Ottawa, Canada
Canada's Capital and the country's fourth largest metropolis, Ottawa is located in Eastern Ontario at the junction of three majestic waterways and just across the Ottawa River from Gatineau, Quebec. A cosmopolitan yet surprisingly intimate capital, Ottawa is a place where you can immerse yourself in Canadiana and culture, embrace and enjoy the great outdoors, even in the heart of the city, join the celebration at year-round festivals and events, and shop and dine in a relaxed urban setting of distinctive neighbourhoods and districts.
Ottawa offers visitors a diverse selection of experiences. For first-time visitors, exploring the many impressive sites and landmarks that mark Ottawa as Canada’s Capital is a must. Others visit for the city’s unparalleled lineup of museums and galleries and festivals. Tulips – millions of them – along with entertainment, ideas and fun at May's Canadian Tulip Festival. Also, big traveling exhibitions at Ottawa museums and galleries typically open in May of early June each year. Ottawa is also a natural for sports, recreation, and outdoor pursuits, thanks to its beautiful natural setting of waterways, parks and pathways.
An easy way to be green while visiting the national capital region is to take advantage of our public transportation systems. To find out more or to plan your travel around town, visit the Ottawa public transportation service (OC Transpo) or - for transport in Gatineau, Québec - the Société de Transport de l’Outaouais (STO).
Thinking of renting a car? Ask about environmental options when booking.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa
Month |
May |
Jun |
Record high in °C (°F) |
32.8 (91) |
36.1 (97) |
Average high in °C (°F) |
19.1 (66) |
23.8 (75) |
Average low in °C (°F) |
7.7 (46) |
12.7 (55) |
Record low in °C (°F) |
-5.6 (22) |
-0.1 (32) |
Precipitation in mm (inches) |
78.4 (3.09) |
85 (3.35) |
Snowfall in cm (inches) |
0.6 (0.2) |
0 (0) |
Ottawa Tourism is a one-stop shop to assess what to see and do in your spare hours around the conference.
Ottawa Tourism is the official Ottawa travel website and guide to Canada’s Capital Region. Here you can learn about Ottawa attractions, from visiting impressive national sites and landmarks, special exhibitions at museums and galleries, entertainment, sports, recreation as well as Ottawa events, festivals and seasonal activities. You can also preview Ottawa restaurants and shopping.
The National Capital Commission (NCC) website gives you a broad range of information on Ottawa, its environs and resources.
The NCC is a Crown corporation that was created by Parliament in 1959 as the steward of federal lands and buildings in the National Capital Region, with a mandate and mission to build the Capital region into a source of pride and unity for Canadians. It contributes immensely to the beautification and celebration of the National Capital Region (Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Québec) — 4,715 square kilometres more. In its various incarnations, the NCC has worked since 1899 to make the Capital an expression of the Canadian identity. Canada's Capital is today a model of unspoiled shorelines, scenic parkways and boulevards, preserved heritage, monuments and expansive parks. Just as importantly, the Capital has become a place for national encounters, celebrations, commemorations and learning.
The Capital Infocentre, at 90 Wellington Street, across from Parliament Hill, is a comprehensive stop for information about the region and what to see or do.
The Local Organizing Committee also has some recommended highlights for you to consider:
Sites, Tours and Walking Tours
Outdoors and Scenic drives by bicycle or car
Music, Club Scene & Performance
MenuPalace-Ottawa or Restaurantica-Ottawa are great sites to research your dining possibilities. You will find reviews, photos, maps and menu links to make your dining experiences informed choices! In our listings, emphasis is placed on those in walking distance to the conference venue. The options are too numerous to mention but we can suggest the following Restaurants & Bars.
We also recommend the following links:
- for local foods: Savour Ottawa
- for vegetarians, but also for those who must buy special food to augment their restaurant diet: National Capital Vegetarian Business directory
- for those with gluten allergies: Ottawa Celiac Association restaurant listing