So many idiots disliking the video before watching. He doesn't even say it's a boring place but as a person that lived there for a decade I can tell you that there is nothing going on in Ottawa!
Seems like you just never bothered to enjoy any of the awesome things there are to do. Bluesfest, folk festival, food & wine show, great Canadian kitchen party competition, concerts/plays at the NAC & other venues, a wide array of restaurants of all kinds and cultures, karaoke, sight seeing and food hunting in Chinatown, Little Italy, Ribfest/poutine fest, nightlife, comedy clubs, drag shows, Gatineau park, city wide biking/walking trails, community sports and various leagues, winterlude, I literally could go on and on lol. Either you didn't discover any of these things somehow or you don't find joy in ... Anything 🤣
@@icecream_andcookies Ahh another butthurt person that can't respect someone else's opinion. You can get better activites than all the ones you listed above somewhere else and more. Facts speaks for itself, Ottawa has been voted and earned its title of the most boring city in Canada! Now please learn something from this exchange and in the future respect people's opinion because the world doesn't revolve around you.
Totally agreed!! I love Ottawa, it just so peaceful and nice over here. For me Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, I would like to stay away from these cities. Plus, Ottawa is not boring
I'm from Ottawa, but have also lived abroad in a few big cities and well traveled. Is Ottawa boring? No. But it's also definitely not exciting LOL. But, if you take all the good parts and areas of it, along with the many festivals, local sports and outdoors, the green space, you'll definitely realize it's not boring if you check things out. It's a gorgeous city❤ Great video! 😊
As I said in a previous post. There's a lot to explore in Ottawa. You just can't be afraid to get your hands dirty - sort of speak. So many more things. I would say this video just didn't hit the right topics and stayed too shallow in the pool in terms of being cliché. Ottawa is actually not boring at all (snobby and pretentious - yeah, sure), but you just need to know where to go and look.
Having lived in Ottawa for the a number of years, I can tell you that it is a lovely city with plenty of things to do. Having also lived in places like Montreal and Toronto, I prefer Ottawa to those cities. I'd wager anyone who claims it is boring doesn't have a sense of what they want out of life.
If you are a die hard Canadian, Ottawa is the best. When you come from abroad and seen other places, Ottawa is a pain in the butt of how boring and bland it is.
I'd say that as a teen ottawa is very boring because we are only able to access places that a bus can go and we are lazy, we don't have much money, and walking in a park for an hour doesn't seem very pleasant to most
@@jonm3131 everybody have different opinion about different cities so I respect that I've been to Montreal I find it downtown is better than Ottawa don't get me wrong Ottawa beautiful too.the best one is toronto because it's multicultural that's why
I really liked this city when i was travelling around Omtario in 2019. Since there, i decided to move to Canada (becase i'm brazilian and i live in São Paulo) and now i'm ready to move Vancity in 2022. Well, it was my mindset and i realize that dream comes true. 🤙🤪😍
As a Ottawa citizen there are plenty of things to see and do in the national capital! I think it gets it’s “boring” title because it is a very government oriented but if you look beyond that Ottawa has a lot to offer and it really is a beautiful city! 😍🇨🇦
@@I_am_me1991 It depends what you are into. If you enjoy family-oriented stuff, outdoor activities and blues, it is likely not that boring. But if you are like me a single night owl who enjoy culture (like something more exciting than more or less interesting museums and blues), it is very boring. The only good thing about this boring is that life is less stresfull but it is still very boring ;-).
Hiya! Mike Downie sent me! 😁 I've been to Ottawa a bunch of times and I've NEVER been bored there. I honestly can't figure out why people think it's boring. There's lots to see and do. And lots of great food! And I have celiac disease so that's saying a lot!
Ottawa is 'boring' in that everyone here is family oriented and entertains ourselves outdoors. Also, it's quiet and safe. But as you show, it's not boring if you take advantage of those things. Also, thank you for mentioning diversity. We are so proud of that. (At least I am).
