Founded in 1826 as Bytown, Ottawa has evolved into the political centre of Canada. Ottawa stands on the south bank of the Ottawa River overlooking the city of Gatineau, Quebec.
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa regularly plays host to significant cultural events in Canadian history.
The two cities form the core of the Ottawa-Gatineau census metropolitan area. The Government of Canada is the city’s largest employer but Ottawa is also an important technology centre, earning it the nickname of “Silicon Valley North”.
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa regularly plays host to significant cultural events in Canadian history and it is visited annually by more than 10 million people. Must visit attractions include Parliament House, Byward Market, the Canadian Museum of History and the Rideau Canal.
Downtown Ottawa is a destination best explored on foot. If you've included Ottawa in your RV vacation plans, leave your RV at the campsite and take public transit downtown. Parking can be a challenge. Once downtown, you'll find most of Ottawa's attractions within easy reach.
May in Ottawa finds the city awash with colour as visitors flock here for the Canadian Tulip Festival. Ottawa truly wakes up to spring, showcasing more than one million tulips in bloom across the city - lining the pathways of the Rideau Canal, all around Parliament Hill, and in Commissioners Park - there's no escape from the sights and smells of the freshly awakened landscape.