Being the core of both the old and new parts of the city, Ottawa’s downtown is one of the most buzzing areas. Whether you’re new to the city or you’re a traveler, this part of Canada’s capital deserves your attention. This riverside residential area is also known as the Central Business District, and it contains one of the most important government buildings as well. This is also one of the hottest areas in Ottawa’s real estate market, with homes on the pricier side compared to the rest of the city. The neighborhood is buzzing with restaurants, cafes, and things to do – and we’re going to share all of that soon. Let’s explore Ottawa’s vibrant downtown area together – and who knows, you might decide to make it your new home!
A bit of history
Ottawa is surely a city that’s wrapped in history, long before it gained its capital status from Queen Victoria in 1857. For that reason, you can see a lot of preserved historical buildings around the city, some of them are located in the downtown area. Parliament building is surely the most attractive, and this majestic piece of Gothic architecture attracts visitors from all around the country. We also have Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica nearby, as well as the Central Chambers National Historic Site of Canada, Peace Tower, and the Famous Five Monument. Exploring the historical part of Ottawa’s downtown can take a while, so be sure to explore your interests and make a list of things you want to see.
Gothic revival architecture in the heart of the city.
Alt.tag: Ottawa Parliament building
Ottawa for art lovers
Exploring Ottawa as an art lover can be quite exciting. The National Gallery of Canada is home to the most extensive collection of Canadian art, comprising works from antiquity to the present day. There are thousands of works from over 6,000 creators so you can see the development of Canadian history and art through the centuries. Aside from the National Gallery, it’s worth visiting the National Art Center and the Ottawa Art Gallery. These are the places to dig a bit deeper into Canada’s history of art and find out more about the capital.
A break for lunch
Exploring Ottawa’s vibrant downtown area might make you hungry, so take a break and have a meal in one of the best restaurants in the area. Ottawa’s food scene is slowly becoming more and more interesting, with a couple of excellent chefs sharing their work here. Try restaurants such as Riviera Ottawa for creative Canadian cuisine, Sansotei Ramen for a bit of Asian food, or Ariana Restaurant Collective for fine dining. Mumbai Masala Grill offers amazing Indian bites, whereas you can try out amazing sushi in Go For Sushi at Slater St. Ottawa’s downtown area is filled with top-quality places to eat, with cuisines from all over the world, so don’t be afraid to explore with your taste buds to have an amazing time.
Coffee break
Aside from top-notch bites, you can also take a coffee break while exploring the heart of Ottawa. Some of the places worth your visit include Equator Coffee in the National Arts Centre, MCC at Lauriel Ave W, and Little Victories Coffee Roasters at Elgin St. Coffee lovers have so much to explore in this city, as every street in the downtown area hides a great place to have a quality coffee break before you continue to enjoy sightseeing around the Bytown.
Even if you’re a casual visitor, it’s not impossible to fall in love with this amazing city and think about making it your permanent home. Centennial Moving experts share that most people moving to Ottawa choose this city for its economic stability, cultural diversity, and strong health and education systems. It’s fairly easy to adjust to life here even if you’re coming from another country, with both English and French being widely spoken in Canada’s capital.
Parks and recreation
Outdoors are particularly important for locals here, especially during summer. They enjoy kayaking on the Rideau Canal and hiking through Gatineau Park and truly value the importance of recreational spaces in the city. However, when focusing on the Downtown Area, don’t miss out on Major’s Hill Park – especially during spring when you can attend Tulip Festival. It’s the capital’s first park and covers over 5 hectares of land, and it’s a great place to take a break when visiting galleries and museums in the area. Confederation Park is also a place to have a peaceful retreat but also check out monuments and sculptures within the space. While exploring the downtown area, don’t miss out on Victoria’s Island, where you can relax and have a picnic with a spectacular view of the city.
Green spaces are valued in Ottawa, so don’t forget to visit its amazing parks.
Alt.tag: aerial view of the Ottawa’s vibrant downtown area
Festival and events
Along with the Tulip Festival, Ottawa is home to many annual events you shouldn’t miss while visiting the city. Depending on the season, you can attend International Children’s Festival with your family, but also Ottawa Fringe Festival for a more unusual date with your significant other, The Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival on the riverside, and Ottawa Chamberfest for a bit of music. The city’s annual festival schedule is quite busy, so be sure to attend at least one of these and learn more about the energy and culture of the locals.
Ottawa is a great place to live
However, the relocation process takes some preparation and planning. Consider it a project that will depend on these essential factors:
- The amount of time – be sure to start on-time preparation and avoid making any last-minute, hectic decisions. From finding a place to live in Ottawa to collecting all the packing supplies, give yourself enough time so you can have a stress-free move.
- The right kind of support – it’s not easy to manage everything on your own, so be sure to have someone skilled by your side. Friends and family can surely help, but it’s wise to reach out to specialists who know their way with long-distance relocations to Ottawa. You’ll feel safer and less overwhelmed and therefore enjoy a smooth moving experience.
- Packing like a pro – take this move seriously and do your best to simplify packing and unpacking. Declutter your home before you start, have all the supplies, and organize the boxes with labeling. You’ll be more efficient and decrease the risks of damage and loss of your valuables.
Adjusting to a new environment will be easier if you’ve got the relocation process under control.
The center of the city, culture and history of Canada.
Alt.tag: historical building in Ottawa
It’s time to see more of Ottawa
Start your Canadian adventure by exploring Ottawa’s vibrant downtown – but be sure not to stop there. The capital has so much more to offer, and after enjoying your time in the heart of the city, go further and see what else this city has got for you.
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meta: Ready for exploring Canada’s capital? Find out more about Ottwawa’s vibrant downtown and fall in love with this amazing city.
2018 ·
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