A location like no other

The Gallery has a large and varied collection of paintings, drawings, sculpture and photographs. Although its focus is on Canadian art, it holds works by many noted American and European artists, notably some of Andy Warhol's most famous works, Barnett Newman's Voice of Fire, and a sculpture of a giant spider, Louise Bourgeois's Maman.

Did you know that Ottawa is home to the largest naturally frozen skating rink in the world, as designated by Guinness World Records? It's true! Each year, from roughly January to late February or early March, the scenic Rideau Canal - Ontario's only UNESCO World Heritage Site - freezes and welcomes nearly one million visitors for winter fun.

Ottawa has an enormous amount of history and culture, and our museums are world-renowned. You will leave awe-struck by the power and beauty of our planet at The Museum of Nature, or you can discover the Nation's culture and history at The Museum of History, or honour the sacrifices of those who have served our country at The Canadian War Museum.

CF Rideau Centre offers a one-of-a kind shopping experience in a newly renovated and expanded premise. The shopping centre is home to 170 retailers including Nordstrom, Simons, Harry Rosen, Anthropologie, Disney, kate spade new york, Tiffany & Co., Zara and includes an 850-seat Dining Hall with 16 premium branded eateries. CF Rideau Centre welcomes close to 20 million visitors each year and is open seven days a week including most holidays.

Parliament Hill, known as The Hill, is an area of Crown land on the southern banks of the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa. Its Gothic revival suite of buildings is the home of the Parliament of Canada and has architectural elements of national symbolic importance. Parliament Hill attracts approximately 3 million visitors each year.

Gatineau Park, the Capital's conservation and outdoor recreation park, is just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa-Gatineau. Year-round, enjoy a range of activities -swimming, hiking, biking, camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing - as well as heritage sites and nature interpretation. One of the few places in Quebec with such rich biodiversity, the Park is a sanctuary for more than 100 species of plants and animals at risk.

Experience the best in music, theatre and dance. The National Arts Centre collaborates with artists and arts organizations across Canada to help create a national stage for the performing arts, and acts as a catalyst for performance, creation and learning across the country.

Located in Gatineau, a short 10-minute drive from Parliament Hill, Casino du Lac-Leamy presents a lively evening out with your friends. Poker! Roulette! Craps! All your favourite games are here, alongside more than 1,800 slot machines waiting for you to take a crack at winning the jackpot. The Casino also hosts a number of concerts, entertainment, and a number of top-notch dining options.

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.

The Ottawa Farmers' Market opened its first market in 2006 with 19 vendors at Lansdowne Park. With the support of the community, the market has grown to four locations - Lansdowne Park, Westboro, Orléans, and Riverside South - and more than 100 vendors of locally-grown produce, grass-fed beef, heritage pork, spring lamb, game, honey, maple syrup, eggs and grains and locally-made baking, chocolate, jams, preserves, arts and crafts.

From sports bars where you can grab a beer and watch the game, to special events that only happen once in a while, to the hottest nightclubs in town, Ottawa has something to offer everyone!

Lansdowne Live is Ottawa's new, centrally located destination for live events, shopping, dining and recreational activities. There's over 30 shops and restaurants open for business at Lansdowne, the greatest patio space in the city, events in the 18-acre park, concerts, sporting events, the Ottawa Farmers' Market three days a week and ample underground parking at very low rates.