Parliament Hill is the political heart of Canada. Situated on a bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, it is actually a collection of three turn-of-the-century Gothic structures known as the East Block, Centre Block and West Block. The West Block and East Block contain the offices of Members of Parliament. The House of Commons and the Senate are located in the Centre Block, with its soaring Peace Tower.
Built between 1827 and 1832 without the aid of powered machinery, the Rideau Canal is one of Ottawa's oldest landmarks. The canal runs from the Ottawa River near Parliament Hill to Hog's Back Falls on the south end of the city. During the summer months, a wide range of vessels, including tour boats, glide along the waterway. Come winter, the canal is transformed into the "World's Longest Skating Rink" and is a hub of activity during Ottawa's Winterlude festival.
Lac Leamy makes for a great getaway for residents of the city of Ottawa, providing them with a number of recreational and relaxation activities. The beachfront of the lake has been transformed into a park, with several picnic tables available on-site, in addition to playgrounds for kids, swimming in the lake, boating and a lot more. The area around the lake is also a significant archaeological site, making it ideal for history buffs.
Overlooking the picturesque Hog's Back Falls, the Hog’s Back Park is a scenic park on the banks of the river Rideau. The park is an intriguing mix of history and nature. The Rideau Canal was built in the 19th Century at the site of this park. There are historic artifacts on display and a heritage pavilion where visitors can gain a deeper insight into the history of the park. Escape the jarring city sounds as you take a walk amidst the lush greenery which abounds here. Make sure you pack your picnic basket well before you head to the park. There are ample picnic tables where you can enjoy quality time with your loved ones, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Adorning the Glebe locality of Ottawa city, the Central Park is a perfect spot to spend a lazy afternoon. Located close to the Rideau Canal, it features a lovely pond, walking path and you can also get your pets here for a stroll. Apart from that, this urban park is renowned for the annual, Art in the Park festival that is held here.
Hog's Back Falls, formally known as the Prince of Wales Falls, are artificially created waterfalls. Located on the Rideau River, the falls make for a perfect day trip. Just sitting by the falls, watching the beauty of it all and hearing the sound of the cascading water is sure to make your day. There is a snack bar nearby, making the riverbanks a great picnic spot. Navigate the many trails around the waterfall until you find a good vantage point. During winter, the river freezes, making the waterfalls look truly mesmerizing.