@@missj.4760 I am not sure a city is responsible for people feeling bored.. those people might just be boring. lol People can amuse themselves anywhere but if nightlife, shopping and restaurants is a person's thing, then I think Ottawa isn't for them. Otherwise, fun is what you make it, in my opinion and having lived in NYC for many years, I've come to appreciate the opposite.
@Dan J lol i agree. Have lived here for 58 years. Not much going on after dark. Great city if you like hiking biking etc. I will use the word quiet instead of boring.
@@brianforgie7724 very odd... There is a LOT of nightlife. Have you even wandered around after dark? Elgin, sparks st, the byward market, all poppin at night time.
Thank you for reinvigorating my love of Ottawa, my hometown. Yes, Farinella's Pizza is incredible. My waist could be a testament to how good it is if Ottawa didn't have so many outdoor areas to exercise. And I, too, have travelled to Naples for the world's best. For those not living in Ottawa: Winters are cold (dress warmly), but there's still lots to do. Each winter, the National Capital Commission (NCC) transforms the historic Rideau Canal into the world's longest skating rink. The Rideau Canal Skateway winds its way through the heart of downtown Ottawa, over a total length of 7.8 kilometres (about 4 miles, for American visitors). The skating season typically runs from early January to early March, but it is weather-dependent. Traditional Ottawa winter guilty pleasure: Beavertails (sweet or savoury, fried-dough pastries available at the canal skating rink or in the Byward Market). FYI: In January 2019, Ottawa had the dubious honour of being the coldest national capital in the world when the temperature dropped to -24C (-11F) with a wind chill that made it feel like -36C (-32F), beating out the usual top three of Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Astana (Kazakhstan), and Moscow (Russia). Ottawa is usually the 7th coldest.
Ottawa definitely gets colder than -37C by a long shot! (Hitting -40 yearly.) But I remember that day, it was warm all over the word except for Ottawa. I think we even beat the north pole that week? But yeah. Beautiful place. My home. If people call it boring, it's because they don't know what relaxing is~
Ottawa is boring once you've seen all the "landmarks" and in bad weather!! I think that's why locals find it boring. If it's too cold, too warm, too rainy, not much to do!
Cracking trip of a city, thanks for showing us stuff! I'm definitely going to have to add it to the itinerary for when I can finally visit Canada again!
Hey, Will. I found your channel a few weeks ago and I really like your videos. But I'd like to give you a tip to improve their quality. Try to balance the volume levels between your voice and the music. When I watch on my cellphone it doesn't bother me, but if I'm watching on the TV and it is late, I have to keep turning the volume up and down during the whole video. There are some free compressor plug-ins that can do that and it's pretty easy. Keep it up! It's a mindset! Cheers from Brazil 🇧🇷
Born in Ottawa, from Ottawa and yes its fucking boring. Don't get why all these people try to sugarcoat things and lie that it's not from everyone. It's straight garbage!
I'm with you Will. As an Australian previously on holiday in Canada, I had 3 days in Ottawa. Really enjoyed the historical buildings, canal, history museum (admittedly over in Gatineau), tavern-on-the-hill (great hot dogs and beers), Senators vs Maple Leafs (hockey) at Canadian Tyre Centre (more hot dogs and beers), food and entertainment on Elgin Street. Thanks for a great report and I look forward to returning soon. Cheers.
Ottawa is not boring!! So much to see and do. I grew up there and after traveling the world, I really appreciate what Ottawa has to offer. Come and see for yourself.
Having lived 10yrs in Toronto and 10yrs in Ottawa I will say Ottawa isn't boring per say...the problem is the people that live in Ottawa that are lazy. I made an effort to revole around people that actually wanted to do things. Most of the people in the city are either wanabe hillbillies that leave the city and go to the country on the weekends or goverment workers with families that just want to go home at the end of the day and do nothing.
I suppose it all depends on what you like and what you want out of your city. I've lived here my whole life, and while I agree that it's not the most exciting place to live, I don't need it to be. I love nature, history and food. I love how peaceful it is here and how visually beautiful it is. I love that it's not a huge, suffocating city like Toronto or Vancouver. Places like that makes my anxiety spike, so for me, Ottawa is perfect. It's all a matter of perspective.
ottawa resident here! i really enjoyed this video, it really gave me a different view of the city i live in in a way more positive way. def gon try elgin’s diner at 2am in the future!
