Prevailing winds in Ottawa in winter and summer. Population of Ottawa: size and composition
Useful information for tourists about Ottawa in Canada - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
Ottawa is the capital of Canada and the fourth largest city in the country. Ottawa is located on the banks of the river of the same name, on the border of two provinces - Ontario and Quebec. The population of the city today is more than 880 thousand people.
Even before the arrival of Europeans, the Ottawa area was a trading place for the Indians. At the beginning of the nineteenth century. the first settlers appeared here, who built several log dwellings and a sawmill.
Founded in 1820, the city was called Baytown until 1855. So it was named after John Bai, who oversaw the construction of the Kido Canal. In the middle of the nineteenth century. French Quebec was united with English Upper Canada, after which the question of choosing the capital of a united Canada was raised. As a result of a compromise decision of Queen Victoria in 1867, Ottawa became it, since it was located on the border of rival provinces.
In the second half of the nineteenth century. A railroad network was established that connected Ottawa with other regions of the United States and Canada. In the 1890s a hydroelectric power plant on the Ottawa River began its operation, which was originally used mainly for the operation of the local sawmills. Due to the status of the capital and actively developing industry, the population of the city grew rapidly.
In 1950, the French urban planner Grebe presented to the local authorities a large-scale urban redevelopment project, which included the creation of park areas, the relocation of railway lines, and the elimination of slums. The restructuring of the city contributed to its expansion. The city throughout its history absorbed nearby villages and towns. And in 1965 it was merged with neighboring Carlton County. In 2001, eleven settlements were amalgamated into a single municipality at the same time, after which Ottawa acquired its current borders.
Ottawa is often referred to as the "Northern Silicon Valley", which is not at all surprising, since several giants of the electronics industry are located here. Modern Ottawa is a huge number of residential areas surrounded by greenery, located in a checkerboard pattern and consisting mainly of two- and three-story houses. The Canadian city is separated from the right-bank suburbs by forests and agricultural land. Ottawa is one of the most convenient and peaceful administrative cities in the world.
Ottawa is a very beautiful and peaceful city with elegant cottages, luxurious government buildings and a huge amount of green space.
The main attraction of the capital of Canada is Parliament Hill, located in its historical center. On the hill there is a complex of parliamentary buildings erected in 1922 in the Gothic style. The centerpiece here is the Peace Tower, which was built in honor of the Canadians who died during the First World War. On Parliament Square there is an Eternal Flame - a symbol of the unity of the country, surrounded by the coats of arms of all the provinces of Canada.
Ottawa is also famous for its temples, the most famous of which are the Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church and the Catholic Cathedral of Notre Dame. Notre Dame is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the country.
Among the attractions of the Canadian capital and its museums are the Museum of Nature, the Museum of Civilization, the Military History Museum, the Aviation Museum, the Museum of Science and Technology, the Museum of Fine Arts and the National Arts Center with a huge concert hall.
Ottawa is a very green city with many parks and squares, the most famous of which are Gatineau Park, Rockcliffe Park and Landsdown Park.
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, a city in the southeastern part of the province of Ontario. Located on the south bank of the Ottawa River, opposite the city of Gatineau, Quebec, at the confluence of the Ottawa, Gatineau and Rideau rivers. Incredible, but true: according to a survey from Survey Monkey, 75% of people answer the question "What city is the capital of Canada" answer Toronto. Few people know that the real capital of Canada is Ottawa.
The Ottawa River (about 1270 km long), the main tributary of the St. Lawrence River, was a key factor in the settlement and development of the city. Its basin of more than 148,000 square kilometers makes it easy to transport resources such as fur, timber and minerals from the region. The Chaudhière Falls, just to the west of the Rideau Canal, were too dangerous for navigation, but were soon used to generate hydroelectric power, boosting industry in Ottawa.
In 1857, Ottawa became the capital of the Province of Canada and grew from a small trading and logging town to a city of national importance. Ottawa retained its status even after Canada became a dominion of the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1867.
Ottawa is located on the border of English-speaking Ontario and French-speaking Quebec, thanks to which national bilingualism is especially pronounced here.
The area of the city is 2,790 sq. km, the area of the Ottawa-Gatineau agglomeration is 6,287 sq. km. The population of Ottawa in 2006 was 812,129 people. In 2014, the figures rose to 947,031.
The climate of the Canadian capital
Ottawa's climate is continental, with warm, humid summers and cold, usually snowy winters. The average temperature in January is around -9°C and in July around 21°C.
| Month | average temperature | Rains (number of days) |
| January | -6° / -14° | 10 |
| February | -4° / -13° | 8 |
| March | 2° / -7° | 8 |
| April | 11° / 1° | 9 |
| May | 19° / 8° | 10 |
| June | 24° / 13° | 9 |
| July | 27° / 16° | 9 |
| August | 25° / 15° | 8 |
| September | 20° / 10° | 9 |
| October | 13° / 4° | 10 |
| November | 5° / -2° | 9 |
| December | -2° / -10° | 10 |
Real estate prices in Ottawa
The capital of Canada pleases with housing prices, compared with popular Canadian metropolitan areas such as Vanuquer and Toronto. This is primarily due to the fact that the Canadian capital is not the best place to live. It is connected not only with the climate. Most people will say that the entertainment infrastructure in the capital of Canada is not very developed, so Ottawa has the status of a very boring city with nothing to do. The median home price on July 1, 2018 is $449,000.
Average price for a 2-room apartment: $220,000
Average price for a 3-room apartment: $260,000
Average price for a 3-room townhouse: $350,000
Average price for a 4-room townhouse: $550,000
Russians and Ukrainians in Ottawa
According to the official statistical center of Canada Stat Can, in 2016 there were 2,860 immigrants from Russia and 1,170 from Ukraine in Ottawa. At the same time, 15,220 people are of ethnic origin from Russia and 24,965 from Ukraine.
