Seventh International Symposium on Turbulence and Shear Flow Phenomema

The Rideau Canal, Ontario's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, winds its way through the city. In winter it becomes the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink.
Historic Parliament Hill is the seat of Canada's national government and the setting for pomp, ceremony and celebration.
Ottawa's ByWard Market offers one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques, over 80 restaurants and cafés, a thriving nightlife, and Canada's oldest continuously operating farmers' market.

Museums
Ottawa has many museums, many of which are located within walking distance of downtown Ottawa. Canada’s Capital Museums Passport is one way to explore Canadian culture, science, art, history, nature in the Capital. For $35 per individual or $85 per family, you get access to the many of the museums in Ottawa–Gatineau, and it is valid for 7 days from the first museum visit. Listed roughly in order of proximity to the downtown core, the major museums to go see are:

The stunning National Gallery of Canada presents the country's national art collection and outstanding international exhibitions throughout the year.
For the complete story behind the building of the Rideau Canal – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – stop by the Bytown Museum, nestled next to the Canal locks downtown.
Interested in money? Visit the Royal Canadian Mint and the Currency Museum.
The incomparable Canadian Museum of Civilization celebrates Canadian and world cultures, and houses the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles in its beautiful Grand Hall.
The Canadian War Museum pays tribute to the country's military past, while the unique Diefenbunker, Canada's Cold War Museum, presents a look at a chilly time in international relations.
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum proudly displays one of the world's finest collections of aircraft.
Looking for dinosaurs? Head to the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Into science? Check out the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

Parliament Hill for Free
Parliament Hill is a must-see for any visitor to Ottawa. The neo-gothic Parliament Buildings are visually stunning, and so is their setting on a bluff high above the majestic Ottawa River. And visitors can take it all in for free. Parliament Hill is at its best in summer. If you just want to amble, take a walk around the buildings. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Ottawa and Gatineau. You can do a self-guided tour and discover, in addition to the views, the statues, public art, monuments, Centennial Flame and famed cats of Parliament Hill. If you’re there in the morning, take in the colourful Changing the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily at 10 a.m. between June 28 and August 28. If you’re there on summer evenings, a sound and light show explores Canada’s physical, historical and cultural landscapes (July 8 – September 12). And you can also arrange free tours of Parliament, including a visit to the observation deck in the Peace Tower. Keep in mind, though, that this is a working building and tours are subject to the business of Canada’s parliamentarians.

Guided tours and sightseeing
Ottawa is filled with Capital sights and attractions – and just about as many ways to explore and see them. Of course you can discover these treasures on your own, but if you prefer an organised tour here are some of the best options:

Ottawa sightseeing boat tours on the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ottawa River. Some of the tour operators are Paul's Boatlines and Capital Cruises, which provide boat tours of the ottawa river and rideau canal. They are located at Jacques Cartier Park wharf in Gatineau and base of Rideau Canal locks and Adjacent to the Rideau Canal, both in Downtown Ottawa.
Evening and daytime tours with the Haunted Walk of Ottawa reveal Ottawa's darker past and include visits with ghosts, graveyards, hangings, and haunts. All of the stories are thoroughly researched and will delight even the skeptics in the group! Tours offered in the evening are led by lantern-light. Private group tours available. Various tours available seven days a week. Open year-round. Admission: $7-$15 per person. Location: Corner of Sparks Elgin Streets, Downtown Ottawa.

More Resources:
For more information about Ottawa tourism check out www.ottawatourism.ca or the official City of Ottawa website. Once you arrive in Ottawa, you can also visit the the National Capital Commission’s Capital Infocentre; their staffs are available to provide you with brochures, help you plan an itinerary and give you the tools to plan your visit.