Global Forum for Inclusion 2008 will be held in Ottawa, a city of wonderful contrasts.
Canada's capital is home to impressive landmark sites and celebrations - yet it is built on a wonderfully intimate, human scale. Ottawa is Canada's fourth largest urban centre - yet its beautiful natural setting is wonderfully unspoiled. Its wealth of museums, performing arts venues, vibrant music scene, and lively festivals make it a wonderfully cultured destination - yet it offers a more comfortable, relaxed city experience than most.
Canada is known for our citizens' friendly nature. Ottawa's citizens take great pride in their welcoming, clean, safe, and accessible city - day or night, all year round.
The Westin Ottawa is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa and is within walking distance of a wide variety of sightseeing attractions, shops, and landscapes, including the Rideau Canal, the National Arts Centre, and Parliament.
Ottawa is surrounded by natural beauty. During the spring, summer and fall, Ottawa's 175 kilometers of paved recreational pathways welcome cyclists, inline skaters and joggers. The Capital's many waterways are ideal for kayaking, canoeing and boating, and the upper Ottawa River offers some of the best whitewater rafting anywhere. Within 15 minutes from downtown, you can be hiking, camping, zip-lining through the trees in Gatineau Park - a giant wedge of land measuring 363 square kilometres (almost 90,000 acres).
In the fall, the color of the leaves on the maple trees will leave you inspired to paint! When the snow flies, cross-country skiers head for the trails of Gatineau Park and downhill skiers head for the slopes. Arrive a few days early and stay for a few days afterwards to give yourself time to explore the cozy and quaint villages that await you in the Ottawa Valley.
Ottawa is a city that caters to tourists from around the world. Its citizens are bilingual, multicultural, adventurous, and love the outdoors. They are world travelers themselves so take the time to welcome those from abroad to their home.
Being a visitor in Ottawa, and in Canada, is an easy and exciting adventure. We look forward to welcoming you!
It is easy to get to Ottawa, and even easier getting around the city. Many of the city's attractions are located within walking distance of the Westin Ottawa; others are short taxi or bus rides.
For more information about Ottawa visit the Ottawa Tourism website. Photos courtesy of Ottawa Tourism.