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Mini guide to Ottawa

A number of interesting museums and a rather neat location either side of the Ottawa river make this otherwise sterile capital appealing.

Being a government and politician city, Ottawa is dominated by neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings, and boasts wide streets and plenty of parks. On the face of it, Ottawa appears to be a very pleasant and livable city, though it’s hardly an exciting place to spend your nights.

Some popular tourist attractions include: the War Museum, the Royal Mint, several stately houses, the National Gallery and a host of lesser museums covering everything form nature to agriculture, aviation and science.

The downtown area is dissected by the Rideau Canal, and the lively part of the town is found near Byward Market, east of the canal, which has many cheap eateries, while the western downtown area is more upmarket.

Rideau Hall, the historic residence and workplace of Canada’s Governor General, is located on scenic Sussex Drive just minutes from Parliament Hill and is open to the public throughout the year.

St. Patrick`s Basilica, founded in 1855, is the oldest parish in Ottawa and worth checking out.

The Enchanted Gardens is a magical theme gardens which appeals to all ages, including Dutch Gnomes of Sleepy Hollow, and a serene Japanese garden.

No visit to Ontario would be complete without a memorable cruise of the world famous 1000 Islands near Brockville, only an hour’s drive from Ottawa.