Current capital of Canada
The capital of Canada, Ottawa and the surrounding areas are located on the banks of the river of the same name. In 1827, Ottawa was divided by Lieutenant John Bye into two parts - the Upper City and the Lower City, which in turn were divided into districts. The most famous area in the Upper City is called Parliament Hill. Here, in the Houses of Parliament sits the federal government of Canada. This is a complex of three neo-Gothic buildings overlooking the river and canal.
The most iconic of them, the Central Block, houses the House of Commons and houses the 90-meter-tall Peace Tower. The eastern and western blocks are reserved for administrative premises. Across the canal from Parliament Hill is the Château Laurier, a landmark hotel built in 1912 in the French Renaissance style.
The Lower City, located east of the Rideau Canal, has historically been an ethnically diverse, working-class neighborhood. Here is the Byward Market, the oldest open-air market in the country along with shops, restaurants, art galleries and pubs; and Glebe, an upscale neighborhood known for its restaurants and boutiques.
Economy of Canada's Capital
The federal government is the main employer in Ottawa. In addition, many jobs are provided by the technology sector and large companies operating in the field of telecommunications, defense and defense, biotechnology, software engineering, and cellular communications. The city is home to the headquarters of influential financial and commercial associations, as well as embassies and trade groups.
Since Ottawa is the national capital, a number of federal government institutions operate here: the Bank of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Supreme Court of Canada, the Royal Printing Office.
Ottawa Transport
Ottawa has an extensive transportation system, consisting of a passenger railroad, a network of freeways, and highways around the metropolitan area. Other important elements of the transport infrastructure are one international airport and two regional ones.
Regional passenger services are mainly carried out by high-speed buses, which run on separate highways, and light rail intra-city O-Train trains. For pedestrians and cyclists, the city has a system of special paths called the Capital Pathway with a total length of about 220 km.
Higher education institutions in the Canadian capital
Ottawa has many public and private universities, colleges and professional schools. The leading universities are the University of Ottawa (1848), where bilingual education is practiced, and Carleton University (1942), where education is conducted entirely in English. The Metropolitan Branch of Algonquin College (1967) teaches engineering and applied sciences.
Culture and attractions in Ottawa
Major cultural institutions include the National Gallery of Canada (a multidisciplinary bilingual arts center with an opera and two theaters), the Science and Technology Museum of Canada, the Canadian War Museum, the Dieverfenbuker Museum (a Cold War museum), the Air and Space Museum of Canada, and the Museum of the City.
Other points of interest include the Library and Archives of Canada (National Archives), Houses of Parliament and Parliament Hill, as well as nearby Sparks Street, a historically important street that was Canada's first open-air pedestrian zone.
The Canadian Museum of Civilization is located in Gatineau, on the opposite bank of the river.
The Rideau Canal remains a functional channel, although it is mostly used by pleasure boats. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 for its unique design and historical importance. In winter, the canal freezes over and turns into the longest skating rink in the world. Skating on it is the main highlight of the Winterlude holiday, which has been held in Ottawa in January every year since 1979. Thousands of people from all over the world come here to enjoy winter sports, music and snow sculptures.
What holidays and entertainment are held in the Canadian capital?
Other popular celebrations in Ottawa include Canada Day (July 1) and the Canadian Tulip Festival (May), a holiday founded by the Dutch royal family who were given sanctuary in Ottawa during World War II. For this, the monarch gave the city 100,000 tulip bulbs.
Ottawa has many opportunities for outdoor activities in large parks and squares. You can also go to Gatineau Park, located on the other side of the Ottawa River, in Quebec.
Sports Ottawa
At the professional level, Ottawa has the Senators Hockey Club (National Hockey League) and the Redblacks Football Club (National Football League).
Celebrities of Ottawa
Famous Ottawa-born Canadians include singer Alanis Morissette, actor Dan Aykroyd and writer Margaret Atwood. Photographer Yusuf Karsh took most of his most famous shots in Ottawa.
Interested in moving to Ottawa? Follow our section where we share information about all the major cities in Canada.
In the 17th century, an Indian tribe of the same name lived in what is now Ottawa. Then, with the arrival of the French, a small village gradually turned into a large city, which in 1857 received the status of the capital of Canada.
Today Ottawa is the most important cultural center of the country, where there are many museums, galleries and various theaters. Throughout the city there are restaurants, shops, bars and nightclubs to suit all tastes. And every spring, a beautiful holiday is held in Ottawa - the Tulip Festival, during which the city is simply buried in flowers, delighting the eyes of its residents and tourists. It is safe to say that Ottawa is an amazing city, where monumental beauty, tranquility and commitment to tradition are harmoniously combined with the dynamism of a modern metropolis.
Region |
Ontario |
|
Population |
|
|
Population density |
251.8 people/km² |
|
CAD (Canadian dollar) |
|
|
Timezone |
Winter time: UTC-5 Daylight saving time: UTC-4 |
|
Postal code |
|
|
International dialing code |
Climate and weather
Ottawa has a humid continental climate with distinct seasons. Winter lasts from December to March, although there are frosts even in early May. The average temperature fluctuates around −5 °С, sometimes drops to −20 °С. Summer starts from mid-May and lasts almost until early October. The average temperature in early summer is +25 °С, and from July to the end of August rises to +30 °С. Summer and winter are characterized by rather sharp changes in weather, so early autumn is considered the most favorable time to visit the city.
Nature
Ottawa is located in the southeastern part of Canada at an altitude of 114 meters above sea level. The city lies on the banks of the Ottawa River and its tributaries, and is crossed by an artificial canal in the south. rido.
The city is famous for its excellent ecology, abundance of water and greenery. In summer, all the lawns are strewn with thousands of tulips and poppies, and on the sidewalks you can often find squirrels that have become almost tame here. In winter, on the ice of city canals and rivers, most of the locals move to work on skates.
