In 1857, Queen Victoria proclaimed Ottawa the capital of Canada because of its location between the two founding cultures of Canada. Today, Ottawa exhibits the influence of both French and English cultures, steeped in history and tradition. Visitors from around the world come to admire the ornate halls of the Parliament Buildings, the magnificent residence of the Governor General of Canada, and the world-class museums, galleries, and entertainment.

Once a lumber town, and then a government town, today it is a dynamic and prosperous community that still retains green open spaces in its urban parks and wide tracts of farmland, forests, spectacular parks, and hundreds of clean lakes, rivers, and streams surrounding the city. This land is protected for all time thanks to the law passed in the 1950s designating the "emerald necklace" to contain the city and curb urban sprawl. As a result, you can visit Ottawa for city delights from Broadway shows to fine museums, then jump right into a nature adventure without missing a beat!