Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in southeastern Ontario on the north side of the Ottawa River across from Gatineau, Quebec. It is Canada's fourth-largest city by population, with about 1 million people in the city and roughly 1.5 million in the metropolitan area.

History and overview: Founded in 1826 as Bytown, renamed Ottawa in 1855. In 1857 Queen Victoria selected Ottawa as Canada’s capital. The Rideau Canal, built 1826–1832, connects Ottawa to Lake Ontario and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Parliament Hill houses the federal Parliament of Canada; the iconic Peace Tower is a prominent landmark. The city developed around government administration and railways.

Geography and climate: Located in the National Capital Region, Ottawa sits along the Ottawa River, with green spaces and waterways. It has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, and distinct seasonal changes.

Culture and institutions: The city hosts National Gallery of Canada, National Arts Centre, several national museums. The Canadian Museum of History is located in Gatineau across the river. The city is home to the Supreme Court of Canada and many national institutions; ByWard Market is a historic district; Rideau Canal Skateway in winter.

Economy and transportation: The federal government is the largest employer; technology, education, and tourism are important sectors. Transportation includes the Confederation Line light rail (LRT) opened in 2019, a network of buses, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, and rail services by VIA Rail. The city is bicycle-friendly.

Education and sports: Major universities include the University of Ottawa (bilingual) and Carleton University, and Algonquin College. Sports teams include the Ottawa Senators (NHL), Ottawa Redblacks (CFL), and Ottawa BlackJacks (CEBL).