Ottawa is the capital Canada.
 Parliament in Ottawa | ||
| Ottawa | ||
| province | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 934.243 (2016) | |
| height | 70 m | |
| Tourist info | 1-800-363-4465 www.ottawatourism.ca | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Districts
The urban area of Ottawa is almost as large as the entire Saarland. It is roughly divided into the actual city of Ottawa (approx. 150 km²) and the towns of Gloucester, Nepean, Kanata, Cumberland, Goulbourn, Osgoode, Rideau and West Carleton.
Centretown / Center-Ville
The modern heart of the capital, Canada is ruled from here. In addition to the parliament, there are numerous government buildings here, but many companies also have offices here and, last but not least, most of the hotels are located here. You can go shopping on Sparks Street (a pedestrian zone). After sunset you can stop in one of the pubs, but otherwise there is not so much going on here.
Lowertown / Bas-Ville
In the old city center, unlike Centretown, you can meet people on the streets at any time of the day or night. During the day, the Byward Market and the adjacent streets with specialty and souvenir shops attract visitors, in the evening numerous bars and clubs attract visitors.
The Glebe
The Glebe is a popular downtown residential area for families. Due to its location between the universities and the city center, it is also popular with students. Here you will find shops for daily needs, restaurants, pubs, small parks and a large sports area with the largest stadium in the city.
South Keys
South Keys is mainly known for its large shopping center. But here, too, there are housing options in different price ranges. Despite the distance to the city center, South Keys has good transport links.
Sandy Hill / Cote de Sable
This residential area near the city center is characterized by many students from the nearby university, but is also the location of numerous smaller embassies.
Rockcliffe Park
The upper class of Ottawa lives here. Many park-like villa plots characterize the area. In addition to the official residences of the Prime Minister (24, Sussex Dr.) and the Governor General (Rideau Hall), these are also of great tourist interest Aviation and Space Museum.
background
Ottawa was named the capital of the English province of Canada by Queen Victoria in 1857. In addition to a certain arbitrariness, the decisive factor for Ottawa was probably that other cities were too close to the border with the USA and would have been conquered too quickly as a capital in the event of war. The location on the border between the English- and French-speaking parts of Canada also plays a role.
According to the Mongolian Ulaanbaatar Ottawa is considered the second coldest capital in the world. Temperatures of minus 40 degrees can occur in winter.
Ottawa is officially a bilingual city (English and French). The names of the streets and public facilities, signs and announcements (e.g. in public transport) are always bilingual. In the language actually spoken, however, English dominates by far. A trip to Ottawa without any knowledge of English is likely to be very difficult, but it is different if you drive to the neighboring city of Gatineau (which is only separated from Ottawa by the Ottawa River). This is already in the French-speaking province of Quebec and is therefore influenced by French.
As far as two official names for z. If, for example, streets or sights exist, only the English version is usually mentioned on this page.
getting there
By plane
The Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is the airport of Ottawa. Air Canada and its partner Jazz fly here from numerous departure locations in Canada and around the world. From the airport, the city center can be reached in half an hour by bus (CA $ 3.40) or taxi (approx. 30 CA $).
If you arrive with a small private plane, you can use the Ottawa / Rockcliffe Airport (CYRO) land. From there it takes 10-15 minutes to get to the city center
By train
Ottawa is integrated into the national rail network. The journey by train is therefore possible from all major cities in Canada and the USA. The train station is a bit outside the city center, but closer than the airport. Train travel is usually a little more expensive than bus travel.
By bus
Greyhound offers regular direct bus connections from Montreal and Toronto off on.
In the street
The Trans-Canada Highway runs across Ottawa. In addition, further highways branch off from this in the city area (e.g. to Kingston from. Because of the sheer size of the urban area, you can be up to 90 km away from the city center after passing the place name sign.
By boat
Ottawa is dated Lake Ontario from over the Rideau Canal and from Montreal from over the Ottawa River to be reached by private boat. Scheduled traffic does not exist there.
mobility
City bus
The city has a dense and extensive bus network, some of which have their own routes outside the city center and therefore even resemble a light rail (the large transfer hubs are called “stations”). When traveling by bus, please note that you are usually only allowed to get on at the front and that the fare for a single journey (currently CA $ 3.40) must always be paid appropriately, as the bus drivers generally do not give change.
Presto
For stays that last longer than a few days, it is therefore worth buying the “Presto” electronic prepaid card. This is transferable, but only applies to one person at a time. Holders of a Presto card pay a reduced price for single journeys (2.72 CAD), but alternatively a day ticket can also be paid for with Presto.
The PrestoCard is a contactless smart card tariff system used for using public transportation in the Province of Ontario, Canada, specifically Greater Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa.
Presto cards can be bought at train stations, over the phone and online. When you get in, you hold your prepaid card with a built-in RFID chip to a reader. The reader checks the validity and automatically deducts the lowest available tariff from the card. Loyalty programs are also available and frequent use leads to discounts.
