Ottawa exudes a mix of French and British influences

With its historic buildings and scenic waterways, Canada's laid-back capital certainly knows how to turn on the charm.

Lying at the confluence of the Gatineau, Rideau and Ottawa rivers, most of what Ottawa has to offer can be explored on foot. Dominating the city are the majestic Westminster-esque parliament buildings on Parliament Hill.

All Parliament Hill attractions are free: here you can witness finger-pointing Canadian politicians sticking it to each other, take an elevator to the top of the Peace Tower for impressive city vistas and in the summer catch the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony. A cat sanctuary (essentially a community of stray cats) lies tucked away in bushes on the edge of Parliament Hill (only in Canada!). Cat-haters would best visit this sanctuary at night when scavenging raccoons descend to terrorize the kitties.

Moving on, Ottawa has an impressive selection of national museums which showcase the best in Canadian art, culture, science and technology. Top of the pile is the National Gallery of Canada which houses an extensive art collection in a dramatic riverside setting.

The National Arts Centre, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the National Currency Museum, the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology and the Canada Aviation Museum all provide worthwhile distractions on wet, blustery days.

The man-made Rideau Canal which flows from Ottawa to Kingston, is also the city's recreational focus. In the summer it is popular with boaters and its grassy banks fill with walkers and cyclists. Come winter the canal freezes over, transforming into a vast skateway.

Ottawa lies just across the river from the French-speaking province of Quebec and the city itself exudes a mix of French and British influences. Its European flavour is most apparent in its downtown core, where narrow, cobblestone streets buzz with pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops and boutiques. At its heart is the outdoor ByWard Market which dishes up Ottawa's daily rations of farm-fresh produce and gourmet goodies.

Gatineau Park - situated just across the river in Quebec and a mere 20 minute drive from central Ottawa - is an ideal day trip from the city. Indeed, you could spend much longer exploring this 360-square-kilometre oasis, taking in its stately homes and enjoying its extensive hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing trails. Fall is a particularly stunning time to visit when the park is ablaze in a motley explosion of reds, oranges and yellows.

Ottawa's international airport lies 10km south of the city centre.