IN-DEPTH Ottawa

Bytown

The City of Ottawa serves as the political center of Canada as the nation’s capital. It is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the country, with a population in the area reaching approximately 1.48 million. The city is renowned for the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which transforms into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink during winter, attracting skaters from near and far. In 2026, this vibrant bilingual powerhouse will celebrate its bicentennial, marking two centuries since its founding as Bytown. This anniversary will be a significant event, showcasing the city’s rich history and diverse culture, inviting residents and visitors to participate in various festivities and commemorative activities.

Sports fans passionately support the city’s National Hockey League team, the Senators, who have a dedicated following throughout the region. Ottawa hosts a variety of world-class events year-round, including the Canadian Tulip Festival, Winterlude, and Bluesfest. These events reflect the city’s spirit and creativity, drawing attendees from across the nation and even internationally. The capital is rich in national institutions, housing seven national museums such as the National Gallery of Canada, recognized for its impressive collection of Canadian and indigenous art, and the Canadian Museum of Nature, which captivates visitors with its exhibitions on biodiversity and the natural world.

For food enthusiasts, Ottawa is the perfect place to sample famous local culinary treats. Visitors can indulge in poutine, a delicious dish made of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy, or delight in a sweet, iconic beaver tail pastry, which comes in various toppings from chocolate to fruit. The city also boasts a lively food scene, with an array of restaurants that celebrate both international cuisine and local flavors. With its rich cultural fabric, historical significance, and vibrant community events, Ottawa continues to thrive as a central hub for both political activities and cultural experiences in Canada.

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Episode

Ottawa music, food & culture

Ottawa is derived from the Algonquin word adawe, which means “to trade”. This beautiful city was initially established as a fur trade post and later evolved into a prominent timber town. Originally named Bytown, Ottawa was designated as the Capital of Canada by Queen Victoria of England in 1826, marking a significant step in the country’s history. The city is home to iconic landmarks, including Parliament Hill, which houses the Parliament of Canada, and the famous Rideau Canal. The canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches from Ottawa to Kingston and plays a vital role in the region’s history and recreation.

In this episode, we embark on an exciting tour around some of Ottawa’s most celebrated attractions. We visit Parliament Hill, admiring the stunning Gothic Revival architecture and learn about the political history of Canada. Next, we glide along the picturesque Rideau Canal, where locals and tourists alike enjoy boating in the summer and skating in the winter, making it one of the longest skating rinks in the world.

Our journey continues at the Byward Market, a vibrant hub bursting with life, filled with local vendors, artisans, and delightful eateries. Here, we dive into the culinary highlight of Ottawa: street food. We take a deep dive into the city’s favorite indulgence, “Poutine,” a delicious combination of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, as well as the famous “BeaverTails,” a delectable pastry shaped like a beaver’s tail, often topped with various sweet toppings.

While exploring, we also pay a visit to Lafayette, recognized as the oldest live entertainment bar in the city, where locals gather to enjoy a mix of live music and vibrant nightlife. Our stop at Steve’s Music Store leads us to discover the rich musical heritage of Ottawa, and the nearby Bytown Theatre offers a glimpse into the local arts scene.

Famous individuals hailing from Ottawa include talented artists like Alanis Morissette, actor Dan Aykroyd, legendary singer Paul Anka, and comedian Tom Green, each having contributed to the city’s rich cultural fabric.

The Ottawa Valley area boasts a profoundly rich folk music culture, influenced by the French, Scottish, and Irish communities. Daze presents an insightful report on “The Bender” music festival that celebrates this vibrant musical diversity in the region. We conclude this special episode with enchanting performances from local artists like Chris Carkner, Scott Allen, Birdie Whyte, CA & Sonny Show, reflecting the rich artistic legacy that continues to thrive in Ottawa today.

Poutine: Ottawa’s Comfort Food

Food lovers, rejoice! In a lively clip, Frank rave’s about Ottawa’s poutine scene, declaring it Canada’s top spot for this iconic dish. Massive lineups prove its popularity.Poutine’s magic lies in its simplicity: crispy deep-fried French fries, fresh squeaky cheese curds, and savory gravy. But Ottawa elevates it beyond basics. Forget debates over origins—Montreal fans might argue, but “Ottawa is one of the best,” insist Frank.

Highlight: Ottawa’s Poutine Festival in late April to early May. Over 150 vendors offer 150-300 wild varieties—Lebanese-style, lobster-loaded, or creative “Rob tackle” fusions that “blow your mind.” Poutine dominates as Ottawa’s most consumed combo food at 58.33%, outpacing plain fries or burgers.

The backstory? In 1967, in Drummondville, Quebec, a rushed customer at a “French Fried” spot asked for curds on fries, gravy joined the mix, birthing poutine. Curds are key—fresh milk solids before they solidify into blocks, ensuring that perfect squeak. Poutine isn’t just food; it’s culture. Stats show its reign in Ottawa and Quebec. Next visit? Dive in—festival or corner stand, it’ll satisfy. Who’s craving some now?

Secret Jams: The Bender Recap!

Yo, music lovers, buckle up for a wild ride through this NAO Podcast episode—it’s like stumbling into a secret society’s underground concert lair! Picture this: hosts spilling the beans on an “undisclosed location” party that’s been rocking for 42 years. You need a membership to crash it? Heck yeah! Perks? A cool T-shirt and a week-long hangover. Worth it? Absolutely!

They geek out over discovering hidden gems at this epic bash. Shoutout to the incredible Birdie White, whom they met thanks to the pod’s magic. She’s dropping vibes with her vinyl “Here’s Where I Find Myself”—pure soul-searching gold! Catch her live every Sunday evening at Irene’s Pub on Frank Street in Ottawa. Total rockstar energy!

Then there’s the dynamic duo CA and Sunny Show—undiscovered artists who are straight-up legends in the making. The Daze snagged their CD and shared footage of these banjo-wielding, harmonica-blasting maestros. It’s musical madness: three days of talent explosion at The Bender. This episode’s all about that Bender bliss: dive in—your playlist will thank you!