Ottawa
ISO3: CAN
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I have not visited ❌
Time Zone: America/Toronto
"Advance Ottawa-En Avant | Advance Ottawa"
45.4215° N, 75.6972° W
About:
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, was founded in 1826 as Bytown, and incorporated as Ottawa in 1855. It was chosen as the capital by Queen Victoria in 1857 due to its strategic location between Montreal and Toronto, and away from the American border. Its growth was fueled by the logging industry and the construction of the Rideau Canal. The city has grown into a political and technological center of Canada, known for its high standard of living, rich culture, and numerous national institutions.
When to visit:
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is a vibrant destination with a variety of attractions to offer throughout the year. The ideal time to visit Ottawa on a holiday depends on your preferences. If you enjoy winter activities such as ice skating on the Rideau Canal or exploring Winterlude festivities, then visiting during the winter months from December to February would be ideal. For those who prefer milder weather and outdoor events, the summer months from June to August are popular with festivals like Canada Day celebrations and outdoor concerts. Spring and fall also offer pleasant weather with beautiful foliage and cultural events, making Ottawa a year-round destination for travelers seeking diverse experiences.
When to avoid:
During the winter months, specifically in January and February, Ottawa experiences its coldest weather with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. Traveling to Ottawa during a holiday in these months can pose significant challenges due to heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and limited daylight hours. Many outdoor attractions may be closed during this time, and the city's winter activities, such as ice skating on the Rideau Canal, may be limited by the extreme cold. It is advisable for travelers to plan their visit to Ottawa during the milder months of spring, summer, or fall to fully enjoy the city's offerings and avoid the harsh winter conditions.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
In Ottawa, the warmest part of the year typically spans from June to August, with July being the hottest month. During this period, the average high temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while the nighttime lows generally stay between 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F).
Rainfall is quite common throughout the summer, with each month receiving approximately 80-90 mm of precipitation. This often comes in the form of quick, heavy showers rather than continuous rain. There's also a fair amount of humidity, typically hovering around 70-80%, which can make the temperature feel a bit warmer than it actually is.
The days are long and generally sunny, with Ottawa receiving an average of 9 to 10 hours of sunshine per day during the summer months. However, it's not uncommon for cloud cover to increase in the afternoon, leading to those aforementioned showers.
For a visitor, a typical summer day in Ottawa would start off warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city's outdoor attractions. As the day progresses, it can become quite hot and humid, so it's advisable to stay hydrated and seek shade when possible. The chance of a brief shower in the afternoon or evening is quite high, so carrying an umbrella or raincoat is a good idea. Despite the occasional rain, summer in Ottawa is generally pleasant and conducive for sightseeing.
Summer (June-August)
In Ottawa, the warmest part of the year typically spans from June to August, with July being the hottest month. During this period, the average high temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while the nighttime lows generally stay between 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F).
Rainfall is quite common throughout the summer, with each month receiving approximately 80-90 mm of precipitation. This often comes in the form of quick, heavy showers rather than continuous rain. There's also a fair amount of humidity, typically hovering around 70-80%, which can make the temperature feel a bit warmer than it actually is.
The days are long and generally sunny, with Ottawa receiving an average of 9 to 10 hours of sunshine per day during the summer months. However, it's not uncommon for cloud cover to increase in the afternoon, leading to those aforementioned showers.
For a visitor, a typical summer day in Ottawa would start off warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city's outdoor attractions. As the day progresses, it can become quite hot and humid, so it's advisable to stay hydrated and seek shade when possible. The chance of a brief shower in the afternoon or evening is quite high, so carrying an umbrella or raincoat is a good idea. Despite the occasional rain, summer in Ottawa is generally pleasant and conducive for sightseeing.
Language:
english
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is predominantly bilingual. English and French are the most commonly spoken languages, with approximately 62.4% of the population speaking English and 14.2% speaking French as their first language. Other languages such as Arabic, Italian, Spanish, and Mandarin are also spoken due to the city's multicultural populace. The city's public service sector operates in both English and French, reflecting the bilingual nature of the city.