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Ottawa

Culture of Ottawa. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Ottawa Ottawa is a rich in landmarks and sighs tourist destination offering thousands of tours and excursion programs to explore unique objects and interesting cultural establishments. The city of Ottawa has preserved several ancient religious buildings, the most interesting among which is considered to be the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. The construction of the religious building was started in 1839 and lasted for more than 35 years. The building is executed in keeping to best traditions of Neo-Gothic style.
Ottawa presents a good choice of places to rest, recreate and entertain fitting every taste and budget. Eco tourism fans should necessarily visit a local tree nursery named Arboretum. In … Open
The basilica features unique interior design. Its hall is decorated with ingenious fresco paintings and wood carvings, bright stained glass artworks and plenty of religious artifacts. A significant historical monument is the Peace Tower. The height of the tower is about 300 feet. The monument is commemorating city residents who died in the World War I.
The tower houses the Memorial Chamber on the first floor. The Chamber keeps a book with 66 650 names of city residents who died during the war. Another significant and tourist attracting architectural landmark of the city is the building of the City Hall. In the nearest neighborhood to this city landmark tourists will discover another nature attraction of this tourist destination being the Rideau Falls. Many tourists prefer visiting this location late in the evening as the falls are illuminated then with an original and impressive light system. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
1. The optimum way to pay for goods and services in Ottawa is national currency as any other currency including US dollars is not accepted in the city. It should be noted that currency can … Open
A cultural destination of peculiar interest for tourists will be the Astrolabe Gallery which keeps an interesting collection of various showpieces among which the visitors will find ancient samples of pictorial art and books, historical documents and maps. After an observation tour travelers are commonly offered to buy some memorable gifts and souvenirs as calendars, photos and leaflets with scenic landscapes and cityscapes of Ottawa. Another interesting cultural destination to visit is the Canadian War Museum which tells the visitors about the military and war history of the city and demonstrates a vast collection of artifacts.
Ottawa Even though the theme of the museum lies in a rather serious domain the collection of the museum will be of great interest as for adults so for the youngest visitors. Ottawa exploration tour should necessarily include a visit of the Canadian Mint which has been running since 1908. Even though the main country mint is now located in Winnipeg, the mint of Ottawa continues the issuing of commemorating coins and medals. The Confederation Square is a concentration of significant tourist spots and objects to visit and explore. In the nearest neighborhood to the square the tourists will find the National War Memorial as well the National Arts Center which is of great popularity among pictorial art admirers.
One of Ottawa's most remarkable landmarks is Rideau Hall, the official residence of the monarch and the Governor General of Canada, where important public affairs are discussed and conducted. The building began to fulfill its current function in 1867. Until 1855, the estate was owned by the family of businessman Thomas McKay (for this reason, the residence is often referred to as "McKay's Castle"). McKay also initiated the construction of mills at Rideau Falls, which thus made him one of the founders of New Edinburgh. The building is also notable for its eclectic architecture combining Regency style with the Norman revival and the Florentine Renaissance, which make the estate a unique piece of architectural art. The residence is open for tours all year round.
Ottawa Among other government structures, an outstanding one is a classical building of the Supreme Court of Canada. Inside, you can find the corresponding classic interior striking in its modesty and sophistication at the same time. The facade is adorned by two symbolic statues - Veritas ("Truth") and Justitia ("Justice"). Interestingly, according to the initial project, they should have been part of a bigger sculptural composition. However, the monument was never created, so the sculptor who worked on it decided to bury both statues. They were found only when the building area was cleared to provide it with parking space.
Ottawa is replete with modern shopping centers, boutiques, markets, gift shops, and art workshops. The bulk of tourist-oriented stores are in the historic district where it's worth taking a … Open
Connoisseurs of original architecture should also give due attention to another interesting building - Gatineau City Hall located in a nearby suburb of Ottawa. The building is attractive with its modern architecture that pleases the eye. In the same suburb, it's worth visiting two cultural institutions - the Canadian Children's Museum where kids can try out adult professions and the Canadian Museum of History that demonstrates the culture of North American Indians. Here you can also explore the magnificent and unique Parc Jacques-Cartier Park famous for its exhibition of stunning landscape sculptures that opens every year in spring and summer.
Ottawa, ON Alexandra Bridge The Confederation Building is also worth mentioning as a structure featuring beautiful neo-Gothic architecture. Richard Wright and Thomas Fuller worked on the building's project and completed its construction in 1931. Today, the complex of buildings houses government departments and various offices. It is also worth mentioning the Alexandra Bridge that was erected in 1900. It's always a pleasure to admire the structure's attractive architecture. The best places for this are Nepean Point and Port de Plaisance Jacques-Cartier located in the already mentioned Parc Jacques-Cartier in Gatineau.
This is a surprisingly quiet and beautiful city despite the fact that such peaceful atmosphere is not typical for large metropolitan regions. Here you will find many spacious forests, city … Open
A no less remarkable site in the Canadian capital is Watson's Mill, which is still active. The building is even more interesting with its legend. It is believed that the ghost of Ann Currier who tragically died in 1861, a year after the mill was built, wandering its grounds at night. The mill was erected by Ann's husband Joseph Merrill Currier and his business partner Moss Kent Dickinson on the already mentioned Rideau Canal. The mill bears the name of Harry Watson, who became its last owner to use the mill for industrial purposes in 1946. In 1972, it turned into a museum where milling demonstrations are held on Sundays.
