Welcome to the beautiful city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Perhaps you currently live in an apartment here in the city, or maybe you’re thinking about moving to Ottawa. Whatever the case may be, it would be wise to touch up on your knowledge of Canada’s National Capital Region. The following list contains neat little things you can use to impress your friends next time you’re sitting around your apartment talking about Ottawa.
DID YOU KNOW…
- Ottawa’s temperatures can range from 33°C in summer to -40°C in winter. The average summer temperatures are around 20°C and average winter temperatures are around -10°C.
- Ottawa’s population is over 1.3 million.
- Ottawa has a population with a variety of ethnic backgrounds. The city is 40% British, 27% French, 20% Other European, 20% Asian/Arab/African, and 1.5% Amerindian.
- Queen Victoria designated Ottawa as Canada’s capital in 1857.
- Ottawa is Canada’s fourth largest city.
- Ottawa’s Rideau Canal took six years to build and measures 202 kilometres in length. In the winter, the Rideau Canal becomes the longest maintained skating rink in the world (8 km).
- Ottawa has embassies, High Commissions and Consulates from over 130 different countries.
- Every July, Ottawa hosts the biggest one-day beach volleyball tournament in the world, attracting over 10,000 players to the HOPE Volleyball Summerfest.
- Famous Ottawa natives include: Paul Anka, Alanis Morissette, Matthew Perry, Alex Trebek, Dan Aykroyd, Margaret Atwood, Bruce Cockburn, Tom Green, and Steve Yzerman.
- Citizens of Ottawa are known as Ottawans.
- Ottawa is one of Canada’s youngest cities, with nearly half of the population under the age of 35.
- Ottawa is ranked as the most educated city in Canada. More than 50 percent of residents completed their post-secondary degree, certificate or diploma.
- In 2005 a study by the Mercer Human Resources Consulting determined the city of Ottawa was rated the least expensive city in North America.
- Forbes Magazine has rated Ottawa as the fourth cleanest city out of 300 major cities of the world.
- Ottawa is home to major colleges and universities, including the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Algonquin College.
- Ottawa hosts more than 35 major festivals and events every year, including the Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa Bluesfest, the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, and Winterlude.
That should get you started next time you’re attempting to impress your Ottawa friends.
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