Canadians are famously self-deprecating, a trait most recently put on international display during the closing ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. The decidedly laid-back end to the Games featured satirical send-ups of all things stereotypically “Canadian”, from Mounties to moose, maple syrup to canoes.

The enthusiastic willingness to poke fun at themselves has definite geographical implications. There are particular sets of jokes and stereotypes told from coast to coast about Newfoundland, Quebec, Toronto, the North and British Columbia for example. Canada’s capital however, is a perennial victim of national abuse. As the home of Parliament, the Prime Minister and the political establishment, it’s only natural for Ottawa to be a target of derision and occasional scorn. In this regard, the city is perhaps no different than say Canberra and the Capital Territory to average Australians.

So while even native Ottawans begrudgingly acknowledge that their city of 1.1 million is occasionally staid, conservative, uptight and yes, bureaucratic, the truth is that Ottawa is also a lot of fun. From world class festivals and museums to restaurants and nightlife, Ottawa knows how to hang loose and have a great time. Here are ten must-see attractions in Canada’s capital city.

10. Canadian War Museum

Commemorated in 1880, only thirteen years after Canada officially became a federal dominion, the Canadian War Museum originally paid tribute to First Peoples Warfare, The American Revolution and The War of 1812. With the advent of the First and Second World Wars and most recently, conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the museum has had to change with the times. The current facility was built in 2005.

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9. Rideau Hall

The official residence of the Governor General of Canada, the federal representative of the British monarchy, is one of the most famous homes in the country. While the Governor General’s role is for the most part ceremonial, whoever holds the office gets to live in magnificent Rideau Hall. More than 200,000 people visit the stately home every year.

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8. ByWard Market

ByWard Market is one of the liveliest districts in Ottawa and home to Canada’s oldest farmer’s market. A great area to explore on foot and get a feel for the city.

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7. Laurier House

Laurier House is yet another historic home in Canada’s capital. The National Historic Site was the private residence of two famous Prime Ministers in Sir Wilfred Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King.

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6. Bluesfest

Ottawa Bluesfest is the second-biggest celebration of blues music in North America and a summer staple since 1994. Though not solely about the blues anymore, still a phenomenal reason to come to Ottawa and party in July.

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5. Canadian Museum of Civilization

Just across the river in Gatineau, Quebec – a small city practically contiguous with Ottawa – the Canadian Museum of Civilization is one of the most popular museums in the country. A truly remarkable cultural facility.

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4. National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada is the country’s pre-eminent art museum and one that showcases a myriad of masterworks, from the Group of Seven to Andy Warhol, Rembrandt to Mondrian.

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3. Canadian Tulip Festival

The Canadian Tulip Festival, other than Canada Day, is probably the top attraction that lures other Canadians to Ottawa. The festival was forged by a special relationship between two nations: Canada and the Netherlands. It began in 1945 when the Dutch royal family sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa in gratitude for Canada’s service in the Second World War. The Netherlands still sends Ottawa thousands of tulips every year and the annual celebration in May now draws over half a million people.

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2. Rideau Canal

Ottawa’s most significant landmark is the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal. The historic canal transforms into a massive (and world record) rink every winter, as Canadians nationwide come to Ottawa to lace up their skates. Rideau Canal is fun to visit anytime of year however. Head to the Bytown Museum to learn how the heritage site was built.

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1. Parliament Hill

Ottawa’s most conspicuous attraction is without question, Parliament Hill. The home of Canada’s federal government contains many cool features and comes alive every July 1 for the most incredible Canada Day celebration in the country. Tours of the buildings and grounds are free and visitors can even attend Parliamentary debates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Check out great hotel deals in destinations throughout Canada.

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