ottawa canada travel guide

Descriptions of Ottawa read like an appealing dating profile: dynamic, gregarious, bilingual, likes kids and long walks along the river. In person, the attractive capital fits the bill.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery is a work of art in itself: its striking ensemble of pink granite and glass spires echoes the ornate copper-topped towers of the…

Canadian Museum of History

Allow plenty of time to experience this high-tech, must-see museum across the river, in Hull, Québec. Documenting the history of Canada through a range of…

Canadian War Museum

Fascinating displays twist through the labyrinthine interior of this sculpture-like, modern museum, tracing Canada's military history with the nation's…

Parliament Hill

Vast, yawning archways, copper-topped turrets and Gothic-Revival gargoyles dominate the facade of the stunning lime-and-sandstone parliament buildings…

Canadian Museum of Nature

This imposing baronial building houses one of the world's best natural history collections, which the vast museum brings to life with modern and…

Notre Dame Cathedral-Basilica

Built in the 1840s, this shimmering tin-topped house of worship is the oldest church in all of Ottawa and the seat of the city's Roman Catholic archbishop…

Laurier House National Historic Site

This copper-roofed Victorian home built in 1878 was the residence of two notable prime ministers: Wilfrid Laurier and the eccentric Mackenzie King. The…

Ottawa Locks

The series of steep, step-like locks between the Château Laurier and Parliament Hill marks the north end of the 200km Rideau Canal, which flows all the…

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Latest stories from Ottawa

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What to see and do

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15 Epic Things to Do in Ottawa (Perfect First Time Visit)

Things to do in ottawa: the 15 best places to visit (all highlights).

You want to visit Ottawa, the capital of Canada , during your next trip?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 15 best things to do in Ottawa , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to my list of things to do and activities, I will also give you optimized itineraries to visit ottawa in 1, 2 or 3 days as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Ottawa? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. Parliament Hill

2. canadian museum of history, 3. the rideau canal, 4. museums to check out in ottawa, 5. byward market, 6. parks to check out in ottawa, 7. for an offbeat tour of the city: the haunted walk of ottawa, 8. ottawa from above, 9. dow’s lake, 10. festivals in ottawa, 11. gatineau park, 12. montreal, 13. mont-tremblant, 14. other great activities around ottawa, how many days to visit ottawa, one day in ottawa, 2 days in ottawa, 3 days in ottawa, where to stay in ottawa, where to eat in ottawa, how to get to ottawa, my thoughts on ottawa, tourist map of ottawa, you’re traveling in canada these articles will help you, visit ottawa: all must-see attractions.

Parliament Hill is home to the federal government of Canada , where you’ll find all the Parliament buildings. It’s the main attraction in the city and therefore the perfect place to kick off your Ottawa tour .

Free guided tours run every day so you can explore the House of Commons, the Senate and the gorgeous Victorian-style library .

You can also climb to the top of the Peace Tower for a 360° panorama over Ottawa .

I’d advise you to grab your tickets early in the morning if you want to be sure of getting inside the buildings, as they operate on a first come, first served basis. Not everyone will get in.

If you choose to visit Ottawa in summer , it’s also at Parliament Hill where you can watch the Changing of the Guard .

Every single evening, from July to September, you get to soak up an awesome sound and light show projected on the buildings. Don’t miss this show for a unique insight into Canada’s history.

To find out about the timings of guided tours of this iconic Ottawa monument , check out the Parliament website .

Strolling around Ottawa is a delightful way to explore , but why not spice it up and take it to the next level? You can mix and match it with any of the awesome activities listed below (just click on the orange links to book)

• A hop-on hop-off bus tour: very handy for getting a first glimpse of the main sights to see in Ottawa .
• An amphibious bus guided tour : to admire the capital’s architecture on land and water on an hour-long guided tour.

During your stay in Ottawa, I strongly advise you to visit the Canadian Museum of History . It’s definitely THE must-see in Ottawa .

Of all the museums I visited during my trip to Canada, it’s one of my favorites . I didn’t expect to spend so much time there and even had to rush towards the end to avoid getting booted out at closing time!

The museum is located opposite Parliament Hill , on the banks of the Ottawa River. It’s one of the oldest and most visited in Canada with over a million visitors a year.

It traces all of Canada’s history since the First Nations and lets you journey back nearly 20,000 years.

The exhibitions are captivating and very well presented, so there’s no chance of getting bored even if you’re not typically a museum fan.

You’ll surely be impressed by its collection of totem poles, the largest in the world . The section dedicated to the history of the Indigenous peoples particularly grabbed my attention.

The museum is the most visited tourist site in Ottawa . To avoid wasting time at the entrance, make sure you purchase your skip-the-line ticket in advance by clicking the green button below:

Expect a minimum visit of 3 hours . The museum is huge and the collection of objects is very rich. It’s definitely worth spending some time here.

A must-see during your trip to Ottawa: a stroll along the Rideau Canal .

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the oldest operating canal in North America connects the city to Kingston on Lake Ontario.

Stretching over 200 km , its banks are the ideal spot in Ottawa for a walk or bike ride during your Canadian tour . There’s even a lovely 8km cycle path . The canal’s surroundings are really well laid out and very pleasant.

For those feeling a bit more adventurous, you can even rent a canoe or kayak to paddle through it.

During the summer, you can hop on narrated cruises along the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River, which offer a fantastic opportunity to admire some of Ottawa’s iconic buildings.

To book your cruise in Ottawa, click on the green button below:

There’s also an option to take this cruise on an electric boat . You’ll find all the details by clicking here !

And if you’re wondering what to do in Ottawa in winter , you’ll be happy to learn that the canal becomes the world’s longest natural ice rink ! Strap on your skates and glide over 7km through the entire city.

Apart from the Canadian Museum of History, there’s a slew of other museums you must visit while you’re wandering around Ottawa .

I’ve rounded up a list of Ottawa’s must-visit museums for you :

• The Canadian War Museum where you’ll get a full lowdown on Canada’s military history. Plus, you’ll get to see an enormous collection of tanks, military vehicles, and rifles there. Tickets available here !
• The National Gallery of Canada with its peculiar entrance, guarded by Maman (“mom” in French), a massive 10-meter-high spider-shaped statue. But don’t let that scare you off from admiring the 40,000 works it houses.
• The Canadian Museum of Nature , a natural history museum where you can check out gigantic dinosaur and marine mammal skeletons, including an impressive blue whale hanging overhead.
• The Canada Aviation and Space Museum , featuring a real flight simulator and a collection of 130 aircraft.
• The Bytown Museum , primarily focusing on Ottawa’s own history and the construction of the Rideau Canal.
• The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum , in reality, a working farm smack dab in the middle of the city. This is an absolute blast for kids in Ottawa! They’ll have a chance to get up close and personal with cows, sheep, and horses, making it an unforgettable experience. Adults can learn more about modern farming methods.
• The Bank of Canada Museum . Get ready to embrace your inner banker and dive headfirst into the intricate world of the Canadian economy.

Now you know where to go and what to do in Ottawa, even when the weather isn’t cooperating!

Next on this Ottawa travel guide is the Byward Market , conveniently located next to Parliament Hill.

Established in 1826, it’s one of the oldest markets in Canada . You’ll find nearly 250 stalls stocked with local products , including the famous maple syrup.

You must try a “beaver tail” , a traditional Canadian pastry. It’s a deep-fried doughnut shaped like a beaver tail that you can top with Nutella, bananas, or cinnamon . Not the best idea if you’re on a diet… but it’s just so good!

The Byward Market area is also a great place to do some shopping in Ottawa with its more than 500 stores.

And of course, there are several top-notch restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a drink on the terrace. This neighborhood is bursting with life and energy .

If you’re ever in the mood to embrace the great outdoors, Ottawa is packed with parks just waiting for your visit ..

Apart from the well-trodden Parliament Hill, make sure you swing by:

• Major’s Hill Park , where you might just catch sight of frolicking squirrels and busy groundhogs. It gifts you with sweeping vistas of the Rideau Canal and the grand Parliament buildings.
• Then there’s Jacques-Cartier Park , renowned for its majestic snow sculptures in winter. It’s a spot where you can enjoy a stunning panorama of the Ottawa River and the Rideau Falls. It’s also a great place to hop on a bike and hit the trails.
• And don’t forget about Confederation Park , a treasure trove of sculptures, monuments, and a so-called haunted fountain. If you manage to snap a pic of the ghost, I’m all ears!

You’re going to Ottawa?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in big touristic cities like Ottawa 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Ottawa on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Ottawa.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Ottawa, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Ottawa!

To experience Ottawa in a unique way , I’ve got a real gem for you: a guided ghost-themed tour !

There are several variations , each one unfolding in a different city building. You get to explore an old prison , which has been the stage for several criminals’ executions, or the Bytown Museum, Ottawa’s oldest building .

Zombie fans , don’t feel left out! There’s a tour that will lead you through underground tunnels swarming with the undead . Just make sure you aren’t bitten on your way out!

The tours last around 90 minutes and cost about twenty dollars .

You can book in advance by simply clicking on the button below:

If you’re wondering what to do in Ottawa , I’ve dug up two more incredibly fun activities to give you a bit of altitude and see the city from a whole new perspective !

Kick off with a 40 km/h urban zip line ride standing 35 meters high . Fun fact: the zip line allows you to cross from Ottawa to Gatineau , soaring over the Ottawa River.

Plus, you get to take home a video of your thrilling descent!

To book a zip line ride in Ottawa, just click on the button below:

To step it up a notch and marvel at a breathtaking view of Ottawa and the surrounding area, I’d highly recommend going for a helicopter ride .

You can book this exciting activity in Ottawa by clicking right here :

Dow’s Lake , tucked right at the heart of Ottawa, It’s a stunning spot for a stroll and a perfect retreat for a relaxing moment away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

In summer , Dow’s Lake becomes quite a hotspot because it offers a variety of water activities . You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and paddleboats there.

Come winter , it’s all about renting skates, snowshoes, and sleds.

You’ll also have the chance to take a lunch break at one of the lake’s three restaurants .

During your trip to Ottawa, odds are you’ll stumble upon one of the many festivals organized in the city across all seasons.

Here’s a list of Ottawa’s must-attend festivals:

• The Snow Ball spans three weekends in February and offers various activities like skating, sliding, dog sledding — most of which are free. It’s famous for its international ice sculpture competition . The activities are spread throughout the city: Confederation Park, Rideau Canal, Byward Market , in museums, and more.
• The Canadian Tulip Festival , the world’s largest of its kind, happens every year in May . You’ll get to marvel at over a million blooming tulips . A festival of colors in the great outdoors.
• The Dragon Boat Festival, the largest of its kind in North America. It’s a boat race with over 200 teams and it takes place every year at the end of June .
• Bluesfest is held annually in July over a span of 10 days. This music festival has seen big-name performers like Sting, Pink or Bob Dylan . Five stages are set up along the river and inside the Canadian War Museum.
• The Jazz Festival showcases the most renowned jazz artists. It takes place in June and July at Confederation Park and the National Arts Center.
• Chamberfest , an international music festival dedicated to chamber music, happens in July and August .
• The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival just a short drive from Ottawa. A mesmerizing festival that features balloon ascents every morning in early September .

Best things to do around Ottawa?

After your city exploration, I suggest you continue your Canadian adventure by exploring the areas around Ottawa .

Here’s my pick of the most beautiful places to visit around Ottawa :

Gatineau Park is situated just around Ottawa, a mere 15-minute drive from Parliament Hill .

Spanning 36 hectares, it offers over 250 km of trails winding through forests and lakes .

Whether you’re a hiking or biking enthusiast , the park is well-equipped, with trails accessible all year round. In winter , the best way to explore is by cross-country skiing .

In autumn, it dresses up in the magnificent, vibrant colors Canada is known for.

Must-see spots in Gatineau Park:

• Pink Lake , whose water is actually not pink but rather turquoise green. It’s absolutely lovely!
• King Mountain , standing tall at 344 meters
• Champlain Lookout offers the best view of the entire Gatineau Park
• Luskville Falls , which turns into a massive waterfall during the snowmelt
• Meech Lake , popular with locals as swimming is allowed
• Philippe Lake and its sandy beach, perfect for swimming
• La Pêche Lake , the largest lake in the park

Montreal is just a 2-hour drive from Ottawa . It’s the largest city near Ottawa.

Best things to see and do in Montreal

• Take a walk on the Plateau Mont-Royal to admire its traditional houses
• Climb up to Mount Royal Park and the lookout
• Visit the historic district of Old Montreal
• Stroll along the docks of the Old Port .

Find all the details for visiting Montreal in my dedicated article. You’ll find it here: Best things to do in Montreal !

Just 1h45 drive from Ottawa , you can reach Mont-Tremblant , regarded as one of the best ski resorts in Quebec .

If you’re traveling to Canada in winter , I’d highly recommend taking advantage of your visit to Mont-Tremblant to go on a snowmobile hike , a signature Canadian activity.

If that sounds good, you’ll find all the details here !

It’s also famous for being one of the most beautiful places in Canada to admire fall colors .

Lastly, in summer you’ll be able to enjoy watersports on the lake or go hiking in the forest.<a0><i1/></a0> The Canadian autumn in Mont-Tremblant

If you’ve decided to spend a few days in Ottawa , you can also add more activities to your itinerary .

Don’t hesitate to click on the orange links to access the details and make your reservations:

• White water rafting on the Outaouais River
• Snowshoeing in an ice maze in the village of Wakefield, 30 minutes from Ottawa
• Ice skating in the same ice maze
• Stand up paddleboarding excursion in a water maze (at Wakefield)
• Canoeing excursion (still in the water maze)
• Via Ferrata in the Coulonge Falls Park, near Ottawa
• Treetop course , also in the Coulonge Falls Park
• Giant ziplines , still in the same park (possible to combine the treetop course and the giant ziplines in the same itinerary).

A small town that’s easily walkable, you’ll be able to discover Ottawa’s main points of interest in just 1 day .

But if you want to visit a bunch of museums , it could quickly eat up your time. In that case, I’d recommend planning for 2 days .

If you also want to explore Ottawa’s surroundings like Gatineau Park or add more activities , you might want to spend 3 days in Ottawa .

For a day in Ottawa , here’s my itinerary:

• Guided tour of Parliament Hill
• Walk or cruise along the Rideau Canal
• Lunch break in ByWard Market district
• Afternoon at the Canadian Museum of History

In 2 days in Ottawa , I suggest following the first day’s itinerary and adding:

• A morning discovering the city’s fascinating museums . You’re sure to find your happy place among the vast cultural offerings.
• Lunch break
• A leisurely stroll through the city’s parks and along Dow’s Lake
• A thrilling guided tour in search of Ottawa’s ghosts!

And if you’re in the mood to connect with nature, follow the day 3 program and take a trip to Gatineau Park !

If you’ve covered the city in the first 2 days and have another day in Ottawa , I recommend using it to head to Gatineau Park .

You’ll be able to go hiking in the great outdoors and enjoy the stunning Canadian landscapes .

For a bit more adrenaline, you could also choose to engage in one or more activities: zip-lining, rafting, snowshoeing…

While Ottawa may be the capital of Canada, it’s still a small city.

So, the selection of accommodations is somewhat limited. You should book a room from my selection in advance and not to dally too long.

• HI Ottawa Jail Hostel : This youth hostel is housed in a restored old jail. You’ll be sleeping in upgraded cells (I assure you!) Dorm bed from €30, breakfast included. Strong points: the uniqueness of the place, excellent location, and delicious breakfast. A great affordable choice for lodging in Ottawa !
• The Business Inn : Hotel located 1.3km from Parliament Hill. Well-equipped studio with a kitchen starting from €100 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: prime location, spacious rooms, an in-room computer with printer, and the ability to cook for yourself. My absolute favorite for its unbeatable value for money in Ottawa!
• Andaz Ottawa Byward Market-a concept by Hyatt : Located in the Byward Market neighborhood. Double room with modern and sleek decor from €190 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: great location, friendly staff, rooftop terrace, and an extensive and varied breakfast buffet.
• Fairmont Château Laurier : 5-star hotel (the only one in Ottawa) located a 10-minute walk from Parliament Hill. Spacious and comfortable double room from €365 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: high-quality services, room comfort, indoor swimming pool, attentive and helpful staff. The best hotel in Ottawa for a luxury stay !

• Play Food and Wine : Located in the By Market. This restaurant serves dishes made from fresh, quality products sourced from local farmers. A selection of wines is offered to pair with each dish. You can order an array of delectable dishes to share with your companions! Reservation recommended.
• La Bottega : Located in the Byward Market neighborhood on George Street. This quaint restaurant is situated inside a grocery store that sells Italian goods. You can taste homemade, typical dishes or create your own sandwich from excellent Italian cold cuts and cheeses. The prices are quite reasonable. Perfect for a lunchtime meal.
• Bâton Rouge : Located on Albert Street, about a 10-minute walk from Parliament Hill. This restaurant is a steakhouse, so I highly recommend it for beef rib, ribs, and hamburger enthusiasts. The quality of the meat is excellent, and the dishes are very generous. Don’t forget to save room for cheesecake for dessert!

