Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is located in the province of Ontario, in the eastern part of the country, where it sits at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River.
Quick Facts
Location & Borders
Ottawa is situated in the eastern part of Canada, in the province of Ontario, where it is nestled in the Ottawa Valley. The city is bordered by the province of Quebec to the east, and by Ontario to the west, south, and north. The Ottawa River, which forms the border between Ontario and Quebec, runs along the northern edge of the city, while the Rideau River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, flows through the heart of Ottawa. The city's strategic location at the confluence of these two rivers has made it an important hub for trade and commerce throughout its history.
Ottawa's location in the eastern part of Canada means that it is influenced by the climate and geography of the region. The city is situated near the Great Lakes, which have a moderating effect on the climate, but it is also far enough inland to experience the full range of continental climate conditions. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and wetlands, which provide a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. The city's proximity to the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf of St. Lawrence also makes it an important center for shipping and transportation.
Terrain & Landscape
The terrain and landscape of Ottawa are characterized by rolling hills, forests, and wetlands. The city is situated in the Ottawa Valley, which is a broad, flat valley that stretches from the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec to the Great Lakes in Ontario. The valley is bounded by hills and mountains to the north and south, which rise to elevations of over 500 meters. The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs through the heart of the city and connects the Ottawa River to the Great Lakes. The canal is an important navigable waterway that provides a route for shipping and recreation.
The landscape of Ottawa is also characterized by a number of parks and green spaces, including Rideau Falls Park, Major's Hill Park, and Gatineau Park. These parks provide a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, including deer, beavers, and birds. The city's wetlands and forests are also home to a variety of plant species, including maples, oaks, and pines. The Ottawa River and the Rideau River provide a source of water for the city and support a wide range of aquatic life, including fish, mussels, and other invertebrates.
The geology of Ottawa is characterized by a mixture of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. The city is situated near the Ottawa-Bonnechere Graben, a geological fault that runs from the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec to the Great Lakes in Ontario. The graben is a zone of faulting and folding that has created a complex landscape of hills, valleys, and lakes.
Climate By Season
| Season | Months | Temperature Range | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | December to February | -15°C to -5°C | 20-30 cm | cold, snowy |
| Spring | March to May | 0°C to 15°C | 30-50 mm | mild, rainy |
| Summer | June to August | 15°C to 25°C | 50-70 mm | warm, humid |
| Autumn | September to November | 0°C to 15°C | 30-50 mm | cool, colorful |
Best Time To Visit
Best months: June to September. Why: the weather is warm and sunny, and the city's many parks and green spaces are in full bloom. Avoid: January and February, when the weather is cold and snowy, and many attractions are closed.
Natural Highlights
- Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest canals in North America
- Gatineau Park, a large park that provides a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species
- Ottawa River, a major river that flows through the city and provides a source of water and recreation
- Rideau Falls, a beautiful waterfall that is located in the heart of the city
- Mer Bleue Bog, a unique and diverse wetland ecosystem that is home to a wide range of plant and animal species
- Camp Fortune, a popular ski resort that offers a range of winter sports and activities