Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, An absolute jewel of a city to visit.

OTTAWA - ONTARIO - CANADA

…a capital place to visit!

Canada’s national capital - a city-of-the-world that boasts accommodations to suit almost every taste, attractions to rival the world's, fine restaurants and entertainment to suit the tastes of almost anyone, lodgings from plain to palatial - and all with a year round welcoming ambience.

That’s what makes Ottawa truly a CAPITAL place to visit.

What's here?

information about Ottawa weather

pages and virtual visits to attractions around Ottawa

information about Ottawa services

google maps to help you find your way around

details on getting to Ottawa by air, train, bus and car

much, much more. Welcome!

Ottawa welcomes you in our two official languages - English and French. Yet you'll hear almost every other major language spoken somewhere in the Ottawa area.

Ottawa boasts a "little Italy" and a "Chinatown" where the sign posts and the rich cultural heritage flavours the shops, and the languages spoken. As the nation's capital, embassies from around the world make Ottawa their Canadian headquarters.

’Map

If you’re planning on driving in and around the Ottawa area, drivers are, for the most part, courteous and skilled.

Vehicles in Canada travel on the right side of the road!

By and large, you can walk, drive, and use the hugely efficient and fun public transit to go almost anywhere in Ottawa, at almost any time of day or night, with confidence.

We have wandered the Byward Market in the 'wee hours' of the morning during the summer, and it was electrifying, energizing and exhilarating to wander from store (yes, some were still open quite late) to walkway, enjoying the warm night, savouring the tantalizing bouquets wafting from the many food establishments, sampling a wondrous dessert, before again plunging into the stream of Ottawans and guests which flow - almost endlessly - through the ambience and artistry of the Byward Market.

Sunset

This site is built with you, the visitor, in mind. The Canadian Parliament Buildings are the focal point for this site, and as you visit the pages, each will give you an idea where that attraction / feature is in distances and in relation to Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

A couple of major rivers - the Rideau and the Ottawa - flow through and form the boundary of parts of Ottawa, and they are joined just east of the Parliament buildings by the Gatineau River. The Ottawa River then carries on past Ottawa, drifting lazily south east until it marries up with the world famous St. Lawrence river, about 150 km (90 miles) downstream.

Ottawa really is a year-round destination. During summer - warm and gentle breezes play tag with your 'chapeau' to which you'll have to hold tight if you cruise the river waters in a variety of available sightseeing-on-the-water excursions.

’Maple

When summer has fled to autumn, with the majestic and crimson flora that only an Ottawa fall can bring to the maple trees of the region, the river and canal waters begin to chill.

Not long after, you can join hundreds and thousands of people sliding and skating on what is reputed to be the worlds longest skating rink, right in down-town Ottawa in sight of the Canadian Parliament Buildings.

So come. Navigate this site for information even as you plan to navigate your way to this very special place. Ottawa, Ontario - Canada!

Documents

Know that a valid passport is preferred entry document from some countries, and is the required document for entry into Canada from others. Persons visiting from certain countries also may require a visitor visa as well.

Please check the requirements that apply to you with your travel agent or the Canadian embassy or Canadian consulate in your country, or - more information can be obtained at Citizenship and Immigration Canada .

Ottawa Health Care

Canada and Ottawa boasts a fine health care and emergency care system. Citizens pay a provincial health tax, and part of their federal income taxes are used to offset the costs of the Canadian healthcare system. While in Ottawa, should you fall ill, you will have

access to world class emergency care, however it isn't free. Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. Make sure you have health insurance to pay your medical costs before you leave for Canada to protect you should you need health care while visiting.

Financial Information

Ottawa's banks are solid financial institutions most of which have international affiliations. They normally operate, to serve the 'walk-in' public, from around 09:30 until 4:00 p.m. most week days. Most financial institutions are closed weekends and on all statutory holidays.

Click here for more information on Ottawa’s financial services.

Many hotels will cash international travelers cheques, and there are a host of ATM's (automatic teller machines) almost everywhere, from which you can obtain local cash should you have the appropriate cash or credit card.

The vast majority of hotels, restaurants and tourist spots accept major credit cards - certainly VISA or MasterCard, and many accept American Express.

Ottawa Weather

Do you need to wear a coat, a hat…an umbrella? Just click here for information on Ottawa’s weather today, or year ‘round.

So, welcome to All-About-Ottawa.com. If you can't find what you are looking for, please contact us through the “CONTACT US” button on the Navigation bar. We'll see if we can help.

Whatever you want to know about Ottawa, you will eventually be able to find it here. If you need some information that’s not on the site, feel free to send a question via the contact page.

Disclaimer:

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