Ottawa is situated between Montreal and Toronto , making it easily accessible from these two major cities. From Montreal :

• By car : 2-hour and 10-minute ride
• By bus : 2h30
• By train : 1h50

From Toronto:

• By car : 4h30
• By bus : 5h30
• By train : 4h

Ottawa also has an international airport , but it’s not directly serviced from France. Direct flights are available from London , for example.

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Ottawa because it’s a city on a human scale where you can easily stroll around on foot and see everything!

The visit to the Canadian Museum of History greatly contributed to making Ottawa a must-see on a road trip in Canada . If there’s one single spot not to miss on the list of things to see in Ottawa, it’s definitely this one!

To help you visualize the city a bit better, I’ve created a tourist map of Ottawa, with all the best things to do and must-see attractions.

You can display the map’s legend by clicking the button with a small arrow located in the top left corner.

Discover all my articles about Canada : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Canada are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to do in Canada
• 20 Best Things to do in Quebec – All best places to visit in the French-speaking province!
• Itinerary: One week in Canada: The perfect itinerary to visit Canada in 6, 7 or 8 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Canada: All my best tips for organizing your 10-day trip to Canada
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Canada: How to visit Western Canada in 15 days.
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Canada: My epic itinerary to visit Western and Eastern Canada in 21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Canada: How to visit Eastern Canada in a month!
• Itinerary: One week in Quebec: How to visit Quebec in 6, 7 or 8 days, with all my best tips!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Quebec: An amazing 10-day itinerary in Quebec
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Quebec: All my best tips to visit Quebec in 14, 15 or 16 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Quebec: the perfect 3-week road trip in Quebec !
• Road trip in Canada: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month
• Road trip in Quebec: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15 and 21 days
• Calgary : Top 11 things to do during your visit
• Montreal : 33 best things to see and do
• Ottawa : 15 epic places to visit
• Quebec City : Top 17 things to do and see
• Toronto : The 17 things to do during your stay
• Vancouver : Top 25 places to visit and activities
• Toronto in 3 days – The perfect itinerary to visit the city in 72 hours!

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Proud of its capital status, OTTAWA is a lively cosmopolitan city of around one million inhabitants, whose attractions include a clutch of outstanding national museums , a pleasant riverside setting and superb cultural facilities like the National Arts Centre. Throw in acres of parks and gardens, miles of bicycle and jogging paths – many of them along the Ottawa River – lots of good hotels and B&Bs and a busy café-bar and restaurant scene and you have enough to keep the most diligent sightseer going for a day or three, maybe more. It’s also here that Canada’s bilingual laws really make sense: French-speaking Gatineau , just across the river in Québec, is commonly lumped together with Ontario’s Ottawa as the “Capital Region”, and on the streets of Ottawa you’ll hear as much French as English.

Byward market

Canada aviation and space museum, laurier house, national gallery of canada, ottawa’s festivals, the canadian war museum, parliament hill, the rideau canal in ottawa.

Almost all of Ottawa’s major sights are clustered on or near the south bank of the Ottawa River to either side of the Rideau Canal. It’s here you’ll find the monumental Victorian architecture of Parliament Hill , the outstanding art collection of the National Gallery and the Byward Market , the hub of the restaurant and bar scene. Many visitors only cover these, but there are a clutch of other attractions, most memorably the fascinating Canadian War Museum , housed in a striking building a couple of kilometres to the west of the centre, and Laurier House , packed with the possessions of the former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King and located 1.5km southeast of downtown. There are also some minor attractions to the east of the centre, on the far side of the Rideau River, principally the governor-general’s mansion, Rideau Hall , and the Canada Aviation Museum .

Brief history

The one-time hunting ground of the Algonquian, Ottawa received its first recorded European visitor in 1613 in the shape of Samuel de Champlain. The French explorer pitched up, paused to watch his Aboriginal guides make offerings of tobacco to the misty falls (which now lie submerged beneath the river), and then took off in search of more appealing pastures. Later, the Ottawa River became a major transportation route, but the Ottawa area remained no more than a camping spot until 1800, when Philemon Wright snowshoed up here along the frozen Ottawa River from Massachusetts. Wright founded a small settlement, which he called Wrightstown and subsequently Hull (now Gatineau ) after his parents’ birthplace in England. Hull flourished but nothing much happened on the other (Ottawa) side of the river until 1826, when the completion of the Rideau Canal linked the site of present-day Ottawa to Kingston and the St Lawrence River. The canal builders were under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel John By and it was he who gave his name to the new settlement, Bytown , which soon became a hard-edged lumber town characterized by drunken brawls and broken bones.

In 1855 Bytown re-christened itself Ottawa in a bid to become the capital of the Province of Canada, hoping a change of name would relieve the town of its tawdry reputation. As part of their pitch, the community stressed the town’s location on the border of Upper and Lower Canada and its industrial prosperity. Queen Victoria granted their request in 1857, though this had little to do with their efforts and much more to do with her artistic tastes: the Queen had been looking at some romantic landscape paintings of the Ottawa area and decided this was the perfect spot for a new capital. Few approved: Montréal and Toronto smarted at their rebuff and Canada’s politicians fumed at the inconvenience – former prime minister Sir Wilfred Laurier found it “hard to say anything good” about the place.

Give or take some federal buildings – including the splendid trio of neo-Gothic buildings that make up today’s Parliament – Ottawa remained a workaday town until the late 1940s, when the Paris city planner Jacques Greber was commissioned to beautify the city with a profusion of parks, wide avenues and tree-lined pathways. The scheme transformed the city, defining much of its current appearance, and today Greber’s green and open spaces confine a city centre that is, at least for the most part, a fetching mix of Victorian architecture and modern concrete-and-glass office blocks.

Since the 1840s, Byward Market (known simply as “The Market” to locals), just east of Sussex Drive and north of Rideau Street, has been a centre for the sale of farm produce, but it’s now also Ottawa’s busiest district, buzzing until the early hours. At its heart, the 1920s Byward Market building (mid-May to mid-Oct daily 6am–6pm; mid-Oct to mid-May daily 8am–5pm; w byward-market.com ) is home to cafés and delis, specialist food and fresh fruit and vegetable stalls and these merge with the street stalls and kiosks outside. These stalls and kiosks are something of an Ottawa institution, mainly on account of their poutine (fries covered in gravy and cheese curds), but Beavertails , at the junction of George and William streets, weighs in with its eponymous offering, a flat, deep-fried dough sprinkled with all sorts of sweet toppings.

Along the Rockcliffe Parkway, 5km from downtown, is the huge hangar of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum ( aviation.technomuses.ca ). Highlights include a replica of the Silver Dart, which made the first powered flight in Canada in 1909; it flew for a full nine minutes, a major achievement for a contraption that seems to be made out of spare parts and old sheets. There are also bombers and fighters from both world wars and later, including a Harrier jet.

A national historic site, the Laurier House ( pc.gc.ca ), 1km east of the Laurier Bridge, is the former home of prime ministers Sir Wilfred Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. Laurier, Canada’s first French-speaking prime minister, served from 1896 to 1911, while Mackenzie King, his self-proclaimed “spiritual son”, was Canada’s longest serving – from 1921 to 1930 and 1935 to 1948. Notoriously pragmatic, King enveloped his listeners in a fog of words through which his political intentions were barely discernible. The perfect illustration – and his most famous line – was “not necessarily conscription, but conscription if necessary”, supposedly a clarification of his plans at the onset of World War II. Even more famous than his obfuscating rhetoric was his personal eccentricity. His fear that future generations would view him simply as the heir of his grandfather William Lyon Mackenzie – who led the Upper Canada rebellions of the 1830s – eventually led him into spiritualism. He held regular séances to tap the advice of great dead Canadians, including Laurier, who allegedly communicated to him through his pet dog.

King’s possessions dominate the house; look for his crystal ball and a portrait of his obsessively adored mother, in front of which he placed a red rose every day. The house also contains a reconstruction of a study belonging to prime minister Lester B. Pearson, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in resolving the Suez Crisis. Pearson also had a stab at devising a new flag for his country and, although it was rejected, the mock-up he commissioned, with blue stripes at either end to symbolize the oceans, is on display here.

The National Gallery of Canada ( gallery.ca ) occupies a cleverly conceived building whose acres of glass reflect the turrets and pinnacles of Parliament Hill. The collection was founded in 1880 by the then-governor general, the Marquis of Lorne, who persuaded each member of the Royal Canadian Academy to donate a painting or two. Over the next century artworks were gathered from all over the world, resulting in a permanent collection now numbering more than 25,000 pieces. There’s not enough space for all the paintings to be exhibited at any one time, so although the general layout of the museum stays pretty constant, the individual works mentioned below may not be on display; the gallery also holds world-class temporary exhibitions. The collection spreads over two main levels and free plans are issued at the reception desk; the gallery shop sells guides to both the permanent collection and the exhibitions.

Though firmly incorporated within the Capital Region, GATINEAU (formerly Hull), lying just across the river from Ottawa in the province of Québec, remains quite distinct and predominantly francophone. For years it served mainly as Ottawa’s nightspot as its bars were open two hours longer than those in the capital, but with this alcoholic advantage now gone – and its paper mills relegated to minor importance – Gatineau struggles to compete with its neighbour. It does, however, have one major museum, the Musée Canadien des Civilisations, and it also edges the handsome scenery of Gatineau Park, whose assorted lakes and forested hills cover no less than 360 square kilometres; the park is a prime spot for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.

Federal funding ensures national holidays – especially Canada Day on July 1 ( w canadascapital.gc.ca ) – are celebrated in style, while seasonal festivals are as lavish as any in the country. The tourist office has the full calendar of events or check out w ottawafestivals.ca. The selection below is arranged chronologically.

Jan and Feb w canadascapital.gc.ca . A snow-and-ice extravaganza spread over three weekends from late January to mid-February. Concentrated around the frozen Rideau Canal, it includes ice sculptures at Confederation Park – renamed the Crystal Garden for the duration – and snow sculptures around Dows Lake. Other events include speed-skating, bed- and dog-sled races.

Canadian Tulip Festival

Eleven days beginning in early May w tulipfestival.ca . This is the oldest of Ottawa’s festivals. It began in 1945 when the Dutch sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to the city both to honour Canadian soldiers who had liberated the Netherlands and as a thank-you for sheltering Queen Juliana, who had taken refuge in Ottawa during the war. The bulbs are planted around Parliament, along the canal and around Dows Lake, a gigantic splash of colour accompanied by concerts, parades, fireworks and a huge craft show.

Ottawa International Jazz Festival

Two weeks in late June/early July w ottawajazzfestival.com . One of Ottawa’s most popular festivals, showcasing more than four hundred musicians. The main stage is in Confederation Park with concerts several times daily. In addition, local bands play around Byward Market and at city clubs.

Twelve days in July w ottawabluesfest.ca . This is Canada’s largest festival of blues and gospel with concerts held in various venues, and free shows in Confederation Park.

The exemplary Canadian War Museum ( armuseum.ca ) is housed in a striking modern building on Lebreton Flats, a somewhat desolate parcel of land beside the Ottawa River about 2km west of Confederation Square. The museum is divided into four main display areas, which work their way through Canada’s military history with accompanying text and quotations. The first gallery, the “Battleground: Wars on Our Soil, earliest times to 1885”, features a good selection of Native Canadian weaponry – tomahawks, muskets and so forth – plus a particularly well-researched section on the War of 1812. However, the museum really gets into its stride when it reaches World War I in the second gallery. There are lots of fascinating photographs, but it’s the incidental detail that impresses most: Canada was keen for its soldiers to use a Canadian rifle, but the end product – the Ross Rifle – often jammed, while the rum ration came in barrels labelled “SRD” (Service Regimental Depot), which the troops re-branded as “Seldom Reaches Destination”. The section on World War II is similarly intriguing and there’s good stuff on the Cold War too – including details of the strange case of the Russian defector Igor Gouzenko, who was so scared of retribution that he was often interviewed with a bag over his head. Finally, the Lebreton Gallery is a large hangar packed with all sorts of military hardware, such as tanks, armoured cars and artillery pieces.

Perched high above the Ottawa River, on the limestone bluff that is Parliament Hill , Canada’s postcard-pretty Parliament Buildings have a distinctly ecclesiastical air, their spires, pointed windows and soaring clock tower amounting to “a stupendous splodge of Victoriana” as travel writer Jan Morris expressed it. Begun in 1859 and seventy years in the making, the complex comprises a trio of sturdy neo-Gothic structures, whose architectural certainties were both a statement of intent for the emergent country and a demonstration of the long reach of the British Empire. The Parliament Buildings were designed to be both imperial and imperious, but they certainly didn’t overawe the original workmen, who urinated on the copper roof to speed up its oxidization.

Two popular events are staged on Parliament Hill: the Changing of the Guard , when the Governor General’s Foot Guards march onto the Hill dressed in full ceremonial uniform of bright-red tunics and bearskin helmets (late June to late Aug daily 10–10.30am); and a free summer-evening sound and light show (early July to mid-Sept), illustrating Canada’s history with alternate French and English performances nightly.

Dominating architectural proceedings on Parliament Hill is Centre Block , home of the Senate and the House of Commons and in fact a replacement for the original building, which was destroyed by fire in 1916. The Peace Tower , rising from the middle of the facade, was added in 1927 as a tribute to Canadians who served in World War I. The tower, which offers fine views over the Ottawa River, holds some superb fan vaulting and a Memorial Chamber complete with a Book of Remembrance. The tower is not part of the guided tour , whose (changeable)itinerary includes a quick gambol round the House of Commons , where the Speaker’s chair is partly made of English oak from Nelson’s flagship Victory , and the red-carpeted Senate , which, with its murals of scenes from World War I, is surmounted by a beautiful gilded ceiling. The debates in both the House of Commons and the Senate are open to the public, who can observe proceedings from the public galleries.

A narrow sliver of water that becomes the world’s longest skating rink in winter, the Rideau Canal runs past the National Arts Centre before it slides down into the Ottawa River via a pretty flight of locks, with Parliament Hill rising on one side, the Fairmont Château Laurier hotel on the other. Beside the foot of the locks is the Bytown Museum ( bytownmuseum.com ), Ottawa’s oldest building, where military supplies were stored during the construction of the canal. Here, a short film explores the history of the waterway and the difficulties involved in its construction; afterwards you can take a peek at a scattering of bygones from the city’s earliest days. From mid-May to early October, canal boat trips leave from the top of the locks, river trips from the bottom.

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33 Things to do in Ottawa – A Complete Guide to the City

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 19, 2024

There are many things to do in Ottawa that are exciting and unique that will easily make for an excellent vacation for couples and families alike.

When people think of visiting Ottawa, a trip to the Parliament buildings and skating on the Rideau Canal are always at the top of the list. But there is so much more to do in Ottawa than exploring the government buildings or seeing museums.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Ottawa

This comprehensive Ottawa travel guide will give you ideas for what sites to visit, what adventures to be had and where to stay and eat. Ottawa is quickly becoming one of Canada’s coolest cities and here’s why.

Ottawa has a lot of free activities, from skating on the Rideau Canal, touring the Byward Market to touring parliament hill and even museums are free at a designated time.

Our favorite things to do at night in Ottawa is to go up to have a cocktail at the rooftop bar of the Andaz Hotel, go bar hopping at the ByWard Market and grab a drink at the Whales Bone .

Ottawa is filled with adventure from SUP on the Gatineau River to Whitewater rafting the Ottawa River.

We have an entire list of amazing things to in winter from Winterlude to snowshoeing, Parc Omega , and skating trails. Read here

What to do in Ottawa – Adventure

1. sup with urban ocean.

Imagine paddleboarding the Gatineau River looking up at the stunning parliament buildings of Ottawa. Urban Ocean Ottawa opened the first SUP Centre in Eastern Ontario and now offers certification, instruction, tours and SUP yoga! It is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Ottawa and that’s why we put it right at the top.

You’ll come away with a tour that takes you from the yacht club to the Rideau Canal Locks, Parliament Buildings, Supreme Court of Canada and out to the centre of the river for a panoramic view of Ottawa and Gatineau.

• For more information and to book a tour visit the Urban Ocean Website. 
• Check out our whitewater kayaking adventure on the Ottawa River

2. BiPlane Flight

I didn’t realize that you could fly in a genuine World War II Biplane but at the Canada Air and Space Museum, regular flights take place during summer hours.

We boarded a Waco UPF-7 open-cockpit biplane circa 1939 and sat side by side during the 25-minute flight showcasing the Gatineau Hills and Downtown Ottawa, including a pass over the Parliament Buildings. Our pilot even did a few maneuvers over Gatineau before turning back towards the airstrip. It was a hoot!

