Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
 
Ottawa offers its visitors many exciting activities to partake in, and is Canada’s capital city, even though it has a much smaller population than other well-known Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver. Ottawa is a very beautiful city, and you will hear the sounds of both Canada’s official languages ( French and English) everywhere you go.

During winter, take your skates ( or rent some) down to the Rideau Canal, which turns into a long skating rink and enjoy a leisurely skate along this frozen masterpiece. Drink hot chocolate to warm up and try the famous “beaver tails” , which are a type of pastry with cinnamon sprinkled on top. They are quite delicious!

After, head to one of the many outdoor parks surrounding Ottawa, in order to take in the beauty of various ice sculptures which have been hand-crafted by a variety of hometown and foreign artists. This is especially impressive at night, where lights illuminate the sculptures and really bring them to life. 

In the summer, go for a walk along the Rideau Canal, and enjoy the exquisite scent of the many tulips which Holland sends to Canada every year. There are various bike trails and parks where you can have a picnic and marvel at the scenery.

During the year, tours can be taken of Canada’s National Parliament Buildings. These tours are offered for free by qualified, bilingual guides who are usually University students and showcase Canada’s history, culture and the gorgeous architecture of the Parliament Buildings. On the tour you will be able to visit the House of Commons, the Senate and the Parliamentary Library which has been carved out of Canadian white pine. The library is very spectacular and not to be missed!

As yo stroll along Rideau Street, you will pass by Ottawa’s most prestigious hotel, The Chateau Laurier, which is worth a look inside because on the outside its architecture leads you to believe that you are admiring a castle. The lobby is simply fabulous and the Chateau is one of Ottawa’s best-known landmarks.    

Further along, you will come to the Rideau Centre Mall, with over one hundred different stores and shops of all kinds. Across the river into Hull, Quebec, is the Museum of Civilizations which has interactive exhibits and is a wonderful piece of artwork itself.

Whether you are strolling down the Rideau Canal, eating a “beaver tail” or taking in the view from Parliament Hill, Ottawa is a city that your whole family will enjoy.