Must-See Attractions in Ottawa

Canadians are famously self-deprecating, a trait most recently put on international display during the closing ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. The decidedly laid-back end to the Games featured satirical send-ups of all things stereotypically “Canadian”, from Mounties to moose, maple syrup to canoes.

The enthusiastic willingness to poke fun at themselves has definite geographical implications. There are particular sets of jokes and stereotypes told from coast to coast about Newfoundland, Quebec, Toronto, the North and British Columbia for example. Canada’s capital however, is a perennial victim of national abuse. As the home of Parliament, the Prime Minister and the political establishment, it’s only natural for Ottawa to be a target of derision and occasional scorn. In this regard, the city is perhaps no different than say Canberra and the Capital Territory to average Australians.

So while even native Ottawans begrudgingly acknowledge that their city of 1.1 million is occasionally staid, conservative, uptight and yes, bureaucratic, the truth is that Ottawa is also a lot of fun. From world class festivals and museums to restaurants and nightlife, Ottawa knows how to hang loose and have a great time. Here are ten must-see attractions in Canada’s capital city.

10. Canadian War Museum

Commemorated in 1880, only thirteen years after Canada officially became a federal dominion, the Canadian War Museum originally paid tribute to First Peoples Warfare, The American Revolution and The War of 1812. With the advent of the First and Second World Wars and most recently, conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the museum has had to change with the times. The current facility was built in 2005.