Ottawa

Ottawa Travel Guide

• About Ottawa

Cosmopolitan, classy and as cultured as they come, Canada’s capital is bags more fun than its somewhat staid reputation suggests. Think of Ottawa as the country in microcosm: a harmonious blend of urban and outdoorsy with a bilingual population, a coffee addiction and a healthy obsession with ice hockey. At Ottawa’s heart are the neo-gothic spires and turrets of Parliament Hill. Stretching skyward on the steep bluffs high above the River Ottawa, these Westminster-style government buildings exude a European elegance that is echoed in the barge-lined undulations of the Rideau Canal as it cuts through the city centre. Ottawa began life as a small lumber town, but a radical 20th-century redesign transformed the city into the leafy, elegant capital it is today. Much of the action still takes place in the original ByWard Market district – the focal point for the city’s French and Irish communities – which teems with closely-packed shops, restaurants and bars. It might not be as lively or as garrulous as nearby Toronto, but Ottawa is the nation’s intellectual nucleus with a raft of museums and galleries to prove it. The city’s highbrow residents don’t spend all their time browsing exhibitions and sipping flat whites in coffee shops though – not with so many outdoorsy activities to indulge in. From winter skating on the frozen Rideau Canal, the world’s largest naturally frozen ice skating rink, to summer cycling on extensive recreational paths, there are countless ways to give your adrenal glands a good workout. When you want to escape the city altogether, a world of adventure awaits in the superlatively scenic Ottawa Valley A packed calendar of events helps make Ottawa a year-round destination. Winterlude, which takes place over three weekends of February, offers everything from learn-to-skate clinics to a children’s snow playground and draws around 600,000 visitors. Music enthusiasts have no shortage of options either with Bluesfest, the Ottawa International Jazz Festival and Ottawa Chamberfest all rolling around annually.

• Ottawa History

The name Ottawa is derived from the Algonquin word adawe, meaning “to trade”. For centuries, Algonquin people navigated the waterways of the Ottawa and Rideau rivers but there was no settlement here until the 1800s when Gatineau was founded near the falls, across the river from present-day Ottawa. Ottawa was started as a settlement after a navigable waterway between Lake Ontario and the Ottawa River was completed in 1831. Many of the builders were Scottish stonemasons who lived in Ottawa, then known as Bytown. After its humble beginning as a small lumber town, Ottawa was designated Canada’s capital by Queen Victoria in 1857. Four years later, the population hit 15,000 but settlers in the surrounding regions numbered almost 50,000. Soon, sawmills built by lumber barons would become some of the largest mills in the world. The lumber industry continued to contribute to Ottawa’s growth and lasted until shortly after the turn of the century, after which it slowly fell into decline. Around the same time, the city saw a rise in the creation of new government departments. Between 1860 and 1876, construction of the parliament buildings took place on Parliament Hill. Although fire destroyed the Centre Block of the Parliament buildings in 1916, a replacement was completed in 1922, the centrepiece of which is the gothic-inspired Peace Tower located on Wellington Street. In 1867, the Province of Canada ceased to exist and the provinces of Quebec and Ontario were formed. They united with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to form Canada. The arrival of the railways in the late 19th century enabled the city to become a key destination on a transcontinental network. By 1901, the city was the fourth largest in Canada. A building boom in the 1960s and 70s saw a transformation of the city’s skyline. In the 1970s the high tech sector drew highly skilled workers to this burgeoning computer and telecommunications centre, giving birth to Silicon Valley North. Today, technology, government and health are the major sources of employment.

• Did you know?

The Dutch gave 100,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa in 1945 as thanks for sheltering the Dutch royal family during WWII. A fire destroyed most of the original Parliament Building in 1916, except for the library which survived as an employee closed its huge steel doors. In 1929, there were a number of explosions in Ottawa’s sewers. Blasts sent manhole covers and flames into the air and killed one person.

• Weather in Ottawa

The best time to visit Ottawa is between April and May, when temperatures can rise to 19°C (66°F). This time of year also coincides with some of the capital’s key events, including the Tulip Festival. Summer is the most popular time for a visit, as it’s the warmest time of year, with temperatures around 26°C (79°F) but it’s also the most expensive. If you like ice-skating and festivals, go in the winter but wrap up warm and with several layers to keep the cold at bay. Temperatures can plummet to around -10°C (14°F).

In partnership with Get Your Guide

Book popular activities in Ottawa

Things to see in Ottawa

Attractions

• Rideau Canal

This UNESCO-listed canal is cruised by boats in the summer but then transforms into the world’s longest ice-skating rink in the winter, with a 7.8km (4.8-mile) channel of ice winding through downtown Ottawa. It extends over 200km (124 miles) from Ottawa to Kingston, and links the River Ottawa with Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence Seaway. Address: Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 283 5170 Opening times: Daily 10:00-16:00. Website: www.pc.gc.ca Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Parliament of Canada

Perched on a rise next to the fairytale Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel, the neo-gothic Parliament of Canada overlooks the River Ottawa and neighbouring Québec and is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks. Sit in on question time at the Legislature, enjoy the sound and light show on the illuminated Parliament Hill or take a guided tour of Centre Block. Address: Parliament Hill, Wellington St, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 992 4793 Opening times: Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00. Website: www.parl.gc.ca Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• The ByWard Market

Established in 1826 by John By, the same engineer responsible for the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market is one of the oldest and largest public markets in Canada. Home to over 500 established businesses and nearly 270 artisan stalls, this is Ottawa’s ultimate outdoor retail mecca. Shop everything from beauty and fashion to furniture, food and art. Address: ByWard Market, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 562 3325 Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Website: www.byward-market.com Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• National Gallery of Canada

Located near the vibrant ByWard Market, the National Gallery is an architectural landmark with its striking glass towers, spacious galleries, quiet courtyards, a cloistered garden, glass-bottomed pool and a reconstructed 19th century chapel. It is the country’s finest art museum, showcasing the world’s largest collection of Canadian art. Address: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 990 1985 Opening times: Tues-Sun 09:30-17:00. Website: www.gallery.ca Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Canadian Museum of History

This museum boasts 20,000 years of human history, life-size totem poles overshadowing the magnificent Grand Hall, and a Cine+ 3D theatre with constantly changing features. Reconstructed buildings and other historical settings are included among the exhibits evoking a sense of different periods and different regions of the country. The museum itself is dramatic and inspired by nature. Address: Gatineau, 100 Laurier Street. Telephone: +1 819 776 7000 Opening times: Daily 09:00-17:00. Website: www.historymuseum.ca Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

The twin spires of Ottawa’s Neo-Gothic cathedral are among the most recognisable features of the city skyline, and the largest and oldest standing church in the Canadian capital is as spectacular inside as it is out. Guided tours run during the summer months. Alternatively, attend one of the regular concerts to see the cathedral at its most romantic. Address: 375 Sussex Drive, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 241 7496 Opening times: Daily 09:00-18:00. Website: www.notredameottawa.com Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Gatineau Park

Just a 15-minute journey from downtown, this 90,000-acre green space is Ottawa’s outdoor playground. Take part in adventurous activities such as wild swimming, biking, cross-country skiing and show-shoeing, or simply enjoy a gentle ramble around the park’s heritage sites. The best time to visit is in autumn, when you’ll be treated to a spectacular display of fall colours. Address: 33 Scott Road, Chelsea. Telephone: +1 819 827 2020 Opening times: Daily 09:00-17:00. Website: www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Visit a working farm in the heart of the capital city, where you’ll have the chance to explore a line-up of interactive exhibitions as well as seeing different domesticated animals. There are interpretive activities for children, demonstrations, a fun outdoor play structure for kids to expend their energy on and rides in a horse-drawn wagon. Address: Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 991 3044 Opening times: Daily 09:00-17:00. Website: www.ingeniumcanada.org Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Canadian War Museum

