Paco has been sightseeing in Ottawa. He went on a walking tour this morning and he learned a lot from the guide about this cosmopolitan city. Ottawa has many impressive places and important landmarks, interesting museums and galleries, festivals, and sports and outdoor activities all the year round. This last event is possible due to the beautiful vast land of the country.

By ipodman715, C. Commons

The guide was a nice man called John. He told them that there were many attractions for people interested in history, such as the Parliament Hill. Other interesting places are the National Gallery, which keeps an important art collection, or the Canadian Museum of Civilization, which explores over 1000 years of Canadian history and presents a traditional aboriginal village and a collection of totem poles. For people interested in the First Nation's culture, he said that it would be a unique experience, including traditional native cuisine and dance.

John also advised them to see the Rideau Canal, next to the Parliament, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and definitely worthwhile. People can enjoy the Canal by boat, by car, or maybe cycling. In winter, it is used as a skating rink and it is, in fact, the largest naturally frozen skating rink in the world.

The guide also recommended them not to miss the Canadian Tulip Festival if they were in the city between the 7th and the 24th of May. During these days, thousands of tulips adorn Ottawa and there is music, food and culture representative of many countries from all over the world. He told them that this tradition came from the Netherlands. He said that it had started in 1945, when the Dutch Royal Family sent 100,000 tulip bulbs in gratitude for a favour they received during the Second World War.

Finally, there are many sports and outdoor activities depending on the season. Hockey is a traditional winter sport in Ottawa, and other outdoor activities include skiing or skating rinks.