About Ottawa
In the year 1857, the city of Ottawa was officially recognized by Queen
Victoria as the Capital of Canada. Once known as Bytown, Ottawa grew
steadily throughout the years and in different architectural styles.
Located 400 km from Toronto and 200km from Montreal, a drive through the
country to or from either of these two cities is always greeted warmly by
the inhabitants of Ottawa.
Visiting is like looking into a window display of Canadian history and
culture and watching the entire display move to the rhythm of a modern
world, and yet still offer an inspiring picture of where Canada comes from.
The Canadian Museum of Civilization with its river front view and mix of
modern curved walls and ceiling with surrounding green parkland, is
Canada’s largest cultural institution with depiction of all walks of human
civilization as well as Canadian history.
This unique blend of French and English Canada, is lovely any time of year.
If traveling in autumn, Gatineau Park’s hypnotic scenery is perfect for
taking pictures all day. More than 100 different kinds of wild flowers and
even 10 different species of trees, all make this valley gazing hiking and
camping wonderland a paradise in fall.
In winter the cross-country skiing, snowshoeing chalets become the ideal
retreat for anyone looking for some peaceful time set quietly away once a
year from the incessant stress of big city life. Life in the downtown
Ottawa sector however, does not slow down even for the snow. At four AM the
ballet of snowmobile street sweeps moves in and out between the parked cars
with such agile efficiency that if put to music it would be a daily opera.
Shops and restaurants open even in the most heavenly of snowfalls, showing
how very much a part of Ottawa’s identity the clearly defined seasons
really are. An identity that openly delves in nature’s beauty while still
keeping the affairs of State in balance.