Discover the Top 6 Astonishing Fun Facts About Ottawa You Never Knew!

1. World's Largest Ice Rink

Get your skates on, ice-o-nauts: it's time for a frosty voyage through Ottawa's very own Winter Wonderland - or should we say, Winter Guinness Record-Holding Land! That's right, the Rideau Canal Skateway, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds the record as the world's largest naturally frozen ice rink, equivalent to 90 Olympic-size rinks: A spine-chilling combination of climate requirements demand ice at least 12 inches thick and temperatures spanning from minus-4 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 14 consecutive days before frosty enthusiasts can glide upon its icy 4.8-mile path - but alas, climate change has cast a dark cloud over our frosty fun this year, threatening to cancel the event for the first time in half a century.
Source => washingtonpost.com

2. Vroom to Fitness

Get ready to "vroom" your way to fitness: Ottawa's Kanata Recreation Complex is set to be renamed the Tony Graham Automotive Group Recreation Complex - Kanata, thanks to a $1 million sponsorship deal. The funds will go towards youth access to fitness facilities during the summer as well as capital and operating enhancements at the complex/Walter Baker Park site.
Source => cbc.ca

Did you know Toronto has a 30 km subterranean wonderland to keep you warm during winter? Discover the world's largest underground city, connecting various shops, restaurants, and entertainment spots without facing the chilly weather! 🏢❄️🚇

=> Fun Facts about Toronto

3. ByWard Market Wonderland

Ottawa's ByWard Market: a delightful melting pot of goods and services, where you'll find beavers, maple leaves, and poutine-wielding entrepreneurs galore, a veritable Narnia of Canadian culture: In reality, this vibrant historical gem houses over 600 independent businesses, including museums, specialty food shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs, hair & aesthetics salons, and more, making for a unique and easily accessible experience for locals and tourists alike.
Source => byward-market.com

4. Sandy Smackdown for Charity

Who needs the beach when you can spike a ball smack dab in the middle of Canada's capital? A sandy sensation takes over Ottawa as they put the "fun" in fundraising: The H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest is North America's largest one-day outdoor beach volleyball tournament, attracting over 25,000 players and spectators every summer. Taking place at Mooney's Bay Park, this charity event combines sports, music, and philanthropy, featuring prominent artists and making a difference one sandy smackdown at a time.
Source => ottawatourism.ca

5. Parliament Hill's Tinder Profile

If Parliament Hill were a Tinder profile, it would be that perpetually single yet charmingly Gothic partner-in-crime, with an intriguing past and millions of visitors vying for its attention: Apart from being home to the Parliament of Canada, this Ottawa hotspot attracts nearly three million people each year, having once been a military base before trading in its combat boots for legislative shoes in 1858. As the largest North American project of its time, its construction spanned from 1859-1876, featuring design elements from architects Thomas Scott and Calvert Vaux, and continuing its legacy by hosting major events like royal visits and the hoisting of Canada's new national flag.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

6. Hiking Rainbow's Treasure Trove

If you're itching to find that pot of gold at the end of a hiking rainbow, look no further than Gatineau Park, the ultimate treasure trove of trails: Boasting over 183 kilometers of paths for novice and seasoned explorers alike, this gem near Ottawa features attractions such as waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and varying trail difficulties – but beware, furry friends must sit out on the quest to Pink Lake, King Mountain, and Luskville Falls.
Source => ncc-ccn.gc.ca