Focus on a city : Ottawa - Canada

I've always wanted to visit Canada. If you share this thought with me, you just have to read this article and you'll be able to enjoy your trip in the capital of Canada.

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Short presentation

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, located in the province of Ontario, on the banks of the Ottawa River. With an area of some 2,800 square kilometers, Ottawa is one of the country's largest cities. According to data available up to 2021, the city's metropolitan area is home to around 1 million people, making it Canada's fourth-largest city.

A unique feature of Ottawa is its cohabitation as the nation's capital with the neighboring city of Gatineau, which lies across the Ottawa River in the province of Quebec. This geographic proximity creates a binational metropolitan region, reflecting Canada's cultural and linguistic diversity.

The City of Ottawa is administratively divided into 23 boroughs, each with its own city councillor. These boroughs are grouped into four major urban areas: Central, Eastern, Southern and Western. Ottawa is also the seat of Canada's government, home to the Canadian Parliament, the Prime Minister's official residence and numerous federal departments. As the nation's capital, Ottawa plays a crucial geopolitical role as the country's political, diplomatic and administrative decision-making center.

The city is known for its rich culture and history, with numerous museums and art galleries, including the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada. The ByWard Market, located in the heart of the city, is an iconic spot for local produce, restaurants and lively nightlife.

Ottawa is also famous for its Canada Day celebrations on July 1, with spectacular fireworks and festivities throughout the day. The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a natural skating rink in winter and charming promenades in summer.

In short, Ottawa is much more than just an administrative capital. It's a dynamic and diverse city, marked by its political role, rich culture and natural beauty, making it a must-see destination in Canada.

Historical background

Ottawa's history dates back thousands of years, when the region was inhabited by aboriginal peoples such as the Algonquin, Outaouais and Huron-Wendat. These aboriginal communities lived along the Ottawa River, deriving their livelihood from fishing, hunting and farming.

In the 17th century, the first Europeans, mainly French explorers, began to venture into the region. In 1613, merchant and explorer Samuel de Champlain visited the region, laying the foundations for contact between natives and Europeans. Over the years, the French established trading posts along the Ottawa River.

In 1763, following the Seven Years' War, Canada came under British rule thanks to the Treaty of Paris. The Ottawa region became an important trading and transportation hub, as it lay at the confluence of three rivers: the Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau. However, Ottawa's real transformation into Canada's capital didn't occur until the 19th century.

In 1857, Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital of the United Province of Canada (now Canada), partly because it was located midway between the two main British colonies, Montreal and Toronto, and was less vulnerable to American attack than the coastal cities. Construction of Parliament and other government buildings soon began, transforming Ottawa into a major political and administrative center.

On July 1, 1867, the Dominion of Canada came into being with the adoption of the British North America Act (now the Constitution Act, 1867). Ottawa officially became the capital of the new country, which included the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, with John A. Macdonald as its first prime minister.

Over the decades, Ottawa continued to grow as a center of government and administration. The construction of the Rideau Canal, Ottawa's train station and many other iconic buildings shaped the city we know today. It has become a symbol of Canada's political stability and its desire to maintain peace and unity.

Today, Ottawa is a dynamic, multicultural and diverse city, proud of its rich historical heritage as Canada's national capital.

Must-see places

• Parliament of Canada

Be sure to visit Parliament Hill to admire the majestic Parliament Buildings, including the Peace Tower and the West Tower. You can also watch the Changing of the Guard during the summer months.

• The Canadian Museum of History

Located across the Ottawa River from Gatineau, this museum presents Canadian history in a captivating, interactive way.

• National Gallery of Canada

Home to an impressive collection of Canadian and international art, including Aboriginal, Inuit and contemporary masterpieces.

• The ByWard Market

A lively, historic district where you can sample local produce, international dishes and visit craft stores.

• The Rideau Canal

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this canal offers magnificent promenades in summer and transforms into a giant skating rink in winter.

• The War Museum

Explore Canada's military history and admire impressive exhibits on world conflicts.

• The National Arts Centre

Take in a show or performance at Ottawa's leading performing arts center, home to national and international artists.

• Museum of Nature

Discover Canada's flora and fauna, including dinosaur skeletons and biodiversity exhibits.

• The Supreme Court of Canada

Enjoy a guided tour of this iconic building and learn about Canada's judicial system.

Don't forget to take in Ottawa's natural beauty by exploring its many parks, including Gatineau Park, and strolling along the banks of the Ottawa River. The city also offers a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, so check the local calendar for special activities during your visit.

Celebrities linked to Ottawa

• Alanis Morissette

Canadian singer, songwriter and actress, Alanis Morissette achieved international success with her 1995 album "Jagged Little Pill". She is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with several Grammy Awards to her credit.

• Tom Green

Comedian, actor and TV host Tom Green is known for his provocative comic style. He hosted the "Tom Green Show" and starred in films such as "Charlie's Angels" and "Freddy Got Fingered".

• Paul Anka

Singer-songwriter and actor, Paul Anka is a pop music icon. He has written hit songs for numerous artists and is famous for hits such as "Diana" and "My Way".

• Dan Aykroyd

Actor, screenwriter and comedian, Dan Aykroyd is a prominent member of the original cast of "Saturday Night Live". He is also known for his roles in films such as "Ghostbusters" and "The Blues Brothers".

• Bryan Murray

A former ice hockey player and coach, Bryan Murray was born in Shawville, near Ottawa. He played a major role in the National Hockey League (NHL) as coach and general manager, notably with the Ottawa Senators, contributing to the team's success.

These personalities have made their mark in their respective fields and contributed to Ottawa's national and international reputation.

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