Attractions
Ottawa is a beautiful, well-maintained city with many museums and architectural structures built in old and modern styles. In the center of the city is a complex of parliamentary buildings - an architectural symbol of all of Canada. Among the towers of parliament stands out the tallest - the Peace Tower. In it are located Altar of Sacrifices and Book of Remembrance with a list of the names of people who died during the wars. There you can also see bells called the Ottawa Carillon, performing any musical composition.
There is a building next to the Parliament Supreme Court, before which the changing of the guard ceremony takes place daily. There you can also see fountain with eternal flame, a symbol of the union of all provinces of Canada.
Among the most famous architectural monuments can also be identified Christchurch Cathedral And notre dame cathedral. In addition, Ottawa is famous for its giant National Museum and the National Art Gallery with a rich collection of sculptures and paintings. No less interesting is the Ottawa Public Archive with various antiquities (manuscripts, coins, books, commemorative signs, paintings, etc.), the Military Museum and the Currency Museum. And in the city there is the National Center for the Arts, where various concerts and performances (ballet, opera and drama) are regularly held.
Nutrition
As such, there is no national cuisine in Canada, and all culinary traditions are based on the recipes of the peoples of the world, as numerous emigrants brought their gastronomic customs here. At every step in Ottawa you can find cafes and restaurants where literally any food is served. Anglo-Saxon, French and Italian cuisines are the most common, and Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Russian, Polish, Mexican and Portuguese establishments are often found. Eateries are also widespread. "fast food".
In general, Canadians prefer meat dishes - steaks, roast beef, steaks, etc. The most popular dishes are "fillet brochette"(skewer of tenderloin, bacon and champignons), kidney pie, spit-roasted chicken, boiled venison, stewed rabbit, etc. Pumpkin soup and noodles and pasta from Italy are especially popular. The pride of Canadians is maple syrup. In Ottawa, you can try pancakes with syrup, muffins, pies and buns with syrup everywhere. And the main dish of Ottawa chefs is an unusual dish - a spicy ham in maple syrup.
The favorite drink of Canadians is beer, which is represented here by an incredible number of varieties.
Accommodation
From the category of fashionable and luxurious hotels, we can recommend Chateau Laurier And The Ottawa Marriott, which are located next to the Parliament building and a few steps from most shops and museums (from $150).
Of the standard options worthy of attention Albert House Inn- a Victorian-style hotel (from $ 90), as well as Avalon Bed & Breakfast(from $75) and Executive Suites The Bostonian(from $104).
Suitable for budget stay Ottawa Backpackers Inn (24 $), Barefoot Hostel($38) and Ottawa Jail Hostel($25). And lovers of the original can stay in a hostel Ottawa Jail, which is located in the building of a former prison, where even the rooms look like cells for prisoners.
Entertainment and recreation
Ottawa is the perfect vacation spot. In this regard, first of all, it is worth noting a large number of magnificent city parks. Of these, the Gatinet Park is the most famous: in winter you can ski there, and in summer you can have picnics and ride bicycles. Also in Ottawa on the Rideau Canal is the world's longest outdoor ice rink. In general, local citizens love sports, so many bars, cafes and pubs show live sports broadcasts (hockey, football, baseball, etc.).
Among lovers of nightlife, the pedestrian street is the most popular. Sparks, where flash mobs are often held and the area near the market Byward Market with the world famous Helsinki and Heaven clubs as well as numerous bars and pubs.
Every spring, the most beautiful festival takes place in the city - Tulip Festival. During its holding in all the parks of Ottawa, from an incredible number of flowers, a kind of mosaic of beauty and color is created, from which it is impossible to take your eyes off. By the way, flowers for the festival are sent annually by the Dutch in gratitude for the fact that during the war Canada sheltered the royal family of the Netherlands.
Purchases
Shops in Ottawa are presented in a huge variety and quantity: these are old department stores, and elite boutiques, and all kinds of shopping centers, and, of course, Byward Market- the famous giant open-air market.
The most popular Ottawa souvenirs are traditional maple syrup and Ice wine (original wine made from frozen grapes). Indians are not less in demand. "Dream catchers", as well as various figures of police officers, moose, beavers and bears. In addition, Canadian handicrafts, such as wood carvings, cotton clothing and ceramics, are valued among tourists.
Most stores are open all week from 10:00 to 18:00, only some large department stores are open until 21:00. On Sundays, only some small shops and souvenir shops are usually open.
Transport
Public transport in Ottawa is represented by buses and trains. Bus routes are divided into regular, peak and express (to the suburbs). The fare is $3.25 when paid to the driver. You can also buy tickets at bus stop kiosks. In this case, a ticket costs $ 1.25, 2 tickets are required for an adult, and one ticket for a child from 6 to 11 years old. In addition, travel passes for the whole day ($ 7.5) are sold.
Ottawa's urban train network is called O-Train, tickets can be bought from a vending machine at any station ($2.75). In addition, the city has more than 170 km of bike paths, and you can rent a bike in any part of the city.
Connection
You can call in Ottawa from any bar or restaurant, as well as from a street telephone box. Local calls cost $0.5 and call time is not limited. If you need to make calls abroad, you can buy a card for international calls in any store.
The national mobile operators in Canada are Bell Mobility Telus And Fido. Please note that in North America, cellular communications operate at frequencies 850-1900 MHz, unlike the rest of the world, where frequencies are used 900-1800 MHz. Therefore, you need to make sure that your phone supports these frequencies.
Internet access in Ottawa is available at numerous Internet cafes and public libraries. Also in most cafes and restaurants there is ubiquitous access to Wi-Fi, free and paid.
Safety
The overall crime rate in Ottawa is quite low, and street safety is strictly maintained by police patrols.
Tourists are advised to be more vigilant in the sleeping areas of Ottawa, at train stations and in public transport, and especially near the "black" neighborhoods. When moving around the city, it is worth having a minimum amount with you and not taking all the documents. It is safer to leave large sums of money, documents and valuables in a hotel safe.