Light rail
Ottawa has had a test line of a light rail system since 2001. The O-Train runs in the southwest of downtown between Bayview and Greenboro stations. It is possible to change to several bus lines at all stations.
The O-Train could look strangely familiar to German visitors. In fact, it is a train that was originally intended for Deutsche Bahn. The color scheme of the wagons therefore corresponds to that of the DB regional trains and even the blue seat covers are the same. This makes the O-Train a curiosity for train fans. However, it is most commonly used by Carleton University students. The central stop is in the middle of the campus.
Road network
The road network is laid out at right angles, as is actually everywhere in North America. Outside the city center, however, this is less strict. The main axes in north-south direction are Bronson Avenue, which terminates in the western end of Centretown that forms Bank Street leading to the Parliament Hill as well as King Edward Avenue in Lowertown and Sandy Hill or Main Street south of it. In an east-west direction, Ottawa is dated Trans-Canada Highway (in Ottawa Queensway called, at the same time corresponds to Ontario Highway 417) intersected. Important inner-city axes are Wellington Street / Rideau Street and Somerset Street.
By bicycle
The bike sharing system in Ottawa has been operated by VeloGo operated.
There are a few cycle paths and cycle lanes, and there is no question of a comprehensive network of cycle traffic systems. Cycling on the sidewalks is not officially allowed, but it is common where there are no cycle lanes (especially on major roads). Pedestrians are usually treated very considerately.
We recommend the bike / footpaths on both sides of the Rideau Canal and des Rideau river.
On foot
The urban area is too extensive to be fully explored "on foot". However, walks in the city center (Center and Lowertown) and along the rivers and canals are possible and highly recommended.
Tourist Attractions
Churches
- 1 Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. The neo-Gothic main church of the Archdiocese of Ottawa impresses above all with its shiny silver-colored roof and the beautiful interior. Admission is free.
- 2 Anglican Cathedral
Castles, chateaux and palaces
Buildings
- Parliament of Canada
- Rideau Canal. The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It connects the Ottawa River with Lake Ontario. Outside Ottawa, it partially runs in the river bed of the Ride River. The banks of the Rideau Canal are laid out as walking and cycling paths and attract numerous tourists and locals when the weather is nice. In winter you can ice-skate on the canal.
- Ottawa Lockstation. A series of locks run down the Rideau Canal to the Ottawa River. It is right next to Parliament Hill.
Monuments
- National war memorial
Museums
- 3 Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place (bus 8 Was a museum / Musée de la Guerre). Tel.: 1-800-555-5621. Open: daily 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (Thursdays until 8:00 pm).Price: 10 CAD (free entry on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m.).: The War Museum explores all facets of the war and Canada's involvement in it. The large collection for military technology includes aircraft, tanks, etc.
- 5 Carleton University Art Gallery, St. Patrick’s Building, Carleton Campus (Bus / O-Train Carleton). Price: Free.: In addition to the university's art collection, works by current and former students are also on display here.
Streets and squares
- Confederation Avenue. Street that connects several government buildings (parliament, prime minister's residence, etc.) and even to the neighboring city Gatineau enough.
- Sparks Street. Pedestrian Street in Centretown.
- Rideau Street. Main shopping street in Lowertown.
Parks
- Parliament Hill. In addition to the parliament buildings, there are numerous national monuments here. In addition, there is a wonderful view over the Ottawa River towards Gatineau. On weekends in the summer months you can find the Centenial Flame between main entrance and Freedom Tower Tourists who are very helpful in providing information and distributing free park guides.
- Major’s Hill Park. Major’s Hill Park offers a view of the Ottawa River and a beautiful view of Parliament Hill. The meadows invite you to relax, thanks to the nearby Sussex Drive and the Alexandra Bridge it's not really quiet though.
- Arboretum and Dow’s Lake. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but don't have the time to go further out, the Arboretum is the right place for you. We recommend arriving via Dow’s Lake (e.g. O-Train station Carling or with the Bixi bike to the return station directly at the boathouse). From here you can walk to the middle of the park in a few minutes and are only surrounded by trees, gray squirrels and ducks. You can recharge your batteries with a walk to the Hartwell lock and back.
- Confederation Park. This park is right across from City Hall between Elgin Street and the canal.
- New Edinburgh Park
- Vincent Massey Park
various
- 1 Canadian Tire Center, 1000 Palladium Drive. Open: 1–3 games / week in winter (start 2:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.).Price: from approx. 20 CAD.
- For real NHL action, go to Canadian Tire Center experience. This is where the Ottawa Senators play. Tickets are available from around CAD 20. The hall is located approx. 25 km from the city center in the suburb of Kanata. Repeater buses are used for all Senators games and other major events (lines 401–407), which bring you from various central starting points directly to Halle and back.
activities
In winter, when the Rideau Canal freezes over, the world's largest open-air ice rink is created there. Of the HartwellLocks over Dow’s Lake you can ice-skate for more than 5 km to the city center.
