Ottawa

Welcome to Ottawa!

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It is a busy place where many important things happen for the country. The city sits where the Ottawa River and the Rideau River meet, in the southern part of Ontario. Next to Ottawa is the city of Gatineau, and together they make the National Capital Region.

Important Places

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is full of important buildings. You can find the Parliament of Canada, where leaders make decisions for the whole country. There is also the Supreme Court and the office of the Prime Minister. Many countries have embassies in Ottawa too, which are like friendly houses where they share news and ideas.

A City With History

Ottawa was first called Bytown when it was founded in 1826. It got its new name, Ottawa, in 1855. Today, it is a lively city with many schools and universities, like the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. People love visiting Ottawa because it has a high standard of living and many fun things to see and do.

Fun Facts

• The name “Ottawa” comes from the nearby Ottawa River. In the Algonquin language, the river’s name means “to trade.”
• Ottawa is known for its beautiful winter skating on the Rideau Canal.
• The city has many parks, rivers, and trails where you can walk, bike, or play.

Ottawa is a special place where history, nature, and important government work all come together. It welcomes many visitors every year who come to see its beauty and learn about Canada.