"I love the fact that we have the Ottawa river, we have the Canal, and I think we need to reimagine our capital around the water. That's our history."

Catherine McKenna ~ Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"What I love most about the city is our magnificent Ottawa River. What an amazing playground!"

Meredith Brown ~ Ottawa Riverkeeper

"Ottawa is a beautiful city with so many gorgeous routes to lose myself on, to think or de-stress or find somewhere to write. From May to September, I often grab my notebook and go to the Canal or the Rideau River to read or jot down notes."

Krista Walsh ~ Author

“Skating on the Canal was such an amazing adventure. It really can’t be put into words. It was my first ever experience of a naturally frozen canal. It took my eyes a while to believe what they were seeing!

Jono Partridge ~ Professional Skater

"Boat traffic can be a bit of an issue but that’s one of the reasons I waterski at 6 a.m. The water is like glass. There are worse ways to start your day than skiing with your friends at dawn and then heading to work afterwards!" 

Olivia Nixon

Parliament Hill is so photogenic, with its gothic revival architecture that looks almost plucked out of a medieval painting on a stormy, grey day.

And then there's the grand and stoic Peace Tower, its humble flag billowing, representing more than just government. It’s a reflection of our tolerant and kind nation, and of the rich tapestry of our city.

"I took a fabulous walk all along the Locks last year with a friend one foggy evening…it was like a Dickens scene…found hidden stair cases and odd little ‘behind the Parliament’ nooks, all stone, wrought iron and towering Gothic buildings – so fun!"

Crystal Beshara ~ Artist

"I love how we preserve the beauty and greenery in this city. There are so many gorgeous places to sit and watch the sunset, lie in a park or beach, or take a windy road drive.”

Tanya Whelan ~ TW Events

“There are not many cities in the world that could offer the contradictory lifestyle which I demand.  Where else can I enjoy the morning at a studio in a wildlife reserve – and then 40 minutes later, be working at a studio in the core of a city? Ottawa has it all: arts, music, culture, food, and most importantly, close proximity to wilderness experiences.”

Jeff McIntyre ~ Artist + Entrepreneur

"We are blessed by the abundance of our natural surroundings and I love to embrace the variety of our seasons. You can see and experience our city from many different perspectives.”

Guy Laflamme ~ Executive Director, Ottawa 2017

Cultural reasons to loveOttawa!

The National Arts Centre collaborates with artists and arts organizations across Canada to help create a national stage for the performing arts, and acts as a catalyst for performance, creation and learning across the country. 

A home for Canada’s most creative artists, the NAC strives to be artistically adventurous in each of its programming streams – the NAC Orchestra, English Theatre, French Theatre, Indigenous Theatre and Dance, as well as NAC Presents, which showcase established and emerging Canadian artists. 

 Please use this link for event and ticket information.

Ottawa has its own, unique culinary vibe. Many new eateries have opened and older ones have been revived. You can find anything from Vietnamese pho to local pub fare to grilled octopus! We love visiting restaurants and photographing food (maybe a little too much!)

"I am proud to be here as the restaurant scene is booming and finding its groove. There is a great sense of community that is humbling.” 

Chef Marysol Foucault ~ Chez Edgar

"I love food and enjoy the countless options of local eateries to try foods from all around the world and also, frequenting old favourites for a tasty brunch to catch-up with friends."

Hieu Nguyen

Hip and cool cafés as well as unique sweets shops are everywhere!

Lattes, americanos, espressos, capuccinos, Australian flat whites - which can be poured over or brewed, have single shots, double shots, triple shots, flavoured and the list goes on!  

"Definitively a top reason to love Ottawa: Sip latte, love Ottawa and repeat!"

Christine, via Twitter

"This is our dream, humbly shared with the community. We want customers to feel like they have arrived at a destination, rather than stopping by during errands.”

Veronick Ayling ~ V’s Cupcakes in Manotick

“Ottawa conjures up positive feelings of comfort and family. I most love open-hearted people that make up this city’s social fabric. I have made my most meaningful human connections in this city.”