Business climate
Ottawa is not only the capital of Canada, but also a popular tourist destination, thanks to which the city's economy is constantly improving its level, relying directly on the tourism business. Also in Ottawa, enterprises of the instrument-making, printing, radio-electronic and pulp and paper industries are successfully operating. Quite often, the city is called Silicon Valley, as well-known giants of the electronic industry were created here. (Nortel, JDS, Corel and etc.).
The conditions for opening a business in Ottawa are quite acceptable and loyal. For example, becoming the owner of an art gallery, the seller of the lots put up for auction receives a 50% commission on the sale.
Real estate
Canada is one of those countries where there are no significant restrictions on the purchase of real estate by foreign citizens. It is also quite easy to get a residence permit for those who do not have close relatives in this country.
Ottawa is not the largest city in Canada, so prices for metropolitan square meters are not too much higher than provincial ones. In addition, in the Ottawa real estate market, supply exceeds demand, making bargaining appropriate. A three-room apartment on the outskirts of Ottawa will cost about $140,000, while a penthouse with a balcony will cost $349,900. You can become the owner of a small shop in the city center for $59,900.
It is worth paying attention to the rules and laws that govern the sale of alcohol. It is sold only in government stores, which are often closed at night, on Sundays and holidays, and in restaurants that have a Licensed Premises sign that allows you to serve strong drinks indoors.
Associated with me, first of all, with Toronto or Vancouver. The capital seemed more like a boring administrative center.
But after the trip, I can say that, despite its small size, the city has all the attributes of a metropolis. In Ottawa you will find museums, parks, cultural centers, Irish pubs, world-class restaurants and much more. This is a city that I would definitely like to return to again!
Traveling to the heart of Canada is sure to be an enjoyable adventure.
Brief historical background
Founded in 1826, the city was originally named Bytown. The settlement consisted of workers and soldiers employed in the construction of a new navigable canal.
In 1855, the village, where by that time more than 1000 people lived, received the new name Ottawa, in honor of the nearby river. Two years later, by order of Queen Victoria, the city became the center of the province of Ontario and then, in 1867, the capital of Canada.
Ottawa is gradually turning into an industrial, transport, cultural and educational center of the province.
Since 1950, a plan has been implemented to improve the city's infrastructure. The author of the project was the French architect Jacques Greber. The goal was to make Ottawa comfortable to live in and emphasize the status of the capital.
Over the course of two decades, new transport routes, the building of the mayor's office and the railway station were built, and areas remote from the center were landscaped.
In the early 90s, a boom in the new technology industry began, the city is called Canada's verified silicon valley.
City features
Unlike the major cities of Toronto or Vancouver, where financial flows are concentrated, Ottawa is the political center of the country. Here are the main state and administrative institutions: parliament, ministries, departments. Because of this, Ottawa is called a boring city of officials.
Having lived here for about 2 years, I would call Ottawa a quiet city, but by no means boring! There are museums and cultural centers, restaurants of various cuisines and numerous coffee houses, a farm products market and jazz clubs, bars, parks and shops.
Ottawa is a student city. The University of Ottawa and Carleton University train students from all over the world in relevant specialties.
How to get there
Ottawa can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. It will not be possible to sail to the city, in Ottawa there is no capacious enough port for liners and large ships.
By plane
The city has an international airport, Ottawa International Airport. There are no direct flights from Russia, you will have to fly with a transfer at one of the major European airports. The more travel time, the cheaper the flight.
From my own experience, I can say that in order to save money, you can fly through Frankfurt or. From Frankfurt, one of the German low-cost Condor airlines can take you to Halifax, from where you can fly to Ottawa.
From Amsterdam, you can fly KLM to Philadelphia, from where the budget company West Jet also flies to Ottawa. In this case, the flight will cost 600 euros.
If the prospect of spending 20 hours on the road is not for you, you can fly directly from Frankfurt to Ottawa on a daily Air Canada flight. Ticket price - from 1000 euros.
Also, from many European cities it will be possible to fly directly to Toronto or Montreal. Air Transat operates direct flights from Warsaw in the summer, you can fly to Montreal for 700 euros and from there take a bus (about 10 euros) to Ottawa.
You can choose the best flight on search engine sites, for example,.
The most convenient way to get from the airport to the city center is by taxi (35 euros), bus number 97 runs 2 times an hour and will take you to the downtown in 40 minutes and 6 euros. See the OC Transpo website for the exact timetable.
By bus
Canada has a well-developed bus service between cities.
For example, it is possible to get from Montreal to Ottawa for $16 and 3 hours. Buses are comfortable, there is Wi-Fi and toilets. Flights are regular, departing from Montreal several times a day.
In my opinion, this is the cheapest, most comfortable way to move around the country. You can use the busbond website to find tickets and timetables. Main carriers: Greyhound and Ontarionorthland.
Buses to Ottawa arrive at the main address at 265 Catherine Street.
Bus number 4 will take you to the center in 10 minutes and 3 euros.
By car
Travel time by car from Montreal to Ottawa will be about 2 hours. The main road connecting the city is Autoroute 40 O. From the center of Montreal, take Autoroute 720 W and then exit 70-O following the signpost 520/Ottawa/Gatineau. It is worth remembering that in the province of Ontario there is a law on the speed limit on highways up to 120 km / h.
The journey from Toronto to Ottawa will take about 4 hours, the main highway you need to go on is ON-401 E towards Ottawa.
Clue:
Ottawa - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 7
Kazan 7
Samara 8
Yekaterinburg 9
Novosibirsk 11
Vladivostok 14
When is the season. When is the best time to go
Weather conditions in Ottawa are similar to those in Moscow: hot in summer, very cold in winter.
The tourist season starts in May and ends with the beginning of October. In the pre-Christmas period from December 1 to December 24, people come to the city for shopping and a festive atmosphere.
