I did two workterms in the Nation's Capital and came to really like the town. If you like museums like I do, then this is a great city to go to. You need more than a few days to wonder through all the exhibits in town. I suggest the National War Museum as the best one in town. Ottawa has excellent public transit in OC Transpo and is very easy to get around by car.
A trip to Parliament Hill is a must in Ottawa, either for a guided tour or to watch Parliament sitting for Question Period. During the summer, the town tends to get a bit overrun with tourists, but the weather is always nice. During the winter, Ottawa gets very cold! The Rideau Canal freezes into the world's longest skating rink and is great fun, especially during Winterlude, the annual winter festival which features ice and snow carvings on Dow's Lake.
If you enjoy sports, especially hockey, then Ottawa will not disappoint. Two major junior teams are located here - the Ottawa 67s and the Hull Olympiques. The local NHL franchise is the Ottawa Senators who play in the amazing Corel Centre in Kanata. The Ottawa Lynz are the Triple A affiliate of the Montreal Expos and you can enjoy a ballgame under the great outdoors.
The Byward Market is an interesting place to go in the afternoon or night. During the fall, farmers sell their products right off their trucks, and motorcycles are always being exhibited. This is also the center of the Ottawa nightlife and there are many establishments to choose from. Best of all, Ottawa is just a great town to get out and explore.
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