• For more details visit the Aviation and Space Museum Website. 
• Tours start at $65. Our tour of both Gatineau and Ottawa was $145.

3. Hiking Gatineau

I know this article is supposed to be about Things to do in Ottawa, but Ottawa and Gatineau go hand in hand. Gatineau is a city in Quebec, located just across the river from Ottawa, Ontario. There are bridges, aqua taxis and ferries connecting the two cities and they complement each other beautifully. Gatineau houses amazing hiking trails, nightlife, and museums. But it’s the outdoors we love best. When you are in Ottawa, you must go out to Gatineau Park.

Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is a 365 square km (139 sq mi) conservation park filled with walking trails. One entrance is just a mere 4 km from Downtown Ottawa. Gatineau has 165 km of hiking trails and 90 km for mountain biking. We saw a lot of road cyclists when visiting the park as well. You can see the William Lyon Mackenzie Estate a 231 hectare (acre) estate of Canada’s 10 Prime Minister.  There are beaches, canoeing and camping.

4. Hiked to the Carbide Wilson Ruins

This 30-minute hike is an easy trail to find and is a picturesque walk through the forest and along lakes. It ends at the laboratory and summer residence of inventor Thomas Wilson who invented the industrial chemical calcium carbide. Afraid that people would steal his other ideas, he built an estate and dam in the middle of the forest where he could work in private. The house and dam still stand and are in a beautiful setting and is one of the best Instagram spots in the Ottawa Region.

5. Whitewater Rafting

The Ottawa River is considered to have some of the best whitewater rafting on earth. It attracts professional rafters and kayakers to run its class 5 rapids. Located just one hour outside downtown Ottawa, there are three rafting companies that will take people on the rafting excursions of your choice. If you are a family, there are even smaller rapid trips to suit everyone.

Three Whitewater Rafting Companies

There are three rafting companies on the Ottawa River. Owl Rafting, Wilderness Adventures and RiverRun. We went with OWL Rafting and stayed over at their all-inclusive resort where we enjoyed two days of rafting.

• Day one is with a large group raft as our guide used two giant paddles to navigate the giant rapids known as The Staircase.
• Day two is in a sport raft with only 4 people on a small raft.
• The resorts are rustic and relaxing with breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets included.
• Check out OWLRafting for details

Ottawa – Things to do Around Parliament

6. parliament buildings.

It’s cliche and everyone says to see the Parliament buildings, but Canada really does have beautiful government buildings. You could simply walk around the grounds of the Parliament and take in the views of the river below, but a tour is highly recommended.

Parliament Tours

Ottawa parliament tours are free and last approximately 45 minutes. You will have to go through a security screening- Just like at the airport. Only one small bag is allowed. No video is allowed and you can bring a bottle of water.

Tours happen in the center and east block of the parliament buildings and are free. Tickets are available at 90 Wellington Street directly across from Parliament Hill. If you want to be in the audience for Question Period, you can  reserve tickets .

7. Changing of the Guard

Canada has its own changing of the guard just like England. You can catch two different ones in the city. Changing of the Guard happens daily at the WW1 Memorial. It’s small but interesting with a piper and two guards changing their duties at the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier. The large spectacle of parliament is a must where a lavish ceremony takes places each day at 9:50 am from June to August on the East Lawn of Parliament Hill.

8. Yoga on Parliament Hill

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been known to pop by Yoga on Parliament Hill and every Wednesday from May to August people gather on the Hill for mass yoga classes. It’s a free session sponsored by Canadian owned yoga brand Lululemon Athletica.

Ottawa Museums

Ottawa isn’t just our nation’s capital, it’s also the  museum capital of Canada.  (okay that’s not a formal name, but I think it is!)

9. Aviation and Space Museum

130 aircrafts propellers and engines are on display including military jets, WWII fighter biplanes, helicopters, one of the first planes invented and much more. You can even take part in flight simulations or book helicopter tours and your own biplane flight like we did above. It is considered one of the finest aviation museums on earth and highly worth a visit – the  Aviation Museum for Details 

10. National Gallery

The National Gallery of Canada is a striking structure housing an extensive collection of Canadian art. It is the giant spider out front that attracts people’s attention. Maman is a famous sculpture designed by   Louise Bourgeois  and Ottawa isn’t the only city to have one. If you travel a lot, you might have seen it at the Tate Modern Art Museum in London England in Missouri, USA, St. Petersburg, Bilboa, Tokyo, Seoul, Doha and Des Moines.

11. The Canadian Museum of History

From the First People’s Hall celebrating the history of the First Nation’s to The Canadian History Hall showcasing important moments in Canadian history and famous Canadian personalities. The architecture is unique represents the Canadian landscape and it a beautiful sight. From here, you’ll find gorgeous views of the Ottawa Skyline and the Alexandra Bridge lit up at night.

12. Fairmont Chateau Laurier Historic Display

The Fairmont Historic Display is free and located on the main floor of the  Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Enter the grand hall of the famous Chateau Laurier walk past the boutiques and into a hall filled with photos documenting the history of the property and the city. Winston Churchill frequented the Chateau Laurier and there are several pictures of him enjoying all the things to do in Ottawa.

It even has a Titanic connection. Charles Melville Hays was in charge of the railway expansion in Canada and had a hand in hiring the designers for the hotel. The Chateau Laurier was the flagship hotel of many more hotels to be built along the railway line.

There are many more museums in Ottawa that warrant their own blog post. Which we did here. Discover the Canadian War Museum, the Canada Science and Technology Museum the Cold War Museum and more at our post here. Check out  Ottawa Tourism  for the complete list.

13. Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall is a national historic site that is home to one of the most important figures in the Canadian Government. The Governor-General. Group and private tours are offered daily to explore the quarters of our Governor-General. The Governor-General of Canada does the same duties that the Queen of England does.

Our current Governor-General resides there but visitors have a chance to tour a portion of this residence and the official halls used for ceremonies and meetings. This is definitely one of the most interesting things to see in Ottawa. Check out how to book a tour at the  Rideau Hall Website

Ottawa Luxury and Relaxation

14. fairmont chateau laurier.

No trip to Ottawa would be complete without staying at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. It’s welcomed royalty, celebrities and world leaders to its historic chambers. Built in 1912, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is one of Canada’s most famous landmarks.

Located directly on the Rideau Canal, it has the best views in the city and is centrally located to nearly every major site. The ByWard Market is a 5-minute walk one way and the Parliament buildings are a 5-minute walk the other. Check out their website for  availability and rates or compare prices on TripAdvisor

15. Nordik Spa-Nature

When visiting Ottawa, take some time to get out of town and spend a day at the quiet retreat of the  Nordik Spa-Nature . Located 20 minutes from Ottawa, in Gatineau Quebec, Nordik Spa tops the things to do near Ottawa. It is a unique spa experience surrounded by nature.

The Källa Treatment (Saltwater Pool) was a highlight for us as we spent 40 minutes floating in serenity feeling the weight of zero gravity. It’s equivalent to several hours of sleep!

• 1 Infinity Pool
• 1 Salt Water Floating Pool – Kalla Treatment
• 3 Restaurants
• Indoor and Outdoor Lounges
• Several Treatment rooms

Nordik Spa-Nature  is planning a hotel on premises in the future and I would highly recommend a night there after your day at the spa. Read about our full experience here:   Pure Bliss at Nordik Spa-Nature

Best Place for Ottawa Sunset

16. sunset from andaz hotel.

People are always looking for the best views when visiting a city and the Andaz Hotel in the ByWard Market has one of the best sunset views in Ottawa. Out of all the hotels in Ottawa, this one got its sunset terrace right.

Try one of their signature cocktails and enjoy the view over the ByWard Market from their floor to ceiling windows indoors or from the outdoor patio. Visit The Hyatt Andaz for reservations and information or compare prices on TripAdvisore

17. La Terrasse

La Terrasse is located inside the Chateau Laurier and overlooks the locks of the Rideau Canal. It offers a stunning view of the Parliament Buildings, the canal and Ottawa River. You can enjoy cocktails, patio food, and a pleasant atmosphere. This shaded patio at Chateau Laurier is another excellent spot to watch the sunset.

18. John Ceprano Rocks

This park on the river houses Muskoka Chairs overlooking the water to view the unique and picturesque John Ceprano Rocks. Artist, John Ceprano works on his display throughouth the summer and is a very friendly guy. He’s happy to talk with you and share his vision for all the world to post on Instagram.

19. Nepean Point

This park is famous for its gorgeous view of the Ottawa Skyline and the Alexandra Bridge reaching over the Ottawa River. We highly recommend walking across the Alexandra Bridge to Gatineau. It offers beautiful views of the Ottawa Parliament Buildings, the river and it is a pleasant stroll. The bridge takes you from Ottawa to the grounds of the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau. You can then hop on the ferry to take it back to Ottawa.

More Ottawa Attractions

20. canal cruise.

An entertaining way to learn about the history of the Rideau Canal is to take a Canal Cruise from Chateau Laurier to Dow’s Lake. The tours last about an hour and a half and pass landmarks such as City Hall, National Arts Centre, Canadian Museum of Nature, the TD Centre and Lansdowne Park.

In the winter in Ottawa you can skate along this same route. See our Best Things to do in Ottawa in Winter. For more information visit Rideau  Canal Cruises

21. ByWard Market

It’s on every list of the best things to do in Ottawa that you’ll find on the Internet and with good reason. The Byward Market is one of Canada’s oldest public markets dating back to 1826. It was started by Lt-Col. John By who helped build the Rideau Canal. The ByWard Market is a bustling place by day and night with shops restaurants and boutiques.

22. Mosaiculture

Mosaiculture caught our eye when searching photographs of Ottawa in Summer. This spectacular display of 48  massive floral sculptures will inspire and awe. Located on the banks of Gatineau, it is a wonderful stop to spend a couple of hours taking in the artistry and design. Update: Mosaic culture is no longer happening in Ottawa, but I left the photograph because it is so beautiful and I want them to bring it back!

23. Laval Street in Gatineau

While in Gatineau you must go to Laval Street for a cocktail. Today it has been transformed into a trendy street filled with patios and even an art installation of colourful umbrellas hanging from the buildings.

Where to Eat and Drink in Ottawa

24. riviera restaurant.

Voted as one of the best restaurants in Canada by enRoute Magazine, the Riviera Restaurant is the place to eat! A popular eatery for politicians, it is located on Sparks Street, Ottawa’s pedestrian street across from Parliament Hill. It’s known for its signature cocktails and we all made sure to have a round of these works of art. From Mint Juleps to Manhattan, they’ve got it all.

The menu changes daily, but there are plenty of choices for vegetarians and pescatarians as well as full-on meat eaters. See their  Website for details

25. Whalesbone

Owned and operated by my college roommate’s brother, Whales Bone has made quite a name for itself in Ottawa. With two locations, it’s a popular spot for locals. Known for its oysters, it didn’t disappoint.

Located on Bank Street and Elgin Street, this place is a must for seafood lovers. See the menu and make reservations at  TheWhalesBone.com

26. Chateau Laurier

Wilfred’s in the Fairmont Chateau Laurier has long been considered the best restaurant in Ottawa. The newly renovated Zoe’s is a more relaxed atmosphere in a stylish setting. It’s still grand and elegant with crown moulding and high ceilings, but it has stepped effortlessly into the 21st century.

27. Tavern on the Falls

Did you know Ottawa has its own waterfalls? They aren’t exactly huge, but they are picturesque. The Rideau Falls are where the Rideau River empties into the Ottawa River and you can take in the view on the patio of Tavern on the Falls. Famous for its gourmet hot dogs, Tavern on the Falls is a nice escape from the city where you can enjoy a beer or even a glass of bubbly while taking in the waterfront views.

28. Brig Pub

The Brig Pub is an excellent escape in the ByWard Market with a very cool patio in the back. The patio is so hidden you won’t even know it’s there. It has an extensive menu of pub food, but it also goes beyond the pub offering delicious choices like Fish Tacos, mac and blue cheese, duck confit poutine and falafel and avocado wraps. Check out  the Brig Pub  for menu and details.

Easy Ways to Pass the Time in Ottawa

29. bike or walk along the canal.

There are plenty of walking trails in Ottawa along the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River. Each path is pedestrian friendly taking you on a stroll through history and beauty.

30. Walk Across the Alexandra Bridge

New York has the Brooklyn Bridg e that is pedestrian friendly, well Ottawa has the Alexandra Bridge. It’s a beautiful walk with a designated pedestrian and cycling path spanning from Ottawa to Gatineau. It links the National Gallery of Ottawa to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau offering excellent skyline views as you cross the river.

31. Ottawa Monuments

Like most capital cities around the world, Ottawa has a lot of monuments commemorating Canadian history. Walk through the downtown core looking for statues of moments and people that defined from the Valiant’s Memorial, The Peacekeeping Monument, and the Oscar Peterson Statue.

Ottawa Festivals

32. jazzfest to winterlude.

Keep an eye out for the many festivals that happen in Ottawa throughout the year. There are plenty of festivals in Ottawa to attend, our top recommendations are the Jazz Festival, the Tulip Festival and of course the most famous being Winterlude happening in Winter. Neighbouring Montreal has a lot of festivals as well. Read more at Bloomin’ Marvels – The World’s Largest Tulip Festival.

33. Canada Day

It’s a  Canadian Right of passage  to make a pilgrimage to Ottawa for Canada Day. The Festivities take place on Parliament Hill and there is entertainment, water stations, and festivities all week long!

The famous Canadian Snowbirds make appearances throughout the day and a mix of Canadian talent takes to the stage celebrating diversity and inclusion. I don’t think there is a better place to feel an enormous sense of joy than here in Ottawa on Canada Day.

Getting To Ottawa

• Ottawa has an international airport (YOW). Direct flights from downtown Toronto Billy Bishop Airport to Ottawa happen daily on Porter Airlines.
• Trains travel from Toronto Union Station Daily
• Or you can do what we often do, take the 5-hour drive along the 401 to the Ottawa cutoff.
• Ottawa is a two-hour drive from Montreal

When visiting Canada, make sure to include Ottawa on your itinerary. It is one of Canada’s coolest cities offering culture, nature, luxury and adventure to people from around the world.

Ottawa is welcoming and friendly and it’s bilingual. Most people will flip effortlessly through French and English and you never know, you just may run into our Prime Minister. He hangs out a lot around these parts.

Getting Around Ottawa

Aqua Taxi  – Takes you from the Rideau Canal Locks to Gatineau ($3 per person one-way)

Uber i s affordable and an excellent way to get around the city.

• Note  Uber and Lyft operate in Ottawa but not in Quebec,  but if you go across the bridge to Gatineau in Quebec, they do not operate. They will drop you off, but you will have to take a taxi back.

Taxis  – We found taxis to be double the price in Ottawa and don’t recommend taking them.

Car Rental  – For certain places in this list of things to do, a car rental is highly recommended. You only need to rent a car for a day or two of your trip to see everything on this list and then you can walk and uber it anywhere.

Bike Rentals  – Ottawa is a very bike friendly city with plenty of cycling trails and dedicated lanes. There are several rental companies in the city where you can rent a bike for an hour to a week.

Walking  – a lot of the major sites are easily accessible by walking.

Gatineau – Even going over to Gatineau is a pleasant walk across the Alexandra Bridge – It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the Byward Market in Ottawa to the Gatineau Museum of History . The waterfront in Gatineau is worth exploring.

Read More Toronto Travel Tips

• Winterlude Itinerary – The Ultimate Guide to Ottawa
• Ottawa Attractions – 20 Winter Activities to Embrace the Snow
• Places to Visit in Ottawa this Autumn
• 33 Things to do in Ottawa – A Complete Guide to the City
• 15 Awesome Ottawa Museums – What Not to Miss and Why
• Nordik Spa Nature – A Guide to Ottawa’s Luxury Spa Escape
• Ottawa River Rafting

For more information on other Canadian Cities, read our other city guides

• Where to Stay in Toronto – A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods
• Things to do in Toronto – A Guide to the Top Attractions
• Things to do in Niagara Falls
• Montreal Festivals – Celebrate Canada’s Coolest City
• Where to Stay in Montreal – A Guide To The Best Places and Neighborhoods
• Traveling by Via Rail Canada – Toronto to Montreal Train
• Best Things to do in Vancouver
• 25 Best Things to do in Mont Tremblant, Quebec
• The 27 Best Things to do in Quebec City

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8 thoughts on “33 Things to do in Ottawa – A Complete Guide to the City”

Hi Deb and Dave A beautifully written blog once again. Your blogs are a treat to read everytime. I would (again) like to add a few secret places to this wonderful blog of yours.

