Car Rental Ottawa - Exploring Ottawa

Ottawa is located in the most built up area of Canada, though this is deceiving. Within a few hours’ drive of the captial are outstanding nature areas and several great cities, including Montreal and Toronto.

Nearest is Montreal, famous for its relaxed atmosphere and very ‘livable’ environment. The city is named from the park-covered Mont Royal, a striking geological structure that's often mistaken for an extinct volcano. The cobblestone streets of Montreal's old precinct are lined with stone houses, Paris-like cafes and architectural beauties like the 18th-century Pointe à Callière (Museum of Archaeology and History). Vieux Montréal (Old Montréal), centred around the two-hundred year old Place Jacques Cartier (market square), is delightful and perfect for exploring by foot. Check out the Hôtel de Ville, Promenade de Vieux Port (Old Port) along the waterfront and the narrow, cobblestone streets around Rue St Paul. Elsewhere, among the charm and character of Old Montréal, is the Place d'Armes, the other major square in the area. It features the magnificent Basilica Notre Dame, and the Chapelle du Sacré Couer.

Also in the area are the Laurentian Mountains, a pristine wilderness covered in lakes, quaint European-styled villages, and ski resorts. Pick of the settlements include: Saint Sauveur des Monts Saint Agathe des Monts (skiing), Mont Tremblant (skiing) and Parc de Mont Tremblant (summer activities).

East Ontario's Algonquin Park is one of Canada's best-loved parks, with a dazzling array of hiking and canoeing options. The lake-dotted semi-wilderness has 1600km of charted canoe routes to explore.