What is Ottawa famous for?

Do you want to know about Ottawa’s best sites to explore and things to do? If yes, you are in the right place. Here is what you need to know!


What is Ottawa famous for?

The capital of Canada, Ottawa, was founded in the 19th century. It was a small working settlement for the builders of the Rideau Canal, and it was initially called Bytown. A lot has changed over the past 190 years, and today Ottawa is a magnificent metropolis with many exciting sights. So, what is Ottawa famous for in Canada? Here is the answer. Read on!

Beautiful Festivals

At any time of the year in Ottawa, it is easy to become a member of many international festivals. For example, an animation film festival has been organized since 1976. It is considered the second most respected in the world.

In addition, Ottawa is considered one of the most musical cities in North America, as it has long hosted the Jazz Festival, the world’s largest Chamber Music Festival and the Ottawa Folk Music Festival.

Shopping Paradise

Shopping in Ottawa is just a fairy tale for locals and tourists. Most often, shopaholics start their “hunt” from the Byward market. It has many stores, shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Ottawa is the epitome of affordable and luxury shopping in Canada. So, if you want to get the most out of your trip to Ottawa, make sure you visit its beautiful shopping malls, supermarkets, and traditional stalls.

We recommend trying at least a couple of local dishes in the cafe—for example, waffles with maple syrup. You can spend the whole day at the market because this place offers plenty of sites to see and things to do.

Mesmerizing Buildings

Despite the relatively young age, Ottawa has something to show the tourists. In particular, the former church of St. Brigid is of great interest to tourists. Today it houses the center of Irish cultural heritage.

Similarly, no less attention is attracted by the beautiful neo-Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Chateau Laurier, and the monumental parliament building. These historic buildings will mesmerize you, and their unique architecture will leave you in awe.

Home to Museums

Ottawa is known for its museums. The Canadian War Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the Royal Canadian Mint are especially popular among them. You can get acquainted with the numismatic exposition and see how commemorative coins are minted.

The Canadian War Museum is dedicated to the nation’s military history and has a vast collection of materials, ranging from manuscripts and artifacts several centuries old. There are exhibitions related to the wars fought in the yesteryears.

Lush Green Parks

Ottawa is an immaculate and green city. There are about a thousand parks, different in design and purpose. In the metropolis, there is always the opportunity at any time to find a cozy place in one of the green areas to take a break from the bustle of the city.

Besides, it is worth visiting Gatineau Park, striking with the beauty of landscapes and Confederation Park. In the latter, monuments to Canadian soldiers’ participants in various wars are erected, and in winter, an ice sculpture competition is held as part of the famous Winterlude festival.

There are three parks on the western bank of the Rideau River. For instance, Strathcona and the adjoining Duchy’s Hole Park and Robinson Field. Strathcona Park has had a baseball field for almost 100 years, and Duchy’s Park Hole has a football field.

In the summer, swans, including black Australian swans, live in park ponds, and in winter, the hills in the parks are a great place for sledding and snowboarding. Parks in Ottawa have an immense natural beauty that will soothe your mind and relax your heart. Therefore, visiting this place with your family or friends is worth your time.

Entertainment Hub of Canada

A 20-minute drive from the capital is the small village of Wakefield, which attracts both thrill-seekers and bohemian representatives with an abundance of art galleries, pubs, and cozy cafes.

People who like to relax in the heart of nature find Ottawa and its nearby areas the best place. Other popular activities are horseback riding, dog sledding, canoeing, kayaking, golf.

Final Words

Ottawa is home to a unique culture, picturesque city views, monumental buildings, diverse cuisines, lush green parks, winter and summer festivals, and many other things that will leave you in awe. Visiting the city is a must for everyone to relish the natural beauty, participate in fun activities, and satisfy their taste buds with delectable food. Until Next Time!


  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.
Best Provincial and National Parks to Visit in Quebec

What are the best national and provincial parks in Quebec? Why should you visit these places? What are the best activities in these parks? Learn Here!


Provincial and National Parks to Visit in Quebec

Quebec is the largest province in Canada and boasts the most diverse landscapes, picturesque mountains, and wildlife in North America. Quebec has the world’s best national and provincial parks, from scenic coastlines to breathtaking views.

Experiencing national and provincial parks in Quebec is a fantastic way to breathe in the fresh air and explore the best tourist destinations in Canada. Parks in Quebec are famous for outdoor adventure activities, including hiking, camping, canoeing, and cross-country skiing. Here are the best national and provincial parks to explore in Quebec. Read on!

Grands-Jardins

Grands-Jardins is a paradise in the Charlevoix region, boasting the rugged outdoor scenery where the tundra meets boreal forest. Many people visit Grands-Jardins to experience the unique taste of northern Quebec. The park is a 90-minute drive from central Quebec City.

In addition, Grands-Jardins is an integral part of the Biosphere Reserve, with fascinating wildlife, including grey wolf, lynx, black bear, moose, and woodland caribou. The park is also famous for fishing enthusiasts. So, visiting this place with your friends or family will create memories and soothe your mind and body, thanks to the picturesque views.

Mont-Tremblant

Mont-Tremblant offers unspoiled natural beauty. It is one of the largest protected areas in the region, offering an escape into the heart of natural beauty with an impressive variety of wildlife species. Mont-Tremblant is also home to beautiful rivers, lakes, and stunning mountains. In addition, it is one of the highest mountains in the Laurentians, making it the best national park near the beautiful city of Montreal.

