Ottawa Vacation Guides

by Tomek Baginski

"Our Ottawa - Your Ottawa" is one of many beautiful promotional videos produced and published on YouTube.com by the official Ottawa tourism portal - thanks for sharing!

About Ottawa Vacation Rentals
Ottawa is Canada's capital and second largest city. It is located in the beautiful Ottawa Valley in Southern Ontario. The Ottawa River runs through the city, marking the boundary between Ontario and its French-speaking neighbor, Quebec. This capital region offers a wide range of natural wonders, historic attractions and entertainment to suit all ages and tastes. A vacation rental home in this area provides the ideal base for vibrant cultural city attractions, scenic wildlife or outdoor pursuits to suit all ages.

Vacation homes offer plenty of space and freedom from the restrictions of a hotel. Although daily maid service is not usually offered in a vacation home, the flexibility of being able to cook for the family in a fully equipped kitchen is a good trade-off, especially for those on a tight budget. Visitors looking for a more rural retreat in Ottawa will find the lodges and vacation homes are well located amongst the woodland offering great scenery, privacy and peace which can rarely be found in a hotel.

Ottawa vacation properties

Things to Do in Ottawa
Whatever your preferred activities may be, Ottawa can provide some stimulating activities close to your chosen vacation home. The city of Ottawa has 30 museums, 50 art galleries, several theaters for live performances, beautiful architecture, night clubs, world-class dining and fabulous shopping, although it can be more pricey than the U.S. Beyond the city, there are natural wonders and a host of sports including rambling and hill walking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking in the whitewater rapids, ATV riding, fishing and golfing. In the snowy winter months, the area is ideal for snowmobiling, cross country and downhill skiing, curling, skating and other family fun. During the summer, Ottawa is popular for its many outdoor festivals.

The Ottawa Valley runs from the city westwards towards the popular Algonquin Park and includes six million acres of wilderness, waterways and woodland. The Rideau Canal also offers walking, boating and cycling opportunities along its flat banks. The Gatineau Hills are perfect for skiing and outdoor activities in all seasons. In Ottawa city, walk to the parliament buildings, the National Art Gallery or the Canadian Museum of Civilization. The Byward Market offers a great choice of local produce and crafts items.