The best time to travel, in my opinion, is May - August and September. In addition to excellent weather, from June to August, the city hosts many festivals and holidays, sporting events. All summer long, volunteers are on duty in the city center, always ready to tell tourists the way to the sights and answer all questions. Identification: blue-green uniform and Ask me badge.
Prices in restaurants or shops do not depend on the tourist season.
If you are planning to visit Ottawa in winter, be prepared for severe frosts and snowfalls.
When planning your trip, it will be useful to use the information on the official Ottawa tourism website.
It should be borne in mind that the largest number of tourists falls on the summer.
Ottawa in summer
The most active time of the year in the city!
Summer is the peak of the cultural life of the city. There are music festivals and holidays: RBC Bluesfest (7.07 - 17.07), (22.06 - 3.07), light show Northern Lights (30.05 - 15.09) and others.
The weather is sunny, the temperature can rise up to +40 °C. There are many tourists, especially on weekends. This should be taken into account when visiting the museum, where queues are possible at the entrance.
The main event of the summer - the first of July - is Canada Day. On this day, guests and residents of Ottawa dress in the red and white colors of the national flag, a solemn parade and a concert are held in front of the Parliament, the entire city center turns into one big party!
Ottawa in autumn
In September it is still warm and sunny, from October it starts to rain, by the beginning of November it may already snow.
In September, the main flow of tourists stops, but there is still something to do in the city:
- a new concert and theater season begins,
- open after the holidays private galleries.
This month is one of the best for exploring Ottawa.
In early autumn, the city turns red and yellow and resembles the work of Canadian landscape painters.
Ottawa in spring
In March, the temperature does not rise above 0 °C, there is still snow. It begins to warm up only by the end of April, and in May it can already be quite hot (up to +30) and sunny.
The main spring event is the Canadian Tulip Festival, the largest tulip festival in the world. It runs from 12.05 to 22.05.
Every year in May, thousands of tulips of different varieties and colors are planted throughout the city, the main sites are the embankment along the Rideau Canal and the park next to Doe Lake. Program of events and other details at the festival.
Ottawa in winter
In winter, the temperature drops to -25-30 ° C, a large amount of snow falls. Sometimes there is so much of it that the city authorities do not have time to clean the streets, at this time they have to leave the car at home and jump over snowdrifts.
If you are planning to visit Ottawa in winter, don't forget to bring a warm jacket and waterproof boots! One of the few advantages of visiting the city in winter is the lack of tourists.
Winter activities: Winterlude, Christmas Lights Across Canada and ice skating on the Rideau Canal.
Ottawa - monthly weather
Clue:
Ottawa - monthly weather
Districts. Where is the best place to live
It is best for a tourist to stay in the city center, where sights, bars, restaurants and discos are concentrated.
But a hotel in a remote area will not be a problem - it is easy to get to the center by bus or bicycle.
Ottawa is a calm and safe city, you should not beware of any specific places.
When choosing a hotel or apartment, be guided by the following areas:
- By Ward Market. The very heart of Ottawa, within walking distance is the Parliament, and the arts center, restaurants, bars and discos. Of the minuses: constant noise, problems with parking. A room at the Courtyard Ottawa Downtown hotel costs from 120 euros, per night at the Ottawa Backpackers Inn hostel they charge 50 euros from the vases.
- Centertown. Financial center of the city. Ottawa's only completely pedestrian street, Sparks Street, lies here. The main tourist sites are within walking distance. Of the minuses: after 6 pm on weekdays and on weekends, the area "dies out", and in order to have a bite or a drink, you have to go to the ByWard Market area. Marriott Hotel offers rooms from 200 euros, Hotel Indigo is a budget option for 120 euros.
- Sandy Hill. The area of the University of Ottawa, located in the eastern part of downtown. At the end of the 19th beginning of the 20th century it was the richest area of the city. Since those times, well-kept red brick mansions have been preserved. There are many student cafes and kiosks, in the westernmost part there is a large beautiful park Strathcona Park. This place is suitable for lovers of colonial architecture and long walks. Walk to the center - about 20 minutes. In the Swiss Hotel you can book a room for 120 euros, for 50 euros you can rent a room in the dormitory of the University of Ottawa. Information about available rooms and bookings is available on the campus website.
- The Glebe. Located south of the city center. The area is known for its vegetarian restaurants, vintage boutiques and farm shops. The advantage of staying in this place is the opportunity to see local fashionistas and take a walk along the Rideau Canal. Among the shortcomings: the need to get to the center by transport. At Ashbury House B&B, a night will cost 50 euros, A Voyageur Guest Apartments offers apartments with a kitchen for 100 euros.
Other neighborhoods where it is convenient to stay:
- Golden Triangle is convenient for its proximity to the center and the Rideau Canal. Quiet area, embassies and consulates are located here.
- Old Ottawa East is a picturesque area between the river and the Rideau Canal. Good place for walking.
- Little Italy is famous for its Italian restaurants. It is bordered to the west by Doe Lake, where you can go boating or canoeing in summer.
What are the prices for holidays
Compared to Vancouver or Toronto, Ottawa is reasonably priced. When planning a travel budget, you need to consider that the main expenses will fall on restaurants and accommodation.
The price for a room in a 3-star hotel varies from 50 to 120 euros (60-130 Canadian dollars). You can book a hotel on, and you can compare prices from different sites. Some prefer another option - renting a private apartment or apartment,.
For a lunch for two in a bistro you will have to pay 30 euros, a dinner with wine and dessert in a mid-range restaurant will cost 100 euros.
A trip to the museum from 10 euros, a ticket to the cinema about 9 euros. If you are going to visit more than one museum, I advise you to purchase Canada's Capital Museums Passport. You can buy it at the box office of any city museum or at the point of sale on 90 Wellington Street. For one person, a passport costs 42 euros, for a family of 5 people - 95. Detailed information can be found.
A special item of expenditure is public transport. The price of one trip varies from 3 to 5 euros, you can save money by buying a ticket for several trips at once on the Internet.
The Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour costs about 23 euros for 1.5 hours. Tickets can be purchased at the bus stop on the corner of Sparks and Elgin Street.
It is important to remember that all prices in cafes, restaurants and shops are without provincial tax of 13%. For example, if a sandwich costs $8 on the menu, it will end up costing $9.04, add to this a tip to the waiter (minimum 10% and you end up with a small snack that will cost you $10. A service fee in some establishments is already included in the bill if no - then you can not leave a tip, but this will be considered as disrespectful to the staff).
It also applies to alcohol and other drinks, tickets to a museum or a concert.
It's hard to get used to it. At first, when paying, I looked at the bill in disbelief every time.
Clue:
The cost of food, lodging, transportation, etc.
Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Canadian dollar, $
Main attractions. What to see
In Ottawa, there is definitely something for a tourist to do:
- several major museums
- Parliament Hill,
- churches and cathedrals,
- parks,
- shops and streets with unusual architecture.
The choice of attractions depends on the interests of the traveler and the purpose of the visit.
The main tourist sites are within walking distance from each other.
Top 5
- National ha gallery of Canada. Collection of works by Canadian and international artists. Among the objects of the exhibition are paintings by Alex Colville, Salvador Dali, Gustav Klimt, Andy Warhol and many others. Entrance to the gallery - from 12 euros, detailed information on the website. You can read about the museum on our website.
- Byward Market. The center of city life, the concentration of restaurants, bars and cafes. During the daytime, you can buy farm vegetables and fruits, maple syrup and other delicacies at the market, as well as have a bite to eat in one of the pavilions. In the evening it is filled with people, street musicians and circus performers entertain the audience as best they can. In summer, it is difficult to find a place on the terraces of bars and restaurants; closer to the night, the bulk of vacationers go to bars and nightclubs.
- Chateau Laurier. A chic hotel in the city center was built in a castle style in 1912. It was named after the former Prime Minister of Canada, Wilfrid Laurier. The hotel is known primarily for its guests: at different times, Elizabeth II with Prince Philip, President Ronald Reigen, Winston Churchill and the Beatles stayed here in full force. A modest hotel room will cost 150 euros. In the evenings, you can enjoy cocktails and live music in the lobby. Details about the hotel can be found in my .
- Major's Hill Park. It is located in close proximity to the National Gallery. I recommend looking here during sunset: the park offers a romantic view of the Parliament and the Rideau Canal on one side, and the Basilica of Our Lady on the other. In summer, you can have a picnic here and take a break from the heat.
Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit
In total, there are more than a hundred churches and parishes in Ottawa. In my opinion, noteworthy:
- Notre Dame, or Basilica of Our Lady. The Catholic Cathedral, built in neo-Gothic style in 1866. It is remarkable for its sharp metal spiers, which on a sunny day enchantingly shine and shimmer. The gilded statue of the Mother of God is a symbol of the cathedral, personifies solitude and tranquility. The interior of the church replicates the classic Gothic style with vaulted high ceilings and stained glass windows.
- Church of Saint Brigid. Built in 1890 in neo-Romanesque style for the city's Irish community. Currently, the church simultaneously serves as an Irish cultural center. A distinctive feature of the facade is the towers of different heights, inside the church is decorated with arches, windows of various shapes and an altar made of white stone.
- Basilica of Saint Patrick. The neo-Gothic Catholic Church opened its doors to parishioners in 1898. The main details are the bright stained-glass windows by the German atelier Franz Mayer. Organ concerts and regular services are held here.
Museums. Which are worth a visit
Ottawa is rightfully considered the museum center of the country. There are more than 10 major exhibition centers on various topics, from the National Art Gallery to the Museum of Nature.
If there is not much time, I recommend visiting the 3 largest museums:
- National Gallery of Canada. Worth a visit to see the finest examples of Canadian art, from Aboriginal and Northern art to contemporary paintings. In addition, the gallery presents the work of the world's most famous artists.
- Canadian War Museum. Covers the military history of the country and its role in major world conflicts. A large collection of military equipment and weapons. Among the interesting exhibits are Hitler's personal car and the original uniform of Canadian soldiers from the First World War.
- Canadian Museum of Nature. Dedicated to our planet and all living things. Each hall tells about a certain stage of evolution in the development of nature. One of the impressive exhibits is the skeleton of the blue whale, the largest mammal in nature. Ideal for visiting with children.
parks
In the city center it is easy to find a square or a park where you can rest in the shade in hot weather.
- Major's Hill Park. The park offers a beautiful view of the Rideau Canal and the Houses of Parliament. Originally, this place was the residence of Major Daniel Bolton, so the park got its name. In summer, festivals and holidays are held here.
- Confederate Park. In the center of the park is a large fountain brought from Trafalgar Square in London. There are various monuments dedicated to the military history of the country.
- Lake Doe. Great place for cycling and jogging. The most convenient way to get to the picturesque lake is on foot along the Rideau Canal embankment. During the summer, this is the most favorite place for Ottawa residents.
tourist streets
- By Ward Market. Several small streets make up Ottawa's main tourist destination. In addition to the market itself, all the entertainment establishments of the city and private small boutiques are concentrated here. For example, on Murrey street there is an original jewelry store, on Sussex Drive there are boutiques with clothes from local designers.
- Spark Street. Pedestrian street in the financial center of the city. It has a cafe and a large brasserie. On New Year's Eve, fireworks and a festive concert are held here.
- bank street. It crosses the city's downtown from north to south: from Parliament Hill and Wellington Street through The Glebe area it reaches the municipal border of the city. In the central part of the boulevard, you can find restaurants of various cuisines, art cafes, designer boutiques, farm shops, tattoo parlors, comic book stores, or just watch the life of the townspeople.
What to see in 1 day
How to allocate time if there is only one day to explore the city?
