11 Reasons to Love Ottawa

Ah, Ottawa—there's just so much to love about you. You've got beauty, brains and a sense of humour. Here are 11 reasons to love the city.

Far from being a stodgy place for pontificating politicians, The Hill is a great place to bring the kids for a trip up the bell tower, a statue-finding challenge, a wish at the Centennial Flame or a viewing of the Changing of the Guard in the summer months. Bonus: the Rideau Canal locks are right next door; on weekends in the summer your young mariner can watch dozens of pleasure boats passing through.

Always a huge hit with kids of all ages, the Children's Museum is a uniquely engaging adventure. Be sure to stamp your passport as you travel 'around the world' from one culture to the next in a fully interactive display. Shop for groceries, load a ship with cargo, solve a hieroglyphics puzzle or learn to play congo drums.

The go-to place in Ottawa for Halloween thrills and chills, Saunders Farm is also our favourite summer hangout. Explore mazes, pan for precious stones, jump on massive trampoline pillows or get wet in the splash pad.

Our favourite picnic spot in town is this little island located smack in the middle of the Ottawa River, just off of the Champlain Bridge. There are plenty of shady tables to use as home base for the day and nearby ducks and geese are always eager to nibble on leftover bread. The big draw, however, is the flat shale rock located along the shallow edges of the river; in late summer, the water is so low and warm, you won't be able to resist trying your hand at making your own balanced rock sculpture.

The Science Museum is one of the most active museums in town; almost every weekend throughout the year they have special presentations, games and crafts arranged around a different theme. Their full-size locomotives are still a huge draw for your little engineer, and their observatory lets your young astronomer get up close to the sun and stars.

This newly renovated zoo features all kinds of creepy crawlies, from snakes and alligators to turtles and tarantulas. Best of all, their hourly shows let your little ones have a hands-on experience—if they dare!

A lovely building full of beautiful art can sometimes be a dull place for kids, but the National Gallery's Artissimo program livens things up. Kids ages 3 and up are invited to create amazing works of art, solve art puzzles or go on a scavenger hunt to find certain paintings throughout the gallery. Bonus: the Byward Market is steps away and home of dozens of fantastic cafes, featuring the best treats in town.

There's nothing like putting the whole family in an inner tube and hurtling down a water slide at Calypso to bring about some serious bonding. Summer fun has never been easier—or more thrilling.

Your little animal lover will want to visit the Museum of Agriculture again and again—who can resist baby goats, lambs, chicks and piglets? In the spring, come prepared to offer up some names for the newborn calves, and don't miss out on your chance to pet a bunny. Later, blow off some steam on their massive play structure. They recently opened a learning centre that's also sure to be a hit.

Our favourite Ottawa destination is the Museum of Nature—four gorgeous floors of beautiful, interactive exhibits, activities, films and food for the imagination. It's so much fun, your kids won't even realize they're learning stuff.

Escape the heat of downtown by hopping on a cool, breezy boat tour of the Ottawa River. You'll be treated to great views, funny and informative trivia from the guide, and your own opportunity to have a king-of-the-world moment at the front of the ship. Your kids will be enthralled at the close-up stop at Rideau Falls.