"Ottawa" a Ottawa Travel Page by Canadian_girl

Ah, Ottawa, that former backwater of a lumber town, named Canada's Capital by Queen Victoria because she was reportedly pissed off at Toronto, which had become a little too high and mighty. That Vicky always was a wise lady. ;-)

More recently, Ottawa is home to bumbling politicians, grumbling bureaucrats, Kanata techno-geeks, the world's longest skating rink, Beavertails, Alanis Morissette (yay!), Matthew Perry, Alex Trebek (okay, he was born in Sudbury, but is an Ottawa U alumnus), Tom Green (can't believe I just admitted that publicly), Dan Aykroyd, and the always entertaining Marlen Cowpland and her magenta poodle -- living proof that software millions really can't buy taste.

Ottawa is the second coldest capital city in the world. Yes, on an average yearly basis, it's even colder than Moscow. And yet, in summer it's so hot and humid that my hair wilts just thinking about it. Go figure. Is it any bloody wonder that complaining about the weather is our national pastime? Weather-wise, May / June and September / October are the best times to visit Ottawa.

It's also worth coming in February for Winterlude or on July 1 for Canada Day. And around Christmas, the trees around the Parliament buildings and various other sites downtown are draped in millions of lights. Makes for an expensive electric bill, but it's still very pretty.

What can I say? I love Ottawa. I lived here for four years, and will be moving back as soon as the Federal government comes to its senses and offers me a job.