Updated: 3/15/2020 | March 15th, 2020

I never believed much about Ottawa. I understood it was the funding of Canada as well as that it had some sports teams, however other than that it, it lost out to other places.

Destinations like Vancouver, Calgary, Banff, Montreal, Quebec City, as well as the Maritime Provinces all pertained to mind.

Ottawa would be a city that perhaps I’d get to one day.

Then fate intervened.

On a recent trip to Canada with buddy as part of a partership with by means of Rail, we discovered ourselves in Canada’s capital.

Pulling into Ottawa, I wasn’t expecting much.

Yet the funding shocked me. Not only is Ottawa beautiful, however it’s likewise exciting. The tourism officials provided us a quick excursion of the city, which included Ottawa’s suburbs as well as parks, the prime minister’s house, as well as the Ottawa River. It was all absolutely beautiful.

The city itself is fairly new, dating back to 1826. While both native as well as Europeans were in the region long before that, there had been no European settlement established.

Located on the river as well as surrounded by forests, Ottawa (originally called Bytown) was predominantly a logging settlement. It didn’t really ended up being the funding up until 1866, one year before the Canadian Confederation (when the provinces of Canada all joined to type a single country). considering that then, Ottawa has progressed into the political as well as administrative center of the country.

Since it was fall, the trees were fantastic shades of reds as well as oranges that made the city even a lot more serene. The downtown core, with its lots of cloistered squares, restaurants, as well as shops, was just as gorgeous as the suburbs.

After inspecting into the popular Château Laurier as well as checking out the downtown, I was shocked for discover it felt like I was in Deadwood or some other old western town. The buildings had these fantastic patios, awnings, as well as shuttered windows.

But when I discovered about Ottawa’s past as a rough logging community, it didn’t surprise me that it feels “western.” The city began as a logging neighborhood with extremely few people as well as laws, just like cities in the American West. It’s no question it has a similar vibe.

I’d really hoped to walk around more, check out the lots of museums in the city, as well as head into the Quebec part of the city, however I didn’t have time.

Ottawa was just outstanding. I hadn’t expected much from the city as well as perhaps that’s why I took pleasure in it so much. Travelers frequently have preconceived notions of a place, as well as a lot more frequently than not we look for things that strengthen the stereotypes in our heads.

We go to Amsterdam as well as “see” all the coffee shops, red lights, as well as canals however somehow ignore the big café culture as well as art scene there.

In Bangkok, we see the sleaze, traffic, as well as the pollution, however we miss the friendly people as well as simplicity of living.

It’s frequently the locations we understand the least about that strike us away the most.

There’s this Buddhist stating I online by that says, “No expectations, no disappointments.” If you expect nothing, exactly how can you never get what you expect? Ottawa verified to me just exactly how crucial this approach is.

If you don’t have preconceived notions, any type of city in the world will online as much as your expectations. It may even cause a richer experience, as you’ll be a lot more available to experiencing the city considering that you have no concept what it may offer.
 

Things to See as well as perform in Ottawa

Planning a trip to Canada’s capital? right here are a few things not to miss!

1. go to the Byward Market – This is a huge market in the heart of the city with restaurants, shops, as well as open-air stalls. There is a great deal happening all year round, though in the summertime it’s busy with fresh create as well as tons of regional artisans. If you’re trying to find a souvenir or just want to people watch, this is the location to be!

2. try a Beaver Tail – Don’t worry, it’s not an actual beaver’s tail. These delectable desserts are like a flat donut. They’re made from fried dough as well as then covered in all kind of wonderful toppings. They’re a need to if you’re checking out the capital.

3. The Canadian war museum – This museum does a fantastic task of highlighting Canada’s armed forces past. They have exhibits on both world wars in addition to contemporary conflicts Canada has been engaged in. You’ll discover a great deal about the country here, particularly exactly how Canadians view conflicts as well as their peacekeeping past.

4. The Canadian museum of Civilization – While technically across the river in Quebec, this huge museum is most likely the very best museum in the country. You can walk across the bridge to it so it’s quickly accessible. They do an fantastic task of showcasing the entire history of the country, including some extraordinary native as well as very first nations exhibitions. There are great deals of kid-friendly exhibitions too. even if you’re not a history buff, this museum shouldn’t be missed.

5. Skate on the Rideau Canal – Every winter, the Rideau Canal is frozen over as well as turned into a huge skating rink that stretches for miles (it’s the longest skating rink in the world). You can lease skates for around 20 CAD if you don’t have your own. as well as if you’re checking out in the summer, choose a stroll along the canal instead. It’s charming in the summertime too!

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One day I’ll go back (in the summer) as well as spend a lot more time checking out the museums that dot the city as well as eating at the mouthwatering restaurants I saw on every corner. Ottawa is just not the tiring funding city I believed it would be.

And it’s one I extremely suggest you visit.

Book Your trip to Canada: Logistical ideas as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to discover a inexpensive flight. They are my two preferred browse engines since they browse web sites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned. begin with Skyscanner very first though since they have the greatest reach!

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the greatest stock as well as finest deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the least expensive rates for guesthouses as well as inexpensive hotels. My preferred locations to stay are:

HI Ottawa jail Hostel

Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will secure you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s detailed security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it lots of times in the past. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:

Safety Wing (for everybody below 70)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for extra repatriation coverage)

Looking for the very best business to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the very best business to utilize when you travel. I listing all the ones I utilize to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Looking for a lot more info on checking out Canada?
Be sure to go to our robust destination guide to Canada for even a lot more planning tips!