Parliament Hill of Canada

Travel place Parliament Hill

Federal government buildings dominate downtown Ottawa, especially those on Parliament Hill off Wellington St, near the canal. The Parliament Buildings itself, with its Peace Tower and clock, is most striking.  Beside it are East and West blocks, with their sharp, green, oxidized copper-topped roofing.

Parliament Hill of Canada

Inside the parliament Building, the Commons and Senate sit and can be viewed when in session (which is not in summer).the interior is all hand-carved limestone and sandstone. See the beautiful library with its wood and wrought iron. Free 20 minute tours run frequently but reservations are required; be prepared for tight security, including metal detectors. In summer book the tour n the white tent out on the lawn; in winter there’s a reservation desk inside.

About Ottawa Travel Destination

Tourist spot of Ottawa and travel news

Ottawa, the capital of the country, arouses in all Canadians the mixed emotions worth of a nation’s capital. It sits attractively on the south bank of the Ottawa River at its confluence with to Rideau River. The gently rolling Gatineau Hills of Quebec are visible to the north. The government is the largest employer, and the stately Gothic-style Parliament Buildings act as landmarks. Despite this, the city is now known as Silicon Valley North for its skilled computer, technology and telecommunications workforce.

The city attracts five million tourists a year, many to see just what the heck the capital is like. The abundance of museums and cultural activities is another enticement. And then, of course, in summer you can see the traditionally garbed Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), also known as the Mounties.

You may be surprised by the amount of French you hear around town. Quebec is just a stone’s throw away, but probably just as important is the fact that most federal government workers are required to be bilingual.

Ottawa is not an exciting city but its streets, if not lively, are wide and clean; the air is not fouled by heavy industry. Everywhere people are fogging and cycling.

Information about Ontario Canada

Canadian travel information of Ontario

Ontario has a population of over 11 million, making it Canada’s most populous province; it’s also the most ethnic diverse.

Ontario Information

Provincial symbols: the provincial flower is the trillium, the provincial tree is the eastern white pine, and the as yet unofficial bird is the loon.

Ontario Canada Pics

Tourist offices

Ontario travel is the provincial tourism arm. It operates 10 year round offices and several seasonal ones. Permanent offices can be found Toronto, Niagara Falls, Windsor and at other major border crossings. The year-round general information number is 1-800-668-2746 from anywhere in North America. Ontario travel produces a range of free publications from accommodation to events. Its mailing address is Queen’s park, Toronto M7A2E5. City and region tourist offices acting independently can be found around the province.

Ontario Nature

Telephone: for emergency service dial 911 anywhere in the province.

Ontario Activities

Despite urbanization and development there remains much uncluttered, wooded Lake land and many quite country towns surrounded by small market gardens. The northern regions contain vast areas of wilderness. The province offers fine camping, canoeing, hiking and whitewater rafting among other outdoor possibilities. A good place to start is one of the many excellent government parks. Details are outlined in the text.