Newly Granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the Rideau Canal, Ottawa is Canada's capital city. Ottawa is a city of waterways: the majestic Ottawa River, the fast-flowing Gatineau, the placid Rideau. But no waterway has defined Ottawa like the Rideau Canal. It is, in fact, the reason Ottawa exists. Visit the wonderful Museum of Canadian Civilisation, a fantastic modern building with an excellent display of First Nation's Art and gives a good insight into the early pioneering days. On top of this, the Parliament buildings, the Governor's House are well worth a visit as are the myriad restaurants. The Ottawa River has some excellent white water rafting and canoeing - but you will have to go upriver to Beachburg.