5 Reasons To Visit Ottawa- Canada’s Capitol City

 

What first comes to mind when you think of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada? Parliament Hill? Maybe the Rideau Canal. Or perhaps a giant stack of history considering that this is the spot Queen Victoria chose to be Canada’s capital.

Upon arrival, Ottawa was a mystery to me. As Canada’s fourth largest city, I assumed it would be overwhelming to try and make it to all the big sites. I pictured traffic, packed cross walks and horns honking in the distance. But after spending a weekend here, I learned it’s a relatively quiet city full of impressive attractions and of course architecture. And true to the stereotype of the polite Canadian, the honking horns are usually meant as just a friendly hello.

Here are 5 Reasons to visit Ottawa, even if only for a weekend mini-break.

 

1. The Right Kind of Pace

I landed in Ottawa ready to buzz through the city. After checking in at the Arc Hotel, I quickly unpacked and was on the city streets in 8 minutes flat- J-walking across intersections on my way to see the neo-gothic architecture of the Parliament building and others surrounding it. Then, I buzzed through the ByWard Market (Ottawa’s oldest neighborhood) a few streets over before once again dashing across red-lit (no cars coming!) intersections to make a dinner reservation in time.

But despite my speed, I quickly learned that this is not a city that comes with a rapid fire pace. Servers don’t hurry you out of restaurants on a wait and questions to shop owners were always answered thoroughly even when other customers came through the doors.

I started to adjust to the city vibe after my first evening, allowing me to take note of its details and nuances. Like the mix of old and new architecture, the cleanliness, and the different languages one hears while strolling its pleasant streets.

2. No Need For A Car

Walking and biking are the best ways to see Ottawa if you’re staying in a downtown hotel. The big sites, like ByWard Market, Parliament Hill, some of the National Museums and Sparks Street and the Rideau Canal are located just a short walk between each other. Plus, this is a city where the locals like to walk, so when in Ottawa, do as the locals do and hoof it.

To reach other museums and attractions outside the main downtown core, cabs are easy to spot. Expect to spend about $80 Canadian dollars total to get to and from the airport, which is about 20 minutes from downtown.

3. French Speaking

It’s cool how bilingual Ottawa is. At the airport we were greeted at cutoms with a “hello, bonjour,” which continued several times after that throughout the trip. You’ll also notice servers, tour guides and shop owners switching between French and English while chatting with one group to another as this is a bilingual city. During the 19^th century, French Canadians settled on the Eastern portion of the province along the Ottawa River. They worked in farming, railways, forestry and mining. Even today, many still speak English and French growing up.

4. Fresh Local Food

Farm-to-table was never a big marketing catchphrase in Ottawa, the way it is in the states. That’s because the city has always had a tradition of serving local produce and agricultural products from nearby farms and ranches. At Farmers markets, restaurants and grocery stores, you will notice a Savour Ottawa logo on products ensuring it’s from a local producer. One of the best places to get your fix is at the many farmers markets where you can buy what’s in season. Traditional picks like peaches, blueberries and apples are sold alongside ones we don’t often see in the states like ground cherries. The fruit, peeled from a papery husk, tastes like mix of a melon and tomato.

5. Be A Tourist

Ottawa makes for a great quick weekend getaway, as its compact size and walking compatibility makes it easy to see a lot of highlights in just a weekend. The fact that it is bilingual is an added bonus, as you’ll really feel like you’ve left the U.S. when you hear French while ordering your morning coffee.  Map out a national museum or two that you want to see-, which include aviation history, war history, art, a mint and science and technology. Active options include yoga on parliament hill and biking or running along the Rideau Canal. For something a little quirkier take a walking tour of a former jail turned hostel or ride in an open-cockpit biplane across the city.