Bucket List: Ottawa

Canada's capital and fourth largest city stands on the south bank of the Ottawa River in southeastern Ontario.  Its name was taken from that of the river, a derivation of the Algonquin word meaning "to trade", and trade has always been one of the largest facets of its economy.

Native Americans had been living in the area for centuries, but the first European settlers arrived in 1800.  The settlement of Bytown was founded in 1826, named after British military engineer Colonel John By who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal whose purpose was a secure route between Montreal and Lake Ontario.  The town was incorporated as a city and renamed to Ottawa in 1855, becoming the capital of the Province of Canada in 1857.

The city has survived political dissension, fire, and unrest to become one of Canada's cleanest and greenest cities, attracting 7.3 million tourists to the area every year.  It's known as having some of the most educated citizens in the country and is also home to many cultural institutions and national museums. 

Official Web Site https://ottawa.ca/en

Tourism Site www.ottawatourism.ca