I am from the states but visited with my wife and kids. I thought it would be kinda dull. We were pleasantly surprised and want to go back. There are a lot of cool museums as well. The war museum is intense but worth the trip. I feel Ottawa gets a rap for being boring as it doesn't have the night life that New York or Montreal has. It is a Government town and most people head out of town for the weekend. The trade off is it is great for families. I have also heard that there is carnival vibe in the winter with ice skating on the canal etc.
Yes, you need to come when it's winterlude. You can skate the whole way back and forth on the canal. Stop for a hot chocolate and a beaver tail midway. Nice ice sculpture and snow sculpture. Then go watch a Sens game
I too am world travelled and have lived in Ottawa most of my life. I love it! From major sports teams (Senators, RedBlacks, BlackJacks, etc.) entertainment (always live music available), festivals, marathons, the experimental farms, the Rideau Canal (a marvel to this day of workmanship), the Ottawa River Parkway, Queen Elizabeth Parkway, Aviation Parkway, with their natural grasslands and beaches. Then there's architecture! Like, the Parliament Buildings, the Chateau Laurier, the Governor General's mansion, embassy row, the glebe, westborough, etc. Museums, of nature, war, civilization, aviation, etc., THE National Arts Centre. We are also a diverse multilingual educated population. The diversity in food reflects this from High Tea at the Chateau, to the Rib Festival on Sparks St. And the city is cleaner than any I've had the pleasure of visiting. I honestly kiss my porch for being blessed with living in such a wonderful secret place.
Ottawa has 10 times more public rallies per year then in Toronto. Ottawa was only the second rich city in North America to Boston due to the lumber trade and that's why a residential area around downtown is European and rich looking. Ottawa has Bytown Market, Glebe, Westboro Village full of life. Nothing could be compared to any other Canadian cities. It is as lovely as Chelsea and Soho in New York. The only thing Ottawa does not have many night clubs or abundance of strip joints. I am sure people who call Ottawa boring are still in their puberty. Ottawa has also Gatineau which gives the city even more French charm. I am not even mentioning museums and all the other stuff. By the way Ottawa was the place where the cold war started against the Soviet Union. So rich in history. And Ottawa was basically the birth place of Hockey, because it had money as the city. First professional league, first rich hockey players, first NHL teams. If you would know Canadians and Leafs are all came from the Ottawa valley. Blue shirts were sold for 1000 bucks to hogstown, Canadians for 5000 to Montreal.
Ottawa is amazing city, I lived here when I was born, great views, lots of parks and the huge thing is, it's hard to be bored we even have amazing museums, it's never boring in Ottawa, it's just some loser that doesn't understand that Ottawa has lots of stuff you can do and amazing adventures you can go on , I am not kidding
I chose ottawa for my exchange year and I already stayed for 1.5 months now. Your video is great and even though there might not be to much of a night life (officially it’s illegal for me anyways, but still…), coming from a town of 5k people in Germany, this is an awesome place right between a mega city like Toronto or Vancouver and my hometown. I like it here, even though I’m worried about the snow lol. It’s definitely not a boring city, especially when you know what to do, but even for tourists there’s a lot to see. Just to name a few, there’s the parliament, way to many museums to name them all. Some great parks along the river. Byward market, Landsdowne and all the cute little shops along Bank Street. btw, why does everyone hate Toronto? I mean it’s kinda like New York, just a bit smaller and still so many people love New York and hate Toronto. pls could someone explain it to me. thx a lot ❤️ you definitely a new subscriber!
Glad to hear you're enjoying Ottawa. As you said, it doesn't have the most exciting night life, but if you're old like I am at 27 you'll always find something to do if you look for it.
Ottawa is more family oriented as for myself I enjoy camping and hiking . I love in Toronto 5 years ago for a few years always something to do but comes with a price !
