After its humble beginning as a small lumber town, Ottawa was designated
Canada’s capital by Queen Victoria in 1857. It is now a
vibrant urban center nestled between the River Ottawa, Rideau Canal and River Rideau, overlooking the Gatineau Hills of Québec. The impressive
Parliament Buildings create an air of
European elegance, with neo-gothic spires and turrets stretching skyward on the steep bluffs high above the
River Ottawa.
The city’s early heritage is evident in the proliferation of
Irish pubs in the ByWard Market area, originally
known as Lowertown and still the focal point for Ottawa’s
French and
Irish communities. The more conservative
Uppertown developed around the seat of government, with its
wealthier neighborhoods, embassies and politicians.
In the 1970s the
high tech sector drew highly skilled workers to this burgeoning world computer and telecommunications center, giving birth to
Silicon Valley North.
Today the nation’s capital is a desirable place to live and work, with
green spaces, outdoor activities and an
easygoing lifestyle.
Ottawa is the nation’s
cultural and
intellectual capital and center for visual and performing arts, with numerous
museums,
galleries, two
universities and a
community college.
In this
multicultural community, government and service industry jobs demand
bilingual skills in French and English, and restaurants serve cuisine heavily enhanced with
French influence.
An invigorating array of
outdoor recreational opportunities are available across the seasons, from winter skating on the frozen Rideau Canal to summer cycling on extensive recreational paths, or kayaking and canoeing on the city’s waterways.
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Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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