The Westin Ottawa

The Rideau Canal is a chain of beautiful lakes, rivers and canals winding 202 km from Kingston, at the head of Lake Ontario, to Ottawa, Canada's capital city. One of Canada's historic canals, the Rideau is maintained and operated by Parks Canada to preserve and present the canal's natural and historic features, as well as to provide a navigable channel for boaters. The Rideau Canal, also known as the Rideau Waterway, connects the city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on the Ottawa River to the city of Kingston, Ontario on Lake Ontario. The canal was opened in 1832 as a precaution in case of war with the United States and is still in use today, with most of its original structures intact. The canal system uses sections of major rivers, including the Rideau and the Cataraqui, as well as some lakes. It is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, and in 2007, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Between events, the park is a calm oasis in downtown Ottawa, and the perfect spot to take a break between visits to the ByWard Market and nearby museums and galleries. This park features some of the best lookouts in Ottawa, offering stunning views of the Ottawa Locks on the Rideau Canal, the Ottawa River and the Parliament Buildings. Take a stroll through the park’s stately trees, over its rolling lawns and winding pathways, and learn about its history through a series of interpretation panels. Major’s Hill Park is an exceptional site to see tulips blooming in the spring.

Welcome to Parliament Hill – a symbol of national pride for Canadians and one of the most significant heritage sites in Canada! It is the place where our nation was first created at Confederation, and it continues to shape and define us through the work that happens here. Parliament Hill is an area of Crown land on the southern banks of the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa, Ontario. Its Gothic revival suite of buildings — the parliament buildings — serves as the home of the Parliament of Canada and contains a number of architectural elements of national symbolic importance. Parliament Hill attracts approximately 3 million visitors each year. Originally the site of a military base in the 18th and early 19th centuries, development of the site into a governmental precinct began in 1859, after Bytown was chosen by Queen Victoria as the capital of the Province of Canada.

The National Gallery of Canada, located in the capital city of Ottawa, Ontario, is Canada's national art museum. The museum's building takes up 46,621 square metres, with 12,400 square metres of space used for exhibiting art; making the museum one of the largest art museums in North America by exhibition space.

The National Arts Centre is a Canadian centre for the performing arts located in Ottawa, Ontario, between Elgin Street and the Rideau Canal. The National Arts Centre was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2006.

If you’re looking for great shopping in Ottawa, look no further than Rideau Centre! 180 of the biggest names in fashion, beauty, accessories, electronics and entertainment and more in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Come see what’s in store!

The ByWard Market is Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction, and is the premier destination for shopping, dining, arts, entertainment and professional services for residents and visitors. While you're in the heart of the city don't miss the opportunity to visit the historical ByWard Market. Unique eclectic shops, boutiques and restaurants offer something for everyone. Experience the small neighbourhood feel in secluded courtyards or find high quality, trend setting products on our bustling streets. Unique shops, restaurants and nightclubs surround a thriving outdoor market featuring fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables and local artisans.