Canadian Museum of Civilization
This museum boasts 1,000 years of Canadian history, life-size totem poles overshadowing the magnificent First People's Hall, and an IMAX Theatre with constantly changing features.

100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Québec
Tel: (819) 776 7000.
Website: www.civilization.ca
Admission charge.

Canadian War Museum
Poignant and interactive exhibits reveal Canada's military past, with a stunning collection of artefacts and airplanes from the world's major wars.

1 Vimy Place
Tel: (819) 776 8600.
Website: www.warmuseum.ca
Admission charge.

Diefenbunker Cold War Museum
Descend 27.5m (90ft) underground into Canada's once-secret Cold War bunker, now a museum after being decommissioned in 1997. Visitors can discover some of the mysteries of this huge, four-storey bunker built to house the Canadian government in the event of a nuclear attack.

3911 Carp Road, Carp
Tel: (613) 839 0007.
Website: www.diefenbunker.ca
Admission charge.

Rideau Canal
This canal is cruised by boats in the summer, but then transforms into the world's longest ice-skating rink in the winter, with a 7.8km (4.8-mile) channel of ice winding through downtown Ottawa. The canal extends over 200km (124 miles) from Ottawa to Kingston, and links the River Ottawa with Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence Seaway. Requiring 24 dams and 46 locks, it was one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century.

Tel: (613) 283 5170.
Website: www.pc.gc.ca/rideau
Admission charge.

Parliament Hill
Perched on a rise next to the fairytale Fairmont Chateau Laurier, the neo-gothic Parliament Buildings with their pointed copper roofs overlook the River Ottawa and neighbouring Québec. Sit in on question time at the Legislature, tour the newly refurbished library or enjoy the sound and light show on the illuminated Parliament Hill.

Parliament of Canada, Parliament Hill
Tel: (613) 992 4793.
Website: www.parl.gc.ca
Free admission.