1. Princess Louise Falls: you won’t believe that there is a waterfall hidden right in the center of sub urban town in Ottawa. It has an amazing hike trail and breathtaking scenic view that you just can’t miss. 2. Dominion Arboretum: if you want to see cherry blossoms in Canada where do you go? To Dominion Arboretum. This park is located at Central Experimental Farm of Agriculture in Ottawa and houses over 10,000 species of flora. The park is used for both experimental study and display to the public.

If you or your readers want to know more about these beautiful but secret places that you can visit in Canada, then hop over to my blog that’ll link to my name.

Happy Traveling 😀

Hi.. Do you know if everything is open, I am planning to visit Ottawa at end of July 2021.

Wow I didn’t know there was so much to do in Ottawa! I’m from Montreal and when I have visited Ottawa last year I was looking for a city guide like this. Thanks, will definately try some of the activities next time!! Natalie

Love this guide to Ottawa! We have added some things to our list to do when we visit again.

Nice will defintely try some. By the way uber do operate in Gatineau (not all areas) but not lyft at all.

This city was really a great spot to visit, the tourist will surely enjoy everything that the Ottawa city can offer.

Nice post. Thanks for sharing pictures and location. All images are Awesome.

Great post the content is good especially I love the way you portray the images. it’s like they say come to visit Ottawa. content is great.

Ottawa   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Danielle Donders | Getty Images

Why Go To Ottawa

Located in southeast Ontario near the Québec border, Ottawa may seem an unlikely choice for Canada's capital when compared to larger cities like Toronto and Montreal . But that doesn't mean it should be ignored. Visit for yourself, and you'll see this city doesn't fall short. It's small yet lively, family-friendly yet nightlife-ready, somewhat chilly yet undeniably cool.

Ottawa is a political and cultural hub that particularly caters to the out-of-towner. Its downtown overflows with jaw-dropping architecture, state-of-the-art museums, funky boutiques and fantastic snack joints that are all easy for you to explore on foot. Plus, this is a city that loves to celebrate, hosting dozens of festivals throughout the year. And while cold weather may seem like a deterrent, a few hours ice skating (or sipping hot chocolate) along the Rideau Canal will transform even the most stubborn summer-lover into a winter buff.

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• # 7 in Best Family Vacations in Canada

Best of Ottawa

Best hotels in ottawa.

• # 1 in Hilton Lac-Leamy
• # 2 in Le Germain Hotel Ottawa
• # 3 in Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Best Things to Do in Ottawa

• # 1 in Rideau Canal
• # 2 in ByWard Market
• # 3 in Canadian War Museum

Popular Tours

Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise

(110 reviews)

from $ 132.91

Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

(393 reviews)

from $ 33.55

Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau

(40 reviews)

from $ 129.94

Ottawa Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Ottawa is between March and May, when temperatures begin to rise and the city starts to bloom. This is also when some of the capital's favorite special events – including the beloved Tulip Festival – take place. Thanks to its characteristically warm weather, summer is the most popular time for a visit, but it's also the most expensive, with average room rates costing as much as $140 per night. For those of you itching to find a bargain, consider a winter trip; although temperatures often drop below freezing, you can keep your blood pumping by practicing your figure skating or hockey moves on the Rideau Canal .

Weather in Ottawa

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• There's more than one city here "Ottawa" refers to the city south of the Ottawa River in the English-speaking province of Ontario. Several bridges connect the capital to its northern neighbor, Gatineau, in the French-speaking province of Quebec.
• Don't worry too much about money The Canadian dollar – roughly equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar – is the official currency here. But because Ottawa is so close to the U.S. border, many businesses also accept American money.
• Bring warm clothing Average highs during the winter months rarely rise above freezing. If you're planning a winter trip, make sure to bring all the cold-weather necessities like a warm hat, scarf and gloves.

How to Save Money in Ottawa

• Plan an evening museum visit Several of Ottawa's museums, including the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of Nature , offer free admission on Thursday evenings from 4 or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Limit your sit-down meals Ottawa has an abundance of fine restaurants, but dining out can get expensive quickly. Rely on less formal dining spots like those at ByWard Market for breakfast and lunch.
• Avoid downtown hotels You'll find much lower rates if you look for accommodations  on the outskirts of town. If convenience is an issue, remember that all of the city's bus lines stop downtown.

Culture & Customs

As with other cities in Canada, Ottawa's culture is influenced by its mother country – England – and its aboriginal heritage. Whether you're sipping afternoon tea, watching the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony at Parliament Hill or embarking on an indigenous walking tour, you'll have multiple opportunities to experience the province's culture. To get a better understanding of how the country's earliest settlers shaped its present-day identity, start your tour of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of History .

Americans shouldn't have any trouble navigating Canada's capital. English and French are the country's two official languages, but most Ottawa residents speak English. If you venture across the Ottawa River to Gatineau (which is located in the French-speaking province of Quebec), you may want to come prepared with a few French phrases, such as " bonjour " ("hello"), " s'il vous plaît " ("please") and " merci " ("thank you").

Ottawa's official currency is the Canadian dollar, which is roughly equivalent to the U.S. dollar (you should still plan to check what the current exchange rate is before you go). To avoid confusion when purchasing goods, familiarize yourself with Canadian currency. Coins are in denominations of $2, $1, $0.50, $0.25, $0.10 and $0.05. Canadian dollar coins are called "loonies;" $2 coins are called "toonies." Paper bills are in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5. Weight is measured in metric units; distance is measured in kilometers – pay close attention to this if you've decided to rent a car.

What to Eat

Much like the U.S. capital , Ottawa boasts a diverse and top-notch dining scene that caters to everyone from policy-making politicos to camera-wielding tourists. Since it's located across the Ottawa River from the French-speaking province of Quebec, it should come as no surprise that French food plays a starring role in the city's restaurant culture. In fact, Ottawa is home to the only Canadian campus of Le Cordon Bleu, an international culinary school. The campus is also home to a fine dining eatery, Signatures Restaurant , which is housed in a Tudor Revival-style mansion. If you want to sample French cuisine without paying a hefty price tag, consider making a lunch reservation here, when three-course meals are offered for CA$34 (around $26) per person.

Not one for French cuisine? How about Canadian instead? Several restaurants around the city offer Canadian or ("New Canadian") menus, including the award-winning Atelier , which serves a 12-course tasting menu every night. Though 12 courses may seem a bit intimidating, recent visitors raved about the interesting and creative dishes plated here. If you're looking for something a bit more approachable, consider Play Food & Wine , a small plates eatery that's lauded for its food and wine pairings and excellent service. Another small plates restaurant that's popular with locals and visitors: town . Visitors say this Italian-inspired outpost is a hit thanks to its convenient downtown location and its flavorful dishes. And when you're ready to sample some of the city's seafood, head to the Whalesbone Oyster House for (what else?) oysters. Though recent visitors do note that the restaurant is small and can be noisy, they can't deny the quality of the seafood.

Finally, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the city's food culture, you must take a spin through ByWard Market , one of the country's oldest and largest public markets. And for an equally wide-ranging sample of Ottawa's beer scene, head to CRAFT Beer Market .

Getting Around Ottawa

The best way to get around Ottawa is on foot. The city's vibrant downtown area is extremely condensed, and excellent signage makes it easy to navigate. If you do get tired of walking, the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Transit Commission (OC Transpo) operates numerous bus routes (all of which originate from the Rideau Centre) through downtown and into the more residential areas. To get to the downtown area from the Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), you can take the No. 97 bus for CA$3.65 (roughly $2.80). Taxis are also available, but expect to pay upward of CA$30 (about $23).

Entry & Exit Requirements

A valid travel document (preferably a passport) is required for citizens of the United States traveling outside the mainland by air or sea, as well as for U.S. citizens trying to re-enter the country. If you are planning to drive, you can also use a NEXUS card, which allows for expedited border crossings for both private and commercial travelers through Canadian and U.S. border controls. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department website .

Winter in Ottawa is chilly, but if you can brave the cold, you'll be rewarded with snow-covered scenes like this one, featuring Parliament Hill .

Explore More of Ottawa

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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• Destinations

Ottawa Travel Guide: 21 Best Things to do in Ottawa, Canada

We truly fell in love with Ottawa! The capital of Canada, is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers a wide range of activities for visitors. Whether you are interested in exploring the city’s rich history, enjoying the local food scene, or taking part in outdoor adventures, Ottawa has something for everyone. In this article, I will highlight 21 of the best things to do in Ottawa, including tips on traveling from Toronto to Ottawa, the best time to visit, where to stay, and whether it is worth visiting.

I would also recommend to check out my articles about Toronto & Montreal .

Is it Worth Visiting Ottawa?

Yes, it is definitely worth visiting Ottawa! We were surprised how much Ottawa has to offer! It was definitely one of our favourite cities in Canada since we were also travelling with the kid. The city has a rich history and culture, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant food and so many interesting things to discover. There are also many outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, biking, and skiing.

Traveling from Toronto to Ottawa

If you are traveling from Toronto to Ottawa, you have several options. You can take a flight, which takes about an hour, or you can take a train or bus, which takes about 4-5 hours. The train and bus options are more affordable. We truly enjoyed our train ride. The seats are spacious, there is a free wi-fi connection or you can just chat to the people who are travelling with you. Canadians are in general very friendly and open people who are eager to chat.

Best Time to Visit Ottawa

The best time to visit Ottawa is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. We travelled in in the end of August and it was not crowded at all. However, if you prefer cooler weather, you can visit in the spring or autumn. Autumn is a very beautiful season in Canada, when all trees are covered in colourful leaves and you can enjoy pumpkin spice latte in every coffee shop. Winter is also a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports like skiing and ice skating.

Where to Stay in Ottawa

There are many places to stay in Ottawa, depending on your budget and preferences. Some of the best neighborhoods to stay in include:

• Downtown: This is the heart of the city and is close to many of the major attractions, including Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada.
• ByWard Market: This is a trendy neighborhood with many restaurants, bars, and shops.
• Westboro: This is a quieter neighborhood with many parks and outdoor spaces.

Best things to do & see in Ottawa

Hop on hop off bus.

If you’re looking for a convenient, informative, and scenic way to explore Ottawa, the hop-on hop-off bus is an excellent choice that ensures you won’t miss a thing. On our first day we decided to get tickets online for the double decker bus and enjoy the city in a relaxed way.

We observed breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like Parliament Hill, the historic ByWard Market, and the stunning Rideau Canal. With this bus pass, we were able to get on and off at any of 15 stops scattered throughout Ottawa for 24 hours. And the guide was telling interesting facts about the city in English and French.

 Visit the Canadian Museum of History

We decided to visit The Canadian Museum of History on one of our stops while taking hop on hop off bus. Because it’s located across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec and not directly in the city centre. This is one of the most popular museums in Canada and is a great place to learn about the country’s history and culture. I would recommend to visit the museum in the first part of the day so you have enough time to immerse into the history of Canada. Believe me, it’s truly captivating!

The museum is a great place for the whole family. It offers vast collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and multimedia presentations covers topics ranging from Indigenous cultures and early European exploration to Canada’s role in both World Wars and its multicultural identity. Moreover, the museum’s iconic architecture, with its stunning use of glass and wood, provides a visually fascinating experience, making it a destination in its own right. There is even an interactive exhibit for the kids of all ages.

Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is an iconic waterway in Ottawa, and one of the best ways to experience it’s beauty and history is by taking an EKeau boat tour. EKeau offers a unique and eco-friendly way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour takes you along the scenic canal, providing you with breathtaking views of the city and its landmarks, including Parliament Hill and the historic ByWard Market.

We were positively surprised to find out that EKeau is electric and solar-powered boats, which are not only environmentally friendly but also provide a peaceful and tranquil experience as they glide silently through the water. You can relax and take in the picturesque surroundings while learning about the canal’s fascinating history and it’s role in shaping Ottawa.

Moreover the tour guides share engaging stories and insights about the canal’s significance, making it an educational and enjoyable experience!

ByWard Market

ByWard Market, located in the heart of Ottawa, is a historic destination that encapsulates the city’s dynamic culinary and cultural scene. This bustling marketplace, one of the oldest and largest in Canada, offers an array of fresh produce, artisan goods, gourmet foods, and eclectic shops. But it’s not just a hub for shopping; ByWard Market is a cultural melting pot, where visitors can savor diverse cuisine at its numerous restaurants, cafes, and food stalls, or explore the lively nightlife with its bars and entertainment venues.

You can savor the market’s fantastic blend of tastes, on the 2.5-hour tour with an experienced guide. Prebook online since it’s a very popular tour!

Join “Ottawa Walking Tours”

We love walking tours when locals can tell us more about the city. So we decided to join “ Ottawa Walking Tours ” to discover citie’s history, culture, and hidden gems. Our tour guide was Craig, who was born in Ottawa. Which meant he could tell us A LOT about the development of the city but also about the great and additionally not so great sides of Ottawa. I believe it’s the best way to get to know the city from the local’s perspective.

For example we’ve learned that Ottawa is a home of the biggest tulip festival in the world. This festival commemorates the sacrifice of over 7,500 Canadian soldiers who died during the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II. Tulips were gifted to Canada in thanks from Netherlands.

Additionally, the walking tour offers more engaging experience compared to traditional sightseeing. We had the chance to explore iconic landmarks like Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, and the historic architecture up close, while Craig shared intriguing anecdotes and facts. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the city’s details and nuances.

Moreover, “ Ottawa Walking Tours ” often provides thematic tours, allowing you to choose one that aligns with your interests, whether it’s history, art, or food. You can tailor your experience to your preferences, making it a personalized adventure.

Visit the Ottawa Art Gallery

The Ottawa Art Gallery , situated in the heart of Canada’s capital, is a cultural gem that beckons art enthusiasts. This institution serves as a hub for contemporary and Indigenous art, featuring a diverse collection that showcases the talent and creativity of local artists. The gallery’s thoughtfully curated exhibitions offer a glimpse into Ottawa’s rich artistic tapestry, allowing you to explore an array of visual expressions, from painting and sculpture to multimedia installations. I was very upset that we couldn’t visit it due to the lack of time. So learn from my mistakes and definitely find time to visit it!

Visit the National Arts Centre 

The National Arts Centre , perched on the banks of the Rideau Canal, is a cultural cornerstone in Ottawa that invites patrons to partake in a world of performing arts. This elegant venue showcases a wide spectrum of artistic endeavors, from stirring ballet performances and captivating theatrical productions to symphonic orchestras and contemporary music concerts.

The National Arts Centre is a place where the magic of live performances comes to life, offering audiences the opportunity to be swept away by the talent and creativity of artists from Canada and around the world. The center’s role in fostering artistic expression and cultural exchange has made it a vital part of Ottawa’s cultural landscape, providing a platform for both emerging talents and established artists to share their artistry with the city’s residents and visitors.

Bytown Museum

First, the museum is located in a historic building that was once a commissariat for the construction of the Rideau Canal, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into Ottawa’s early history. It’s an opportunity to step back in time and learn about the challenges and triumphs of the laborers who built the canal, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Second, the Bytown Museum’ s exhibits are thoughtfully curated to showcase the city’s evolution from a lumber town known as Bytown to the modern capital of Canada. The museum’s collection includes artifacts, photographs, and documents that highlight the social, economic, and cultural aspects of Ottawa’s past.

Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, an architectural jewel in Ottawa. This Gothic Revival masterpiece exudes a sense of reverence and wonder, offering visitors a chance to step into a sanctuary of unparalleled elegance. The basilica is renowned for its awe-inspiring stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and exquisite detailing that transports you to another era.

Ottawa’s Craft Beer Scene

Ottawa’s craft beer scene is a must-visit for beer lovers. With a variety of breweries and tours to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a behind-the-scenes tour or just want to sample some of the city’s best craft beers, Ottawa’s craft beer scene is sure to impress!

There are so many different breweries so I would highly recommend just to join Ottawa Craft Beer Tour . This tour offers free transportation from Ottawa and Gatineau and includes behind-the-scenes tours of local breweries. You’ll also get to sample a variety of craft beers and learn about the brewing process.

Take a bike tour of the city 

I love exploring new cities by bike! Ottawa is not an exception. It is a delightful way to experience the city’s charms. Bike tours provide a unique perspective on Ottawa’s landmarks, neighborhoods, and scenic pathways. As you pedal through the city, you’ll have the freedom to stop and explore iconic sites like Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and ByWard Market at your own pace.

Explore the National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada is a cultural treasure trove. This esteemed institution houses a vast and diverse collection of artworks, from captivating Canadian masterpieces to international creations. Stroll through the gallery’s stunning spaces and immerse yourself in the world of visual arts. You’ll have the chance to admire the works of renowned artists like the Group of Seven, and marvel at captivating pieces like the iconic Maman spider sculpture.

