Ottawa - Canada’s Capital

Ottawa has been described as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. Canada's fourth largest metropolitan area, the Capital Region has population of just over one milliion. It is a destination that showcases Canada's history and culture at places like Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

Unesco World Heritage site (Rideau Canal)

In the early 1800's, the Unesco World Heritage site (Rideau Canal) was built to link Ottawa to the St.Lawrence River and provide a safe route in wartime to Kingston. Today, the canal attracts boaters in summer, while in winter, at the Ottawa end, it becomes the world's longest skating rink. Please inquire at our reception desk about the great tours

Parliament Hill

Located a 10 minute walk away, the heart of Ottawa and the Canadian government is Parliament Hill, a site of architectural beauty. Built between 1859 and 1927 on a tree -covered promontory overlooking the Ottawa River, the Parliament Buildings are magnificent neo-Gothic (Centre Block) and Gothic structures with copper roofs. Visitors can tour the House of Commons, the Senate and the Library of Parliament in the Centre Block.

The Centennial Flame on the lawn facing the Centre Block was lit in 1967 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Confederation. During the summer, Parliament Hill hosts the daily Changing the Guards ceremony. Tours of the Hill are available year-round, and when Parliament is in session, visitors may obtain passes to sit in the public galleries of the Senate and House of Commons and view Question Time.

A booklet with self-guided walking tours is available at the Capital Infocentre at 90 Wellington Street, directly across from Parliament. For a panoramic view of the region, go to the Observation Deck of the Peace Tower. July 1st, hundreds of thousands gather for Canada Day celebrations.

On summer evenings there is a sound and light show on the lawns in front of Centre Block. December and January, Parliament Hill, Confederation Boulevard and the downtown are ablaze with holiday lights.

Rideau Hall

Built in 1838, Rideau Hall is the official residence of the Governor General, the Queen's representative in Canada. Located at 1 Sussex Drive, outdoor tours of the beautiful 87-acre estate are available throughout the year, with public ice skating on the grounds during winter. The Hall is opened for the public to meet the Governor General and family at the New Year's Day Levée and at the June garden party. New on the grounds, the Canadian Heritage Garden is a stunning arc-shaped creation made up of 92 varities of winter roses.

Museums

Located a 10 minute walk away from the Gasthaus Switzerland Inn, at the edge of the Ottawa River and the Alexandra Bridge, the National Gallery of Canada holds the world's largest collection of Canadian Art, as well as European and American pieces. Located next to the Gallery, the Canadian War Museum houses a comprehensive military collection. An additional 10 minute walk across the Alexandra Bridge in Hull, Canada's development from the time of the Vikings to present day is traced at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

The Canadian Museum of Nature features signature galleries as varied as Mother Nature herself. You can reach the Museum of Nature at Metcalfe and Macleod Street on foot, an approximate 25 minute walk or public transit. The National Museum of Science and Technology covers transportation, telecommunications, space exploration and high technology. This exciting museum is located on St.Laurent Boulevard, east of downtown Ottawa. Take the public transit bus number 86 Elmvale from the Mackenzie King Bridge to the Elmvale Shopping Mall, a short walk from the Museum.