Ottawa Live Cam

• Surf Lake Tennis

History

The Ottawa River has a rich and varied history that spans thousands of years. The river has been a vital lifeline for Indigenous peoples, explorers, and settlers for centuries, providing transportation, food, and a source of livelihood.

The Ottawa River was first used by Indigenous peoples for transportation and fishing. The Algonquin and Huron-Wendat were among the first to use the river and its tributaries, and many Indigenous communities continue to rely on the river to this day.

In the 17th century, European explorers such as Samuel de Champlain began to use the Ottawa River to travel inland, leading to increased trade and settlement in the region. The fur trade, in particular, became an important industry along the river, with the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company establishing trading posts in the area.