The Capital Chosen (almost) in Ottawa

Before Queen Victoria tapped it as the capital in 1857, more than a few Canadians could barely point to Ottawa, a city that sits pretty on the banks of its namesake river. 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 architecture could easily pass for Canada's answer to 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. It started as a scrappy lumber town called "Bytown," named after Colonel John By of Rideau Canal fame.

When Ottawa got the nod, jaws hit the floor. Toronto was booming, Montreal was bustling, and Quebec City had the legacy. 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. Miraculously, the Library of Parliament survived when quick-thinking staff slammed its iron doors shut.

You can't talk about Ottawa without mentioning the weather. Cold? Try bone-chilling. Winters here aren't for the faint of heart. It gets so cold, your breath practically freezes mid-air.

In Ottawa, the government isn't just a job—it's a way of life. A hefty slice of the workforce suits up for government gigs. The old running joke is that Ottawa only has two seasons: winter and construction.

Ottawa embodies the paradox of being a capital city. They praise it with one hand and cut budgets with the other. Parliament Hill buzzes with tourists, while local neighborhoods remain quiet.

Ottawa's subtle charms take time to uncover. Across the river, Gatineau Park offers a playground of hiking trails. Tucked along the Ottawa River are secluded beaches awaiting discovery.

Chosen for location and defense, Ottawa grew into its capital role with grace. Ottawa isn't Montreal, Toronto, or Quebec City, but it's as Canadian as maple syrup.