How Ottawa Nearly Missed Its Capital Crown

In 1857, Queen Victoria shocked everyone by picking Ottawa—a little-known lumber town—as Canada's capital. For years, Toronto, Montreal, Kingston, and Quebec City had been in a wrestling match to host the Games, each one convinced it should be the honored city. Read more now on canada capital

You’d never know Parliament Hill was nearly not built, if you visited today. The grand Gothic Revival buildings rise up from the landscape like the Canadian Hogwarts. Every fifteen minutes, the Peace Tower carillon chimes float across the city.

Hidden behind those stone walls is a tale stranger than fiction. Ottawa wasn't always thought to be the prime location it is now. Once upon a time, Ottawa was just "Bytown," a rough lumber village thanks to Colonel John By.

The capital choice shocked everyone. Of course, Montreal had the population, Toronto had the economic clout, Quebec City had its history. But Ottawa? It straddled the line between English and French Canada, making it a perfect compromise.

It's hard to imagine that Parliament Hill wasn't always picture-perfect. In 1916, a catastrophic fire consumed the original buildings, leaving only tragedy in its wake. The Centre Block was up in flames until the Library of Parliament was saved when staff took fast action and closed its iron doors.

In any capital story, Ottawa’s weather deserves its own chapter. Winter sinks its icy claws into the city for months. Temperatures plummet to minus 30 Celsius.

In Ottawa, the government isn't just a job—it's a way of life. Almost a sixth of the worker population has a federal job. Local lore says Ottawa only has two seasons: winter and roadwork.

Ottawa has its fair share of the typical capital city contradictions. Politicians sing its praises while cutting its funding. Tourists flock to Parliament Hill, but you won't find them in real neighborhoods.

If you stick around, Ottawa's hidden delights emerge. Gatineau Park just across the river is full of hiking trails. The Ottawa River hides secret beaches for those in the know.

Ottawa, picked for practicality, evolved into a graceful capital. Not quite as French as Montreal, not quite as English as Toronto, not quite as historic as Quebec City – but wholly, distinctly Canadian.