Visit Parliament Hill 

Parliament Hill is the symbolic heart of Canadian governance and a powerful representation of the nation’s history and political traditions. Visiting this iconic site offers a unique glimpse into Canada’s democratic processes and the impressive architectural grandeur of its Parliament Buildings. Witness the renowned Changing of the Guard ceremony during the summer months, and explore the interiors of the buildings through guided tours. As you stand on Parliament Hill, you’re surrounded by the beauty of its Gothic Revival architecture and the panoramic views of the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills.

Visit Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is a great place to visit especially if you are travelling with the kids. The museum is home to an extensive collection of specimens, fossils, and artifacts that showcase Canada’s rich natural history. It offers a fascinating journey through the country’s diverse landscapes, ecosystems, and the incredible creatures that inhabit them. The museum offers a family-friendly environment with interactive play areas for children and numerous exhibits that cater to young learners. It’s a place where families can explore together and spark curiosity about the natural world.

Scenic Helicopter Flight

Exploring Ottawa from a scenic helicopter flight is a truly remarkable experience for several compelling reasons. It offers an unparalleled perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks, allowing you to witness the majesty of Parliament Hill, the stunning architecture of government buildings, and the picturesque landscapes along the Ottawa River with a breathtaking aerial view. The sensation of soaring above the city creates a sense of awe and wonder, providing a unique and unforgettable way to appreciate Ottawa’s beauty.

Take a ghost tour of the city 

For those who crave a more spine-tingling experience, embarking on a ghost tour of Ottawa promises a thrilling adventure. These guided tours lead you through the city’s historic neighborhoods, revealing tales of hauntings, mysteries, and legends. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply enjoy captivating stories, a ghost tour provides a fascinating perspective on Ottawa’s darker history and uncovers the mysteries that lie hidden in its historic streets.

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

For those with a passion for aviation and space exploration, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum is a captivating destination. Situated just minutes from downtown Ottawa, this museum boasts one of the world’s most extensive collections of aircraft, including iconic examples of Canadian aviation history. Marvel at the legendary Avro Arrow, explore interactive exhibits, and learn about the evolution of flight in Canada. The museum offers an educational and inspiring experience for all ages, making it an exciting journey through the world of aviation and space exploration.

Take a hike in Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park, a natural oasis just a short drive from Ottawa, beckons outdoor enthusiasts to embark on a journey through its lush landscapes. With an extensive network of trails, this park provides the ideal setting for hiking adventures amidst dense forests, picturesque lakes, and panoramic viewpoints. The park’s diverse terrain caters to hikers of all skill levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging treks that reward you with breathtaking vistas.

Visit the Canadian War Museum 

The Canadian War Museum is a powerful and evocative institution that pays tribute to Canada’s military history. Located on the banks of the Ottawa River, the museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and interactive displays that chronicle the country’s involvement in various conflicts. Visitors can explore the stories of soldiers, civilians, and nations affected by war, offering a comprehensive and deeply moving perspective on Canada’s role in global history. The Canadian War Museum is a place of reflection, commemoration, and remembrance, making it an essential destination for those seeking a greater understanding of the country’s military heritage.

Visit the Diefenbunker Museum

The Diefenbunker Museum , located just outside Ottawa, offers a glimpse into a secret and fascinating chapter of Canada’s history during the Cold War. This once top-secret underground government bunker is now open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its labyrinthine chambers and learn about the country’s preparations for nuclear threats. The Diefenbunker Museum is a unique and immersive experience that unveils the intrigue of a bygone era.

Winterlude is an annual festival that captures the magic of the season. With events scattered throughout the city, you can witness mesmerizing ice sculptures, glide along frozen canals, and partake in various winter activities that encapsulate the beauty of a Canadian winter wonderland.

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Travel reviews

• Worth the detour

CENTENNIAL FLAME

The Centennial Flame offers a superb view of the Parliament Buildings . Time to get out your camera! The flame burns year-round, in summer and winter alike!

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Daily from the end of June until the end of August when weather makes it possible.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

BOAT CRUISE ON THE OTTAWA RIVER

BYWARD MARKET 

Open year round.

SPARKS STREET MALL 

It is also home to a wide variety of events and activities throughout the year.

RIDE ON THE RIDEAU CANAL

CANADIAN MUSEUM OF HISTORY

Visit the Canadian Children's Museum for a trip around the world, where you and your children will discover a host of fascinating people and places. The complex also features an IMAX theatre .

NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL BASILICA

This magnificent Neo-Gothic style cathedral was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1990 because of its great heritage value. The building's notable features include its stone exterior, its two square towers, an ornately decorated interior with vaulted ceilings and extensive woodwork, and its interior sculptures carved by notable Canadian sculptor, Philippe Hebert .

Visits are not permitted during mass hours. 

GATINEAU PARK

This park, just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, is the largest green space in the Outaouais region , known for its rich biodiversity and its rolling green hills and forests . People come here in summer to visit historic sites , such as the Mackenzie-King Estate, to hike along its 183 km of trails (accessible from April 15 to September 15), and to cycle , swim and camp . In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are the activities of predilection.

There are also scenic drives leading to lookouts, lakes and waterfalls. The park is open 24 hours a day, all year round, except during severe weather.

Optional activities

• Canadian Museum of History
• Guided walking tour of Ottawa

Where to eat

• $ Inexpensive
• $$ Moderate
• $$$ Upscale
• $$$$ Fine dining

SANSOTEI RAMEN ($$)

The first Sansotei Ramen opened in Toronto and it now has several locations including this one in Ottawa, which is gaining new fans all the time. They serve a wide variety of ramen noodle soups made from broths prepared daily on site and side dishes such as chicken wings, Zangi (fried chicken), gyoza (pan-fried Japanese pork dumplings), seaweed salad and gyudon (rice with beef and caramelized onions). If you're in the mood for dessert, try the mango cheesecake.

FLORA HALL BREWING ($$)

This brewpub opened in October 2017 in a remodelled 1927 building that formerly housed an automotive radio repair business. It has since become a popular Ottawa gathering place with its wide variety of quality craft beers, warm and welcoming space, and menu offering creative and contemporary takes on classic comfort foods from around the globe, with ingredients sourced locally and seasonally.

TOWN ($$-$$$)

Their slogan, “Town loves you and wants you to be happy”, says it all! Creative cuisine made with fresh locally-sourced ingredients, accompanied by good music, a warm atmosphere and excellent service, at a reasonable price.

PLAY FOOD & WINE ($$$)

Play food & wine offers generous small plates to share, with a solid selection of sweet and savory dishes, charcuteries and cheeses, and the perfect wines by the glass to accompany them. Local, sustainable and seasonal products from local farms are used in the kitchen.

BECKTA DINING & WINE ($$$$)

Beckta Dining & Wine is the flagship restaurant of Stephen Beckta, one of Ottawa's most renowned chefs. You will love the refined, modern, seasonal cuisine, prepared with local organic produce. The exceptional service adds to the pleasure of your fine dining experience.

Where to sleep ?

• Alt Hotel Ottawa
• Hôtel Le Germain Ottawa
• Fairmont Chateau Laurier
• McGee's Inn
• Andaz Ottawa
• Best Western Gatineau

Festivals calendar

Canadian tulip festival.

Dates: mid-May

What began with a gift from the Netherlands as a symbol of international friendship quickly blossomed into one of the most celebrated festivals in Canada and the largest tulip festival in the world. Ottawa, with its official flower, the tulip, has become the tulip capital of North America. The highest concentration of tulips can be viewed in Commissioners Park, where some 300,000 flowers bloom. A shuttle service follows the Tulip Route, allowing visitors to admire the colourful tulip beds and spectacular gardens along the canal.

Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

Dates: end June

Ottawa's Dragon Boat Festival is the largest of its kind in North America. The festival takes place at Mooney’s Bay Park. About 200 teams made up of some 5,000 paddlers compete in different race categories. More than 70,000 spectators enjoy a wide range of on-site cultural presentations, concerts and family activities.

Ottawa Bluesfest

Dates: July 

RBC Ottawa Bluesfest is one of the top ten music festivals in the world, according to Billboard Magazine. It is a multi-staged, two-week music showcase featuring some of the best talent available on the planet. Blues, R&B, rock, pop and much more.

Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light

Dates: August 

The Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light is one of the largest fireworks competitions in Canada. Watch the sky over the lovely shores of Leamy Lake light up in a dazzling pyromusical display. Magical moments, colourful lights, music and entertainment combine to create a fun atmosphere that will appeal to the whole family.

When to visit

• Very Favourable
• Unfavourable

Very special City, much activities

very special City, I was only 1 day, was sorry that I didnt have another day

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Ottawa blog — the fullest ottawa canada travel guide for first-timers.

If you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Ottawa is the ideal destination for you. This place puts on itself a peaceful, tranquil and poetic beauty with many trees, lakes, harbours and quaint buildings, pleasant atmosphere that promising to bring tourists an interesting journey. Today, we will share everything about this Canada’s capital city to help you plan a wonderful upcoming trip. So, what to do, where to go and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Ottawa, Canada for the first-time? Let’s check out our Ottawa blog (Ottawa travel blog) with the fullest Ottawa travel guide (Ottawa canada travel guide, Ottawa city guide, Ottawa guide, Ottawa tourist guide, Ottawa visitor guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

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Ottawa means “to trade”. This name comes from the desire to turn this place into a large commercial and trading center of the French and Irish in the early days. However, today, the capital of Canada is a peaceful, quaint city with many heritage sites, museums, trees and parks. Therefore, visiting Ottawa, you can hear the birdsong in the morning, bask in the warm sun or sit on the sidewalk to sipping a cup of hot coffee with some pastries and watching people pass by.

Moreover, the city is surrounded by wildlife parks. Here, you can comfortably observe the bears or reindeer hibernating. In particular, traveling to Ottawa without skating once is a pity because the city has the world’s largest skating rink called Rideau Skating Rink. And if you’ve never been to Ottawa, don’t forget to plan a Canada trip right away. Ottawa promises to bring visitors an exciting journey.

Hint: For those of you who do not know or are confused, Toronto is not the capital of Canada. But Ottawa is the capital of Canada. Surprise? Before, I met many of you confused, but now it’s over.

Ottawa blog: Overview of Ottawa

Ottawa is 190km west of Montreal and 400km northeast of Toronto. With a population of over 1.4 million people and covering an area of 2,790 km², Ottawa is considered the 4th largest city in Canada. It can be said that Ottawa is a multicultural city. The locals speak both English and French. It is also home to a high standard of living, low rate of unemployment and owns many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Like some capitals like Canberra in Australia or Ankara in Turkey, Ottawa is home to an administrative apparatus with government offices, agencies. But that does not make this place lose its charm, because there are still many Ottawa tourist attractions for you to explore. Traveling to Ottawa, you will have the opportunity to visit museums, art galleries and many famous architectural works. In particular, these main attractions are only about a 20-minute walk from the city center.

Ottawa blog: When should you visit?

Depend on your preference and travel style, you can travel to Ottawa at any time of the year.

Spring: The best time to visit Ottawa is May every year. At this time, Ottawa jubilantly held the Tulip Festival – Canada’s most loved spring festival. Ottawa is known as the “Tulip Capital” of North America. The weather is also pleasant, suitable for outdoor activities, sightseeing.

Autumn: In addition to the tulip festival, another good time to visit Ottawa is in autumn, from September to November every year. Not only Ottawa, Canada’s scenery is covered with yellow and red colors of maple leaves in the changing season, bring the gentle, romantic atmosphere.

Summer: Visitors can also come to Ottawa in the summer, from May to August, the weather in this season is relatively cool, not too cold, very suitable for Asian tourists and ideal for European visitors.

Winter: If you are afraid of summer in Ottawa, you can come here in winter. From December to March next year, the weather is very cold. If you travel to Ottawa this season, you will experience the world’s longest ice skating rink of 7.8 km long Rideau Skating Rink. This is also the season for snow festivals and ice sculptures. If you choose to come in this season, you also will see bears or reindeer hibernating.

In addition, if you go on the weekend, often on Bank Street, the road will be closed to organize the night festival. You can check out events in Ottawa from the Ottawa Tourism page.

Canadian Tulip Festival

When Nazi forces invaded the Netherlands in 1940, the Dutch Royal Family fled to Canada. Dutch Princess Margriet was born on this trip. Years later, the bonds between the nations were strengthened when Canadian troops helped liberate the Netherlands. As a symbol of gratitude, the Dutch Royal Family sent 100,000 tulips to the people of Canada. Since then, the Netherlands has sent Canada 20,000 tulips each year. In the spring of 1953, the Canadian Tulip Festival was born. Every spring, the city is transformed into a sea of ​​colorful tulips, giving locals and tourists many opportunities to enjoy the beauty of this flower.

Also interesting is that there are many similarities between the Netherlands (Amsterdam) and Ottawa, both have beautiful canals and lots of bike paths!

Ottawa travel guide: Transportation

In my experience, Ottawa is quite small, so when you come here, you should combine to visit Montreal in one itinerary for convenience. Otherwise, a day or two is enough for you to explore Ottawa. Staying too long is a bit boring.

Getting to Ottawa

There are several carriers such as VIA Rail , Greyhound Lines or CarShare … To get the best price, you should book as soon as possible, the cheaper the price. You can choose to take the VIA Rail during the day to enjoy the scenery along the way. Travel time from Toronto to Ottawa is about 5 to 6 hours. Or if you have a G2 driver’s license or higher, rent a Zipcar to drive, go in the morning, return in the afternoon or come back when you want.

If you like to arrive early, choose the trip at 1am, when getting to close Ottawa, you will be able to watch the sunrise from the bus. After arriving, walk around for sightseeing, have breakfast, visit Parliament Hill (early arrival will get early tickets at 9am). If you have a good health conditions, you should choose this option.

After arriving in Ottawa, you can find a grocery store or Shoppers Drug Mart to buy a bus ticket. If you travel a lot, ask to buy a Day Pass for comfort.

Ottawa travel blog: What to do & where to go in Ottawa?

Canadian parliament buildings (parliament hill).

Address: Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9, Canada Hours: 8:30AM–6PM/Friday: 8:30AM–5PM/Saturday; Sunday: Closed

Parliament Building is located in the most beautiful location in Ottawa, on a 50m high hill overlooking the vast and poetic Ottawa River. This is the workplace of the Federal government with Gothic Revival style, put into use in 1866. At the beginning of the 20th century, the building burned down, but was later rebuilt and kept the same original architecture.

Right in front of the parliament building, you will see the Centennial Flame. This heroic flame marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the country. Surrounding the flame is a fountain containing the shields of the 13 Canadian provinces and territories. If you want to visit this place, you should go a little early to get free tickets.

When stepping inside, you will be checked like at an airport and have a guide to guide you inside the building. If you are lucky, you will see people working or be led to the Peace Tower (this is your luck, you don’t always get it).

If traveling to Canada from mid-May to the end of August, visiting Parliament Hill, do not miss the opportunity to participate in free yoga on the lawn in front of Gothic-style buildings with the locals. From late June to late August, visitors can also witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony (a tradition that dates back more than 50 years).

Tips: Tickets are distributed for free in the building opposite from 9am. If you come early, you should line up to get tickets early because sometimes around 11am to 12am, the tickets are run out. The door is opened when the bell on the Peace Tower rings, waiting while listening to the bell is also very interesting. After getting tickets and choosing a visit timeframe, you can send your belongings for free at upstairs. Send it and then come back to pick it up in the afternoon.

Canada’s Governor General (Rideau Hall)

Address: 1 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1, Canada Hours: 8AM–3:30PM

The Governor-General’s Palace is the Queen’s official office in Canada, and is also the place to receive honorary delegations. Although it is a Government agency, visitors can freely walk within the grounds of Rideau Hall with beautiful forests. You can relax on wooden benches, watch squirrels run around on dry leaves to looking for food, and feel autumn filled with every breath and look.

Rideau Canal

Built between 1827 and 1832, the Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously operating canal system in North America. With a length of up to 202 km, extending from the capital Ottawa to the port of Kingston, Ontario, the Rideau Canal was applied the most advanced construction technologies of Europeans at that time. This is one of the first canals in the world built to accommodate steamboats and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Besides, the canal was also built as a stronghold against the US army. Today, the Rideau Canal is a famous Canadian tourist destination with many parks, gardens, museums and romantic walkways lining on the both sides of the canal.

In the warm summer or fall months, visitors can see boaters and cruisers on the canal. Tourists can rent canoes, kayaks, rowing boats around there, or experience cycling activities, leisurely strolling by the canal. When winter comes, this place is transformed into the largest skating rink in the world as recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Rideau Canal Ottawa Locks (Locks 1 – 8 – Ottawa)

Address: Ottawa, ON K1A 0A4, Canada

This is a must visit UNESCO world heritage site in Ottawa. Located right on the Rideau Canal and to the left of the parliament building is the Ottawa Locks. This is an amazing engineering achievement of Canadians in the early 19th century and is a must-see when traveling to Ottawa.

