Hi there, we will be in the Toronto area for a week and will be staying part on the time in Toronto and part of the time in Niagara Falls. Is Ottawa worth a night?
We would like to hear your opinions. We like to tour around, look at the sights, eat out and I like to do some shopping. IS there some nice scenery to look at? We will have a hire car.
Thanks in advance
Donna

Sound as though you're British. A week really does not give you much time. Ottawa, a beautiful city, is a 5-hour drive from Toronto.
As to scenery, it depends on when you come - it is home to the world's longest skating rink and N. America's largest winter festival - starting Feb 4.
If you provide more information I can give more detail.

Ottawa is indeed worth a visit, and you may find that one night is not enough. Among the attractions are Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the Byward Market, and the various national museums (Museum of Civilization, National Gallery, War Museum, Aviation Museum, Science and Technology, to name the principal ones).

In terms of scenery, it's one of the most attractive cities in Canada, sited at the junction of three rivers, with the Gatineau hills and park just across the Ottawa River.

I presume that you are coming in the summer, and from May to the end of August there is one long series of festivals including the Tulip, Jazz, Blues, Chamber Music (largest in the world), and Folk festivals. If in the winter, the three week winter festival, Winterlude, begins next weekend.

My advice would be to visit Toronto for a few days, take a day trip to Niagara, or overnight in Niagara on the Lake, and then spend at least two full days in Ottawa. You won't regret it.

For more information, check the official tourism website

http://ottawa.ca/visitors/index_en.html

I agree with the others - Ottawa is definitely worth the drive but you should stay a couple days to see everything. It's a great city to wander around in - most of hte attractions are relatively close to each other downtown, and there are wonderful restaurants in the Byward Market area.

Depending on your timing, the drive from Toronto to Ottawa could be expanded with a night in Kingston/1000 Islands area, which is very scenic and historic if that interests you.