Eastern Ontario is a premiere destination in Canada due to its beautiful scenery and rich history. Protected here are some stunning bodies of water, which gave way to the very first trade routes. They’ve now become famous for outdoor activities like boating, fishing, hiking, or kayaking. Nearby Lake Ontario provides even more unique opportunities with sites such as the St. Lawrence River, Canada’s longest river that flows right through Mount Royal Park in Montréal-Ouest, Algonquin Park, and Gatineau Park on the Québec side of the Ottawa River. The country’s capital stands majestically overlooking the Ottawa River and contains over 500 years of Canadian history waiting for you to explore.
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, found near Québec, and was incorporated in 1855. A city with 934,243 (2016 census) and 883,391 (2011 census), Ottawa is also amalgamated with 11 local municipalities and the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton. This amalgamated city includes the following municipalities: old Ottawa, Vanier, Nepean, Kanata, Gloucester, and Cumberland; townships of Rideau (includes Vanier), West Carleton; the villages of Rockcliffe Park.
Located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in southern Ontario, Ottawa is merged with Gatineau and forms the core of Ottawa-Gatineau. It is the fourth largest city in Canada.
The city of Ottawa was founded in 1826 and became incorporated in 1855. The original boundaries were increased through annexations, eventually replacing them with new city incorporation and amalgamation in 2001.
Ottawa was picked as Canada’s capital in 1857. The choice came as a compromise, with Ottawa being in the middle of both Toronto and Montreal. Ottawa has come to form its own identity since then, and today it is home to many people of French or English descent. It’s the site of the Canadian Parliament, the Supreme Court, and several museums and other attractions that draw visitors from around the world year after year.
Ottawa has the most educated population and many institutions for higher education, research, and culture. These are some institutions in Ottawa: the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, the National Arts Centre, the National Gallery of Canada, and many more.
Google maps Ottawa
Ottawa is an urban center surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Rapids and waterfalls punctuate river courses protected by parks and driveways. The city developed around Lower Town in the 19th century, with the Mile of History along Sussex Drive and the Byward Market. With the growth of the government economy in the 1860s, Upper Town emerged as the center for retail and offices in the city.
Geography
“Ottawa is the capital city of Canada and spreads across the south bank of the Ottawa River. Locals refer to it as “downtown” for this reason. The lower town, which contains the original parts of Ottawa, lies on the north end of the river and has pockets of development between locations such as Rideau Canal, a world heritage site visited by people from all over Canada.”Ottawa is the capital city of Canada and spreads across the south bank of the Ottawa River. Locals refer to it as “downtown” for this reason. The lower town, which contains the original parts of Ottawa, lies on the north end of the river and has pockets of development between locations such as Rideau Canal, a world heritage site visited by people from all over Canada.
Ottawa is located within a seismic zone that occasionally produces earthquakes. In 2000, there was an earthquake of magnitude four and a half. The 2012 earthquake had a magnitude of five, and two in 2013.
Ottawa is located at the confluence of three major rivers: the Ottawa River, the Gatineau River, and the Rideau River. The Ottawa and Gatineau Rivers were historically crucial in industries such as logging and lumbering; meanwhile, the Rideau River offered a way to transport goods from Kingston to this area.
The Rideau Canal’s versatile and innovative design can travel through sections of waterways that a regular boat cannot. Parts of the canal are submerged – this is accomplished by using locks to traverse elevation changes and overflow canals. The canal was named after sections that resembled a French curtain.
Ottawa, located in Ontario, strongly connects with Gatineau, a city in Quebec. This Canadian city comprises the former Quebec cities of Hull and Aylmer. The National Capital Region, including Ottawa and Gatineau, is one metropolitan area. The National Capital Commission (NCC) ‘s, the federal crown corporation, has significant property holdings in both cities.
Climate
Ottawa has a humid continental climate with 4 distinct seasons, between Zone 5a and 5b on the Canadian Plant Hardiness Scale. In July, the average maximum temperature is 26.6 °C or 80 °F. In January, the average minimum temperature is -14.4 °C or 6.1 °F.
Summers are warm, humid, and extended in Ottawa. The capital averages 11 to 37 days of temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius over the 3 summer months.
Snow and ice dominate the winter season. Even in an average year, Ottawa receives an average of 224 cm of snowfall but only 22 cm throughout the three winter months. Although temperatures below −20°C are rare—only averaging 16 days over the three winter months, if you include windchill— 41 days of the three months experience such cold weather.
Spring and Fall are unpredictable seasons. They can have extreme heat or cold and different weather patterns. On average, Kansas receives around 940 mm of precipitation annually.
Ottawa experiences over 1800 hours of sunshine annually and is impacted mainly by Westerly winds.
Did you know?
Ottawa is a multicultural city, with English and French being their two main languages. The home of the Museum of Canada, Ottawa, has a small-town feel while maintaining its cosmopolitan feel.
- Ottawa, Canada, is the capital of Canada. It’s located in the eastern region of Ontario.
- It is located in the Ottawa Valley in eastern Ontario, at the northern end of the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor (about 400 km east of Toronto and 190 km west of Montreal).
- Ottawa is the fourth largest city in Canada.
- The Canadian Parliament building dominates Ottawa, standing high and overlooking the Ottawa River. The guard ceremony is changed during the summer to experience London without crossing an ocean.
- The city has access to three significant waterways and 850 parks. With 150 kilometers or 93 miles of paths for recreation, the city offers a range of options for its residents.
- Ottawa’s population is over one million, and it is considered one of the country’s wealthiest cities.
- Ottawa has been home to many famous people, from politicians that helped shape the country’s legislation to well-known authors that inspired many Canadians.
- Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, is a growing hub for innovation. It’s also the headquarters of many large companies.
- Ottawa lies at a crossroads between lands with different characters. The Ottawa River is a complex, narrow stream that meanders through rapids before meeting the Gatineau and the Rideau rivers in Ottawa. The limestone boulders create hills where the plains of post-glacial clay deposits are located.
- The National Gallery is a modern reminder of the Parliament buildings and features Canadian artists alongside European and American artists. The gallery resides in Ottawa, Canada, and houses nearly 94,000 artworks.
- The Museum of History on the opposite side of the river is a must-see, and you can check out some stunning views from the opposite bank. The Museum of Nature, Canadian Aviation, and Canadian War Museums are other museums.
Accommodation in Ottawa
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Ottawa, Canada, you’ll be spoiled for choice! There are plenty of hotels and other accommodation options, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly room or something a bit more luxurious. No matter your budget, you’re sure to find somewhere perfect for your needs. One popular option is the Chateau Laurier, located in downtown Ottawa’s heart. This hotel offers stunning views of the cityscape and is just a short walk from the best attractions. If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, plenty of other options are available. Whichever hotel you choose, you will have a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Ottawa!
Further readings: Ottawa Wikipedia, Canada driving directions.