Heritage Attractions

The heart of Ottawa and the Canadian government is Parliament Hill. Built between 1859 and 1927 on a tree-covered promontory overlooking the Ottawa River, the Parliament Buildings are magnificent neo-Gothic (Centre Block) and Gothic structures with copper covered roofs. Visitors can tour the House of Commons, the Senate, and the Library of Parliament in the Centre Block. The best view of the region can be obtained from the observation deck of the Peace Tower. On the lawn facing the Centre Block is the Centennial Flame, lit in 1967 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. 

During the summer, Parliament Hill hosts the daily Changing the Guard ceremony, a military tradition dating back to the 19th century. The biggest day of the year is July 1 when tens of thousands flood Parliament Hill and Confederation Boulevard for Canada Day celebrations. Most summer evenings, "Reflections of Canada: A Symphony of Sound and Light", which vividly narrates the emotional story of the building of a nation, unfolds on the lawns in front of the Centre Block; the show is offered in both English and French. In the months of December and January, Parliament Hill, Confederation Boulevard and the downtown area are ablaze with a dazzling display of lights forming a symbolic link of similar Christmas Lights displays in other provincial and territorial capitals, as part of the National Capital Commission's "Christmas Lights Across Canada" program. 

A most popular and interesting place to visit in Ottawa is the historic ByWard Market. Established in 1826, the market is Canada's oldest, continuously-operating farmers' market. Today, it maintains its old-world charm with its cobbled courtyards and busy streets, but it has also become a bustling centre for shopping, restaurants and entertainment, offering cuisine from around the world, small boutiques and a variety of bars, cafés and night spots. The spring of 1998 saw the restoration of the ByWard Market Building, the original structure where farmers and loggers carried out their trade and socialize back in the 1800's. The building now houses speciality shops, delis, chic cafés, and crafters. 

The Rideau Canal, which winds its way 202 kilometres (125.5 miles) from Ottawa to Kingston, is one of the most popular attractions for residents and visitors alike. It is a system of natural lakes and rivers made navigable by locks, dams and canal cuts. 

Originally constructed for defence and trading purposes, the Canal is today used for leisure and pleasure. During the winter, the Ottawa portion of the canal is transformed into the world's longest (7.8 kilometre/4.5 mile) skating rink. During the summer, the canal provides a haven for hundreds of boating enthusiasts and, for those on shore, a constantly changing panorama of boats of all shapes, sizes and vintages. 

Rideau Hall, originally built in 1838, is the official residence and workplace of Canada’s Governor General. Set on 79 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds just minutes from downtown Ottawa, Rideau Hall is accessible to the public throughout the year. During the winter, Rideau Hall is open for guided tours (by reservation only) and public skating on the historic rink. Summertime visitors can enjoy the colourful Ceremonial Guard, guided tours of the historic residence, its grounds and gardens, and free outdoor concerts. The park-like setting is idyllic for picnics, and children will enjoy hands-on activities and guides in period costume. 

Ottawa is very much a city of monuments. All around the city sightseers will find fascinating memorials and historic statues. Visitors only have to stroll the grounds of Parliament Hill and Ottawa parks to view dozens of statues of historical figures and events in Canadian and world history. The National War Memorial, in the centre of Confederation Square, was first dedicated to the memory of war veterans in 1939. Opposite the National Gallery of Canada is the National Peacekeeping Monument, entitled "Reconciliation." Human Rights Monument is located near the headquarters of the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton on Elgin Street. Near the Rideau Centre is the Terry Fox Memorial, a monument to the young one-legged Canadian hero who ran half way across Canada - raising millions of dollars for cancer research -- before succumbing to the disease himself. 

Many beautiful and architecturally-pleasing churches are found in Ottawa, the majority of which were built in the 19th century. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, founded in 1828 on Kent Street, is Ottawa's oldest Protestant church. The Cathedral Basilica of Notre Dame, erected in 1839 on Sussex Drive, has soaring twin spires and is one of the finest examples of painted and carved neo-Gothic interiors in Canada. Saint Patrick's Basilica on Kent Street at Nepean Street was founded in 1855 and is the oldest parish in Ottawa serving English-speaking Catholics; Saint Patrick's was elevated to Basilica status in 1995. Christ Church Cathedral, on Sparks Street, was founded in 1832 and is the capital's Anglican Cathedral. The city's First Baptist Church, on Laurier Street, was founded in 1857. These are just a few of the beautiful old heritage churches of Ottawa. Visitors are welcome at area churches, some of which provide tours or printed guides for interested guests.