Ottawa City

As the nation's capital, Ottawa is the seat of federal government which is one of the largest employers in the region accounting for approximately 20 per cent of the total workforce.

High technology is an important player in the employment picture, with over 650 such firms issuing pay cheques to more than 36,000 employees. Other major employers include the hospitality industry, with more than 27,000 jobs, and the health/life sciences field (including hospitals, government laboratories, universities and the private sector), with over 18,000 jobs. There are more than 75 life sciences companies in Ottawa-Carleton employing over 1,500 people with sales in excess of $360 million per year.

Ottawa's main landmark is the 302ft (92m) high Peace Tower. The tower surmounts the imposing Parliament Buildings, which stand in Gothic splendour at the junction of the Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau rivers.

There is lots to see and do around Ottawa in the city. The city has a fascinating history. There are DOZENS of museums and historical sites, lots of parks and greenspace along the city's rivers and canals, and activities and sports to keep anybody busy (and happy). Not to mention the Rideau Canal (and winter Skateway) and the Ottawa River themselves and the popular bike paths than run along them. We even have a page that has tips on hundreds of things to do with kids.

Ottawa's major sights are clustered on the steep, south banks of the Ottawa River to either side of the Rideau Canal. It's here you'll find the monumental Victorian architecture of Parliament Hill , the outstanding art collection of the National Gallery , the military memorabilia of the Canadian War Museum , the imposing Notre Dame Basilica and Byward Market , the hub of the restaurant and bar scene. Many visitors stop there, but there are a clutch of other, lesser attractions too, beginning with the Laurier House , packed with the possessions of the former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King and located 1km or so east of the centre. Northeast of the centre, on the far side of the Rideau River, is the ritzy suburb of Rockcliffe , home to both the governor-general's mansion, Rideau Hall , and the National Aviation Museum.

Ottawa city

Ottawa city