Well, if you were to show Ottawa as a boring uninteresting city this is a great video. As someone who grew up here and travelled, I love that we are considered boring. It will save us from the mass tourism clouding so many great cities. Ottawa is a wonderful city and none of it was portrayed here. Such a shame…then again…
I love Ottawa! There is plenty to do and see! Concerts , theatre, museums, hockey , nature, parks, skating on the canal! This city is perfect for families ! Love love love!!
I adore ottawa. All the green space, Byward market, the river, Strathcona park, galleries and museums, gatineau park right near by.. Its better in the winter though. Skating on the canal, the light shows, beaver tails, the whole city lit up like a christmas tree... This is my first winter away. So home sick already.
I grew up in Ottawa in the Landsdowne area - great authentic take around. Very true there is not much to do, especially as a teen or a young adult, but one of the great byproducts is that is in Ottawa the circles run pretty close, if you spend a couple years there odds are you'll get to know a ton of diverse people and definitely make some experience :) Keep it up!
Ottawa is a government town. Governments and fun do not go hand in hand. This becomes quite obvious when you visit other cities such as Montreal or Toronto
As someone who has lived in Ottawa for 20 years, I can attest to the fact that it is extremely boring. All what we have are parks and restaurants and your video really reflected that. Nothing else.
I’ve lived in Ottawa for 20 years, since immigrating here. It’s definitely boring. But, I love boring. I hate big cities. So, Ottawa is perfect for me.
I'm From Ottawa-Gatineau Region, and I love it, it's not boring, Ottawa is The Actuality, politics, Culture, Pushing the boundary of what is ''being Canadian'', bilingualism and way more. It's Hard for a City to define itself when the country that the city represents is in constant change of identity.
Ottawa is a nice quiet place, even if Amazon just renovated a 3rd warehouse in Gloucester. (For those in Ottawa, its by Princess Auto) The Rideau canal is a nice place to run/boat in the summer, and to skate and enjoy beaver tails in the winter. Winterlude is pretty popular in the winter too. The tulip festival is quite popular too during the spring time. A drive through Gatineau park during the fall is also good sights. Places to eat or what I recommend in Ottawa; - Crispy chicken restro bar and grill - farmer's pick deli subs - anything on Preston street - byward market (there's this well known place that sells dishes for 5$ or less)
I live in Ottawa and have all my life. It's known as "the city that fun forgot." In the summer it is very beautiful, clean and there is a lot to do. Many festivals, etc. It is a very safe place to live and was much more lively pre-Covid.
If you love the suburbs, soccer moms, stripmalls, slow life and stability then Ottawa is great. If you want some spice and excitement in your life maybe look elsewhere. Ottawa is "fine" not some dump but not a world class city by any stretch.
I hate that Ottawa gets such a bad rep. I worked in a major hotel downtown (its shown in your video actually haha) and the downtown core is always busy but since covid its been like a ghost town because of closures, there is so much you missed out on. I would have recommended the zip line, indigenous experiences which is just behind parliament, the escape room in the diefenbunker, the drive in movie theatre, china town etc. I also would have rented an e-scooter which are really fun. Unfortunately, Covid cancelled all the festivals and events we have going on almost constantly. Maybe once things get back to semi-normal you'd consider giving Ottawa another chance?
The good thing about boring is that it comes with little stress and a lots of parks. But yes, Ottawa is extremely boring. Other than the museums, cultural life is pretty non-exisitent. People here are into yoga, outdoors and family oriented stuff. I really miss Montreal :(.
I lived there for 4 years as a teenager, Ottawa is a gorgeous looking city. Shame about the incessant gangstalking, but the three cities (in two provinces) that I've lived in for my 44 years were all terrible for that. Canada just seems to be awful for that kind of thing, but it's not like it's unique to Canada.
I almost never go downtown for fun anymore, not since they closed the last two major downtown Ottawa cinemas (World Exchange Plaza and Rideau Centre). Granted, there's still the Bytowne but that's mostly an arthouse venue.
