Canada's insider blog

Ottawa is many things to many people: It’s a university town, a government town, the PM’s main “office space,” and for historical buffs and art lovers, it’s filled with museums.  To many locals there is also a “locals-know” side to Ottawa that the media and the rest of Canada doesn’t usually talk about (or know).

My tried-and-true recommendations for those spots are below.

Visit Ottawa on Canada Day and try to get into the Westin Hotel’s 23rd floor viewing reception.  The chocolate buffet and deep-fried, banana-crème BeaverTails are a cause for celebration.

After all that dessert, hit the pool at the Chateau Laurier: You'll feel much leaner (and like a character in the Great Gatsby).

Shop the ByWard Market shops: Chic-and-trendy designer boutiques are lined up row-to-row with names like TRUSTFUND, Victoire, and Milk (where fashion does the body good!).  Increasing your credit limit is a good idea.

Go see Lucky Ron at the Chateau Lafayette.  The singer's real name is Ron Burke and he is an institution. He is a charming crooner, channeling a set-list somewhere between Johnny Cash and the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Courtyards: There are about four or five courtyards that are less obvious to find in the ByWard Market area. Most locals eat lunch there, have a picnic on holidays or they just enjoy the view. The Jeanne d'Arc Courtyard has a dancing bear in the middle (by Inuit artist Pauta Saila). The statue is actually a donation by Peter and Sarah Jennings in memory of their parents.  Peter Jennings was originally from Ottawa.

For slow food, wine and a cheeky elk kolbassa, check out the Murray Street restaurant.  Their Ceasars are made with housemade Clamato juice, and the celery comes garnished with a scoop of orange Cheez Whiz.

Any places I missed?  Where do you go to be a local expert in Ottawa?