Ottawa isn't what most people expect from a G7 capital. If you’re picturing the sprawling, high-octane chaos of London or the marble-heavy gravitas of D.C., you’re going to be surprised. Honestly, it feels more like a really big, really clean town that happens to have a massive Gothic parliament building dropped right in the middle of it.
But there is a reason for the vibe.
Back in the mid-1800s, choosing the capital of Canada Ottawa was basically a massive political headache that nobody could solve. Imagine a bunch of politicians in top hats arguing for decades about which city deserved the crown. Toronto wanted it. Quebec City wanted it. Even Kingston and Montreal had their turns.
In fact, the government literally packed up their desks and moved six times because they couldn’t agree on a permanent spot. It was a mess. Finally, they got so fed up they asked Queen Victoria to just pick one and end the drama.
The Queen's "Random" Choice that Wasn't Random at All
When Victoria chose Ottawa in 1857, people were kind of shocked. At the time, it was called Bytown—a rough, muddy, rowdy lumber settlement. It was famous for three things: trees, mosquitoes, and fights between Irish and French canal workers.
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Why pick a backwater town over a sophisticated place like Montreal?
Safety, mostly. The War of 1812 was still fresh in everyone's minds, and the British were terrified of an American invasion. Toronto and Kingston were sitting ducks on the Great Lakes. Ottawa, however, was tucked safely inland, protected by thick forests and cliffs.
Plus, it sat right on the border between Upper Canada (Ontario) and Lower Canada (Quebec). It was the ultimate "middle ground" solution to a cultural tug-of-war that still defines Canadian politics today.
The Bicentennial Buzz of 2026
If you’re visiting right now in 2026, you’ve timed it perfectly. The city is officially hitting its 200-year milestone since its founding as Bytown. The bicentennial celebrations aren't just about old dusty history books; the city is leaning hard into its "Silicon Valley of the North" reputation while honoring its roots.
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You’ll see this mix everywhere. One minute you’re looking at the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage site built by hand in the 1820s—and the next, you’re in a high-tech hub in Kanata where some of the world’s most advanced software is being written.
Winterlude and the World’s Biggest Skating Rink
You haven't actually experienced the capital of Canada Ottawa until you’ve stood on the Rideau Canal in February. It transforms into a 7.8-kilometer skating rink. It’s not just for tourists, either. You’ll see locals skating to work with briefcases, which is easily the most Canadian thing you’ll ever witness.
Winterlude 2026 is currently in full swing. This year, the "Crystal Garden" has returned to Confederation Park for the first time in years. They’ve got these massive ice-carving competitions where artists from around the world turn literal blocks of frozen water into translucent dragons and castles using chainsaws and chisels.
Don't skip the BeaverTails. They’re basically fried dough stretched out to look like a beaver’s tail, topped with cinnamon, sugar, and maybe some lemon. It’s a local rite of passage. If you don’t have sugar on your gloves by the end of the day, you did it wrong.
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The Museums: Where Canada Stores Its Identity
Ottawa has seven of the nine national museums. If you only have time for one, go across the river to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau. The building itself, designed by Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal, is a masterpiece of curved stone that looks like it was shaped by wind and water.
- The National Gallery: Look for the giant spider statue (Maman) out front.
- The War Museum: The architecture is brutalist and haunting, with a roof covered in grass.
- The Diefenbunker: This is a literal underground nuclear bunker from the Cold War. It’s creepy, fascinating, and very "James Bond."
The "Hidden" Side of the City
Most people stick to Parliament Hill, but honestly, the best stuff is in the neighborhoods. The Glebe is where you go for vintage shops and a slightly bougie-but-chill atmosphere. Hintonburg is the artsy, hipster cousin where you’ll find the best coffee and independent galleries.
ByWard Market is the classic tourist spot, and yeah, it’s a bit crowded, but it’s been there since 1826. It’s still the heart of the city’s nightlife. If you want a more authentic experience, check out the Pibòn Festival in the market, which showcases Indigenous culture, music, and food during the winter months.
Living in the Coldest Capital (Almost)
Ottawa is officially one of the coldest capitals in the world—usually ranked 7th. In January, the temperature can drop to -25°C or even -30°C with the wind chill. But the city is built for it. There are underground tunnels, heated bus shelters, and a general "we’re all in this together" attitude when the snow starts piling up.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Skip the Rental Car: Downtown is incredibly walkable, and the O-Train (the light rail) connects most major spots. Parking is a nightmare and expensive.
- Cross the Bridge: Walk across the Alexandra Bridge to Gatineau. The view of the Parliament Buildings from the middle of the river is the best photo op in the city.
- Book the "Parliament: The Immersive Experience": Since the main Centre Block is under a massive multi-year renovation, this 360-degree multimedia show on Sparks Street is the best way to see the interior without the construction dust.
- Try the Shawarma: Weirdly enough, Ottawa is the shawarma capital of North America. There’s a shop on almost every corner. It’s the unofficial official food of the city.
- Check the Flag Waitlist: If you’re a Canadian citizen, you can put your name on a list to receive one of the flags flown atop the Peace Tower. Just a heads-up: the waitlist is currently over 100 years long. Maybe sign up for your great-grandkids.
Ottawa isn't trying to be Toronto, and it definitely isn't trying to be Vancouver. It’s a city that’s comfortable in its own skin—a mix of high-stakes politics, rugged history, and a weirdly obsessed skating culture. Whether you're here for the tulips in May or the deep freeze of February, it’s a place that stays with you.