Ottawa is Canada’s administrative capital, and while it plays a vital role in the country’s political landscape, it remains refreshingly unassuming. The Parliament Buildings are perhaps the city’s most striking feature. Set atop Parliament Hill, the beautiful Gothic Revival structure and its central Peace Tower — often called Canada’s version of ‘Big Ben,’ though smaller than its British counterpart — dominate the skyline.

Nearby, the Rideau Canal is a hub for recreational activities, lined with parks and walkways. Its eight successive locks, which allow boats to descend into the winding Ottawa River, are a popular spot for photos. Ottawa also shines with its state-of-the-art museums and galleries, most notably the outstanding Canadian Museum of History, offering an impressive range of national, international, contemporary, and traditional works.