Because the water level of the Ottawa River is 25 m lower than that of other parts of the city, in order to bring ships and boats into the city, people have to open the locks one by one, pump water for 2 inside and outside the lock until balance then unlock the ship to enter. A ship will take 30 minutes to pass all 8 locks on the Rideau Canal to get into the city.

Peace Tower

The view from the observation deck at the top of Peace Tower (98m high), Ottawa’s highest point includes Parliament Hill, the entire city, the river, the Gatineau (a city in western Quebec) and the hills to the north. On your way up the elevator, you’ll see the tower’s bells and there’s a memorial room for Canadians who died in WWI.

ByWard Market

Address: 55 ByWard Market Square; Ottawa, Ontario; K1N 9C3

Located near Parliament Hill, visit that place first and then walk here. It is like a farmers market, selling all kinds of products. In particular, there is the Obama cookies. He just dropped by but people named these cookies after his name. This is considered the Canada’s largest and oldest market, selling all kinds of fresh fruits and handicrafts. In particular, there are very fresh maple syrup prepared at the farms in the area, besides there are many restaurants and cafes also.

Also located in the ByWard market, at its original stall on George Street is the Beavertails store. A Canadian classic snack that was born here and is now available across the country is the Canadian Deep-Fried Pastry (Canadian Donuts) with a choice of sweet condiments such as confectionery, chocolate, oreos, whipped cream and cinnamon sugar.

Hog’s Back Park & Prince of Wales Falls

Address: 600 Hogs Back Rd, Ottawa, ON K1V 1H8, Canada Hours: 7AM–10PM

The idea of ​​a waterfall near the city center sounds far-fetched. But in Ottawa, with its perfect blend of urban and rural, nothing is impossible. Hog’s Back Park is an ideal place to roam and explore. This place owns a green space with the highlight of the 16m-long Prince of Wales Falls. In the summer, rushing water brings poetic and majestic scenery to this place. In winter, the river freezes and entire park is covered in snow.

Diefenbunker Museum

Address: 3929 Carp Rd, Ottawa, ON K0A 1L0, Canada Hours: 10AM–4PM/Monday, Tuesday: Closed

The Canada’s Cold War Museum Diefenbunker is a four-story bunker, with an area of 100,000 square meter built between 1959 and 1961. During the Cold War, the Diefenbunker was built as a safe space for the Canadian government, in case of a nuclear attack. Currently, Diefenbunker has become an attractive Cold War Museum for tourists to visit.

National Gallery of Canada

Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada Hours: 10AM–5PM/Thursday: 10AM–8PM/Monday; Tuesday: Closed

Visitors to the National Gallery of Canada will be impressed by the model of a giant spider lying outside. The National Gallery of Canada houses a large collection of more than 30,000 national and international artworks from across the ages. It’s the perfect place to learn about Canada’s rich artistic heritage, from indigenous carvings to the nation’s latest contemporary art. You should spend about 1 to 2 hours to go around and admiring.

Mackenzie King Estate (Gatineau Park)

Address: MacKenzie King Rd, Chelsea, Quebec J9B 1H7, Canada Hours: 10AM–5PM/Tuesday: Closed

This estate belongs to Canada’s 10th prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King, about a 15-minute drive from Parliament Hill. The estate sits on 9,000 acres, including several lakefront cottages, containing numerous exhibits that explore the history of the prime minister’s life. Mackenzie King is open to the public to visit and admire.

Inside the main Moorside house, guests can enjoy afternoon tea or a meal in the dining room while admiring memorabilia from the Mackenzie King era. The park, with its walking trails and poetic gardens with picturesque ruins, is often used as the setting for weddings and special occasions.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

A 3-min walk from the National Gallery of Canada Address: 385 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 1J9, Canada Hours: /9AM–6PM/Sunday: 8AM–8:30PM/Monday: 11:30AM–6PM

If you go to the National Gallery, you should visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica also. Why so? Because it’s opposite, if you don’t visit now, when will you come? This is also considered one of the oldest historical sites in Canada. Particular attention is paid to the interior mahogany sculptures of Philippe Parizeau and figures of the four missionaries. This historic building, started construction in 1841 and completed in 1880, is the largest and oldest church in the nation’s capital.

Canadian Museum of Nature

Address: 240 McLeod St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1, Canada Hours: 10AM–4PM/Monday; Tuesday: Closed

This is one of my favorite favorite places. The museum displays a lot of natural things such as rocks, geology, insects, animals… and very vivid models. The Canadian Museum of Nature takes visitors to the world of dinosaurs, the evolution of animals to the present day, giving visitors a more comprehensive view of nature, from dinosaur fossils to mammal.

Canadian Museum of History

Address: 100 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M8, Canada Hours: 10AM–4PM/Thursday: 10AM–7PM/Monday; Tuesday: Closed

Although this museum is not in Ottawa but it is very close, from Ottawa you can walk across the Alexandra Bridge (connecting Ottawa with Quebec) or take a water taxi from the Rideau Canal to the history museum. This is one of the treasures of architecture and culture. You can go through 20,000 years of Canadian history in just one day here. Especially, this place attracts tourists by the giant moon sculpture inside the Queen’s lantern to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Jacques-Cartier Park

Address: 285 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec J8X 3W9, Canada Hours: 7AM–10PM

This 55-acre park is a favorite place to visit for many locals. In the summer, you’ll enjoy hiking on green trails, biking to the shores of Lake Leamy for a scenic view of Rideau Falls, and playing water games on the Ottawa River. In winter, the park turns into a snow-covered wonderland.

Ottawa River

This place is a bit special because two of my friends led me here, but you can’t find it in regular way. Perfect for an afternoon trip to see the birds, river and sunset…

There are also some other interesting places to go, you can visit such as Canadian War Museum, National War Memorial, Canada Aviation and Space Museum… (Google yourself to find your way).

Participate in events and festivals

Ottawa serves as the host to a wide range of festivals, events and activities, from Canada’s largest blues festival and North America’s second largest called the Ottawa Bluesfest to the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway. The most popular celebration in the capital is Canada Day. Every year on July 1, the city welcomes thousands of visitors with fireworks, city-wide live music, troubadours and other festivals to celebrate all things of Canada.

The nightlife in Ottawa isn’t as exciting as Toronto’s, but it’s also bustling and vibrant. At Zaphod Beeblebrox, a band that plays fold-rock or blue all night is ready to melt your heart. Quite a few bars in the capital are suitable for those who like to drink a few local beers, cocktails like Zoe’s Lounge or a few shots of whiskey on the ground floor of Union Local 613.

Ottawa blog: What and where to eat?

Although already one of the modern cities in North America, Ottawa still retains the traditional market right in the center. This open-air market, selling fresh vegetables and flowers from farmers’ farms. Therefore, when traveling to Ottawa, you can buy and enjoy fruits and food right on the spot.

In particular, near the market there is a rather large Le Moulin de Provence bakery. There are more than 250 different kinds of sweet and savory pastries. Guests can sit and sip coffee by the roadside and enjoy delicious pastries. The already famous shop is now more famous after the visit of US President Obama in 2009 as mentioned above.

Ottawa offers a wide range of dining options, whether you fancy some French, Italian or Chinese food or seafood, all of which can be found in Canada’s capital city. A classic Canadian dish, a must-try while in Canada is Poutine. It’s a dish with french fries and cheese curds with brown sauce. It was recently named Canada’s national dish.

In addition, below are the places to eat that I have tried.

Copper Spirits and Sights

Address: 325 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7G1, Canada Hours: 6–10PM/Friday; Saturday: 5PM–12AM/Monday; Tuesday: Closed

Located on the 16th floor of the Andaz Hotel, Copper Spirits & Sights boasts the title of the city’s highest rooftop bar. Here you can enjoy the incredible outdoor views of the bustling ByWard Market neighborhood below, enjoying the fiery sunset over Gatineau Hill in the distance. During the warmer months, the terrace is a great place to sit down and have a few drinks.

Signatures Restaurant

Address: 453 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6R4, Canada

This is Canada’s best culinary training school in the city of Ottawa with 120 years of experience. Tourists will experience short baking classes within an afternoon, they can make and bake delicious and beautiful cakes by themselves. The restaurant also serves a variety of dishes from appetizers, main courses to desserts, ready to satisfy the most demanding diners.

Address: 179 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5X8, Canada Hours: 7AM–2PM

This is a long-standing chain store established in 1987. Breakfast is delicious and nutritious because there are a lot of vegetables and fruits. Remember to consider when ordering, lest you not eat all.

Ginza Ramen Sushi and Sake Bar

Address: 280 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M2, Canada Hours: 11:30AM–10PM/Saturday: 12–10PM

The ramen here is quite delicious. It has 2 locations, remember to check Google maps to choose which one is convenient for you.

Beavertails

Address: 69 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 1K1, Canada Hours: 11AM–10PM

This is a typical Canadian donuts in Ottawa as mentioned above. Located at Byward Market, when you come here, remember to try once.

Black Squirrel Books & Espresso Bar

Address: 1073 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W9, Canada Hours: 11AM–5PM

Located in the Glebe neighborhood, it serves coffee and local grilled food by day and Ontario craft beer and live music by night.

Art-Is-In Bakery

Address: 250 City Centre Ave #112, Ottawa, ON K1R 6K7, Canada Hours: 8AM–3PM/Sunday; Monday: Closed

Arts-is-in-Bakery is inspired by the fine bakeries of Paris and the funky cafes of Brooklyn. You can find bread classics and exquisite pastry trays at Arts-is-in-Bakery, satisfying any diners’ cravings. In addition, the restaurant also serves a very rich breakfast and lunch, including vegan dishes.

House of TARG

Address: 1077 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W9, Canada Hours: 4–11PM/Monday; Tuesday; Wednesday; Thursday: Closed

House of Targ is located in the old Ottawa South neighborhood owned by local musicians, which specializes in live music and video games. Everyone is welcome to come here, but when the show started, the bar only served customers 19 and older. If you come here on a Sunday evening after 8pm you don’t need a full wallet, just 6 USD, you are allowed to play unlimited free on all games until the bar closes.

Address: 139 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7P4, Canada Hours: 5PM–2AM

Sometimes you want to have the opportunity to shop for unique items while sipping a great cocktail. Ward 14 is all you need, a unique consignment store and bar. There are all things antiques, art, vintage maps, statues and hundreds of fine jewelry.

Play Food & Wine

Address: 1 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z5, Canada Hours: 12–3PM, 5–10PM/Tuesday; Wednesday; Sunday: 5–10PM/Monday: Closed

The restaurant is located in the ByWard Market. A great relaxing atmosphere with the best food you can think of. It’s a kind of tapas restaurant with all the plates and dishes to enjoy.

Tip: Most restaurants and bars will add a 13 percent tax on your total bill – but you should still anticipate tipping. An appropriate tip should be between 20 and 25 percent – but 15 percent is considered the minimum.

Ottawa Canada travel guide: Shopping

Although, it’s not Toronto or Montreal when it comes to shopping, Ottawa still has a substantial number of shops and markets to explore. Be sure to head to ByWard Market – a mix of tourist shops, boutiques and farmers’ markets, this open-air market in the middle of the city attracts locals and visitors alike. From there, explore the CF Rideau Centre (Address: 50 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J7, Canada), a large four-story shopping mall with distinct Canadian retailers, including The Hudson’s Bay and Chapter’s.

Ottawa travel blog: Where to stay?

A good tip for you is to choose a morning trip because hotels or Airbnb usually allow to check-in at noon, so when you arrive, you can send your things and rest. Once you’re well, go sightseeing. In the sunny afternoon, you can take selfies comfortably.

In addition, you should choose a hotel with location located in the center between Parliament Hill and the bus station. Because walking from the bus station to Parliament Hill is only about 2km. Not too far to walk and also convenient to catch the bus.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• The Business Inn & Suites ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Brookstreet Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Fairmont Chateau Laurier ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Novotel Ottawa City Centre ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Les Suites Hotel Ottawa ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check out more top hotels in Ottawa on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Happy traveling! Read more Canada travel guide here .

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Ottawa Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 6, 2023

There is a lot to discover and experience in this beautiful and often overlooked capital city. Ottawa is home to seven of Canada’s nine national museums, as well as an impressive National Arts Centre. There’s also the popular ByWard Market area, where you can shop for fresh produce, artisanal souvenirs, and tasty eats.

Hundreds of festivals and events occur each year, which means there’s always a lot happening, no matter the season. In addition, plenty of outdoor activities can be enjoyed nearby too, including kayaking, canoeing, hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

The trick to enjoying Ottawa is to venture beyond the market area and Parliament Hill. Once you get beyond the downtown tourist core, you’ll get to see Ottawa like a local. Spend time in neighborhoods like The Glebe, the Golden Triangle, Old Ottawa South, and Wellington West and you’ll develop a much deeper appreciation for this overlooked capital.

I really loved my visit here and was really pleasantly surprised by it. Not to use the cliche but it is really an underrated place.

This guide to Ottawa can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Ottawa

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Ottawa

1. Visit Parliament Hill (aka The Hill)

The Centennial Flame fountain, first lit on January 1, 1967, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the confederation of Canada. Stroll around the manicured lawns and statues of political leaders, then go inside for a free 40-minute guided tour of the House of Commons (when it’s not in session). It’s an interesting look into the history, government functions, art, and architecture of The Hill. Tickets need to be reserved online in advance.

2. Wander the ByWard Market

This large public market area was established in 1826 by Lt. Col. John By, who also built the Rideau Canal. Today, the ByWard Market is filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. Explore the neighborhood in search of hidden sculptures, snap a photo with the big “Ottawa” sign, and admire the numerous murals. Stop by La Bottega Nicastro for a build-your-own Italian sandwich for under 10 CAD or try a beaver tail (fried dough topped with cinnamon and sugar or whipped cream or Nutella). Le Moulin de Provence is home to the famous Obama cookie (an iced sugar cookie in the shape of a maple leaf that President Obama bought during a visit). Canada’s first Tiger Giant discount store can be found here too!

3. See the Rideau Canal & Ottawa Locks

The Rideau Canal is a slack water channel built in the 19th century and one of the only ones of this type that still follows its original route. It connects two rivers and over twelve lakes. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site too. Boat tours are available in summer when the waterway is popular with kayakers and canoeists. Pathways on either side are perfect for cyclists or those wanting a serene walk. In winter, the entire canal freezes over and turns into a massive skating rink (skate rentals cost around 17 CAD).

4. Explore the National Gallery of Canada

The Maman, a giant bronze spider statue, stands outside the National Gallery of Canada, which was established in 1880. It moved four more times before settling into its current beautiful building in 1988. Today, it’s home to over 750,000 works of art. Among its contents is the Indigenous and Canadian Art collection, which features paintings and artifacts dating from 5,000 years ago all the way up to 1967; works by Emily Carr, The Group of Seven, Cornelius Krieghoff, and more can be found here. The gallery is also home to European and American collections, as well as contemporary art. Admission is 20 CAD.On Thursdays between 5pm and 8pm, admission is free. It is closed on Mondays.

5. Tour the Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature, housed in a baronial-style building near The Glebe and Golden Triangle neighborhoods, houses one of the best natural history collections in the world. The museum has fantastic dinosaur skeletons and models, a complete blue whale skeleton, and the bird dioramas are quite impressive. The must-see “Our Land, Our Art” exhibit, which highlights art from 14 villages in Nunavik, is on display until October 14, 2024. Tickets can be purchased online for 17 CAD. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Other Things to See and Do in Ottawa

1. visit the canadian museum of history.

Located across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, is the Canadian Museum of History. It has four main exhibits — the Canadian History Hall, First Peoples Hall, Canadian Children’s Museum, and Grand Hall — in which you can learn about the events and people that helped make Canada what it is today, through artifacts, art, and stories. The Grand Hall features history and art from the First Peoples of the Northwest Coast, including majestic wood-carved pieces by artists like Bill Reid and Robert Davidson. Admission is 21 CAD. It’s free on Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm.

2. Explore the Ottawa Tulip Festival

This festival commemorates the sacrifice of over 7,500 Canadian soldiers who died during the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II. Tulips were gifted to Canada in thanks. It takes place in Commissioners Park, which is near Dow’s Lake. If the weather is good, bring a blanket and snacks to watch a free movie, which begins at 7:30pm. If you’re a tulip lover, take the 10 CAD walking tour for a deep dive into horticulture, history, and all things tulip.

3. See Madahòkì Farm

Just outside Ottawa is Madahòkì Farm, an Indigenous cultural destination that offers a foodways program for Indigenous people interested in skills training to help to rebuild the tourism economy in culturally appropriate ways. It also offers a makers program for Indigenous artisans that teaches them how to develop their brand and utilize social media and photography while also providing financial advice. Products from their programs can be purchased at the farm’s marketplace. The farm is also home to Ojibwe spirit horses, a rare and endangered breed, and the only Indigenous breed in Canada. In addition, it holds seasonal festivals (the most popular being the Summer Solstice Festival and Pibòn), as well as dance and music events.

