Twelve good reasons to visit Ottawa in the summer time.

Changing the Guard on Parliament Hill.

Ottawa: Canada’s capital city, and the country’s fourth largest, is a hub of activity any season of the year,Ottawa as something for everyone,and should be on your list of cities to visit every year.

There are many reasons why one should visit our Capital City,and here are just a few.

1.        Changing the Guard on Parliament Hill – colourful pomp and pageantry, mornings from late June through late August – and the nightly Sound and Light Show projected onto the Parliament Buildings.

2.        Canada Day, the country’s annual birthday bash on July 1, as hundreds of thousands descend on Parliament Hill and downtown for fun, food, entertainment and fireworks.

3.        Summer music festivals – the Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, Ottawa InternationMusic al Chamber Festival, and more – all featuring big name acts and performers from around the world.

4.        Ottawa sightseeing boat tours on the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ottawa River.

5.        Cycling on the Capital’s extensive network of paved recreational pathways and along the Rideau Canal on Alcatel/Lucent Sunday Bikedays, and more.

6.        The Rideau Canal Festival – heritage, boat flotillas, cycling, eco-exhibitions and more, the first weekend of August.

7.        Outdoor adventure including whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Ottawa River.

8.        Shopping and dining in the chic ByWard Market district.

9.        The spectacular Sound of Light fireworks competition at the Casino du Lac-Leamy.

10.     Gorgeous Gardens. As Canada’s Capital, Ottawa is well known for its impressive landmarks, sites, and attractions. But equally appealing is the city’s beautiful natural setting of rivers, waterways, parks and pathways – and the many gorgeous gardens that colour its urban yet unspoiled cityscape.

11.     A round of golf at one of the numerous courses within easy driving distance of downtown – more than any other city in Canada!

12.     Capital Pride Festival – a celebration of gay and lesbian lifestyles.