What is Ottawa known for?
Ottawa is Canada's capital city and one of the country's most livable urban centres. It's known for Parliament Hill and federal government institutions, world-class national museums, the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Canadian Tulip Festival, Winterlude, and a strong bilingual (English-French) character. Ottawa is also home to a significant technology sector, two major universities, and one of Canada's most diverse cultural calendars.
Parliament Hill and Government
Ottawa's identity is fundamentally tied to its role as the seat of Canadian government. Parliament Hill — the iconic Gothic Revival complex overlooking the Ottawa River — is one of Canada's most recognizable landmarks. The Changing of the Guard ceremony on the Hill lawn (summer) is a major tourist draw. The Prime Minister's residence at 24 Sussex Drive (currently under major renovation) and Rideau Hall (the Governor General's official residence) are nearby.
Museums
Ottawa has a remarkable concentration of world-class national museums:
- National Gallery of Canada — Canadian and international art
- Canadian Museum of History (across the river in Gatineau) — Canada's most-visited museum
- Canadian War Museum — military history
- Canadian Museum of Nature — natural history and science
- Canada Science and Technology Museum — STEM and innovation
- National Museum of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP museum)
The Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site running from Kingston, Ontario to downtown Ottawa. In winter, the 7.8 km stretch through the city freezes into the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink — one of Ottawa's most iconic experiences.
Festivals and Events
Ottawa hosts some of Canada's most beloved events: Winterlude (February), the Canadian Tulip Festival (May), Canada Day on Parliament Hill (July 1), RBC Bluesfest (July), and the Ottawa Jazz Festival (June). The city punches well above its weight for festival culture.
Bilingualism and Culture
Ottawa is officially bilingual — English and French are both widely spoken. The Gatineau region across the river (part of the National Capital Region) is primarily francophone. This bilingual character gives Ottawa a distinct cultural blend uncommon in English Canadian cities.
Tech and Innovation
Ottawa's Kanata North tech park is home to over 550 tech companies, including major names like Shopify (partially), Nokia, Ericsson, and Ciena. The city is a significant hub for telecommunications, cybersecurity, and software.
For more on what Ottawa offers, explore things to do in Ottawa and the Ottawa arts and culture guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top tourist attractions in Ottawa? Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, and the ByWard Market are Ottawa's most-visited attractions.
Is Ottawa bigger than Toronto? No — Toronto is Canada's largest city with a metro population of 6+ million. Ottawa's metro population is approximately 1.4 million (2021 census), making it Canada's 4th largest city.
What language do people speak in Ottawa? Ottawa is officially bilingual. English predominates in the city proper; French is strong in Gatineau and among Ottawa's significant francophone community (roughly 15–20% of residents).
Why is Ottawa the capital of Canada and not Toronto? Ottawa was chosen as capital in 1857 by Queen Victoria, largely for its central location between Upper and Lower Canada (Ontario and Quebec) and its defensible position away from the US border.
