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History & Evolution
The area which is now known as Ottawa was discovered in 1613 by Samuel de Champlain. The area begin to grow and settlements started to grow in around the year 1800. The Rideau Canal was completed in the year 1832. The canal stretches 202 kilometers (125.5 miles) and includes 47 locks. It was designed to keep military marine traffic safe from any future American invasion of the St. Lawrence River. Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the common capital for Quebec and Ontario in 1857. In the year 1850 Chaudière Falls were harnessed as a source of mechanical power. Lumber barons here created the largest concentration of milling operations anywhere in the world. In the year 1867 Ottawa became the capital of the Dominion of Canada.

It remains the seat of government and the centre of Canada’s parliamentary system. In April of 1900, a massive fire burned whole neighbourhoods to the ground and 16 years later, the Parliament Buildings suffered the same fate. In 2001, the old city of Ottawa was merged with suburbs of Nepean, Kanata, Gloucester, Rockcliffe Park , Vanier and Cumberland. Despite of facing tragedies and mishaps this city of Canada is still a beautiful destination to explore. The city has not only preserved its cultural wealth but has also made rapid growth economically. The city has always been a major center of Canada.

Site-Seeing
The city of Ottawa has several places of historical importance that attract visitors from all around the world. Ottawa is bestowed with various beautiful landscapes.

Parliament Hill:
Parliament Hill is situated in the middle of downtown Ottawa on the side of the Ottawa River. The site is one of the most visited site of Canada. Parliament Hill has become one of the best-known symbols in Canada. The Parliament Hill has three buildings: Centre, East and West blocks. The main building is the Centre block , which houses the chambers of the House of Commons and the Senate. Tourists are allowed to experience the chamber in action from the visitor galleries. The Peace Tower at the top of the building provides a spectacular view of the Capital region. In the Peace Tower you can also visit the Memorial Chamber, which honours Canada’s war dead. Visitors come from all corners of the world to witness events like such as the Changing the Guard ceremony and the Sound and Light Show, which take place at the Parliament hall.

Location: Downtown Ottawa

Rideau Canal:
The Rideau Canal is North America's oldest operating canal. The canal was built in the 19th century. The original purpose of the Rideau Canal was to provide a safe supply route between Montreal and the Great Lakes in case of attack by the United States. Today the canal is Capital's most popular recreational areas. In the summer, canoes and motorboats ply the waters, while walkers, joggers, cyclists and in-line skaters enjoy the recreational pathways alongside. In the winter, 8 kilometers are cleared to become the largest outdoor ice-skating rink in the world. The canal has manged to maintain its traditional flavor and still has limestone locks, hand-operated cranks, wooden lock master houses, and stone supply buildings.

Location: Ottawa city center

Laurier House:
Laurier House is operated by Parks Canada and is open for visits year around. The House was resided by to two prominent Canadian prime ministers - Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. The house has Laurier’s mementos and furnishings, harkening back to the turn of the 20th century. King received many important guests at Laurier House including Churchill, Roosevelt, de Gaulle, Shirley Temple and the Dionne quintuplets. The study room of the house also has a crystal ball that was used by the king to see the future.

Location: 335 Laurier Avenue East