Located across the river from Quebec’s Gatineau region, Ottawa is a place where both French and English blend seamlessly – a duality Canada’s capital city celebrates each year with the Franco-Ontarian Festival.

But bilingualism isn’t the only thing that makes Canada’s capital city unique – there are so many attractions, they practically defy the imagination. Start by getting an overview of the city from Parliament Hill with its three Gothic-style buildings crowned with green copper. Be stirred by the Changing the Guard Ceremony. Look down on the historic Rideau Canal which winds its way so beautifully through the city. In summer, follow the Rideau by boat or bike, and in winter, enjoy a skate after it transforms into the largest rink in the world.

Spend a day or two museum-hopping at the National Aviation Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum, Royal Canadian Mint, plus many others. Explore the Canadian Museum of Civilization, housing the most impressive indoor collection of totem poles in the world. Get a close up look at Canada’s most famous horses at the RCMP Musical Ride Centre. Join the thundering applause at the National Arts Centre for performing arts. And shop, dine and revel in the ByWard Market – established in 1826 and home to the oldest operating farmers’ market in Canada.

Just over an hour from the city centre, up the Ottawa River, do some of North America’s best whitewater rafting. Then after riding the rapids, hike through the Bonnechere Caves in Eganville, see ancient fossils and if you’re lucky, bats.