Start by visiting Parliament Hill. This is a large complex of government buildings and a park. Every morning at 10:00 sharp, visitors can watch the changing of the guard.
The main parliament building can only be visited with a guided tour, you can sign up for it.
At the end of your visit to the Parliament, it is worth stopping by the famous Chateau Laurier Hotel, where you can drink coffee in the bar.
Across the street from the hotel is the National Center for the Arts and Confederation Park.
After a walk in the park, you can have a bite to eat in one of the pavilions of the market at ByWard Market and walk through small boutiques or go shopping at the Rideau Center.
After lunch, go for spiritual food! The National Gallery of Canada, located next to the market, presents visitors with the finest examples of Canadian and world art.
The next stop is Notre Dame, or the Basilica of Our Lady. This cathedral is located directly opposite the gallery, has the status of a cultural heritage of Canada.
After enjoying the peace and quiet of the cathedral, go for a walk in Major's Hill Park, which offers magnificent views of the river and Parliament.
Dine and drink Canadian beer at one of the many ByWard Market restaurants. If after that you still have strength left, then it's time to immerse yourself in the nightlife of the city. Jazz and rock concerts, electronic music clubs, disco parties - the choice of venue depends only on your musical preferences.
What to see in the surroundings
In the nearest city of Gatineau from Ottawa, there is a large park for outdoor activities Gatineau Park. This is a real forest area of 361 km² with lakes and trails. In summer you can go Nordic walking, cycling or jogging, in winter there is a large cross-country skiing track.
If you prefer outdoor activities and love nature, Gatineau Park is the right place to spend the whole day here.
Food. What to try
The metropolitan area leans more towards Quebec cuisine, which traditionally uses maple syrup in large quantities.
Only in Ottawa you can try Beaver Tails desserts. Bear tails are puff pastry pies with a sweet filling inside. This delicacy is especially popular among children and tourists. During his visit to Ottawa, President Barack Obama also did not miss the opportunity to feast on a bear's tail.
The second most popular dish is poutine. A traditional Quebec treat of fried potatoes, cheese and bacon. The perfect snack for a beer!
There are different types of sightseeing tour buses: from the classic Hop-Off-Hop-On to the Lady Dive Amphibus. Information about tickets and discounts can be found on the company.
Taxi. What features exist
Transportation services in the capital are expensive: a trip from the airport to the city center will cost you 40 euros, for large luggage you will have to pay about 10 euros extra.
Payment must be made at the counter, you can pay by credit card or in cash.
There are three main city taxi services:
The pricing policy is about the same.
You can call a car by phone or online on the website of a particular carrier.
Stopping a taxi on the street, just waving your hand, is unlikely to succeed.
The telephone number for the City Hall office that regulates taxis is 311.
To save money, you can use Uber, for this you need to register and download the application. The same way will cost 20% cheaper than the official taxi.
Buses
This is the main form of public transport. Buses run strictly according to the schedule, there are special lines at night on weekends and Fridays.
The busiest time is in the morning from 7 am to 9 pm and from 5 pm to 7 pm. At this time, queues form at stops to get inside. All city buses are equipped with air conditioning, so the road will be comfortable in hot weather.
One trip costs 4 euros, information on benefits, travel and timetables can be found on the OC Transpo website.
Transport rental
Conditions for renting a car: you must be over 21 years old, you must have an international driver's license (name and surname must be written in Latin letters). A driver's credit card is also required.
You can rent a car immediately upon arrival at the Ottawa airport. Also, to search for offers and discounts, it is convenient to use the travelask section. For a rental day, you will have to pay from 50 euros and more, depending on the class of the car. The full cost of the rental will be held as a deposit, if you have a little driving experience, you will have to pay for additional insurance.
There are also rental offices in the city center. A gallon of gasoline costs about 1 euro, the Ottawagasprices website will help you compare prices at gas stations.
Renting a bike is easy. The city rental system works according to the following principle:
It is necessary to register on the site for $ 5 and enter payment information. Download the application to your mobile device. Reserve a bike at the parking lot closest to you.
Once you receive a booking confirmation with a 4-digit pin code, your bike is ready to ride. The price for 30 minutes of rental is $5.
Key notes for driving in Ottawa:
- Movement is on the left.
- Motorists in the city strictly follow the rules of the road.
- Patrol cars can often be seen on the roads.
- Permissible dose of alcohol: 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. Exceeding the limit is equivalent to a criminal offense. Punishment can be both deprivation of rights and a fine, as well as imprisonment.
Ottawa - holidays with children
Children are welcome guests in many restaurants and cafes. In museums and galleries, most often, kids from 3 years old will be presented with a special guide-game to make visiting interesting and calm for parents.
In the nearby Gatineau from Ottawa, there is a children's museum that tells about the life of children in different countries. Lectures or developmental classes are regularly held. Details can be found on the museum's website.
Pram ramps have been installed in shops, shopping centers and museums.
Ottawa has never had the glory of a tourist Mecca and seemed like a boring administrative center. But those who have been there, or simply read the description of Ottawa, will surely want to return, and maybe even stay permanently.
Brief historical background
The modern territory of Ottawa was once inhabited long ago by wild tribes, who were forced out by the French who came in the seventeenth century. It should already be clear what language is in Ottawa. Now most of the population still speaks English, but French remained the main one for quite a long time. The first white settlers settled on this site in 1800.
The issue of a capital came into being in the mid-nineteenth century, when Upper Ontario merged with Lower (Quebec). Many cities fought for the right to receive this status, for example, Toronto, Quebec or Montreal. Ottawa became the capital city due to its advantageous geographic location on the border of the two main provinces, the presence of rail links and a mixed English and French-speaking population.
Geographical position
Where is Ottawa located? The city is located in the southeastern part of the province of Ontario, on the border with the province of Quebec. The settlement is washed by the banks of the rivers Ottawa, Rideau and the canal of the same name. The city center is located at the confluence of the streams. On the north bank of the Ottawa River is the city of Gatineau, which, together with the capital of Canada, Ottawa, makes up the urban agglomeration - the National Capital Region.
