• Twelve national museums devoted to Canadian art, nature, science and technology, aviation and war and civilization.
• The Byward Market -- covering an area of four square city blocks is one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, where you'll find cafes, boutiques, restaurants, pubs, and aesthetic salons.
• National Arts Centre -- the only multidisciplinary, bilingual performing arts centre in North America.
• Rideau Canal -- designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, the canal, which runs through downtown Ottawa, becomes the longest outdoor skating rink in the world, in the winter, and can be enjoyed by boat in the summer. There are recreational paths lining the canal that are enjoyed by walkers, joggers and cyclists.

Some other tips to avoid offending residents of Ottawa are:

§ Canadians usually hope that visitors will recognize how different their country is from the United States.
§ Canadians quickly move to a first-name basis, although you should wait until you have been invited to do so.
§ The order for Canadian names is first name, middle name and last name.
§ A firm handshake makes a very good first impression.
§ Keep a distance of several feet when talking to another person.
§ Do not show emotion in public.
§ It is okay to use the "O.K." sign and the "thumbs up" sign, but the "V" sign with the palm inward and pointing are considered offensive.
§ Holding doors open for the person behind you is appreciated and often expected.
§ Being punctual should be a priority especially for business-related meetings. However, being 15 minutes late for an evening social engagement is acceptable.
§ Some professions allow for casual dress, but if you are not sure, dress on the formal side.
§ Canadians in general do not wear any type of scent in a business setting. Perfume, aftershave and heavily scented personal care products such as shampoo and hairspray should be avoided.
§ It is considered rude to speak in a foreign language in the presence of others who don't understand what is being said.
§ If you see someone you know at a distance, a wave is an appropriate acknowledgement.
§ People using the ATM machines expect the next person waiting in line to stand a few feet behind them.
§ Restaurants in Canada often have smoking and nonsmoking sections, although rules on smoking are becoming more intense. In an increasing number of Canadian communities, however, there are bylaws in effect prohibiting smoking in restaurants and even bars. With the exception of the streets, you will find that smoking is restricted in most public places. In private homes, you should always ask permission from your host to smoke.

Spring (March 21 to June 20) is cool and sunny. Early spring can still bring snow and temperatures below freezing, especially at night, but by late spring temperatures can reach the mid-20s with occasional rain causing the flowers to bloom.

Summer (June 21 to September 20) is wonderfully warm and can be swelteringly hot during heat waves. Temperatures hover in the mid- to high-20sC (68F) during the day and at night, but can reach high 30sC during heat waves.

Autumn (September 21 to December 20) is when green leaves on trees turn into luscious reds, oranges, yellows and browns before falling to the ground. The cool, crisp air combined with the colors is what makes fall breathtakingly beautiful. Temperatures can range from high 20s at the beginning of the season to just above freezing by the end.

Winter (December 21 to March 20) in Ottawa is cold. Temperatures usually stay below freezing. The wind-chill temperature tells you how cold the air feels when it is windy. Ottawa tends to get quite a bit of snow, and during storms, this can make travelling difficult. The city is well prepared for this however and in most cases, business continues as usual.

• Permanent -- for workers and their families who are moving to Canada permanently.
• Temporary -- for workers, visitors and students who will be residing in Canada for more than six months, but not permanently.

• You must be healthy -- you may need a doctor’s examination if the duration of your stay is more than six months.
• You will need a valid passport/proof of who you are or other travel documents.

• Be authorized to work in Canada for six months or longer.
• The work you are doing must meet a minimum skill level (usually work which requires at least a college diploma).

• Unauthorized firearms, explosives, fireworks and ammunition.
• Narcotics, other than prescription drugs.
• Meat, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Plants, flowers and soil.
• Endangered species of animals or products made from animal parts, such as skin, feathers, fur, bones and ivory.
• Cultural property, including antique and cultural objects considered to have historical significance in their country of origin (you may, however, bring family heirlooms).
• More than 200 cigarettes (you must pay tax on the excess amount) -- per person over 19 years of age.
• More than 1.5 litres of commercial alcohol (you must pay tax on the excess amount) -- per person over 19 years of age.

• Birth certificates or baptismal certificates.
• Marriage certificates.
• Adoption, separation or divorce papers.
• School records, diplomas or degrees for each family member traveling with you.
• Trade or professional certificates and licenses.
• Letters of reference from former employers.
• A list of your educational and professional qualifications and job experience (résumé).
• Immunization, vaccination, dental and other health records for each member of the family.
• Driver’s license, including an International Driver’s Permit, and a reference from your insurance company.
• Photocopies of all essential and important documents, in case the originals get lost - kept separate from the originals.
• Car registration documents (if you are importing a motor vehicle into Canada).

• Cash
• Personal checks
• Travelers' cheques
• Automatic personal bank account withdrawal set up prior to the payment date(s)
• Debit card (personal banking card)
• Credit card

• Fill out an application form
• Provide two forms of identification (passport, birth certificate, Social Insurance card and/or any credit cards in your name)
• Provide proof of residency (you will need a fixed home address before you apply)

Another option to consider is opening an account through the bank of your origin. These banks provide an increased likelihood that there will be representatives versed in the customers' languages.

• Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has 117 elementary schools, 25 high schools and five secondary
  alternative sites.
• Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board has 66 elementary schools, three senior elementary, and 16
  secondary schools.
• Conseil des ecoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario includes 21 elementary schools and 14 secondary
  schools in the Ottawa-Carleton area.
• Conseil des ecoles catholiques de langue francaise du Centre-Est operates 38 elementary schools and
  eight high schools, and includes 17,000 students from kindergarten to grade 12.
  

• School buses (funded by the government through tax revenue) are commly used.
• Public transportation (bus, streetcar, subway) is an alternative.
• For students living in close proximity to the school, walking is another option.
• Parents/private transportation: some parents choose to drive their children to and from school.