Well, the Washington Post (OK, an ex-Montrealer) thinks so:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...070805403.html

I have a niece who lives there-trust me Ottawa is still as boring as ever. :-&

I enjoy my trips to Ottawa - always lots to do and see.

Ottawa is underrated. I too was expecting a drab boring city based on the many nasty derogatory comments that I constantly hear, but was blown away when I visited for the first time.

Having now visited Ottawa in three seasons over the years, spring, summer, and autumn, I much prefer Ottawa to Toronto!! (and I have lived in Toronto).
Ottawa has a beautiful location, and many many cultural activities going on all the time. I love the bilingual flavour of the city.
Ottawa IS cool!!!!!

<<I have a niece who lives there-trust me Ottawa is still as boring as ever>>

Can we have more details? What do you or your niece find so boring about Ottawa? Can we really trust you on this?

I think if coluphere is representative of the locals, it surely must be cool.

I just got back from a trip to Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa. We loved Ottawa! Really nice people, tons of stuff to do outdoors, great museums, good food, fun antiquing and eating in the Glebe--I can't wait to go back!

I, too, enjoy Ottawa.. I have always enjoyed my trip there. It's beautiful in the spring when all the tulips are in bloom and it's amazing during the Winterfest. The ice carvings are really amazing to see. And to skate the Rideau Canal was to me, a real fun thing to do. ( I can't believe I skated the whole length.. ok, so we're going back 10 years!)