Understand

Once a humble lumber town named Bytown after Colonel John By, Ottawa has transformed into the vibrant capital of Canada. Colonel By played a significant role in the construction of the remarkable Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site that required incredible manual labor between 1826 and 1832. In the mid-nineteenth century, lumber mills along the Ottawa River brought prosperity to the growing population, and the heart of the action was the ByWard Market. This lively district, now the center of the city's nightlife, has evolved significantly from its early days filled with brothels and taverns. In 1857, Ottawa became the capital of Canada, an unconventional choice that defied the rivalry between Toronto and Montreal, the country's largest cities. At the time, the capital was a small outpost in the midst of seemingly endless wilderness. In fact, an American newspaper famously remarked that it was impregnable as any invaders would get lost in the surrounding woods. Ottawa witnessed great advancements during the latter half of the nineteenth century, including the first public demonstration of the telephone and the electrification of the city. In 1891, Ottawa introduced the world's first electric streetcar service, while a menu from 1892 proudly proclaimed the city as the site of the "first instance in the entire world of an entire meal being cooked by Electricity." Today, Ottawa thrives in sectors such as the public service, travel and tourism, and the high-tech industry. The city has preserved its commitment to being environmentally friendly and sits at the confluence of three rivers: the Ottawa, Rideau, and Gatineau. Ottawa's residents enjoy the abundance of parks, green spaces, bikeways, and cross-country ski trails. Additionally, the city boasts a myriad of national attractions, including Parliament Hill, the National Library and Archives, the National Gallery, and museums dedicated to history, contemporary photography, nature, war, and science and technology.

Map & Climate

Neighbourhoods

Downtown

Popular Foods

Poutine is a Canadian comfort food consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and a generous amount of gravy. This dish originates from the province of Quebec but is now widely enjoyed across Canada. It's typically a non-spicy, warm, and filling meal.

Smoked salmon is a popular food item in Canada, particularly in British Columbia where the Pacific salmon is abundant. The salmon is cured with salt and sugar, then cold-smoked over wood chips to enhance its flavor. It's often served as an appetizer, accompanied by cream cheese, bagels, or crackers. The dish offers a mixture of savory and slightly smoky taste, making it a refreshing choice.

Butter tarts are a sweet and flaky dessert native to Canada, particularly popular in the prairie provinces. A butter tart consists of a pastry shell filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, and syrup, often with added raisins or pecans. These bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making them a beloved Canadian treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing