Ottawa
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Ottawa is a very clean city with a small-town atmosphere. There are numerous parks, gardens, bicycle paths, national museums and even a downtown farm. A four kilometer-wide green belt provides a huge area where you can go to relax and enjoy nature. Ottawa was declared Canada's capital by Queen Victoria in the 19th century.
Ottawa's center can easily be explored on foot. It is divided by the Rideau Canal into Upper and Lower Town. The highlight of Upper Town, on the western bank of the Ottawa River, is the Gothic-inspired Parliament building. In Lower Town the major point of focus is the boulevard of Sussex Drive that runs along the river. If you follow it northwards you will first come to the posh township of Rockcliffe, followed by the glasshouse of the National Gallery, as well as several other smaller museums. To the south the main attraction is the National Museum of Science and Technology. The Byward Market in Lower Town is well worth a visit, as is the Basilique Notre Dame.
Canada's leaders have taken care that Ottawa didn't become a bastion of English speakers, to prevent Québec nationalism from becoming too apparent. Ottawa is linked to the Québécois town of Hull, just across the Ottawa River, by five bridges and is becoming more integrated in the capital all the time. In Hull is the Musée Canadien des Civilisations that was sponsored by the federal government. The five-kilometer long tourist route called Confederation Boulevard links the main attractions on both sides of the river.
Ottawa's atmosphere has been enriched by immigrants from numerous countries, including many Italians, Lebanese and Chinese. As a result numerous international restaurants are available in the capital. There are also numerous hotels and hostels in Ottawa. The city has an excellent transportation system, as well as good links with the rest of Canada.