Hello,

I'll visit Canada next July for a week, entering in Quebec City and leaving in Toronto. In between, I'll visit Montreal. I was thinking of stopping (maybe for a night) in Ottawa. Is it worth a visit or should I search for nature? In that case what stops do you advise me in that area between Quebec City and Toronto?

Thanks for any help,

Portela

Well between Québec City and Toronto, I would think Montréal would dominate most of your time. There is the Old city, which is not as impressive as Québec City, but still nice. There is La Ronde (http://www.laronde.com/en/) amusement park in if you have kids, and during July in the park is the International Fireworks Competition every Wednesday and Saturday nights throughout July. (http://www.lemondialsaq.com/en/)

Also is the Just For Laughs Festival (http://www.hahaha.com/splash/)at the end up the month, the International Jazz Festival (http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/)at the beginning of the month. Not to mention Montréal will also be hosting the 2005 World Swim Championships in late July as well. http://www.montreal2005.org/

Ottawa obviously has Parliment Hill and many museums, the best of which is the Canadian Museum of Civilization just across the river in Gatineau. I'm not sure it's worth a night's stop over unless you are a big museum person.

instead of ottawa, i'd do a day trip from toronto to niagara falls and niagara on the lake.

You might want to make a stop in Prince Edward County along the way from Montreal to Toronto. It's a beautiful area to visit. Lovely small towns, wineries, B&Bs, you can even take a day charter on Lake Ontario.

To answer your question... Ottawa is definitely worth a visit. However, Quebec City, Montreal and Toronto is already a very full week. How do you want to spend your time?
-Sharon

that's a lot to see in a week -- a lot of driving too, assuming you drive.

As much as I would like to welcome you to my natal city, I think you will need to keep to Hwy 401 -- i.e go direct from Montreal to Toronto.

Stop along the way in Kingston -- The Limestone City -- (est. 1673 by Comte de Frontenac) whose large university population keeps it bubbling in all seasons. It has the nicest setting and finest 19th architecture of any place along Lake Ontario

I recommend visiting just one big city for the entire week and come back again to experience Quebec, the maritimes, prairies, mountains and the west coast.

Try Toronto first with day trips around southern Ontario to places such as Stratford, Fergus, Elora and wine tours around Niagara On the Lake.