Sarah and Jessica ~ Bread By Us

“Ottawa will always be home. It has heart and it has my heart – amazing people doing amazing things to put it on the map as a cultural destination.”

Laura Hammond

“I feel safe, finally. I love Ottawa. People are so nice, so friendly.”

Syrian refugee

"The people, always the people."

a follower, via Twitter

"This city has so much greatness to offer. It’s amazing to step out of the house and clearly notice the multiculturalism. I’ve met so many amazing people from different backgrounds who call Ottawa home."

Sekou Kaba ~ Olympic hurdler

“ I love the acceptance and tolerance. And, of course, it is the most welcoming city.”

Our city is kind and generous. It has a big heart and great community spirit . Not a week goes by when there isn't an initiative to help others.  We're always honoured to meet and collaborate with the people behind the many generous projects in the city.

From small social enterprises, like HighJinx, whose mandate is to give the marginalized a helping hand, to the Sens Foundation and the United Way, on an even bigger scale.

"I love the way Ottawans, as a community, pull together in support of many worthy causes, assisting those who may have experienced substantial loss or could be facing a major life challenge.”

Marshall Page ~ Fitness Expert (Marshall's Integrated Fitness)

“It’s never hard to find like-minded, generous people in Ottawa who want to help take on a project."

Jeff Leiper ~ city councillor for Kitchissippi Ward

"I love Ottawa's diversity, range, and the random things that you can do on any given day. I have gone to concerts in churches, tested my painting abilities with friends, learned how to lawn bowl, and gone on many urban planning walking tours across the city."

Hieu Nguyen

"I adore Lansdowne Park because I believe public spaces play a vital role in creating a sense of community and promoting human interaction.”

Yang Li ~ Art Director

“Ottawa has just the right amount of entertainment and distraction. It enables those who want to contribute to the scene and build communities to do so. It isn’t saturated, there’s space for makers to provide to the city.”

Guillaume ~ Shopify

"I find myself constantly inspired in this community, whether it is just by walking through the streets or along the canal, meeting new people, taking a yoga class, or discovering parts of the city I haven’t seen before.”  

Sarah Gleason

Local craft beer is definitely a great reason to love our city! Local brewers not only support each other, but also help and make possible that smaller breweries have an opportunity at making their unique suds! This active community participation makes for many cool happenings such as the Ottawa Beer Fest and The Brewery Market events.

"LOVE Beyond the Pale!! Aromatherapy, Pink Fuzz, local craft beer rocks!! The hoppier the better!! #cheers!!"

alli_coutts, via Instagram

"The city blooms in the spring with tulips and enthusiasm..."

“Ottawa is like the “Goldilocks” of cities. We’re not too big. We’re not too small. We’re juuuuust right!"

Olivia Nixon

"I love being Canadian. I have traveled this country numerous times and am in awe each time. I love the community of people in our city – the artists, the business people, the philanthropists. I also love the rolling Ottawa River and Beau’s beer!"

Amanda Rheaume ~ Musician

"I think the spirit of pure collaboration is very Ottawa. It’s an exciting time to be an artist here." 

Tariq Anwar ~ Musician

“It’s one of the most well-rounded cities. You can go places so easily. It’s got a great music scene, lots of green spaces – such a humble city.” Karmen ~ Shopify
 

Ottawa is a storyteller. Tales of the past, the present and the future are echoed at its countless museums, galleries, festivals and exhibits. The arts and music scene is continuously growing and blossoming, resulting in an explosion of creative freedom and local talent.

There are so many things to love: its beautiful, calming architecture, the open spaces and views, the serenity and tranquility that few world capitals can offer.

“I find that Ottawa has the advantages of a major world capital, mixed with the charm of a smaller city. Within minutes of my home I can be at the National Gallery or the NAC, soaking up some culture, in the Byward Market buying some fantastic fresh produce, down Elgin glugging some delicious Ontario wine, jogging up the canal to the lake, or I can pop up to Gatineau Park and taste a real flavour of the countryside. There are not many cities that offer all of that in such a compact space. Love Ottawa!”

Alexander Shelley ~ Music Director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra