Ottawa as the national capital of Canada, is a city of history, parks and pageantry. It is just 60 miles north of the New York State border, 4 driving hours northeast of Toronto and two driving hours west of Montreal. Ottawa stands out as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with the sober dignity of Victorian buildings being complemented by striking modern architecture and flower-lined parks, drives and squares. It is a city steeped in history and tradition. It houses the Parliament buildings of Canada, the central governing body in the country; the magnificent vice-regal residence of the Governor General of Canada; and world-class museums, galleries and entertainment venues. It is home to over 1000 national associations and over 100 embassies and diplomatic missions. 

Ottawa boasts the world's longest skating rink on the Rideau Canal. Running north-south through the heart of the city, thousands of ice skaters throng the 8-kilometer long rink enjoying this outdoor activity in the winter. During the summer it is the scene of boaters, joggers and in-line skaters on its banks. The City of Hull, just across the river from Ottawa in the Province of Quebec, is a vital component of the National Capital Region. It was founded in 1800, more than two decades before Ottawa (Bytown) began to develop across the Ottawa River. It is one of North America's biggest lumber, pulp and paper centers. French is the predominant language, spoken by 83% of the population. However, 64% are bilingual.

The City of Ottawa on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River is made up of neighboring cities and townships. The urban core of Ottawa is bordered by the Ottawa River on the north, Kanata on the west Nepean on the south, and Gloucester and Orleans on the east. Further surrounding this region are West Carleton, Goulbourn, Osgoode, Rideau and Cumberland Townships containing the towns of Rockland, Manotick, Richmond, Stittsville and Carp. Further out and surrounding Ottawa in Eastern Ontario are major towns such as Smiths Falls, Perth, Arnprior, Carleton Place, Cornwall, Renfrew, Pembroke, Winchester, Kemptville, Brockville and Hawkesbury. In Western Quebec towns such as Shawville, Aylmer, Wakefield and Maniwaki are noteworthy.

Physical Features

The city boasts 150 km. (90 miles) of bike and walking paths, and has maintained a 532 square kilometer (205 square mile) "emerald necklace" around its urban core. This federally owned open space is full of parklands, forests, wetlands and working farms. Its presence in the city has allowed smaller suburban cities to grow up on the fringes of the core and has ensured green space in the area for perpetuity. To the north of the city on the Quebec side, the Gatineau Park  (again federally owned), offers its beauty to the residents of the region. Comprising 39,600 hectares (85, 400 acres), it contains 185 km. (115 miles) of hiking and 40 lakes, it can be accessed within minutes of downtown in all four seasons of the year. It is a major get-away location for day-trippers year round. Surrounding the city, only minutes away, are beaches, golf courses, ski hills and hundreds of lakes where many people have cottages. The whole area of Eastern Ontario is a cottage haven for thousands - a place to escape city life. The city is bisected by two main waterways. Slicing the city from north to south is the Rideau River and accompanying canal. The canal extends south all the way to Kingston on the St. Lawrence River. Arriving from the west and flowing east is the Ottawa River. Further up the Ottawa valley northwest of the city, this particular river has some of the best white-water rafting areas in the world. A century ago it was the main artery bringing logs down to the mills in the city and was the center of industry. In this day and age, the river around Ottawa is somewhat tamed in ferocity and used more for boating and tourism. The area is known for its access to winter sports and the beauty of the fall foliage. There are 6 ski venues circling the city on the west and north and plenty of snow for all to enjoy from January to April. The autumn finds the hardwood forests exploding in color in October with one of the finest displays of nature anywhere on the East Coast.