11 Reasons to Love Ottawa

Far from being a stodgy place for pontificating politicians, The Hill is a great place to bring the kids for a trip up the bell tower, a statue-finding challenge, a wish at the Centennial Flame or a viewing of the Changing of the Guard in the summer months. Bonus: the Rideau Canal locks are right next door; on weekends in the summer your young mariner can watch dozens of pleasure boats passing through.