4. Wander Wellington West

A short bus ride from downtown, this eclectic neighborhood, incorporating the communities of Wellington Village and Hintonburg, is filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. Parkdale Night Market is a highlight of the summer, and perfect for grabbing cheap eats. The district has a few delicious breakfast spots, such as John’s Family Diner and Fil’s Diner (the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches are better than McDonald’s), or grab delicious Montreal-style bagels from Ottawa Bagel Shop. Pop over to Tooth and Nail Brewing for board games and 7.50 CAD pints (4pm–6pm).

5. Relax at Lansdowne Park and TD Place

Landowne Park, adjacent to the Rideau Canal, is perched in the bottom half of The Glebe neighborhood. It’s home to walking paths, a skate park, basketball courts, and a beautiful civic garden. The great lawn is a popular spot for festivals and special events; the Aberdeen Pavilion is where you’ll find the summertime flea market, as well as a farmers market. Beside the park is TD Place, a 24,000-seat stadium and arena that’s home to the Ottawa Redblacks (CFL) football team and the Ottawa 67s (OHL) hockey team; game tickets generally start at 25 CAD. On the narrow streets branching out from TD Place are restaurants, bars, and a Whole Foods in case you want to stock up on groceries.

6.Tour the Cold War Museum

The Diefenbunker is a four-story cold war bunker built between 1959 and 1961. If nuclear war had broken out, top government officials were to have been brought here to ride things out. The bunker remained an active Canadian Forces station until 1994. Today, visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour of the bunker, which is 22 meters (75 feet) underground. See the canteen, meeting rooms, bedrooms, and offices, as well as the machine room. The map room is especially interesting, with its large predicted-fallout maps. The bunker also has a prime minister’s suite, CBC radio studio, Bank of Canada vault, and cold storage room/morgue. Admission is 18.50 CAD.

7. Enjoy a drink at the Floating tiki bar

Belly up to the floating tiki bar and take a booze-fueled tour on the Ottawa River. It’s a unique way to see the city and learn a little history as well. The floating tiki bar tours start as early as 10:30am, with the last being at 8pm. There are also themed tours, such as Margaritaville Mondays and Karaoke Wednesdays, as well as a fireworks tour on Canada Day (July 1). Tours are 90 minutes and cost 60 CAD. All tours include one drink, which is served in a 10 oz. or 16 oz. souvenir tiki glass; additional drinks can be purchased for 3-12 CAD. Non-alcoholic choices are available too.

8. Hike Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park, across the Ottawa River in Quebec, is worth the bus ride. The park is 361 square kilometers (139 square miles) and is one of the most visited in Canada. It’s home to Pink Lake — which is actually green — as well as 183 kilometers (113 miles) of hiking trails. The park is a go-to for rock climbers, cyclists, boaters, and fishers. It is breathtaking in autumn when the leaves turn golden yellow, burnt orange, and ruby red. During the winter months, locals come here to go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow biking, and hiking.

9. Wander the Chinatown Night Market

Each July, a three-night market takes place in Ottawa’s Chinatown (which is home to Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Mexican, Indian, Korean, Japanese, and Middle Eastern populations, and a few others). It’s a great event, with multicultural performances, martial arts, dragon and lion dances, live music, and delicious foods from several cultures.

10. See Live Music at Red Bird Live

A new venue in downtown Ottawa, Red Bird Live is both a music school and an 80-seat performance venue. Every Monday is bluegrass from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, and Tuesdays and Sundays are open-stage nights that have no cover charge. Tickets to shows are generally 20–30 CAD. The snack café has a menu of soft pretzels, pastries, pizza, and sandwiches.

11. Visit the National Arts Centre

The National Arts Centre, first opened in May 1969, is home to the National Arts Centre Orchestra, which is thought to be one of the best classical-sized orchestras in the world. In 2019, the Indigenous Theatre began its programming here, amplifying Indigenous artists and actors. The arts center is also home to English theater, French theater, dance, and popular music performances. Check the website to see what’s on during your visit.

12. Admire Charming Manotick

Located south of Ottawa, Manotick is a charming village and home to Watson’s Mill and Dickinson House. In 1860, a water-powered mill was built on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. Today, it, the house, and the carriage shed are a popular tourist destination. You can tour the house, which is now a museum decorated with period furniture and artifacts, as well as photos and plaques that speak of the mill’s history. From May to October, flour-grinding demonstrators are given (the mill still produces flour, as well as a delicious honey oat bread).

14. Have fun at Winterlude

Over the first three weekends in February, the free Winterlude festival takes over Ottawa. Visitors can admire intricate snow sculptures by artists from around the world, frolic on the snow playground, and glide on the Rideau Canal Skateway. Other museums and businesses hold special events during this time as well. Be sure to dress warm! February is COLD here!

For more information on other cities in Canada, check out these guides:

• Calgary Travel Guide
• Montreal Travel Guide
• Nova Scotia Travel Guide
• Toronto Travel Guide
• Vancouver Travel Guide
• Vancouver Island Travel Guide

Ottawa Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There are not many hostels in Ottawa and the ones that are here are located close to the ByWard Market, Rideau Centre, and the University of Ottawa. Rooms range from 4-bed to 10-bed dorms and in the high season, prices start at 35 CAD. Private rooms start at 85 CAD per night.

Budget hotel prices – There are some good two-star accommodations. Most are in Lowertown or near the ByWard Market. Auberge des Arts is one of the better options in terms of price (rooms start at 70 CAD) and friendliness; it offers free breakfast, too. Elsewhere, rates generally start at 85 CAD per night, depending on the season. A night in a three-star hotel starts at around 160 CAD. The further you venture from the ByWard, the more sparse your options become.

Airbnb is available in Ottawa. Rates start at 90 CAD per night for a private room or 125 CAD for a small apartment. Book early or prices can be double that.

Food – Many restaurants in Ottawa work with local farms, as well as food producers in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. It’s home to a Cordon Bleu cooking school and a decent variety of cuisines. There’s a small Chinatown (Ha’s Dim Sum Noodle House is quite good, with dim sum and dumplings for 6-8 CAD). Little Italy is a short trek down Preston Street. You’ll find a delish Thai restaurant there, Green Papaya, with Tom Yum for 7.95 CAD and Pad Thai for 16.95 CAD.

Ottawa is the unofficial Shawarma capital of Canada, and there are shops scattered all over the city. Food trucks can be found in almost every neighborhood. Near the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel is O-Frango which serves fried chicken and fries from a truck tucked down an alley, behind a church. Try the small O-Frango fries with pieces of fried chicken, and a smothering of tangy and spicy sauces, for 12.95 CAD.

A fast-food combo from McDonald’s starts at 13 CAD, and a medium pizza is 15-21 CAD. Anthony’s is known for serving one of the best pizzas in Canada, and Gabriel Pizza is a local chain that first opened in 1977.

Stop by BeaverTails for fried dough topped with cinnamon and sugar for 7.50 CAD. Dunn’s Famous serves smoked meat sandwiches for 11.99 CAD. Myer Dunn emigrated to Montreal where he learned how to make smoked meat, and opened his first deli in 1927.

The Elgin Street Diner is open 24 hours and serves up delicious milkshakes for 7.99 CAD (cherry milkshakes are the best), and breakfast is 5.95-18.99 CAD. A 3-course meal in a nice restaurant costs 45-60 CAD. A mezze-style meal at Fairouz is highly recommended, but bring a couple of hostel friends to share the food, and the bill. It’s better when eaten family style.

A pint of beer is around 8 CAD and cocktails are 12-26 CAD. A bottle of water is around 2 CAD. There are bars and pubs in the ByWard, but head out to Wellington West and try some of the local breweries like Tooth and Nail Brewery.

There are quite a few vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Ottawa. Chickpeas is best for budget meals, as everything is under 10 CAD. The Green Door Restaurant is a self-serve buffet where you pay by weight. It’s 3.20 CAD per 100g if you dine in and 2.90 CAD per 100g if you take away. For a higher-end vegetarian meal, go to Pure Kitchen where mains are 18-23 CAD.

Strawberry Blonde Bakery is known for having baked goods that are gluten-free. Grab bagels, brownies, cinnamon buns, and more for 2-5 CAD. Maverick’s in the ByWard market serves up tasty vegan donuts for 3.75 CAD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay 50-75 CAD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, veggies, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Ottawa Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 70 CAD per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm room, cook your own meals, limit your drinking, explore the city on foot, take a free walking tour, and participate in mostly free activities like strolling the canal or taking a free tour of Parliament Hill.

On a mid-range budget of 160 CAD per day, you can stay in an Airbnb, hotel, or hostel private room, eat out most of your meals, take an occasional taxi, enjoy a few drinks, and take in some paid attractions.

On a “luxury” budget of 325 CAD per day, you can stay in a three-star hotel, eat all you want, take taxis or rent a car, and do whatever tours and activities you want. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CAD.

Ottawa Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Ottawa is one of Canada’s more affordable cities. The cost of living here isn’t as expensive as in other cities and prices reflect that. Food is inexpensive and there’s a lot of cheap things to do. However, there are always ways to save money. Here are some tips on how to stretch your budget in Ottawa:

• Visit museums when they are free – The National Gallery of Canada, Canadian Museum of Nature, Canadian Museum of History, and Canadian Museum of History is free on Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm/8pm. Other museums are either free or free from 4pm to 5pm daily.
• Take a free walking tour – Ottawa Free Tours offers two tours: the Capital City Tour and Ottawa After Dark. Tours are generally 90 minutes to 2 hours in length. While the tour is free, tipping your guide is recommended.
• Go to a free show at the National Arts Centre – The NAC is a short walk from the ByWard Market area, and steps from the Rideau Canal. It offers a variety of shows at no charge. Check the website to see what’s on.
• Visit the RCMP Musical Ride – Visitors to the RCMP Musical Ride horse stables can take a free guided tour. In summer, you may see the horses and riders practicing their moves.
• Do yoga on Parliament Hill – From May to August, head over to Parliament Hill on Wednesdays for free yoga at noon. Some weeks, there can be up to a thousand people attending.
• Take a salsa lesson – Head over to Ottawa City Hall on Wednesday nights from 6pm-11pm in July and August for free salsa lessons.
• Ride free to Lansdowne events – If you’re planning to see the Redblacks or Ottawa 67s play, or to attend an event at Lansdowne, show your e-ticket for a free bus ride there. Valid three hours before the event starts until three hours after it ends.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to ensure that your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Ottawa

There are only a couple of hostels in town. Here are my favorites ones to stay in while Ottawa:

• Saintlo Ottawa Jail
• Barefoot Hostel
• Ottawa Backpackers Inn

How to Get Around Ottawa

Walk – You can see a decent amount of Ottawa on foot, and the city offers quite a few walking paths if you want to avoid busy streets.

Public transportation – Ottawa has a decent public transit system. The OC Transpo bus system winds through the city and includes routes that cross the river into Gatineau, Quebec. There are two O-Train lines: line 1 runs west to east, from Westboro to Blair in Vanier; line 2 runs north to south, from Bayview in the downtown core to Greenboro.

The cash fare is 3.75 CAD per ride. However, using a Presto card reduces the fare to 3.70 CAD. Anyone can obtain a Presto card for 6 CAD. It’s a good investment if you’re planning to travel to Toronto, as it can be used there as well. A one-day pass is available for 11.25 CAD, and a seven-day pass is 52.75 CAD. The OC Transpo app displays routes and timetables.

Aqua-Taxi – From May to October, the Aqua-Taxi offers a shuttle service across the Ottawa River. There are three stops: Ottawa Locks Jetty, Canadian Museum of History, and Richmond Landing. The shuttle runs daily from 11am to 7pm (6pm in the fall/winter). The fare is 6 CAD per crossing. The trip takes 7 to 10 minutes and is wheelchair accessible. It is also possible to bring bikes onboard too.

Taxi – There are four taxi companies in Ottawa. BlueLine is the largest and the most reliable. The fare for the first 150 meters of travel is 3.80 CAD, then 18 cents CAD for each additional 86 meters. Friday and Saturday nights can be busy, so be patient as it may take a bit for a taxi to arrive. Overall, I’d skip the taxis here as they add up fast.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Ottawa.

E-scooter – Between April and November, there is a plethora of kick e-scooters available, parked throughout the city. To rent one, download the Neuron app and scan the QR code. Payments can be made through Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or debit and credit cards. It generally costs 1.15 CAD to unlock the e-scooter, then 42 cents per minute. A three-day pass is 28.25 CAD, with a max daily riding limit of 90 minutes.

When to Go to Ottawa

Summer and autumn are the peak seasons in the Canadian capital. The weather is hot (daily highs hover around 27°C/80°F), the sun is usually shining, and there is an abundance of outdoor patios to enjoy. Ottawa is also home to several large parks with walking and cycling paths, as well as a couple of lakes.

There are a number of fun festivals and events in summer. June brings the FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival, Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, Ottawa Fringe Festival, and Ottawa Jazz Festival. Canada Day kicks off July, followed by the RBC Bluesfest and Ottawa Lebanese Festival. In August, Fanaticcon and House of PainT are unforgettable events. Check out the local tourism office for info on each festival.

Remembrance Day (November 11) is a national holiday and there are quite a few events, particularly around Parliament Hill.

Winter is brisk, with its fair share of heavy snow days. Expect the lows to be as cold as -20°C (-4°F), turning the Rideau Canal into a massive skating rink. There are also plenty of winter activities, festivals, and events to keep one busy. The Ottawa Christmas Market generally opens at the end of November, in Lansdowne. Christmastime is magical, filled with twinkling lights, and evening light and sound show on the Parliament. The free Winterlude festival is the crowning jewel during the first half of February.

Spring usually begins toward the end of March, when the snow disappears and the temperatures hover above freezing. It’s the low season, so accommodations are generally cheaper. Sometime in April, the buds of leaves begin to appear on trees.

The last half of May is the Canadian Tulip Festival, and most summer activities resume operating. There are not a lot of tour groups in the city, with the exception of kids and teenagers on class trips.

How to Stay Safe in Ottawa

Ottawa is a very safe city. Violent crime is very rare here and the risk of muggings and violence against tourists is low. Pickpockets, however, can be an issue, so keep your valuables in a safe place and be aware of your surroundings when you’re out and about.

Taxi scams are rare as well, but it’s always a good idea to make sure drivers start the meter when you begin your journey. You can read about common travel scams to avoid right here .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here; however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Ottawa Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Canada Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more information? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Canada travel and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Quebec City: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Vancouver: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Toronto: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

How to Road Trip the Yukon on a Budget

How to See Alberta: A 10-Day Suggested Driving Itinerary

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• Where To Stay
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• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

NomadTreneur

Ottawa Travel Guide

[email protected]

November 8, 2023

Nestled on the banks of the Ottawa River, Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, is a vibrant and diverse destination that seamlessly combines history, culture, and natural beauty. With its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and a rich tapestry of traditions, Ottawa offers an unforgettable travel experience for visitors of all interests. In this comprehensive Ottawa Travel Guide, we will take you on a journey through the city’s top attractions, dining options, outdoor activities, and more, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this remarkable Canadian city.

Table of Contents

History and Culture a. Parliament Hill b. National Gallery of Canada c. Canadian Museum of History d. ByWard Market e. Rideau Canal

Outdoor Adventures a. Gatineau Park b. Cycling Along the Ottawa River c. Winter Activities

Culinary Delights a. Iconic Canadian Dishes b. Top Restaurants in Ottawa c. Local Markets

Festivals and Events a. Winterlude b. Canada Day c. Ottawa Bluesfest

Accommodation Options a. Luxury Hotels b. Budget-Friendly Stays c. Unique Accommodations

Practical Tips for Your Trip a. Best Time to Visit b. Transportation c. Currency and Language

History and Culture

a. Parliament Hill

No visit to Ottawa is complete without a trip to Parliament Hill, the epicenter of Canadian politics. The grandiose Gothic-style buildings house the Senate and House of Commons, and the iconic Peace Tower dominates the skyline. Join a guided tour to explore the historic interiors, attend a parliamentary session, or simply admire the stunning architecture from the lush lawns of Parliament Hill. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony during the summer months, a colorful display of tradition and pageantry.

b. National Gallery of Canada

For art enthusiasts, the National Gallery of Canada is a must-visit destination. This world-class museum showcases an extensive collection of Canadian and international art, including works by the Group of Seven and indigenous artists. Wander through the contemporary glass-and-granite building and marvel at iconic pieces like the giant spider sculpture, Maman. The gallery’s stunning architecture and diverse exhibitions make it a cultural gem in Ottawa.

c. Canadian Museum of History

Located just across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, the Canadian Museum of History is another prominent cultural institution worth exploring.

