Ottawa Canada Saturday Walking Tour in 4K UHD (HDR) 60 fps Downtown
About Ottawa
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is the perfect place to experience some of the country’s best attractions, celebrations and flavours in one welcoming city. With its unique blend of urban and rural beauty, year-round outdoor activities, and vibrant neighbourhoods, the Ottawa region is best explored over three days or more.
Land acknowledgement
The Ottawa region is the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinabeg Algonquin, who have stewarded, travelled and inhabited these lands for millennia. We acknowledge the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit on this land.
Deep roots
The Ottawa region’s identity has been influenced by many cultures, including First Nations, French, English, Scottish and Irish. The city of Ottawa is located within the traditional Anishinàbeg Algonquin territory. Since several rivers meet here, the area was an active transportation corridor for an astounding diversity of Indigenous groups and travellers. In fact, the city’s name is derived from the Algonquin word “Odawa,” meaning “to trade.”
European explorers passed through the region beginning in the 1600s, followed by Irish, French and Scottish settlers, who launched the local timber trade in the early 1800s. Population also increased with the construction of the Rideau Canal (1826-1832) as a military defence and transportation route in case of war with the United States. The settlement was known as Bytown until it was incorporated as the city of Ottawa in 1855. Queen Victoria chose it as the new capital of Canada in 1857.
Stellar location
Located between Toronto and Montreal, and just north of the eastern United States, getting to Ottawa is easy. And since the metropolitan region stretches across the Ottawa River to Gatineau, Québec, you can visit two provinces in one destination. Cross one of the bridges, take a boat across the river, or even ride the world’s first interprovincial zipline, Interzip(seasonal)!
Walkable urban spaces
Around every corner on both the Ontario and Québec sides of the Ottawa River, you’ll find unique, safe and walkable neighbourhoods to explore. Try craft beverages and fresh cuisine, shop for big brands or local designers, and admire colourful urban art. For instance, the historic ByWard Market area is always bustling, with its year-round farmers’ market, restaurants, cafés and nightlife, as well as unique spots such as the original kiosk of the world-renowned BeaverTails pastry treat.