What is the capital of Canada?
VerifiedAnswer: Ottawa
Explanation:
Ottawa is the national capital of Canada, located in the province of Ontario. This beautiful city sits along the Ottawa River and serves as the political and administrative center of the country.
The choice of Ottawa as Canada's capital has an interesting history. When Canada needed to select a capital city in the 1850s, there was significant debate between larger cities like Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, and Kingston. Queen Victoria ultimately chose Ottawa in 1857, partly because of its strategic location on the border between Ontario and Quebec, representing both English and French-speaking Canada.
Ottawa is home to many important government buildings and institutions. The most famous is Parliament Hill, where the Canadian Parliament meets and conducts the nation's business. The iconic Peace Tower, with its distinctive clock and carillon, stands as a symbol of Canadian democracy and can be seen from many parts of the city.
Today, Ottawa has a population of approximately 1 million people in the greater metropolitan area. The city is officially bilingual, with both English and French being widely spoken, reflecting Canada's linguistic diversity. This makes it unique among North American capitals.
Beyond its political importance, Ottawa is known for its cultural attractions, beautiful parks, and the famous Rideau Canal, which becomes the world's largest skating rink in winter. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year and houses important national museums and galleries that showcase Canadian history and culture.
