Interesting Facts

For a tasty snack, try a local favorite! Beavertails, deep-fried whole-wheat pastries, can be served sweet with cinnamon, jam, or sugar and lemon; or savory with garlic, butter and cheese.
In 1945, the people of the Netherlands sent 100,000 tulips to Canada in gratitude for their help in liberating the country from German forces. Today, the Canadian Tulip Festival celebrates with more than three million tulips citywide.
The province of Ontario recognizes two official languages, English and French. You'll most often hear English in Ottawa, although the city does have pockets of native French-speakers.
Well known Ottawa residents, past and present, include singers Alanis Morisette and Paul Anka, actor Lorne Greene, comedians Rich Little and Dan Ackroyd, author Margret Atwood, singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn.
The Rideau Canal, a 7.8 km (4 mile) canal and lock system that links Ottawa and Kingston, dates from the 1830s. Activities abound year round, including canoeing, boating, jogging and biking in the warmer months. When Old Man Winter hits, Rideau is transformed into the world's longest naturally frozen ice rink, providing the setting for Ottawa's Winterlude, an extraordinary winter festival held in early February.
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is the fourth largest metropolitan area in Canada, with a population exceeding 800,000 people. It's one of the country's youngest cities too � more than 50% of the population is under the age of 35.
Ottawa has more farmland than any other Canadian city, with revenues exceeding those of Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary combined.
Ottawa's climate is considered to be humid continental. Through the year, temperatures range from 33�C (91�F) to -40�C (-40�F) although averages tend to be milder, 20�C (68�F) in summer and -10�C (14�F) in winter.
ByWard Market was established in 1826, and today it has the distinction of being Canada's oldest continually-operational farmers' market. The market is defined as the four-block area between Sussex Drive, Cathcart Street, Cumberland Street and Rideau Street. Within its borders are the produce market itself, a plethora of unique and appealing retail boutiques, more than 60 eateries (from fine dining to fast food), and a thriving nightlife scene with pubs and clubs aplenty.
About half of Ottawa residents have earned a post-secondary degree, making it one of the most highly-educated cities in the country.