Poignant and interactive exhibits reveal Canada’s military past, with a stunning collection of artefacts and airplanes from the world’s major wars. Its vast collection, which spans around three million pieces, also includes military vehicles and artillery. The extensive permanent exhibition highlights key events and defining moments in Canada’s military history via personal stories, photographs and interactive presentations. Address: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 819 776 8600 Opening times: Daily 09:00-17:00, Thurs 09:00-19:00. Website: www.warmuseum.ca Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Diefenbunker Cold War Museum

Descend 27.5m (90ft) underground into Canada’s once-secret Cold War bunker, now a museum after being decommissioned in 1997. Step back in time and see first hand 1960s-era government rooms, living quarters and cryptographic areas. Other highlights include the Prime Minister’s suite, the War Cabinet Room, the CBC Radio studio and the Bank of Canada vault. Address: Carp, 3911 Carp Road, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 839 0007 Opening times: Wed-Sun 10:00-16:00. Website: www.diefenbunker.ca Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• Ottawa Tourism

Address: 90 Wellington Street, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 237 5150 Opening times: Mon-Fri 08:30-16:30. Website: www.ottawatourism.ca The main tourist office provides information in both English and French.

Tourist passes

• Museum Passports

Website: www.museumspassport.ca that last for three days offer discounts at six museums. You can buy the pass at any of the participating museums, which include the War Museum, National Gallery and Museum of History as well as at the Museum of Nature, Aviation and Space Museum and the Agriculture and Food Museum. Passes can also be purchased at the Capital Information Kiosk at 90 Wellington Street.

Things to do in Ottawa

• Catch a classical concert at the National Arts Centre

For culture vultures Ottawa’s NAC Telephone: +1 613 947 7000 Website: www.nac-cna.ca is a must. Situated on the Rideau Canal, visitors can catch classical music, dance and both French and English theatre here. Performances are still running whilst the current Brutalist building undergoes a rejuvenation that will see a space as colourful, imaginative and exciting as the programme.

• Glide down a UNESCO World Heritage Sight

With just one UNESCO World Heritage Site, you would forgive Ontario for wanting to do anything to preserve it. Instead, during winter the Rideau Canal, which connects Ottawa with Lake Ontario, is turned into the world’s largest ice rink Telephone: +1 613 239 5000 Website: www.rcs.ncc-ccn.ca With rental spots en route, ride from downtown to Dows Lake.

• Make for the lakes for a spot of swimming

Ottawa may be hundreds of miles from the sea, but that doesn’t stop locals lapping up some beach action. To the north of the city Gatineau Park Website: www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca boasts six beaches. Leamy Lake is particularly great for swimming, whilst Smith Beach allows camping for those that wish to extend their stay.

• Slam down the best ski slopes in North America

Skiers are spoilt in Ottawa. Mont Tremblant Telephone: +1 866 356 2233 Website: www.tremblant.ca is not only one of the best slopes in Québec but arguably in North America. Hosting over 95 trails and runs, there’s no shortage of variety ramps, rails and jumps here to keep thrill seekers happy, and they even have an Olympic calibre super pipe.

• Tackle the Ottawa River’s white water

Hold on tight and try to enjoy the region’s gorgeous scenery with a white water rafting trip. Owl Rafting Telephone: +1 800 461 7238 Website: www.owl-mkc.ca offers six-hour long and daylong excursions on the Ottawa River that are a must for adrenaline junkies. With tours available from May to September, paddlers can even up the ante with a two-person inflatable kayak.