Of you think Ottawa is boring and has nothing to do, your not looking very hard. Their is always tons of things to do. Places to see, nature to admire. Plus you are close to so many places outside of Ottawa that also offer lots to do and see. Weather your looking for something relaxing, active, sport oriented, romantic, family oriented, their is something for you to do everyday. Great video on showing that their is things to do. And I'll have to check out that pizza, never have tried it. Thank you
Ottawa isn't for the party type, but it's a great place to grow up. It's rated as one of the best places in the world to raise a family, actually. Small enough to not taste like air pollution, but big enough to have all the main stores, stadiums, etc. (though, granted, I don't live downtown). I don't think I'd have much interest visiting it as a tourist, but it's a lovely, quiet city to live in.
I am from Ottawa and what makes Ottawa GREAT is that it's Canada's most boring city! SIDE NOTE: Skinny dipped in Pink's Lake when I was around 16, ahhh, memories!! LOL!
I'm from Winnipeg and just moved to Ottawa and was anxious because people kept saying Ottawa is boring or sleepy. Boy are they wrong! Glad I didn't listen to them.
The sauce at the sides of your mouth during the pizza portion, I subbed at that point. Super authentic man. I am from Ottawa, yeah it's boring, but some of us like things predictable because there's other excitement in our lives haha. It's where my house is at, but I'm trying to be me which usually doesn't depend on stimulation from the locale. Having the town predictable means personal plans aren't normally impacted by whatever BS is going on :) (unless the LRT breaks and you depend on public transit... ugh that's a shameful aspect, let's not go there).
Thanks for the video. Ottawa is my hometown and trust me it's not boring in the least bit. Tons of nature, museums, history, architecture etc, etc, etc, Oh yeah and tons of interesting people. It's also a great city for families. ONLY fools without any imagination or very little imagination find Ottawa boring. ( Probably the type that live at home and only go out bar hopping )
I’ll take boring over crazy congested over-populated traffic city. I’ll take nature, history, museums over nightlife and clubs. I prefer a city with small parts of everything, nice market downtown, parliament hill, great parks and lakes, lots of suburbs, great museums, interprovincial bridges with zip lining (first in the world) and wherever you go people are civilized. They can call us boring but I’ll take that over any other cities facing other major issues. :)
You skipped the Byward market but you walked right past it! ! Also, ,there's the National Art Centre, kayaking adventures, the Escape Room, street musicians, the museums, ghost tours at night, and also the old prison tour! Also, the beaches! And, sorry you couldn't wait in line at Zak's - they're ALWAYS that busy, awesome food! in the Gatineau mountains there is a beautiful overlook of Pink Lake, and if you're a cycling enthusiast, you can ride through the Gats on Sundays until I think 11am. Awesome, challenging ride!
As a citizen who lives just outside of Ottawa, I must concur that Ottawa, for the most part, is very very very, very, very, very, very snobby and uptight; just the other day, I went to see the Norah Jones concert just outside of the NAC, I have never seen a more uptight group of people attending this concert; nobody smiles, everyone just looks like they want to argue and the crowd, for the most part, were the typical rich hipsters whose children probably attend Elmwood…something like that.. needless to say, whenever I go out to Ottawa, I’m always disappointed ..quite frankly I’m bored out of my mind by pretentious human behaviour
Ottawa is indeed very very boring and I think I know why. It's the people. The people in Ottawa are generally very cold and unwelcoming. Most people stick to the people they grew up with, and are not open to letting new people in. The energy in the city is very low as well in terms of vibrancy, like if you go to Byward market (the most "happening place in Ottawa" ) or to a concert or festival, the excitement you would experience in other major world cities like New York, London, Montreal, Berlin, etc....is lacking in Ottawa. And most people seem very miserable, not sure if its because its a government city, but you'll rarely often see people smiling or greeting people at work or in your neighborhood. It's considered 'creepy' here to say hi to people you don't know....very low energy city. So yes Ottawa is indeed a boring city. The people who enjoy it most are parents of young kids, old people, people that just want a quiet life. If you're looking for high energy, artistic and cultural, vibrant, friendly environment, then this is not that type of city.
