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When in Ottawa
Like many of the conurbations in Canada, Ottawa is a fairly modern affair, having been established in the early 19th century as a lumber town for the nearby Rideau Canal. Queen Victoria chose it as the nation's capital in 1857, nicely evading the conflict between Montreal and Toronto and providing a perennial quiz question trap for those not well up on their capital cities. Both English and French are spoken here although English is the main language. The winter months will usually bring snow and ice and average temperatures in January are ?10C. Summers are usually warm and short, with an average July temperature of 26C.
Although Ottawa will unlikely delay the visitor for too many days, there are a number of interesting sites to visit and the place is friendly, safe and clean. Top of the pile must be Parliament Hill, the imposing government building situated in the city centre overlooking the Ottawa River. It is a fine example of gothic revival architecture and visitors can join one of the regular hour-long tours around the building.
The Museum of Civilization is a good place for those wanting to learn more about the history of the Canadian population, from Aboriginal migration thousands of years ago to the British and the French turning up in the 1500s.
The Canadian War Museum is also a fascinating experience and takes in early battles between the French and the British for Canadian land up to the country's current involvement with NATO operations. A joint ticket can be purchased with the Museum of Civilization although both are free after 18:00 on a Thursday.
Outdoor types should head to Gatineau Park across the river from Ottawa, where cycles can be hired for a fun day's riding. In the winter, hire some skates and slide along the Rideau Canal. Most of the locals will be annoyingly proficient but it is great fun and quite unlike the constraints of the local rink. On a summarily icy note, sports fans may wish to take in a National Hockey League game of the Ottawa Senators, Canada's newest team.
The recently renovated MacDonald-Cartier International is home to a number of flights each day from various North American airports. Services from further afield are limited to a daily flight from Heathrow and occasional visits from charters. The 97 bus will get you in to town although taxis are not too expensive.
Those coming in by coach can do so from a variety of points in North America, although services are most frequent from Toronto and Montreal. The city's bus station is just a 15 minute walk from the main hotel and hostel quarter.
Montreal and Toronto are also reachable via the regular train service, although departures are less frequent than those of buses.
The city centre itself is compact and can easily explored on foot. Ottawa does have a wonderful public transport system, however, involving light railways and a high?speed bus system, which offers departures every minute during peak hours.
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Introduction
