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Ottawa Travel Information

Ottawa Vacation and Travel Tips

Canada’s capital city and seat of government is much more than just politics. Ottawa is a leafy metropolis on the Ottawa River, which flows by Parliament Hill, revered for its plethora of Victorian Gothic buildings and Peace Tower, one of the most widely recognized symbols of Canada.

Region: Canada

Featured Ottawa Hotel

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

  • AAA Four Diamond Hotel
Our 4.5-Star classification designates those properties with well-appointed, deluxe accommodations, extensive amenities and comprehensive guest services. Expect attention to detail and a warm and hospitable staff ready to cater to your needs. These superb properties offer a truly refined getaway. Half star indicates that the hotel/resort meets all criteria of the designated rating and exceeds in certain areas.
Downtown Ottawa

From cozy Fairmont Rooms to opulent suites, the Fairmont Château Laurier provides luxury accommodations in a magnificent downtown Ottawa setting.

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Overview

Another of Ottawa’s famous waterways is Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is popular for boating and, in winter, becomes the world’s largest ice-skating rink. Back on land, Notre-Dame Cathedral, built in 1841, is one of the city’s most-visited structures. The neo-Gothic basilica is Ottawa’s largest and oldest church.

What To Do

Other Ottawa must-see sights include the National Gallery of Canada, one of the largest art museums in North America; Canadian Museum of Nature, whose exhibits range from fossils and mammals to minerals and a butterfly garden; the Diefenbunker, a four-story underground bunker where during the Cold War top Canadian officials were expected to take shelter in the event of a nuclear war; York Street, the capital city’s capital of nightlife; and ByWard Market, home to a cornucopia of cafes, farmers’ market stalls, specialty food shops, restaurants and hip boutiques.