Ottawa: Museums, Exhibitions & Discounts

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is located in the province of Ontario at the confluence of the Ottawa, Gatineau, and Rideau rivers. Originally established as Bytown in 1826, the city was renamed Ottawa in 1855 and chosen as the nation's capital by Queen Victoria in 1857. The city has developed into a major cultural center, blending its role as the seat of the federal government with a rich artistic heritage.

Ottawa's cultural landscape is marked by numerous national institutions, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History (located across the river in Gatineau), and the Canadian Museum of Nature. The city's bilingual character, reflecting both English and French Canadian cultures, adds to its distinct identity. The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, runs through the heart of the city and serves as a recreational corridor year-round, transforming into the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter. The city's architecture spans from historic Gothic Revival buildings on Parliament Hill to modern cultural venues, offering visitors a glimpse into both Canada's past and its contemporary cultural evolution.