Holidays in Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and the country's fourth largest city. Located in Quebec at the junction of three rivers (Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau), Ottawa is very green, and ideal to explore by foot or bicycle. Both English and French are official languages here, making Ottawa the only North American bilingual capital. The uniqueness of the city doesn’t stop there; thanks to its diverse landscapes and attractions, holidays in Ottawa are enjoyable all year long.

Holidays in Ottawa

Ottawa holidays have something special in wintertime, when visitors flock to the Winterlude festival and enjoy skating on the frozen Rideau Canal. However, with four distinct seasons, Ottawa holidays are popular all year-round. Spring sees lots of rain, but the travel season starts with a burst of colour at the annual tulip festival in May. Summertime is perfect for those who enjoy the beach, parks and outdoor festivals, while the vibrant autumn foliage is an attraction in itself. Ottawa can be reached from most major North American cities by plane, as well as from other Canadian cities by train, bus and even boat. It located in the GMT-5 time zone.

Ottawa's highlights

Ottawa offers numerous historical attractions, such as Parliament Hill. The seat of Canada's government features a Changing of the Guard Ceremony daily from June to August. Take your time to visit the wide range of museums, especially the massive Canadian Museum of Civilization or Diefenbunker, a museum exploring Canada’s role in the Cold War.

Active travellers should head to Gatineau Park, an outdoor recreation park ideal for cycling, or take an atmospheric Haunted Walk Tour to discover Ottawa's past. Take a memorable journey with the last remaining steam-powered train, or see the annual Lawyer Play, which is put on by local lawyers to raise money for charity. A day trip to Montreal, Quebec's lively cultural hub, is in absolute must for those interested in music, culture and the arts.