Ottawa Tourism

Why Choose Our Destination?

Ottawa is here to inspire! Meet in Canada’s capital and you will feel rejuvenated, inspired for the years to come, by our profound and proud cultural heritage. Ottawa is a highly experienced and accomplished host destination for important national and international gatherings and business events. It literally puts conventions on a national and international stage. Canada’s capital provides ready access to national policy-makers, the international diplomatic community, national associations, and subject matter experts from a wide variety of fields including: information and communications technology, health and life sciences, aerospace and defence, engineering, and cleantech–in fact, Ottawa is one of Canada’s leading technology hubs, with both international tech giants and local start-ups. Home to two universities, two colleges, the seat of Government and the National Research Council, Ottawa provides ample resources for education and research. Ottawa is home to one million residents who are proud of their hometown and welcome people in English, French, Indigenous languages and many more from around the world. The city’s urban landscape reveals the stories of Canada around every corner, at historic and national sites, monuments and cultural institutions. Unique among G7 capitals, Ottawa is equal parts urban and rural, a vibrant city on the edge of nature, offering boundless opportunities for adventure and recreation in the great outdoors¬. Ottawa is, in so many ways, Canada in one city. Ottawa is a destination that is accessible, with an award-winning airport with direct connections to major U.S. hubs, plus London and Frankfurt. The airport is a 15-minute drive to a compact and walkable downtown. Ottawa is home to Shaw Centre, the city’s premier, state-of-the-art convention venue located in the heart of downtown next to the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site and within easy walking distance of over 6000 hotel rooms. The facility is directly linked to the 180-store CF Rideau Centre, and the 495-room Westin Ottawa. The new light rail transit system links hotels to the Shaw Centre and other meeting facilities and venues in the city. Reflecting the dynamism of the Capital’s region, recent hotel openings have added a significant choice for business travelers and meeting planners to consider. Located in downtown core area, Le Germain luxury boutique hotel opened in May 2018 with 115 rooms, meeting facilities, gym and fine dining restaurant & bar Norca. The hotel is in the same architectural complex as the new Ottawa Art Gallery, which showcases rotating exhibits of Canadian Art. As Canada’s Capital, Ottawa is home to several national museums that with their immense priceless artifacts and brightly lit halls, provide interesting settings for any event. The Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canada War Museum and the National Arts Centre offer grand public spaces for unique off-site receptions, galas and events. Offsite venues that allow delegates to network and dine amongst towering totem poles, priceless antique army tanks and gigantic dinosaurs, will sure make an event in Ottawa to remember. In winter, Ottawa is home to the world’s largest skating ring on the Rideau Canal, steps from the Shaw Centre. The Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage site on which you can skate, it winds 4.8 miles through the heart of Ottawa. The Nation’s capital offers countless ways to enjoy the most Canadian of seasons!