Although there is nothing wrong with the Ottawa Train station as a building, the location is less than ideal. The closest hotels are mid-range and located 1.1 kms away; these hold about 500 rooms (Courtyard by Marriott and Hampton Inn). There is a large retail centre (power centre style) and office building directly behind, all part of the "Ottawa Trainyards" development, but these are cut off by the tracks so the walk is about the same distance. The station is served by a BRT station. Currently (as far as I know), most Ottawans taking the train park at the station and most tourists arriving by train take taxis to downtown.
Some improvements are coming in the next five years; a pedestrian tunnel might be built under the tracks to connect the Trainyards. A pedestrian bridge will be built over the Queensway to shorten the trek from the station to the hotels/baseball stadium and best of all, the BRT station is part of the Confederation metro line project.
Of course, all of this fails in comparison to service at old Union Station downtown. Not only was it the absolute best location, but the place was magnificent.
Pictures were previously posted, but here are some more, including the interior;
Main waiting area ceiling;
Main waiting area;
Main concourse where people would go before/after getting on the platforms outside;
Tracks/platforms behind Union;
Stairs took you up to Rideau Street, smaller doorway in the middle would bring people to the Château Laurier through an underground pedestrian tunnel;
All of these features are pretty much still intact, except for the rear platform area which is now Colonel by Drive. It would be a huge investment, but I would love it if they built a tunnel to bring passenger service back to Union Station and bring commuter rail while they are at it.
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