Ottawa tours and excursions

Ottawa tours

• Boat tours

Enjoy a cruise along the Rideau Canal or River Ottawa. The canal is said to be one of the greatest engineering marvels of the 19th century and offers a unique perspective on the city, while the river affords spellbinding views of Parliament Hill. Some tour operators run dinner cruises and themed evenings on the river as well as bilingual commentaries. Boat tours generally run during peak tourist season from May to October. Paul’s Boat Lines Telephone: +1 613 225 6781 Website: www.paulsboatline.com Capital Cruises Telephone: +1 613 241 8811 Website: www.capitalcruises.ca

• Walking tours

Explore hundreds of kilometres of pathways by bike, inline skates or on foot through the picturesque city or along the riverbank and Rideau Canal. Take a walking tour of historic landmarks and tourist sites or head to Gatineau Park, 15 minutes north of downtown Ottawa, which also offers extensive trails for hiking and snowshoeing. Ottawa Walking Tours Telephone: +1 613 799 1774 Website: www.ottawawalkingtours.com Ottawa Free Tours Website: www.ottawafreetour.com

Ottawa excursions

• 1,000 Islands

Take a cruise with Gananoque Boat Lines past secluded island hideaways, stunning summer residences and the fairytale Boldt Castle in the 1,000 Islands region of the River St Lawrence. Legends and stories of rum running, piracy, tragedy, romance and shipwrecks abound along this waterway, which separates Canada from the United States. Telephone: +1 613 382 2144 Website: www.ganboatline.com

• Ottawa Valley

Sandwiched between the Ottawa River and Algonquin Provincial Park, the Ottawa Valley is an adventurer’s playground, with more than 2.4 million hectares (6 million acres) of waterways and rolling woodlands and canyons to explore. You don’t have to do an adrenalin activity in order to enjoy what the region has to offer – there are numerous tours and activities to suit young and old alike. Telephone: +1 613 732 4364 Website: www.ottawavalley.travel

Shopping in Ottawa

Shopping in Ottawa has something to offer everyone.

• Key areas

Sparks Street Mall is a pedestrian mall running between Elgin and Lyon Streets, a block south of the Parliament Buildings, and a good place for tourist items. Glebe and trendy Westboro are popular neighbourhood shopping districts.

• Markets

ByWard Market, nestled in the city’s historic Lowertown neighbourhood, is one of the oldest outdoor markets in Canada, and is Ottawa’s most popular shopping district. By day the outdoor market overflows with fresh produce, flowers, arts and crafts. It is the best place to find eclectic groceries, such as fiddleheads and ramps, and locally harvested maple syrup. Browse the bakeries, cheese shops, handcrafted clothing stalls and artisan boutiques. A multitude of eating spots and restaurants cater to every taste, and by night the area hums to the beat of hip nightspots. Be sure to try an original Ottawa pastry from the BeaverTail stand at the market. A beavertail is a flat, deep fried pastry in the shape of a beaver tail, usually topped with sugar and cinnamon.

• Shopping centres

The Bayshore Shopping Centre, at 100 Bayshore Drive in Ottawa West, includes large retailers like The Bay and Zellers. The downtown Rideau Centre, 50 Rideau Street, is home to leading fashion retailers, local artwork, jewellery and over 180 stores. Taste the famous ice wine that Canada is known for, available at LCBO and Wine Rack stores. Large malls east of downtown include the Place d’Orleans at 110 Place d’Orleans Drive and St Laurent Shopping Centre at 1200 St Laurent Boulevard, both with hundreds of stores, restaurants, cinemas and activities. Westboro Village has become increasingly popular for its outdoor clothes stores Take the kids for a sensory smorgasbord at Mrs Tiggy Winkles, Ottawa’s neighbourhood toy store, found at the major shopping centres (Rideau, Place d’Orleans and Bayshore).

• Opening hours

Most shopping centres are open Monday to Saturday 09:00-21:00 and Sunday 10:00-18:00. Outdoor markets open at daybreak.

• Souvenirs

Foodies should try and look for maple leaf shortbreak cookies, maple syrup, and cheeses. In addition, handmade aboriginal crafts and outdoor winter clothing is also worth looking at.

