Explore Canada’s Political and Cultural Capital
Table of Contents
Introduction
Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and a fascinating place with a rich blend of history, politics, and culture. Whether you’re planning to visit or just want to learn more, this fact sheet offers interesting information about its location, origins, institutions, and what makes it unique.
Where Is Ottawa Located?
Ottawa is located in the eastern part of southern Ontario, on the south bank of the Ottawa River. It shares a border with Gatineau, Quebec, making it part of the National Capital Region, a bilingual area where both English and French are commonly spoken.
A Short History of Ottawa
- Founded in 1826 as a small logging town called Bytown
- Renamed Ottawa in 1855
- Chosen as the capital of the Province of Canada by Queen Victoria in 1857
- Over the years, Ottawa has grown through various annexations and amalgamations
- In 2001, it became a new, larger city by merging with surrounding municipalities
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Ottawa
- Capital City – Ottawa is the official capital of Canada and the seat of its federal government.
- Border City – It borders Gatineau, Quebec, making it a truly bilingual city.
- Educated Population – Ottawa has the highest level of education among Canadian cities.
- Cultural Hub – Home to major institutions like the National Gallery of Canada and the National Arts Centre.
- Scenic Beauty – It’s known for its beautiful waterways, parks, and cycling paths.
- Name Origin – “Ottawa” comes from the Algonquin word “Odawa”, meaning “to trade”.
- Fourth Largest City – With over 934,000 people, it ranks 4th in population among Canadian cities.
- Many Universities – Includes the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
- Cold Winters – Ottawa is one of the coldest capitals in the world, with heavy snow in winter.
- High Quality of Life – It has one of the highest standards of living and lowest unemployment rates in Canada.
Ottawa in Numbers
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1826 (as Bytown) |
| Renamed Ottawa | 1855 |
| Capital Since | 1857 |
| City Population | 934,243 (2016) |
| Metro Population | 1,323,783 (2016) |
| Province | Ontario |
| Official Languages | English and French |
| University | University of Ottawa, Carleton University |
Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Annexation | Adding territory to a city or region | Ottawa expanded through multiple annexations. |
| Amalgamation | Merging smaller areas into a larger city | In 2001, Ottawa was formed through amalgamation. |
| Bilingual | Speaking two languages | Ottawa is a bilingual city. |
| Capital | The city where a country’s government is based | Ottawa is the capital of Canada. |
| Unemployment | The condition of being jobless | Ottawa has a low unemployment rate. |
| Standard of Living | Quality of life based on income, health, and comfort | The city enjoys a high standard of living. |
More about Ottawa!
Test Your Knowledge – Quiz
Answer True or False
- Ottawa is the capital of Ontario. (…)
- The name “Ottawa” comes from a French word meaning “cold.” (…)
- Ottawa was originally called Bytown. (…)
- Ottawa borders the city of Montreal. (…)
- The National Gallery of Canada is located in Ottawa. (…)
- Ottawa has the highest standard of living in Canada. (…)
- Ottawa has cold winters. (…)
1 → False (It’s the capital of Canada, not Ontario)
2 → False (It comes from Algonquin “Odawa” meaning “to trade”)
3 → True
4 → False (It borders Gatineau, not Montreal)
5 → True
6 → True
7 → True
2 → False (It comes from Algonquin “Odawa” meaning “to trade”)
3 → True
4 → False (It borders Gatineau, not Montreal)
5 → True
6 → True
7 → True
