If there’s one thing Canada is known for it’s snow and cold weather. But this large country actually enjoys all four seasons—winter, spring, summer, and fall. And the best place to experience the seasons is in the capital city, Ottawa.
Yes, winter can be brutal in Canada. But in Ottawa, the city chooses to celebrate rather than hibernate. The Rideau Canal freezes and people skate to work, and Winterlude festival means there’s plenty of reason to get out of the house and experience the city. Spring and summer bring huge events like the Tulip Festival and Ottawa Jazz Festival—a massive outdoor music series. And in the fall, the nearby Gatineau Hills turn a rainbow of colours which make for spectacular drives and hikes.
Beyond enjoying the great outdoors, there’s plenty to see and do inside in Ottawa as well. The capital is home to museums and galleries housing works by internationally acclaimed and Canadian artists alike.
Leisure aside, Ottawa is one of the most educated cities in Canada with a large per capita of residents holding post-secondary degrees. Ottawa is also known for its extremely high quality of life—often ranking highly on lists of the best places to live. The capital of Canada also enjoys low unemployment and a thriving economy.