Welcome to the Snowland of Canada!

When somebody talks with me about Canada, I always imagine its snowy lands and peaks rather than recalling the charm of its great cities. Geographically, the second largest country on the planet; this is a perfect holiday destination where one cannot remain without being captivated in its awesome wonders, both man-made and that of the nature’s. So, there is no question of any kind of dislike.

Canada Tourist Attractions

Canada Ottawa Tourism

This is the capital city that I can describe with a few adjectives – juvenile, lively, tidy, and bilingual. The major highlights are the huge range of state-of-the-art museums and cultural diversity in form of Chinatown and Little Italy and amalgam of cuisine of Africa, France, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. In winters, the chilling temperatures converts the Rideau Canal into the largest skating rink on the planet. Whereas in summer, the city smiles with the fortunate tulips. Here, we visited the following places.

Bytown Museum:
This is the most ancient stone building exhibiting a few artifacts and documents related to the city’s colonial past.

Canada Agricultural Museum:
Oh! Do not think that this will tell you about the history of the agriculture. In fact, it allows you to experience a farm land located on the southwest of downtown on its 500 hectares of gardens and ranches. Your children will simply enjoy being with the livestock. Take up a guided tour to visit an observatory, a tropical greenhouse, and an arboretum.

Canada Aviation Museum:
Roam around this huge mansion even greater than the airport to explore its around 120 aircrafts in the steel triangular barn, flight simulator, and its colorful planes.

Canada Science & Technology Museum:
Located at 6 km southeast of the city centre, this is where you can run some science projects. A thrilling experience by pushing the knobs and turning the buttons! If you are not a kid and have forgotten the basic laws of science, feel free to recall them through the displays that are modeled to teach you about the same. Some fixed exhibits tell you about optical illusions and the laws of physics.

Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography:
Located between Chateau Laurier and the canal in a rebuilt railway tunnel, the museum has a myriad of photographic archives of the country along with some rotating exhibits. In addition, the historic collection include artist works, observation videos, documentary items, and several elaborate themes. However, before coming, please call.

Canadian Museum of Nature:
Located in south of the downtown, this gothic and wide four-storey museum offers an imposing collection of fossils, minerals, animals, and dinosaurs of Alberta. What people like here is the real-looking mammal and bird dioramas indicating wildlife in Canada. The taxidermic creatures also appear live, but are at the rear of a glass sheet.

Canadian War Museum:
Made in 2005, this is a metallic building whose architecture is only that beautiful that even a glimpse is worth a visit. Its labyrinthine interior holds some most charming exhibits related to the country’s military history via the most inclusive military artifacts.

Centre Block:
This is the prime building in the Parliament Hill that holds the highest structure in Ottawa, Peace Tower. Once you go inside, watch out for the hand-carved limestone and a beautiful library.

Currency Museum:
This has various cents, global history of money, money in form of  seashells and whales’ teeth, and that in form of banknotes and credit cards.

Laurier House National Historic Site:
This is the Victorian site with copper roofs constructed in 1878 A.D. and was once the dwelling place of two famous Prime Ministers namely, Wilfrid Laurier and the Mackenzie King. The mansion of residence is stylishly equipped with the mementos and possessions of both these famous personalities. Do visit the top floor. To have a guide dedicatedly exploring with you, come at its visit only in the early morning. This is because at this time there will be no tour buses to take the guides from you.

Library & National Archives of Canada:
It is necessary for this concrete institution to gather and protect the documentation of the country. Besides the rotating displays on the ground floor, you will come across an enormous collection of records that involve paintings, maps, photographs, diaries, letters, posters, and 60,000 cartoons and comic strips of more than two centuries.

National Gallery:
This is the biggest art gallery and is worth a visit. Here, you can explore its largest collection of Canadian and Inuit art. The building itself is a structure of architectural marvel exhibiting the Ottawa’s modern style. Another attraction here is the stunning collection of glass and pink granite invented by Moshe Safdie, a famous architect who is also responsible for Montreal’s ‘Habitat’ (an apartment complex).

RCMP Musical Ride Center:
This is precisely the platform where the Mounties prepare for their play. You can come here to be the part of the audience watching the dress practice and various equestrian shows. There are tours of this center from 08:30 to 11:00 and 13:30 to 15:30 daily in the summers. The visitor information center is always where you must first ring up to know the rehearsals time details and the sunset ride timings.

Rideau Hall:
Built in the early 20th century, this is the home of the Governor General. Take up a tour wherein you can explore its rich touching tales of the various happenings in just 45 minutes through a guided walk. Although summer tours are available anytime, you do not need to wait for a special time to come here. However, if you want to be a part of the guard changing ceremony at the main gate, come here anytime from the end of June until the end of August.

Royal Canadian Mint:
This is an impressive stone building and the country’s premium gold refiner. Here, you can discover the process of coin making through educational guides. Watch deeply how the sheets of metal are transformed into the heaps of coins. But, do not be under the impression that you will be able to take some away.

Stray-Cat Sanctuary:
This is a strange, but worth visiting sanctuary with dollhouse-like shelters. Located on the Parliament Hill between the West Block and Centre Block toward the river, this is precisely the place to discover how Canadians happily invite, take care, and show their hospitality towards the needy.

Supreme Court of Canada:
This is a fusion of traditional and modern architecture wherein contemporary shell shakes hands with the copper roof. For a quick view, just roam on its attractive grounds, domed lobby, and oak-paneled courtroom. If you are in the city in summer, bear in mind that the law students provide educational tours after every 30 minutes of this architectural wonder. For the rest of the time, an advanced booking is necessary.

Best Time to Visit Canada

Any time, but summer is preferable.

Canada Accommodation

• ByWard Blue Inn – $83
• Business Inn – $91
• Australis Guest House – $92
• Minto Suite Hotel – $95
• Lord Elgin Hotel – $127