Centre Block Besides the aforementioned Notre Dame Basilica, the city has a number of notable religious sites. For example, St. Andrew's Church, the oldest Presbyterian shrine. The church was erected in 1828, but already in 1872, it was rebuilt into its present Neo-Romanesque form. Saint Patrick's Basilica, the oldest English-speaking church, is also worth mentioning for its interesting architecture. Since most of the parishioners were Irish, the church took the name of St. Patrick - the patron saint of their native country. The neo-Gothic shrine was built in 1855. Since the Ukrainian community is also strong in the city, another interesting church was built specifically for Ukrainians - Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine.
Ottawa offers many interesting attractions and entertainment to please traveling families with children. Splash Wave Pool is popular among lovers of water activities. It is an indoor water … Open
Of interest to tourists is the Central Experimental Farm where you can see how various crops are cultivated, watch a variety of domestic animals, and, broaden your horizons, of course. Throughout the year, the place hosts a lot of interesting thematic events for the whole family. The farm with its pastoral atmosphere is a favorite spot of both tourists and locals who visit it from time to time. However, another farm, Valleyview Little Animal Farm, is no less attractive for visiting. Connoisseurs of outdoor recreation and those interested in gaining new knowledge about working on the farm also like to spend leisure time here. For the same purpose, you can check out the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.
Parliament Buildings, Ottawa Another important attraction on the sightseeing list of the Canadian capital is the Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum reflecting the history of the Cold War. Such a great cultural institution as the Canadian Museum of Nature will help you expand your horizons about the local flora and fauna, and to appreciate the splendor of model aircraft that once floated in the Canadian sky, head to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. The best place to get acquainted with the local culture and history is Laurier House National Historic Site, the former residence of two Canadian prime ministers (Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King). You are welcome during the period between late May and late October when the museum is open to the public. The estate was built in 1878, and its original historic interior has survived to this day.
Ottawa is a unique gastronomy destination offering its visitors more than a thousand of eating houses of different trends and types. Among the most prestigious and most visited … Open
Tourists wishing to spend leisure time in a pastoral atmosphere while expanding their horizons about the traditional lifestyle of local people should head to the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. The cultural institution is also interesting for its regular family-friendly themed events. Insect lovers will love the city too - they have the opportunity to gain new insights into their object of interest in Ottawa Insectarium. Chinatown with its beautiful arch is considered ideal for walking. The area itself is interesting for colorful graffiti on the walls. Compared to typical Chinatowns in other cities, the Canadian one is not a densely built-over bunch of small shops. On the contrary, the district is surprisingly neat and peaceful.
Art connoisseurs will be happy to visit the National Gallery of Canada, presenting beautiful paintings created by local artists in a wide variety of styles. The Ottawa Art Gallery is attractive not only as a cultural institution where beautiful pieces of fine and sculptural art are collected but also as a building featuring original architecture, which is certainly worth admiring before getting inside. As for cultural institutions where you can have a great time watching theatrical and musical performances, it is worth highlighting the National Arts Centre, as well as The Gladstone Theatre and the Ottawa Little Theatre.
Ottawa id a scale modern city featuring unique culture, traditions and customs. Local folks are rather cordial and amicable towards foreign guests. Such an attitude is a result of … Open
The list of must-see sites should also include beautiful sculptures located throughout the city. The capital of Canada boasts the magnificent figure of Dancing Bear, the Famous Five Monument near Parliament Hill, and memorials such as the Centennial Flame, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the National Holocaust Monument. There are several symbolic statues in the city: the Peacekeeping Monument and the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights, as well as the Commonwealth Air Force Memorial. It is certainly worth trying to find them all in Ottawa. Strange as it may seem, besides stunning parks located within the city and outside it, a great place to take a walk is a local cemetery.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Ottawa and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Ottawa and surroundings

Ottawa - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Reference information
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Ottawa
♥   Palace 'Rideau Hall' , 3.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Ottawa and around
♥   Art museum 'National Gallery of Canada' Ottawa, Ontario, 1.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Ottawa
♥   Cathédrale Saint-Joseph, Gatineau, 3.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ottawa, 3.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine, Ottawa, 4.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Église Saint-Jean-Marie-Vianney, Gatineau, 8.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Ottawa

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Photogallery of cultural heritage of Ottawa

Landmarks of culture on Ottawa map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc

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Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Ottawa

Culture guide to Ottawa. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Ottawa: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Ottawa. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!
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