Ottawa Live Cam

• Surf Lake Tennis

Advertisement

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.

In the 19th century, the Ottawa River played a key role in the logging industry. Logs were floated down the river to sawmills in Ottawa and other cities, leading to the growth of the timber industry and the development of many communities along the river.

During the early 20th century, the Ottawa River became an important source of hydroelectric power. The Chaudière Falls in Ottawa were used to generate electricity, and several dams were built along the river to harness its power.

Today, the Ottawa River remains an important part of the region's economy and culture, with many communities relying on it for tourism, fishing, and recreation. It is also a vital source of drinking water for millions of people, making efforts to protect its health and ecosystem of paramount importance.

Top Tourist Attractions

The Ottawa River and its surrounding area offer a range of tourist attractions that cater to a variety of interests. Here are some of the top attractions in the region:

• Parliament Hill: Located in downtown Ottawa, Parliament Hill is the seat of Canada's federal government and is home to iconic buildings such as the Peace Tower and the Centennial Flame.
• National Gallery of Canada: This impressive museum features Canadian and international art, including works by famous artists such as the Group of Seven and Emily Carr.
• Rideau Canal: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal is a 202-kilometer waterway that connects Ottawa to Kingston. Visitors can take a boat tour, rent a kayak or canoe, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the canal's scenic pathways.
• ByWard Market: One of Ottawa's oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods, the ByWard Market is a bustling outdoor market that features fresh produce, artisanal products, and a wide range of restaurants and cafes.
• Canadian Museum of History: Located in Gatineau, Quebec, just across the Ottawa River from Ottawa, the Canadian Museum of History is the country's most-visited museum and features exhibitions on Canadian history and Indigenous cultures.
• National War Memorial: Located in downtown Ottawa, the National War Memorial is a tribute to Canada's fallen soldiers and features the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Gatineau Park: This 36,000-acre park features hiking and biking trails, scenic drives, and a range of recreational activities, including swimming, camping, and cross-country skiing.
• Canadian Museum of Nature: This museum features exhibits on the natural history of Canada, including dinosaurs, fossils, and live animals.
• Canadian Tulip Festival: Held each spring, the Canadian Tulip Festival celebrates Ottawa's Dutch heritage and features millions of tulips in bloom throughout the city.
• Ottawa River Cruise: Visitors can take a scenic cruise along the Ottawa River and enjoy stunning views of Parliament Hill, Rideau Falls, and other landmarks.

Climate

The climate of the Ottawa River region varies throughout the year, with four distinct seasons. Here's a brief overview of the region's climate:

• Spring (March to May): Spring in the Ottawa River region is usually cool and damp, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 15 degrees Celsius (32 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit). Snow and ice typically melt in March and April, leading to rising water levels in the river.
• Summer (June to August): Summer in the region is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius (59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). This is the busiest tourist season, with many visitors flocking to the region to enjoy outdoor activities and events.
• Fall (September to November): Fall in the region is typically cool and crisp, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 20 degrees Celsius (32 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit). The changing leaves of the trees along the river create a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities and festivals.
• Winter (December to February): Winter in the Ottawa River region is cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from -10 to -20 degrees Celsius (14 to -4 degrees Fahrenheit). Snowfall is common, and the river may freeze over, providing opportunities for ice skating, ice fishing, and other winter sports.

Overall, the Ottawa River region experiences a continental climate, with temperature and precipitation patterns influenced by its location in eastern Canada and its proximity to the Great Lakes. Visitors should be prepared for a range of weather conditions, depending on the season of their visit.

Geography

The Ottawa River flows through Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec in Canada. It is approximately 1,271 kilometers (790 miles) long and drains an area of approximately 146,300 square kilometers (56,500 square miles).

The Ottawa River begins in the province of Quebec, near the town of Lac des Outaouais. It flows westward, forming the boundary between Quebec and Ontario for much of its length, before emptying into the St. Lawrence River near Montreal.

The river is fed by numerous tributaries, including the Gatineau River, the Rideau River, and the Madawaska River. It also forms several important lakes, including Lake Timiskaming, Lake Coulonge, and Lake Deschenes.

The geography of the Ottawa River region is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and wetlands. The river and its tributaries provide habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, including moose, beaver, and various species of fish.

The river also forms several notable landmarks and features, including the Rideau Falls, Chaudière Falls, and the rapids of the Deschênes Rapids. The river and its surroundings offer many opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Overall, the Ottawa River and its geography play an important role in the region's history, economy, and culture, and continue to be a vital resource for the communities that rely on it.