City Guide: Ottawa

     Ottawa is a city caught between two cultures.

     It is truly of two cultures with blend of French and English influences. The traditional parliament buildings bear the stamp of the old English charm, while the unique setting of the French-speaking Quebec, makes Ottawa both of Canada and distinct from it.

     You can experience the true multicultural face of the city on your trip there. Be it a room in cheap hotel in Ottawa to luxury offers all available at Booked.net. Our listings include maps, photos and secure forms.

     French influences sprang outside Quebec to neighboring Ottawa making it a city with French splendor. This turned Ottawa to a chic destination – more glamorous than Montreal and busier than Toronto.

     Apart from business in Toronto, Ottawa offers a counterpoint to business activities hosting the largest blues and jazz festivals in the world.  There, musical shows are staged all around the city and parks serve for snow playgrounds and skating rings in the winter.

     The French brought the joy of life to Ottawa booming with activities and sites. The main attraction in the city is the 302ft high Peace Tower that is going to introduce you to the Gothic style Parliament Buildings. It may be the first time you think of Ottawa being more of Canada, than under French influence.

     Apart from the French present, you will be engrossed in Ottawa's past. Attractions include;

- Parliament Hill, a must-see for the visitors. It offers an example of the Gothic revival style with abundance of points of interest in the area

- Canadian War Museum presents the relics of the armed conflicts between the French and British through to the World Wars

- Supreme Court of Canada, the best example of Art Deco architecture in Ottawa

- Rideau Hall, the official residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II when visiting Canada

- Museum of Civilization traces the story of Canada's population

     If architecture in the city is truly English, the name Ottawa is acquired from the French traders. They named the area after the Outaouais tribe living in the area for a decade. When Britain took over the area in 1760s the town grew with immigrants to the city and the construction of the Rideau Canal fueled trade exchanges in the area. But all further development was fueled by Queen Victoria who chose Ottawa to be the capital of the Dominion of Canada. Since then it has seen investments in world-class museums, art galleries and festivals that attracted tourists to the city.

     Today Ottawa greets visitors with the warm welcome in local hotels all available at Booked.net.