, dinner and shows.

Among other capital's amenities are numerous sporting and shopping opportunities, awesome parks, religious sites, river cruises and a broad range of restaurants and accommodations.

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