Ottawa wears an elegant charm as Canada's capital. Ornate gothic buildings with steep spires and turrets overlook the easygoing pace of the city built along the River Ottawa.

The Rideau Canal transforms from a popular skating location and winter wonderland to a quiet waterway plied with canoes and canal boats in summer.

The world-famous tulip festival marks the beginning of summer, as tourists, students, families and politicians stroll the gardens, cycle the paths and visit the many museums.

The neo-gothic Parliament Buildings atop Parliament Hill attract crowds to the outdoor summer concerts or the thrilling pomp and ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. Daily tours allow visitors a view of Canada's House of Commons and the Senate.

Across the river in Gatineau, Québec, is the Canadian Museum of Civilization, exploring 1,000 years of Canadian history. West of parliament is the new, state-of-the-art Canadian War Museum, featuring interactive exhibits of past great wars.

The National Gallery, guarded by a monstrous bronze and steel spider sculpture, is home to one of the country's finest art collections, including native Canadian art.

Not to be missed is the Stray Cats of the Hill, an open access kitty condo (run by volunteers) that offers food and shelter for the stray cat (and raccoon, squirrel and groundhog) population of the city.

Ottawa Tourism
130 Albert Street, Suite 1800
Tel: (613) 237 6822 or 1 800 363 4465.
Website: www.ottawatourism.ca

The main tourist office provides information in both English and French.

Museum Passports that last for seven days offer discounts at 10 museums and performances at the National Arts Centre.