Celebrations / festivals
- Winterlude (French. Bal de neiges). The Winterlude Festival takes place in February along the Rideau Canal and in Gatineau instead of. It consists of many different winter activities such as B. Ice carving figure exhibition, snow playground and culinary events.
shop
Ottawa is not a downright shopping city. The pedestrian zone near the administrative district is purely an office and business district. After the office closes it is almost extinct. Shops and shopping centers for daily needs can be found on Rideau Street. Somewhat more unusual things, such as specialty shops, can be found in the vicinity of the Byward Market.
As usual in Canada, the prices are always given without sales tax (roughly equivalent to VAT). Therefore, when paying, 13% is normally added; Food is an exception.
kitchen
Cheap
If you really have to watch out for your money, you should take a look around the numerous Arabic snack bars in Lowertown. With a little luck you can get a shawarma plate with soda for 5 to 6 CAD.
- Chez Lucien, 137 Murray St. (Corner of Dalhousie Street). Open: daily 11: 00-2: 00.Accepted payment methods: all common.
- Even if the name suggests otherwise, you can get very decent burgers here (even unusual ones, e.g. with salmon) at reasonable prices. For 15 to 20 CAD you can really get full here without having to sacrifice taste. Unfortunately no WiFi.
medium
Upscale
nightlife
Most of the nightlife is concentrated in the Lowertown area. Night owls will also find what they are looking for during the week, especially in the Byward Market area. Due to the location between the two universities, there are also a few bars and pubs in the Glebe.
Cheap
Since the sale and serving of alcohol in Ontario are very strictly regulated and highly taxed, there is relatively little in the absolute low-end range. A pint (473 ml) of beer alone costs at least 6 to 7 CA $ in a bar. For those who have to get by on a limited budget, we recommend going to the neighboring province Quebec to avoid, which fortunately is possible within a few minutes thanks to the bridges over the Ottawa River. Many Ottawa residents continue to party in Quebec after the Ottawa curfew because it is a little later there.
medium
- Château Lafayette, 42 York St. The Château Lafayette, which has existed since 1849 (!), Is Ottawa's oldest bar. Even if everything looks a bit old, it has a cozy charm. In terms of price, it is also very moderate there.
Byward Market
- Aulde Dubliner & Pour House, 62 Williams St. Irish pub with many beer specialties, on certain days you can enjoy a performance by a really good male choir, WIFI: “Aulde Dubliner”, password: “pourhouse”.
- The Highlander Pub, 115 Rideau St. The Scottish alternative, Scottish and local beers, Scotch, no WIFI.
- 1 The Senate, 33 Clarence Street. Ice hockey is the topic here, almost all NHL games are broadcast live (especially Senators games). WIFI password: "GOSENSGO".
- The Great Canadian Cabin, 95 York St. Country bar with attached ping-pong bar ("Spin Bin").Price: Entry 5-10 CAD.
- The Junxion Public House, 15 George St. More stylish ambience, younger crowd, the music fluctuates between black and house.Open: Open Tue - Sat.Price: Entry from 5 CAD.
Upscale
accommodation
Cheap
- Barefoot Hostel, Very centrally located, just a few steps from Byward Market located. Wifi is included in the price.Price: Night in a four-bed room from approx. CAD 30 per person.
medium
Comfortable hotel rooms with breakfast cost around CA $ 130 per night in the city center.
- Best Western Plus Victoria Park Suites. This hotel is a good choice in the mid-price segment. It is within walking distance of Parliament Hill and has a kitchenette and a desk with an office chair in every room.
- Albert at Bay Suite Hotel. A little more expensive, but it has the best ratings in the popular online portals.Price: 175 CAD / night.
Upscale
- Chateau Laurier, Wellington Street. The first house on the square. State guests are regularly accommodated here. There are also a few other hotels in the 5-star segment.
Learn
Work
security
Although Ottawa is the capital of a western industrial state, the security measures are very relaxed and extremely pleasant for the tourist.
health
Practical advice
As the capital of Canada, the embassies of other countries are located here. For German citizens, however, most consular services are surprisingly in the Consulate General of Toronto offered.
trips
Just a few minutes' drive from Ottawa is the Gatineau Park numerous job opportunities. From hiking trails to high ropes courses and cross-country skiing trails, there are many activities available all year round. In addition, the park is rich in wildlife. From shrews to the national symbol beaver to the black bear, which you hardly ever get to see, there are numerous animals at home here.
There are two smaller ones in the immediate vicinity of Ottawa Ski areas: Mont Cascades and Camp Fortune. Despite the relatively low altitude (approx. 500 m), both areas are guaranteed to have snow between December and March.
If you are not afraid of a little further excursion, you can go to 150 km away Algonquin Provincial Park drive. The park offers ideal conditions for hiking, canoeing, fishing and watching moose.
