International Removals to Ottawa with The Moving Partnership
Ottawa is one of the most popular cities to move to – almost one in four of its one million inhabitants weren’t actually born in Canada. It’s one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the world, according to various Quality of Life surveys, and it is one of the safest too. Here The Moving Partnership, who offer international removals to Ottawa, put the spotlight on the Canadian capital.
The History and Heritage
The region was occupied thousands of years ago by native Algonquin tribe. However, the region really took shape after the 17th century, when the Ottawa River was first navigated by colonisers.
In 1826 the city was founded; it was originally known as Bytown, after Lt Col John By; he was the British military engineer who was the mastermind behind the Rideau Canal which runs through the region. The workers on the project needed somewhere to live, and the resulting settlement was named after him. Bytown became Ottawa in 1855 – partly because of the Ottawa River and partly because the name Ottawa is taken from the Algonquin word ‘adawe’ which means ‘to trade’.
The city became the country’s capital in 1857, thanks to a decision by Queen Victoria. 10 years later, Canada declared its independence from England. Ottawa is now the country’s seat of government, with major employers include the tech industries, healthcare, tourism, and – unsurprisingly given it’s Canada’s administrative capital – the public service sector.
Getting There and Getting Around
The closest international airport is Macdonald-Cartier (acronym YOW); most of the flights are either within Canada, or to the USA, but there are some direct services from the UK’s London airports.
The airport is about six miles (10lm) to the south of the city centre; the best way into Ottawa itself is by bus to Hurdman Station and from there on to the O-train (a light rail service) into the city itself. A taxi or car rental are alternatives, but these will be more expensive.
Once you are in the city, OC Transpo operates the O-train (two lines) as well as the main bus service. On the water is another alternative (and a bit more novel and enjoyable) – there are tourist ferry services on the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal.
The city is easy to explore on foot as most streets are pedestrian-friendly, although you should wrap up well in the winter months. Guided walking tours are available, and they take in all the top local sights and tourist spots. Another exploration alternative is by bike – there are lots of lanes, particularly by the rivers (both the Rideau and the Gatineau also run through the city) and the canals.
The Main Attractions
Parliament Hill, pictured above, is the most-visited attraction in Ottawa. It’s home to the historic seat of government (tours are available), and you can see the Changing of the Guard as you would at Buckingham Palace. However, this ceremony is only from June to August, and may be moved to nearby Rideau Hall. Mounties (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) in their iconic attire also patrol the area.
Those with a head for heights should visit the Peace Tower, which gives great views over the whole city; access is via the East Block of the Parliament buildings.
For military historians, try the Canadian War Museum on the banks of the Ottawa River; this details more recent conflicts as well as 16th century battles. The National War Museum (Canada’s equivalent of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) is on Wellington Street. Alternatively, there’s also a Cold War Museum in nearby Carp, which is about 30 minutes’ drive away.
For something the whole family can enjoy, in winter the Rideau Canal is turned into the world’s largest public skating rink – it’s almost five miles long but is only open if the temperature is low enough).
Shopping Around and Eating Out
There are plenty of malls in and around the city – the Rideau Centre, in downtown Ottawa, and the St Laurent Centre (East Central) are among the biggest. If you want something touristy, try Sparks Street, which is close to Parliament Hill.
If you are looking for a more niche purchase, go to the ByWard Market close to the Ottawa River; this is mainly a farmer’s market but also has plenty of arts and crafts stalls too. At night, it becomes one of the city’s busiest nightlife destinations.
In terms of food and drink, Ottawa is such a welcoming, cosmopolitan city that most cuisines are well represented. For instance, there is a Chinatown (in the Somerset West area of the city) and a Little Italy (along Preston Street).
For some more authentic Canadian cuisine, you should try a Beavertail whole wheat pastry – filled with the topping of your choice (usually sweet) and shaped like a beaver’s tail. For something more wholesome, go to the ByWard market for your locally grown fruit and veg.
International Removals to Canada with The Moving Partnership
If you would like to know more about international removals to Ottawa, then follow this link.
You can contact us by filling in the form on the right-hand side of the page; or you can start the whole process off by clicking the link to the video surveys we also offer. We also offer international removals to many other towns and cities in Canada, including Quebec, Toronto, Montral and Vancouver; our network of contacts mean we can come up with a package which is not only tailored to your individual needs but will also be competitively priced.
