Ottawa is the capital of Canada. The city is situated along the Ontario side of the Ottawa River, opposite Gatineau, Quebec. The metropolitan population of Ottawa is 1.1 million and is currently the fourth largest city in Canada, and the second largest in Ontario after Toronto.
Unique as a North American capital, the city is bilingual. English is the first language of a majority of the population, but French is the first language of a significant number. Staff in most stores and restaurants speak both well and, in general, bilingualism is common.
Source: Wikitravel. A list of contributors is available at the original article on Wikitravel.
Ottawa Information
Population: Approx. 866,000
Time Zone: GMT -5
Languages: English, French
Currency: Canadian Dollar ($CAD)
Currency Exchange: Purchase your CAD cash and travellers cheques before you leave Australia
Electricity: 110v - 60Hz
Ottawa Climate
Ottawa has a vast range of temperatures between summer and winter, and is subject to unpredictable weather conditions. Winters are generally snowy and icy; statistically Ottawa is the second coldest capital city in the world after Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia. Temperatures in winter can drop as low as -25°C (-13°F) at night, but averages are misleading because days can be much warmer. Ice storms can occur.
Summer weather in Ottawa is warm and humid, with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F) fairly often, sometimes as early as April and as late as October. Summers are usually short, though, and spring and autumn are unpredictable, with early or late snowfalls possible or even unseasonal heat waves.
Ottawa Airport
Name: Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Address: 1000 Airport Parkway Private, Ottawa, ON Canada
Distance to city: 30km
Car Rental: Great choice of hire cars at mates rates from our car suppliers
Transfers: Shuttle buses are widely available outside the ground transportation area
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
3 Star Property
When you stay at Les Suites Hotel Ottawa you really do have the best of everything. The luxury of a great location and the comfort of spacious elegance. Situated in the heart of downtown Ottawa, Les Suites Hotel is next door to great shopping at the Rideau Centre and surrounded by fine dining and entertainment. Ideally located near major travel routes, government offices, and popular attractions, we offer the perfect location for business travelers and leisure guests alike. Only 6 miles from the Ottawa International Airport!
Arc the Hotel
4 Star Property
ARC The Hotel, Ottawa's first luxury boutique hotel, offers discerning travelers an oasis of urban luxury and design. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, ARC The Hotel Ottawa provides a unique experience and unmatched sophistication.
Raddisson Hotel Ottawa Parliament Hill
3 Star Property
The Radisson is in downtown Ottawa, near Parliament Hill, convenient to restaurants, museums, shopping, and nightlife. The airport is approximately 10 miles away. The hotel offers the Southern Cross restaurant serving Tex-Mex cuisine, a lounge, fitness room, parking garage, and valet or self-service laundry.
The Westin Ottawa
4 Star Property
The Westin Ottawa offers an ideal haven for renewal and relaxation in the heart of Canada's capital. Heighten your senses with panoramic views of Parliament Hill, the scenic Rideau Canal, or inspire yourself with historic sights and world-class shopping at the adjoining Rideau Centre Shopping mall.
Lord Elgin Hotel
3.5 Star Property
Directly across from Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre, Lord Elgin is one block away from the Rideau Canal and Rideau Centre and five miles from Ottawa International Airport. This location is also two blocks from L'Esplanade Laurier (retail), three blocks from Sparks Street Mall, five blocks from Parliament Hill, one mile from Ottawa University, three miles from the Museum of Civilization, and nine miles from Hull Casino.
Dining
Ethnic foods from around the world are available at a wide variety of restaurants and street vendors throughout the city. The ByWard Market area has a wide selection of different cuisines; the Chinatown area is along Somerset Avenue between Bronson Avenue and Preston Street; and Little Italy runs along the length of Preston Street, from Carling Avenue to Albert Street.
Major restaurant areas can be found on Elgin Street, Bank Street in Centretown, Bank Street in the Glebe, Westboro and in the Byward Market. Similar restaurants can be found in major suburban shopping areas too. Ottawa has excellent options for fine dining if you feel like spending a bit extra.
Source: Wikitravel. A list of contributors is available at the original article on Wikitravel.