Restaurants in Ottawa

Over the past few years, Ottawa has emerged from the gastronomic shadow of Montreal to establish a world-class foodie scene in its own right. A wave of new restaurant openings is delighting locals and slowly winning the capital a place on the culinary map. From taco joints and funky neighbourhood bistros to fine dining establishments, there’s something for every taste and budget. The Ottawa restaurants below have been hand-picked by our guide author and are grouped into three pricing categories: Expensive (over C$50) Moderate (C$30 to C$50) Cheap (up to C$30) These Ottawa restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one, including half a bottle of house wine or equivalent, tax and service. A taxation charge of 13% will be added to your bill in most restaurants. It is also customary to tip 15-18% of the pre-tax meal price.

Expensive

• Le Cordon Bleu Signatures Restaurant

Cuisine: French This charming French country-style restaurant serves the finest classic French cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute Master Chefs. Intimate nooks, impeccable service, perfect wine and food pairings, and an experience in exquisite taste and food artistry are unforgettable. Address: 453 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 236 2499 Website: www.signaturesrestaurant.com

• Riviera

Cuisine: Modern European This hotly anticipated new restaurant opened in July 2016 and has more than lived up to the hype. It’s an elegant, art deco-style diner that combines an a la carte menu with a relaxed vibe – you could turn up in jeans and not feel out of place. The inventive, flavourful dishes are hard to categorise under a particular cuisine but tend to revolve around pasta, fish and vegetables. Address: 62 Sparks Street, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 233 6262 Website: www.dineriviera.com

• The Wellington Gastropub

Cuisine: Gastropub This smart gastropub is a major hit with locals and has expanded its menu in recent years to broaden its appeal. Sample dishes include slow roasted pork belly, scallops with gnocchi and 60-hour beef shortrib. A perennial favourite, though, is the signature dessert – a whole pint of ice cream to take home and share. Address: 1325 Wellington Street West, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 729 1315 Website: www.thewellingtongastropub.com

Moderate

• Cadena Restaurant & Tapas Bar

Cuisine: Spanish You have to try experience at Cadena. The portions is really good and the quality of the food is very fresh. Keep in mind that the paella is delicious so be prepared to have a couple drinks while you wait. beef empanada is very good! The owner is very personable as well, and you’ll very happy to choose this restaurant. Address: 385 Richmond Rd, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 695 7772 Website: www.cadenarestaurant.com

• Aiana Restaurant Collective

Cuisine: Fine dining Stylish spot for a la carte meals made with locally sourced ingredients, plus a robust wine list. This is an elegant, restaurant. It is an excellent choice for Sunday brunch, with delectable French cuisine, mimosa cocktails and desserts. Address: 50 O’Connor St, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 680 8100 Website: www.aiana.ca

• The Manx

Cuisine: Pub fare Since 1993, The Manx claims to have been at the centre of Ottawa’s arts scene, showcasing the works of local artists, hosting DJ nights and proving to be popular haunt for lovers of good food and beer, with its fine selection of craft beer. Alcohol aside, the food is also worth sampling, whether it’s spicy crab cakes or a salmon burger. Good pub fare. Address: 370 Elgin Street, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 231 2070 Website: www.manxpub.com

Cheap

• Ahora

Cuisine: Mexican With plenty of tasty mains for under C$10 from tacos to quesadillas to burritos, this Mexican eaterie is great for thrifty tourists wishing to fill up on good, hearty food. Inspired by a traditional cantina, it offers colourful, lively decor with a free salsa bar to spice up your dish – now that’s great value. Address: 307 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 562 2081 Website: www.ahora.ca

• Smoke’s Poutinerie

Cuisine: Fast food Smoke’s Poutinerie specialises in the Quebec classic poutine dish, consisting of fries, curd and gravy. This heavyweight dish comes with the option of extra fresh toppings so you can create your own; from pork, chicken and beef to vegetarian options. Many locals claim this place serves the best poutine in town. Check it out for yourself to see what all the fuss is about. Address: 407 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 789 2873 Website: www.smokespoutinerie.com

