Temp. move to canada, need advice...

Question

Hello, I'm a citizen and currently live in the U.S. and I'm planning a short stay in canada (ottawa to be exact) and have some questions. i've done some research and found out that to work in canada you need at least a work permit. Is this true? Or is it possible to work without one? I'm only planning to stay in canada for a short stay because I've heard so much about how difficult it is to become a resident and work permanently in canada so for right now I won't worry about it. It seems that the work permit process is a little complicated too, it seems you cannot work in canada without already having a job lined up. If anyone can tell me otherwise it would be a huge help. Thanks!