Ottawa is the center of Canada's national Capital Region. It is the Country's fourth largest metropolitan area, with a population of just over one million people. The Capital Region is comprised of two main cities (Ottawa and Hull), creating a capital district similar to Washington, DC in the United States. The region is composed of 27 municipalities and covers an area of 1,800 square miles.

Ottawa is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in North America. It enjoys the attributes of a major center for the performing arts, as well as other big city attractions. Still, it maintains the accessibility, atmosphere and charm of a smaller city. It is less than an hour's drive from the U.S border.

Business

As a result of its position as the capital of Canada and seat of the federal government, Ottawa has enjoyed a stable economy. This has provided a supportive business environment for its commercial, industrial, retail, hospitality and government-related industries.

The region is the headquarters of many national corporations. "Silicon Valley North," as Ottawa is often called, it is home to more than 800 high tech companies. It is also a center for advanced research and development in the fields of space science, telecommunications and environmental technology. In addition, Ottawa's thriving hospitality industry features a wide variety of business hotels, leisure hotels and resorts.

Culture

Ottawa is Canada's cultural capital. The dozens of galleries and theatres in the region showcase the best of Canadian and international art, music, and theatre. Ottawa's museums, landmarks, parks, and monuments paint a vibrant picture of its past.

As it is situated on the border of Quebec and Ontario, Ottawa blends English and French cultures; almost half of the residents are bilingual. Added to this mix is a growing ethnic diversity inspired by the city's German, Lebanese, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Portuguese and Asian populations, among others. The result is a truly cosmopolitan city that celebrates its heritage in many colorful, multicultural festivals and events throughout the year.

Ottawa's position as an international capital and its ethnic diversity have created a dynamic dining scene. Food to suit just about any taste can be found : from Canadian to French, German to Greek, from Lebanese to Mexican, African to Afghani, Spanish to Sri Lankan, Thai to Turkish, vegetarian to Vietnamese and many others.

What and Where

The capital is divided into upper and lower town by the Rideau Canal: on the steep banks of the Ottawa River, the Gothic-inspired Parliament Buildings are the high point of Upper Town, perched high on the banks of the Ottawa River.

The 125 mile Rideau Canal, originally constructed for defense purposes, is today used for leisure. This system of lakes and rivers has been made navigable by locks, dams and canal cuts. During the winter, the portion of the canal in Ottawa is transformed into a 4.5 mile long skating rink. In summertime, the canal is a resource for thousands of boating enthusiasts.

Canada's Capital Region provides the perfect setting for a family vacation with its magnificent setting, historic sites, family attractions, and numerous Ottawa hotels.