At the confluence of the majestic Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau rivers stands Ottawa, Canada’s capital city and political nerve center. Canada’s seat of power is also a thriving business and technology hub and is home to several major national institutions and numerous foreign embassies. This incredibly cosmopolitan city offers the best of urban living and rural comfort. Ottawa's downtown center is hugged by a latticework of cozy neighborhoods that quickly give way to picturesque farmland and fields. It is not surprising that Mercer recently ranked it the second-nicest city in the Americas. Ottawa is also officially one of the world’s cleanest cities. The city is characterized by water. From the stunning Rideau falls to the Rideau Canal which, in winter, freezes over to become the world’s longest skate way, the city’s picturesque waterways offer an abundance of activities all year long. Ottawa prides itself on being a global center of learning, and the caliber of its schools, colleges and universities is testimony to that. Children are primarily offered the choice of an English, French, or bilingual (English-French) education, while a host of other foreign language schools can be found in this multicultural city. In recent years Ottawa’s gastronomic scene has really kicked off; these days you can find anything from oyster bars to burger bars, Vietnamese food to French forestière. The real clincher is that Ottawa’s culinary community has collectively eschewed food miles in favour of sourcing locally. The aptly named ‘Savour Ottawa’ initiative is providing a huge boost to local farmers and the local economy. Life in Ottawa offers the whole spectrum: whether you crave rural serenity, urban vibes, pedestrianized shopping districts, or the passion of politics, this city has it all.