This chapter on Ottawa is taken from the Ulysses guide to Ontario. In less than 200 years, the former tiny hamlet of Bytown has metamorphosed into the dynamic city of Ottawa, Canada's national capital. Today, the elegant buildings of Parliament Hill and the broad avenues lined with splendid Victorian dwellings have placed Ottawa among the ranks of Canada's most beautiful cities. This Ulysses guide provides descriptions of all Ottawa's must-see attractions, including the Rideau Canal, the Parliament Buildings, the National Gallery of Canada, the National Museum of Science and Technology, the Canada Aviation Museum, Byward Market and Rideau Hall. It also provides information on the city's best restaurants, shops, bars, hotels and bed and breakfasts, as well as suggestions for enjoying the great outdoors in the Ottawa area, whether by cycling, hiking or skating along the popular Rideau Canal.