All of eastern Ontario and Quebec are in the North American time zone. Time in Ottawa is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time in winter and four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time in summer.
Administrative division
Administratively, the city is divided into 23 electoral districts. There is also a division by postal regions or police districts. Until 2001, the territory of the settlement was only a small part of the modern one. As a result of the 2001 reform, the ten nearest municipalities were annexed to the capital.
Currently, the division into historical districts is actively used only in real estate transactions and everyday conversations. Management in Ottawa is centralized, the local councils of the former municipalities have been liquidated, and all city power is concentrated in the administration.
There are local community centers. These are voluntary organizations that provide interaction between residents of the districts and provide individual social services. These centers are not official representatives of the authorities; any resident of the city can contact them, and not just those who live in the territory entrusted to a particular center.
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is part of the National Capital Region. The territory of the district covers part of the province of Ontario and part of Quebec. The region is subordinate to the National Capital Commission, which is accountable to the federal parliament.
Population
Ottawa is the fourth most populous Canadian city. Only Toronto (the administrative center of the province of Ontario), Montreal (the largest settlement in the province of Quebec) and Calgary (located in the south) are ahead of the capital. If we talk only about the province of Ontario, then Ottawa is the second most populated city after Toronto.
After the 1891 census, the population of Ottawa was only 44 thousand people, by 2016 it exceeded 930 thousand. In the latter case, settlements that were included in the boundaries in 2001 were taken into account. The urban agglomeration of Ottawa-Gatineau is even more numerous - 1.3 million people. The number of residents of the Canadian capital and surrounding areas increased evenly, without sharp jumps or falls.
The median age of the population is 39.2 years (2011 census). There are more children under fifteen than pensioners: 16.8% and 13.2%, respectively. Ottawa, according to the description of many tourists, is not the metropolis that Europeans or Americans are used to. The Canadian capital is good for pensioners and families with children. On weekdays, the city wakes up at 5:30 and falls asleep at 8:30. Time passes slowly in Ottawa.
Education, employment and income
The population of Ottawa is almost the most educated in all of Canada. This is facilitated by the concentration of government offices and industrial enterprises that actively use high technology. Among residents aged 25 to 64, almost 40% had a higher education of at least the first stage (bachelor). For comparison: the same figure for the entire province of Ontario is only 24%.
The median income per family in Ontario in 2006 was approximately CAD 84,500. This is a little over four million rubles. In the province of Ontario, the average income per family is 69.2 thousand, that is, 3.3 million rubles.
Most of Ottawa's population works in commerce and other service industries. In total, workers in industrial enterprises and agriculture make up less than 10% of the total number of employed residents of the capital. As of early 2018, the unemployment rate in the metropolitan area was 5.2%. In Canada as a whole, this figure is 5.9%.
Ethnic composition of the population
Approximately half of the population in the first century and a half of the existence of the settlement were Catholics, represented equally by the French and Irish. These peoples inhabited the Lower City in the historic center and the eastern outskirts of Ottawa. The other half of the inhabitants were represented by Protestants of English origin. They chose the Upper Town in the center, the southern and western outskirts for settlement.
Already by the middle of the nineteenth century, Ottawa had become a place of linguistic friction between the French and English-speaking population of Canada. There were also small German, Jewish, Italian communities, which were formed mainly at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Between the two world wars, Lowertown (Lowertown, formerly inhabited by the French and Irish) was considered a "Jewish" area.
After the end of World War II, Arabs appeared in the population of Ottawa - mainly immigrants from Lebanon, and later communities of natives of East Africa. The best-known immigrant areas are Little Italy, Gladstone Avenue and the area of St. Anthony's Church, Chinatown along Somerset Street to the west. These areas are now favored by tourists for their cultural identity.
In the early 20th century, settlers from Poland, Ukraine, and Ireland arrived in Little Italy, and now the neighborhood school has classes in Vietnamese and Mandarin Chinese on Saturdays. Italian restaurants on Preston Street sit quietly side by side with Korean, Turkish or Indian. The closer to Chinatown, the more Vietnamese, Filipino, Thai and Lebanese restaurants and shops are added to them.
Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, the population of Ottawa, represented by ethnic minorities, has been growing rapidly. Now they are predominantly African Americans and Asians. If we talk about the language, then English is considered native by 65% of the inhabitants, French - 15%, other languages - 18%.
Religious composition
The Canadian capital is a predominantly Christian city, the center of the Catholic archdiocese of Ottawa. Most believers profess Catholicism, but a significant part of the population represents other religions. When the last time a question on religious affiliation was included in the Canadian census questionnaire, 14% of residents were representatives of denominations other than Protestantism and Catholicism. Among others, Islam (more than 6% of the population) and Orthodoxy (approximately 2.5%) were popular.
Notable natives and residents
On the local official website of the Department of Tourism is a list of five residents of the city, "whose talents are known to millions." This list includes Arcade Fire's Arcade Fire drummer Jeremy Gara, who won a Grammy for best album in 2011, Alanis Morissette is a rock singer and actress, Matthew Perry is an actor who grew up in Ottawa, Brendan Fraser is an actor who played in "The Mummies" and "The Throw of the Cobra", lived most of his childhood in Ottawa, Margaret Atwood is a writer, winner of the Booker Prize for the novel "The Blind Assassin".
Moving to Canada
The Canadian government has an immigrant-friendly policy. New arrivals receive information at the service desk, where you can also submit documents for social and medical insurance. Immigrants can apply to numerous community organizations that receive subsidies from the government of Ontario. Many of these organizations have the words "Arabic", "Catholic" or "Christian" in their names, but in fact such centers provide services to all who apply. Moving to Canada is a difficult and responsible undertaking, but it is worth following your dream if it is really strong. Maybe Ottawa is exactly the city where you want to spend the rest of your life.