• The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro

Cuisine: Burgers This place serves what are quite likely the world’s best gourmet burgers, made with locally sourced fresh ingredients, imaginative combinations of delicate flavours and sustenance fit for a rugby team. There are seven outlets across Ottawa – and they’ll deliver straight to your living room as well. Address: 580 Bank Street, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 235 0406 Website: www.worksburger.com

Ottawa Nightlife

Don’t believe the lack of hype – in recent years, Ottawa has built up a buzzy entertainment scene that encompasses everything from hipster cocktail joints to cosy Irish pubs. Most of the action happens around the ByWard Market district, with secondary hotspots along Elgin and Bank streets. Last orders are at 0200 and bars stay open till 02:45. Check Ottawa’s online arts and entertainment guide at: The Humm Website: www.thehumm.com

Bars in Ottawa

• The Laff

Legendary watering hole dating from 1849 featuring live music, pub grub & a lively ambiance. This legendary music venue has been going just keeps on getting better and better. Today it’s Ottawa’s premiere live music club, drawing top bands from around the world. lived-in feel only adds to the venue’s charm. Address: 42 York St, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 241 4747 Website: www.thelaff.ca

• Social

This is a Martini bar with great mojitos. It has an inviting atmosphere with live jazz, and draws a buzzing crowd. The food is top-notch too, so if you fancy eating and partying without moving venues then this is the place to come. Address: 537 Sussex Drive, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 789 7355 Website: www.social.ca

• The Heart and Crown

For the world’s most effortless pub crawl, head to this giant Irish pub complex in the ByWard Market. Encompassing a grand total of five pubs and six patios – all under one roof – it’s Ottawa’s ultimate winter hideaway. Live bands three days per week add to the fun. Address: 67 Clarence Street, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 562 0674 Website: www.heartandcrown.ca

Clubs in Ottawa

• Hyde & Seek

This hip venue is one of the most versatile clubs in town. The vibe changes nightly, with live acts ranging from hip hop artists to grungy indie bands. If you don’t fancy dancing then there’s a cosy seating area as well, which gives the Hyde & Seek a more relaxed feel than other venues of a similar stamp. Great club you true club feel Venue is a cool space cocktail lounge vibe Lot of potential for all kinds of events. It have gogo dancers ffs. Address: 130 George St, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 714 5084 Website: www.hydeandseek.ca

• The Show Ottawa

High-energy hangout featuring a dance floor, bottle service, ladies’ nights & DJs. This is a true soul club, attracting the jazz and blues crowd. There’s nothing 20th-century about this happening super-club though – as well as live performances from trad jazz bands, The Show Ottawa hosts electronic break beat nights, poetry  readings, dance performances and even art exhibitions. Address: 104 Clarence St., Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 882 5392 Website: www.theshowottawa.ca

• Berlin Nightclub

56 ByWard aims to bring contemporary sounds and good vibes connecting all the dots through three unique spaces. The Underground offers a warm escape from the ordinary with sophisticated resident DJs playing the very best subgenres of house music every night. Address: 56 Byward Market Square, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 922 2937 Website: www.56byward.ca

Live music in Ottawa

• National Arts Centre

The National Arts Centre is an ideal Ottawa venue for the special events in your life: an enchanting wedding, an innovative business meeting or conference, a corporate dinner party, Gala cocktail reception, romantic dining or family gathering. For those looking for a festive party venue, some of the NAC’s spaces are still available. Perfect for office parties, celebrate the season with our festive menus, beautiful venues, and accessible location. Don’t wait — book that holiday party today! Love this cost and charming concert hall. Any place you choose—you will hear and see everything on stage. Address: 1 Elgin St, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 947 7000 Website: www.nac-cna.ca

• The Rainbow Bistro

From its roots as Ottawa’s “Home of the Blues” to its current status as a legendary live music venue, The Rainbow Bistro has played host to many of North America’s most influential artists. Blues artists ‒ Koko Taylor, Son Seals, Albert Collins, Dr. John, Dutch Mason, Jeff Healey and John Hammond ‒ and iconic Canadian acts ‒ the Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, Crash Test Dummies, Spirit of the West, Tom Wilson, Amanda Marshall, Colin James and k.d. lang ‒ have graced the stage of this ByWard Market venue. For local artists, the Rainbow is an important gathering point and proving ground for up-and-coming talent. Address: 76 Murray St, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 859 5123 Website: www.therainbow.ca

