Ottawa Car Rental

Guide to Ottawa

Geography

Ottawa lies on the banks of the Ottawa River in the southeastern Canadian province of Ontario. It is located at the confluence of the Ottawa, Gatineau, and Rideau rivers.

Climate

Ottawa experiences a continental climate with extremely cold winters and warm and humid summers. As such, the best time to visit would be in spring (March to May) when the temperatures begin to rise and the weather is balmy and pleasant. Springtime is also when the magnificent Tulip Festival is held.

Culture

Ottawa was incorporated as a city in 1855. Formerly known as Bytown, it has since annexed neighboring lands and expanded its territory. The city’s name comes from the Ottawa River, which, in turn, was derived from the Algonquin word ‘adawe’ meaning ‘to trade.’

Today Ottawa is the capital of Canada and both English and French are widely spoken. Home to a number of top universities and research institutions, Ottawa has a cosmopolitan culture with a growing immigrant population.

Things To Do in Ottawa

Admire neo-Gothic architecture

Located in downtown Ottawa, Parliament Hill attracts a lot of visitors as the seat of Canada’s federal legislature. Showcasing impressive neo-Gothic architecture, the vast complex consists of three buildings overlooking the Ottawa River. The Centre Block is the primary building made of greening copper turrets and stone-carved gargoyles. 45-minute tours of the Central Block and the East Block are available multiple times a day in both English and French. The complex grounds are the site of several national celebrations such as Canada Day, and the ever-burning Centennial Flame is believed to bestow great comfort during Canada’s chilly winters. All through summer, the daily ‘Changing of the Guards,’ complete with Canada’s authentic royal uniform and by musical performances, is a sight to behold at the Parliament Hills.

Explore a lively outdoor market

One of the top things to do while in Ottawa is to explore the historic Byward Market, Ottawa’s main outdoor marketplace and commercial hub dating back to 1826. It is a vibrant market consisting of open-air stalls and hundreds of local vendors selling anything and everything from souvenir trinkets to fresh fruits and farm meat to handmade mittens and hats. Several boutiques, restaurants, and pubs dot the area with outdoor stalls selling ready-to-eat local favorites like poutine (a type of French fries with a Canadian flair) and BeaverTails (fried dough topped with cheese or chocolate). You can also stroll around the market to enjoy occasional street performances by musicians, magicians, or acrobats.

Awe at an engineering marvel

Built between 1826 and 1832 to provide secure passage to British ships, the 126-mile-long Rideau Canal is a historically significant waterway as well as an engineering marvel. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest operational waterway of its kind in North America. It boasts well-maintained hand-operated locks and blockhouses. Today, it serves as a beloved year-round recreational attraction connecting downtown Ottawa to Dow Lake. During the summer, it lures plenty of tourists for a boat trip or a kayaking adventure. There are bridges across the canal like the Corktown FootBridge which offer fantastic photo opportunities. As the temperature drops, the canal freezes over and transforms into the world’s largest ice-skating rink. It is open 24 hours and is a fabulous place to enjoy a romantic evening or spend time with family or friends. Here you will also find stalls selling BeaverTails and Maple Taffy (maple syrup snow candy) as well as hot chocolate and soups.

Go museum-hopping

Ottawa has a plethora of endlessly captivating museums. Visit the Aviation and Space Museum to see 130 aircrafts propellers and engines including military jets, WWII fighter biplanes, helicopters, and more on display. The National Gallery of Canada is a remarkable structure of glass and granite and features impressive collections of Canadian art including paintings, prints, drawings, modern and contemporary art, sculptures, and photographs. Outside the Gallery, you’ll find Maman, the famously arresting sculpture of a giant spider designed by Louise Bourgeois. The Canadian Museum of Nature is another fascinating museum where one can learn about a variety of topics through interactive and interpretive tours. Permanent exhibits here include the Talisman Energy Fossil Gallery, the Vale Earth Gallery, and the Mammal Gallery.

Eating Out in Ottawa

A multicultural metropolis, Ottawa has an amazing variety of eateries ready to tempt you. From modern Canadian cuisine to Asian fusion there is something for everyone. Here are some of our top recommendations:

Beckta Dining and Wine has been consistently ranked as one of the capital’s best restaurants. Savor their laurentian chicken or the fava bean quadrucci for a sumptuous meal. The beautiful ambiance at the Gezellig makes for a delightful dining experience. We recommend their Quebec chicken with a beet puree or pork gnocchi. Luxurious and hip Sidedoor offers delicious Szechuan lamb tacos, Korean pulled pork and tuna sashimi. Soif is a hidden gem with lip-smacking dishe like escargots and ricotta gnocchi in tomatillo broth.

Ottawa Transport

Airport

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is the main airport in Ottawa and it is located 7.5 miles from the city center.

Getting Around Ottawa

Ottawa’s public transport system consists of the OC Transpo which operates buses throughout the city, some for 24 hours. A light-rail transit system called the O-Train Trillium Line runs north and south for approximately 8 kilometers. Day passes are available and transfers can be used for both the OC Transpo buses and the O-Train.

However, for maximum convenience and flexibility to see the city and the picturesque Canadian countryside in your own time, we recommend renting a car instead.