Many people visit this place for outdoor adventures, including snowboarding and skiing, during the winter season. You can enjoy the twelve kilometers paddle down the Diable River during the summer. The place is heaven for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts.

Besides, Mont-Tremblant attracts camping lovers, thanks to the best camping sites with state-of-the-art amenities. So, you can enjoy traditional tent camping or participate in everyday adventures. Everything in Mont-Tremblant is perfect for campers.

La Mauricie

La Maurice is another beautiful national park near Montreal, attracting locals and tourists, thanks to the picturesque scenery and breathtaking views. So, if you want a perfect day trip, make sure you visit La Maurice with your family and friends. You will enjoy scenic waterfalls, picturesque hiking trails, and stunning landscapes.

Although the park attracts people all year round, we recommend visiting the place during the spring and summer to enjoy hiking. In addition, you can also visit La Maurice during the cold winter months for brilliant autumn foliage and enchanting snow. So, you can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter season.

The park offers activities for people of all ages and skill levels, including camping sites, children’s playgrounds, and other amenities, making it an ideal destination for a family road trip. Therefore, you can’t miss this national park when visiting Canada.

Haute-Gorges-de-la-Riviere-Malbaie

The park is famous for the glacial valleys cutting through the highest mountains in Canada. It is an integral part of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve and the best provincial park in Quebec for people who want to enjoy flora and fauna.

Outdoor activities you can enjoy in this provincial park include kayaking, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, etc., making it a perfect summer destination for adventure enthusiasts.

You will experience the breathtaking snowy mountains during the winter season and participate in outdoor activities, such as ice-skating, cross-country skiing, dog-sledding expeditions, and snowshoeing.

Ile-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Perce

Another beautiful provincial park in the Gaspe Peninsula attracts thousands of people every month, thanks to the iconic sea and northern gannets with a stunning coastal scene worthy of taking photos and videos.

We recommend exploring the island trails and watching the diverse flora and fauna if you want to get the most out of your trip to Ile-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Perce. For more enjoyment, we recommend taking a guided boat cruise. In addition, the underwater diving excursion at Ile-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Perce is second to none.

Final Words

The Canadian government has made substantial efforts to create high-secured national and provincial park systems. The purpose is to represent and protect the country’s geographic heritage and preserve the natural heritage. Visiting these provincial and national parks in Quebec is a one-of-a-kind experience for families and friends. Until Next Time!


  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.
10 things to do in Quebec City

There are many things to do in this city, from exploring the old city to visiting one of the many museums. You can also enjoy a day out in the countryside, or take a trip to one of the nearby villages. Quebec City is a great place to visit any time of year!

1. Explore the old city

One of the best ways to explore Quebec City is by wandering through its old city. This part of the city is full of narrow streets and historic buildings. You can find plenty of restaurants and shops here, as well as some of Quebec City’s most famous attractions, such as the Château Frontenac.

2. Visit one of the many museums

Quebec City is home to a number of world-class museums, which are perfect for a rainy day. Some of the most popular museums in the city include the Musée de la civilisation, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, and the Château Frontenac.

3. Enjoy a day out in the countryside

Quebec City is also surrounded by some beautiful countryside, which is perfect for a day out. You can go for a hike or a bike ride, or simply relax and enjoy the view. Some of the most popular places to visit in the area include Montmorency Falls, the Ile d’Orléans, and the Parc du Bic.

4. Take a trip to one of the nearby villages

There are a number of charming villages close to Quebec City, which make for a great day trip. Some of the best-known villages in the area include Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Beauport, and Wendake.

5. Go skiing or snowboarding in the winter

Quebec City is the perfect place to go skiing or snowboarding in the winter. There are a number of ski resorts in the area, including Mont-Sainte-Anne, Le Massif, and Stoneham. You can also go ice skating, snowmobiling, or dog sledding.

6. Enjoy the summer festivals

Quebec City is home to a number of exciting summer festivals, which are perfect for enjoying the warm weather. Some of the most popular festivals in the city include the Quebec City Summer Festival, the International Jazz Festival, and the Canada Day celebrations.

7. Stroll along the riverfront

The riverfront in Quebec City is a great place to stroll and enjoy the view. The riverfront is located in the old city, and is home to a number of restaurants, pubs, and shops. You can also find some of Quebec City’s most famous attractions here, such as the Château Frontenac.

8. Have a drink in one of the charming cafes

Quebec City is home to a number of charming cafes, which are the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink. Some of the best-known cafes in the city include Le Saint-Amour, L’Atelier, and La Maison Smith. You can find a cafe in just about every corner of Quebec City, so there’s always somewhere to stop for a coffee or a beer.

9. Take a walking tour

If you want to see as much of Quebec City as possible, then why not take a walking tour? There are a number of different walking tours available, which cover everything from the old city to the countryside. You can also find walking tours that focus on history, architecture, or9. Shop in the local markets

10. Relax in one of the restaurants

Quebec City is home to a number of restaurants, which offer a wide variety of cuisine. . You can find a restaurant in just about every corner of Quebec City, so there’s always somewhere to stop for a coffee or a beer.


Conclusion

Quebec City’s surrounding area offers plenty more opportunities if you’re looking for outdoor activities like hikes, skiing, biking or even visiting one of the nearby villages close by. Summertime brings some exciting festivals which make it perfect for enjoying warm weather while wintertime provides opportunities for fun on snow slopes! This article has given you 10 ideas about what to do in Quebec City but there are hundreds more waiting to be explored.


  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.