• Bronson Centre

A community hall that doubles up as one of Ottawa’s top performance venues, the Bronson hosts a mix of established Canadian bands and up-and-coming talent. The venue itself is a tad dated, but that doesn’t seem to stop the stars clamouring to perform here. Address: 211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa. Telephone: +1 613 237 5550 Website: www.bronsoncentre.ca

Ottawa Food And Drink

Food In Ottawa

• Egg Rolls

An egg roll is a fried, savory roll filled with shredded cabbage, ground or roast pork or shrimp and other ingredients inside a wonton wrapper or thick, wheat flour wrapper. Egg rolls are thought to have been invented in New York City’s Chinatown restaurants in the 1930s.

• Maple Bacon Donuts

Made with real maple syrup and brown sugar, this bacon is naturally smoked for farm-fresh flavor. Boar’s Head Maple & Brown Sugar Bacon has sweet and smoky notes in each delicious slice. This bacon is a product of Canada. Popular history. The Swirls bakery in Omaha, Nebraska, started a “maple bacon donut craze” with its version sometimes referred to as “The Elvis”.

• Pancake-Battered Bacon

The key ingredients in Canadian pancakes are milk, eggs, and flour. Then of course you must have high quality Canadian maple syrup for the topping. Pancakes are fairly simple to make, but if you want to make them really, really well there are some subtle differences to be aware of.

• Cinnamon Buns

Cinnamon-raisin bread has a long history in the making. Its predecessors include stollen, a German fruit bread with spices and candied fruits, kulich, a tall Easter bread served in the Russian and Slavic regions, and panettone, a tall raisin-filled fruit cake made in Italy.

• Moo Shu Ice Cream

Flavour forward small-batch ice cream in Ottawa made with pure Ontario dairy. Creative flavours, vegan options, and scratch-made cones.

• Poutine

Poutine (Quebec French: [puˈt͡sɪn]) is a dish of french fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy. poutine, a Canadian dish made of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. It first appeared in 1950s rural Québec snack bars and was widely popularized across Canada and beyond in the 1990s. Poutine may be found everywhere from fine dining menus at top restaurants to fast-food chains.

• Beaver Tails

The must have item when visiting the Canadian capital of Ottawa is a beaver tail. This fried dough pastry has become synonymous with Byward Market where a chain called BeaverTail serves thousands of these long oval shaped pastries. BeaverTails® are made of a half wholewheat flour mix risen, spread and deep fried.

• Montreal-style Smoked Meat

Montreal-style smoked meat, Montreal smoked meat or simply smoked meat in Quebec (French: viande fumée or even bœuf mariné: Literally “marinated beef”) is a type of kosher-style deli meat product made by salting and curing beef brisket with spices.

• Saskatoon berry pie

Saskatoon berry pie typically contains Saskatoon berries, flour, sugar, and lemon juice. Cinnamon or nutmeg may be added. The pie originated in the Prairies region of Canada. Often served with vanilla ice cream as a dessert, the pie is sometimes made with blueberries as a saskatoon berry substitute.

• Montreal-style Bagels

It contains malt, egg, and no salt, and is boiled in honey-sweetened water before being baked. In some Montreal establishments, bagels are still produced by hand and baked in full view of the patrons. There are two predominant varieties: black-seed (poppy seed), or white-seed (sesame seed).

• Nova Scotian Lobster Rolls

The key components for the perfect Nova Scotia Atlantic lobster roll are: a soft bread bun, usually a hot dog bun, but brioche buns are now making their mark too; fresh lobster meat, both the claw meat and the tail meat; good quality mayonnaise mixed with lemon zest and juice; some finely chopped celery and crisp.

