The area surrounding Canada's capital, known as the Ottawa Region, encompasses 4,662 square kilometres (1,800 square miles) of an enchanting mix of urban and rural landscape. For the full urban experience, visit Ottawa for its array of restaurants & bars, markets and shops. While Ottawa is well known for its pre-eminent cultural attractions, such as the National Gallery of Canada and the Museum of Nature, the region itself is home to over 80 museums and galleries. The area is served by three rivers (the Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau), feeding hundreds of lakes, surrounded by acres of nature. Hiking, fishing, golfing and skiing are mere minutes from any of the ten towns in the region. The communities on Ottawa's perimeter, such as Gloucester, Nepean and Kanata, provide accommodation options in quiet settings just minutes away from the attractions only the big city can provide.