It was an embarrassingly long time into my life (and scarily close to my decision to move to Canada) that I found out the Toronto was not the capital of the huge white country.
I forgive anyone who still is of the understanding that little Ottawa ISN’T the capital. It would seem that Toronto has it all — the skyline, financial centers, the huge hockey team, better shops, harbour front and so on. Whereas Ottawa is far more small-town and laid back. It may sound like I am hating on Ottawa, and I absolutely am not — I love living in Ottawa. If Toronto is London and New York, Ottawa would be Edinburgh or Madrid. Ottawa is a beautiful open green city with plenty of space and water and parks. It’s the type of city that you can discover in a day, but also get lost in for a week while diving in and out of the numerous fascinating and varied museums and galleries.
However, it is the summer that is really the time to visit Ottawa. Watching the transition from winter to summer is honestly one of my favourite things, especially since moving to Canada. Summer in Ottawa means long evenings and huge parks to take advantage of again. The (unfrozen!) canal and lakes to lay by. Parliament comes to life with the changing of the guard event happening twice daily, and the sound and light display against the Parliament buildings in the evenings. You can go on river or canal cruises to escape the bustle of the ByWard Market, which in itself is a great place to explore. The smaller streets and boutique shops are scattered around cafes, bistros and bars and hidden in small courtyards. And, of course, there is the daily market of fruit, vegetables, flowers and other small local produce.
So while Toronto may be the bigger- and better-known city, I would far rather be a tourist here in Ottawa. But then again….if we promote tourism here too much, then maybe it will become too big like Toronto….so for now I’ll keep it a secret!