• Bannock

Bannock is a flour-water combination bread, fried over a fire, that originated with Indigenous Peoples. Bannock is a staple food of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and variations of this recipe are part of traditional meals all across the country.

Drink In Ottawa

• Craft Beer

Craft beer is made up of four basic ingredients: water, hops, malted grains, and yeast. Each of these ingredients has a unique role to play in the brewing process and can be used to create a wide range of flavors and styles.

• Caesar Cocktail

The Caesar, also known as the Bloody Caesar, is considered Canada’s national cocktail. The key ingredients are vodka, clam juice, tomato juice, spices and Worcestershire sauce. It is typically served in a highball glass rimmed with celery salt and garnished with a celery stalk, olives and lime.

• Coureur des bois, Maple Cream Liqueur

Coureur des Bois Maple Cream is a Quebec liqueur made from high-quality pure maple syrup, fresh cream, and a blend of alcohols, grains, and rum. It stands out for its rich and authentic maple syrup flavor, smooth texture, and distinctive character that evokes the history and traditions of Canada’s coureurs des bois.

• Caribou

Caribou is a sweet French-Canadian alcoholic beverage composed of red wine and a spirit (usually rye whisky) (mixed 3 parts to 1), and maple syrup or sugar. Caribou can be made at home but is now available as a premixed beverage by the Société des alcools du Québec.

• Ice Wine

Ice wine usually is made from white grapes Riesling and Vidal B, though Cabernet Franc makes rare and delicious red ice wines. In Canada, Austria, Germany, and the United States, a wine can only be labeled “icewine,” “eiswein,” or “ice wine” if the grapes naturally froze in the vineyard.

• Canadian Beer

Basic ingredients would be malted barley, water, yeast, and hops. It’s not true to say that all beers use only these ingredients. Lots of beers use adjuncts, such as fruit, or honey, or coffee, or chocolate.

• Canadian Whisky

Canadian whiskies are most typically blends of whiskies made from a single grain, principally corn and rye, but also sometimes wheat or barley. Mash bills of multiple grains may also be used for some flavouring whiskies.

• Screech

Newfoundland Screech rum is made from a blend of imported Jamaican rum, water from Newfoundland, caramel colour and flavouring. The East Coast spirit has been enjoyed by the locals for centuries.

Ottawa Hotels

Canada might seem too ‘New World-y’ to be referred to as grand, but the Gothically looming Parliament buildings right at the centre of town are certainly that. Around that anchor jostles a collection of colourful, dynamic downtown neighbourhoods with plenty of culture, plenty of green, plenty of food and just generally plenty to do. If you’re here to see the city then the best places to stay in Ottawa are probably those around the downtown area. What Not To Miss

• The Rideau Canal is central, but also quite scenic, so another good starting point when looking for a great location for finding the best places to stay in Ottawa. This is ideal for taking long, slow, scenic strolls – or in Winter it freezes and becomes a ‘skating-to-work-super-highway’. So it’s a hive of activity in every season.
• Once you’re checked into your choice of hotel, there are a few sights you’ll definitely want to see. The Parliament building has already been mentioned, but the antithesis to its Gothic grandeur is the home of the Canadian History Museum, a fantastic high-tech museum which presents the history of Canada in a collection of innovative exhibitions. It’s on the other side of the river in Hull, but has great views of Parliament Hill.
• The National Gallery of Canada building is another architectural marvel, with its glass spires and pink granite, and inside there’s a great collection of predominantly Canadian art, starting with works by indigenous artists. Though they do also have European and American galleries.
• Some of Ottawa’s other museums and galleries worth a mention include the Canadian War Museum, the Food and Agriculture Museum, the Science and Technology Museum and the Aviation and Space Museum.
• There are also several historic homes and mansions open to the public, a beautifully glittering cathedral and a chance to see the Mounties at the RCMP Musical Ride Centre.

This city is a busy year round destination, so if you want to make sure of a bed in one of the best places to stay in Ottawa, do yourself a favour and book early.