Ottawa

Ottawa is the nation's capital, a small and beautiful city situated on a picturesque location on the banks of the Ottawa River. It's about a five or six hour drive north-east from Toronto, or you can take the very comfortable VIA Rail train.

Plan to spend at least two nights in Ottawa to enjoy the city and see all the sites. Foremost of course is the majestic Canadian Parliament Buildings, the seat of government, but also worthwhile are the many absolutely first-class museums and galleries, including the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada.

In winter, Ottawa is home to the Winterlude Festival, where you can skate on the frozen Rideau Canal, snack on Beaver Tails (fried bread with sugar toppings) and watch stunning carvings created from blocks of ice. In summer, the city becomes a recreational and outdoor playground, with miles of biking trails, farmer's markets and patios.