Discover Canada’s rich history through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and immersive displays. Highlights include the First Peoples Hall, the Canadian History Hall, and the Grand Hall, which houses the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles. The museum offers a captivating journey through Canada’s past and present.

d. ByWard Market

For a taste of Ottawa’s vibrant local culture, head to the historic ByWard Market. This lively district is home to an array of restaurants, boutiques, and artisanal shops. You can sample Canadian delicacies, such as BeaverTails (fried pastries) and poutine (fries with cheese curds and gravy), at various food stalls and eateries. ByWard Market is also known for its nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs that come alive in the evening.

e. Rideau Canal

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal is a stunning example of Canadian engineering and a must-visit attraction. In the summer, you can rent a paddleboat, kayak, or take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the scenic canal. In the winter, the canal transforms into the world’s longest skating rink, offering a unique opportunity to glide through the heart of the city. Be sure to stop at one of the many BeaverTails stands along the canal for a delicious treat.

Outdoor Adventures a. Gatineau Park

Just a short drive from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park is a natural playground offering a plethora of outdoor activities. Hike through the lush forests, bike along scenic trails, or simply enjoy a picnic by one of the many lakes. In the fall, the park’s foliage bursts into vibrant colors, making it a prime destination for leaf peeping. Gatineau Park is a year-round destination with activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

b. Cycling Along the Ottawa River

Ottawa boasts an extensive network of cycling paths that allow you to explore the city on two wheels. One of the most picturesque routes takes you along the Ottawa River, providing stunning views of the waterway and access to popular attractions like the Canadian Museum of History and Jacques-Cartier Park. You can rent a bike from various locations in the city and embark on a scenic ride.

c. Winter Activities

Ottawa truly comes alive in the winter, offering a wide range of activities for cold-weather enthusiasts. In addition to skating on the Rideau Canal, you can go downhill skiing or snowboarding at nearby resorts like Mont Tremblant. Snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog sledding are also popular winter activities in the region. Be sure to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine at one of Ottawa’s cozy cafes.

Culinary Delights

a. Iconic Canadian Dishes

Ottawa is a culinary melting pot, and you’ll find a variety of delicious Canadian dishes to try. Some iconic Canadian foods you must taste include:

Poutine: A savory dish of crispy fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy.

BeaverTails: Deep-fried pastries, often drizzled with sweet toppings like cinnamon and sugar.

Butter Tarts: A classic Canadian dessert featuring flaky pastry filled with a sweet, gooey, buttery filling.

b. Top Restaurants in Ottawa

If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Ottawa has a thriving food scene with restaurants that offer diverse and exquisite cuisine. Some top-rated restaurants in the city include:

Atelier: Known for its innovative tasting menus and molecular gastronomy.

Play Food & Wine: Offers a delightful selection of small plates and an extensive wine list.

Riviera: A stylish restaurant serving modern French cuisine in an elegant setting.

c. Local Markets

Exploring local markets is a great way to experience the flavors of Ottawa. In addition to ByWard Market, you can visit other markets like the Parkdale Market and the Ottawa Farmers’ Market. These markets feature fresh produce, artisanal products, and gourmet treats. It’s an excellent opportunity to taste local cheeses, meats, and baked goods while mingling with the friendly vendors.

Festivals and Events

a. Winterlude

Winterlude is one of Ottawa’s most cherished winter festivals, typically held in February. The festival celebrates Canada’s cold climate with a variety of activities, including ice sculpture competitions, snow slides, and outdoor concerts. The centerpiece of Winterlude is the magnificent ice sculptures displayed in Confederation Park and along the Rideau Canal.

b. Canada Day

July 1st marks Canada Day, a nationwide celebration of Canadian culture and heritage. Ottawa hosts the country’s largest Canada Day festivities, attracting visitors from across the nation. The day features a grand parade, concerts, fireworks, and various cultural performances. Be prepared for a sea of red and white as Canadians come together to celebrate their nation’s birthday.

c. Ottawa Bluesfest

Ottawa Bluesfest is one of the biggest music festivals in Canada, featuring a diverse lineup of artists from various genres. Held in July, this multi-day festival draws music enthusiasts from all over. In addition to blues, you can enjoy rock, pop, hip-hop, and more. The festival’s outdoor setting at LeBreton Flats Park adds to the unique experience.

Accommodation Options a. Luxury Hotels

Ottawa offers a range of luxury accommodations for travelers seeking opulence and comfort. Some of the city’s top luxury hotels include:

Fairmont Château Laurier: A historic hotel overlooking Parliament Hill, offering timeless elegance and impeccable service.

Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market: A modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of the vibrant ByWard Market district.

Le Germain Hotel Ottawa: A boutique hotel with contemporary design and personalized service.

b. Budget-Friendly Stays

Travelers on a budget will find plenty of affordable lodging options in Ottawa. Hostels, motels, and budget-friendly hotels are available throughout the city. Consider staying in neighborhoods like Chinatown and Centretown for cost-effective accommodations.

c. Unique Accommodations

For a truly unique experience, consider staying in one of Ottawa’s themed or boutique accommodations. From cozy bed-and-breakfasts to historic inns, there are many charming and distinctive options to choose from.

Practical Tips for Your Trip a. Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ottawa depends on your preferences. Summer (June to August) is ideal for warm weather and outdoor activities, while the fall (September to October) offers stunning foliage. Winter (December to February) is perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, and spring (March to May) brings milder temperatures and blooming gardens.

b. Transportation

Ottawa is easily accessible by air, with the Ottawa International Airport serving as the primary gateway. The city has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses and light rail. Walking and cycling are also popular ways to explore the downtown area.

c. Currency and Language

The official currency of Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). English and French are the official languages, with English being the more widely spoken language in Ottawa. However, you’ll find that most residents are bilingual and can communicate in both languages.

Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that beckons travelers from around the world. Whether you’re exploring the grandeur of Parliament Hill, indulging in local culinary delights, or immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant festivals, Ottawa has something to offer every type of traveler. This Ottawa Travel Guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the city’s top attractions, outdoor adventures, dining options, and practical tips to ensure an unforgettable visit to this remarkable Canadian destination. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to discover the heart of Canada in Ottawa.

Exploring Beyond Ottawa While Ottawa itself offers an abundance of attractions and activities, the city’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding regions of eastern Ontario and western Quebec.

a. Day Trips

Several charming towns and attractions are within a short drive from Ottawa, making for excellent day trips. Consider visiting:

Merrickville: Known as the “Jewel of the Rideau,” this picturesque village boasts historic architecture, artisan shops, and scenic waterfront views.

Wakefield: Located in the Gatineau Hills of Quebec, Wakefield offers a scenic escape with its quaint streets, boutiques, and access to Gatineau Park.

Upper Canada Village: Step back in time at this living history museum, where you can experience 19th-century rural life in Canada.

b. Ottawa Valley

The Ottawa Valley is renowned for its outdoor adventures and natural beauty. Outdoor enthusiasts will find opportunities for white-water rafting, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in this rugged and scenic region. Algonquin Provincial Park, known for its stunning lakes and forests, is just a few hours’ drive from Ottawa and is a paradise for nature lovers.

c. Prince Edward County

Located a couple of hours from Ottawa, Prince Edward County is a haven for wine lovers and foodies. This region is known for its vineyards, artisanal cheeses, and farm-to-table dining. Spend a day touring wineries, exploring charming towns like Picton, and soaking in the stunning Lake Ontario vistas.

Accessibility and Transportation Ottawa is well-connected and easily accessible, making it a convenient travel destination. Here are some key points about transportation and accessibility:

Ottawa International Airport: The city is served by the Ottawa International Airport (YOW), which offers domestic and international flights. The airport is located just a short drive from downtown Ottawa.

Public Transportation: Ottawa has a comprehensive public transportation system operated by OC Transpo, which includes buses and a light rail system known as the O-Train.

Walkability: Downtown Ottawa is quite walkable, with many of the city’s attractions and amenities within close proximity to each other. Exploring on foot is a great way to soak in the city’s ambiance.

Bike-Friendly: Ottawa is a bike-friendly city with an extensive network of bike lanes and paths. You can rent bicycles from various locations in the city.

Car Rentals: If you plan to explore the surrounding regions or take day trips, renting a car is a convenient option. Rental agencies are available at the airport and throughout the city.

Language: While English is the primary language spoken in Ottawa, many residents are bilingual, and both English and French are official languages.

Safety and Health

Ottawa is known for its safety and cleanliness, making it a welcoming destination for travelers. However, it’s always a good practice to take basic safety precautions, such as securing your belongings and being aware of your surroundings.

Healthcare: Ottawa boasts excellent healthcare facilities, including hospitals and medical clinics. Canada also has a universal healthcare system that provides coverage for visitors in case of emergencies.

Currency: The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD), and credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are readily available throughout the city.

Emergency Services: In case of emergencies, dial 911 for immediate assistance, including police, fire, and medical services.

Embrace the Seasons

One of the unique aspects of Ottawa is the distinct beauty that each season brings. Embrace the changing seasons and plan your visit accordingly:

Summer: Ideal for outdoor activities, festivals, and exploring the city’s parks and gardens.

Fall: Witness the breathtaking display of fall foliage in Gatineau Park and surrounding areas.

Winter: Enjoy winter sports, ice skating on the Rideau Canal, and festive events.

Spring: Experience milder weather and the blooming of flowers in city gardens and parks.

Ottawa, with its rich history, cultural diversity, and natural splendor, offers a wide range of experiences for travelers. From exploring iconic landmarks like Parliament Hill to savoring Canadian culinary delights and participating in vibrant festivals, Ottawa promises a memorable journey. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, or simply enjoying the beauty of each season, Ottawa has something to offer every traveler. So, plan your trip, immerse yourself in the capital’s allure, and create lasting memories in this captivating Canadian city.

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Ottawa Travel Guide

Cosmopolitan, classy and as cultured as they come, Canada's capital is bags more fun than its somewhat staid reputation suggests. Think of Ottawa as the country in microcosm: a harmonious blend of urban and outdoorsy with a bilingual population, a coffee addiction and a healthy obsession with ice hockey.

At Ottawa's heart are the neo-gothic spires and turrets of Parliament Hill. Stretching skyward on the steep bluffs high above the River Ottawa, these Westminster-style government buildings exude a European elegance that is echoed in the barge-lined undulations of the Rideau Canal as it cuts through the city centre.

Ottawa began life as a small lumber town, but a radical 20th-century redesign transformed the city into the leafy, elegant capital it is today. Much of the action still takes place in the original ByWard Market district – the focal point for the city's French and Irish communities – which teems with closely-packed shops, restaurants and bars.

It might not be as lively or as garrulous as nearby Toronto, but Ottawa is the nation's intellectual nucleus with a raft of museums and galleries to prove it. The city's highbrow residents don't spend all their time browsing exhibitions and sipping flat whites in coffee shops though - not with so many outdoorsy activities to indulge in.

From winter skating on the frozen Rideau Canal, the world's largest naturally frozen ice skating rink, to summer cycling on extensive recreational paths, there are countless ways to give your adrenal glands a good workout. When you want to escape the city altogether, a world of adventure awaits in the superlatively scenic Ottawa Valley

A packed calendar of events helps make Ottawa a year-round destination. Winterlude, which takes place over three weekends of February, offers everything from learn-to-skate clinics to a children's snow playground and draws around 600,000 visitors. Music enthusiasts have no shortage of options either with Bluesfest, the Ottawa International Jazz Festival and Ottawa Chamberfest all rolling around annually.

Book Accommodation

Featured hotels, fairmont château laurier.

Reminiscent of a French chateau exuding old world elegance and luxury, the historic Château Laurier is a favoured destination of dignitaries and celebrities. Ideally located next to the Parliament Buildings, the hotel has 426 newly renovated rooms filled with antiques, three restaurants, a business centre and a spectacular art deco swimming pool.

The Metcalfe Hotel

A serene oasis in the heart of the city, this brand new boutique hotel, formerly Hotel Indigo, features soaring skylights, cool colours, running water and scents that change with the season. Plush bedding, hardwood floors, spa-inspired showers, indoor pool, high-speed internet and an adjoining gourmet, fast and casual restaurant provide for every need.

This Edwardian home offers budget accommodation amid elegant surroundings. There are 10 classically furnished rooms, some of which have ensuite bathrooms; a smart dining area for breakfasts and a cute decked area for a drink in the summer. The inn is located in a leafy downtown residential neighbourhood known as the Golden Triangle close to lively Elgin Street, home to restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs.

Econo Lodge Downtown

The Econo Lodge Downtown offers air-conditioned rooms, some of which feature fridges, microwaves and whirlpool baths. Free continental breakfasts and internet access are offered. The lodge itself is close to Parliament Hill, the Royal Canadian Mint, the National Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Canada.

Brookstreet

Nestled in Ottawa's Silicon Valley North, this boutique hotel overlooks the Marshes Golf Club, cross-country ski trails and jogging paths. Relax in spacious, sleekly elegant rooms, dine in two upscale contemporary restaurants or soak up the pampering at the Naturel Wellness Spa.

Avalon Bed and Breakfast

This simple but friendly B&B is located close to major attractions and bistros, cafes and restaurants. It offers three rooms plus a spacious, two-room suite on the third floor. Parking is available and a full breakfast is included.

© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2024

My Ottawa Travel Guide | 3 Days in Canada’s Capital

Canada’s capital Ottawa was without any doubt one of my stops on my itinerary. The only thing I knew was that I really wanted to visit Parliament Hill, to see where all the important decisions are made in Canada. But after spending three lovely days in Ottawa I left the city, impressed by everything I did, saw and experienced those past three days.

For some reason I find capital cities very interesting to visit. They always have that extra something to offer. When traveling the East of Canada for about two weeks I visited Ottawa. Please let me take you to Ottawa, tell you all about this wonderful capital city, and make you just as excited about Ottawa as I am.

On my East Coast trip in Canada and the USA I also visited places like Arowhon Pines , Niagara Falls US side , stayed at the Fairmont Quebec , and many more adventures. Almost forgetting about my helicopter flight over NY as well as my helicopter tour over the Niagara Falls .

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Traveling is Ottawa is much more convenient when connected to the internet. Get yourself a prepaid or e-sim card when traveling to Canada. Buying a sim card on the internet is much easier and cheaper than buying a sim card in Canada. Trust me!

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About Ottawa

The capital of Canada is located in Ontario at the Quebec border, it’s a place where you’ll hear English as well as French spoken in the streets; where you can discover Canada’s proud heritage at impressive national sites and famous tourist attractions, including the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). A city where you’ll find world-class museums and galleries displaying national collections and special exhibitions from Canada and around the world.

Even though it is Canada’s capital city, there is a relaxed vibe, a very welcoming and walkable city. Take a stroll through the historic ByWard market area for example, a bustling farmers’ market and some of the best restaurants in town.

Just very recently the O-Train Confederation Line was opened. This train brings modern light rail transit services to Ottawa. A very big deal to the city, as commuting becomes a lot easier and quicker now. 

Ottawa events

As a city Ottawa has celebrations and events going on throughout the year, beginning each year in February with Winterlude, followed by the Canadian Tulip Festival in May, then heating up July 1st with the biggest Canada Day celebration in the country, and of course some headliner summer music festivals. Ottawa events are some of Canada’s best.

In 2017 Canada celebrated its 150th anniversary. On the occasion of this anniversary many new things were added to the city of Ottawa. Some of these new additions include the ‘Ottawa’ letters at the ByWard Market and the Arctic part of the Museum of Nature.

I visited Ottawa late September, and thought I would visit a more quiet city this time of year. That was not the case. September and October are actually quite busy months for the city of Ottawa. Students from across Canada come to visit the Parliament buildings as part of the education.

Be invited, this is Ottawa, Canada’s capital. Come experience it for yourself and let this 3-days in Ottawa travel guide take you along the best things to do in Ottawa.

Ottawa things to do

Even though it is a relatively small capital city, Ottawa still has plenty to offer for those who are keen on exploring cities. To start, Ottawa is home to most of Canada’s national museums. Most Ottawa attractions are within a 20-minute walk from most downtown hotels. So, go out and explore this city to the fullest! Get active while sightseeing and take in the relaxed vibe of this city while strolling from one place to see to the next thing to do.

Parliament Hill

Start with Parliament Hill, one of Canada’s most iconic sites and absolutely a must see in Ottawa. Right in front of the parliament buildings you’ll first see the Centennial Flame. The flame commemorates Canada’s 100th anniversary as a confederation. The fountain surrounding the flame contains the shields of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories. The flame was erected as a temporary monument, but due to great public support it still stands today. 

Probably located at the best and most beautiful location in Ottawa, the Parliament buildings overlook the majestic Ottawa River. Even though Parliament Hill is home to the country’s federal government, as a visitor you’re more than welcome on-site for free tours, all year long. Definitely the best free thing to do in Ottawa. The only thing you have to do is reserve your guided tour of the Senate and the House of Commons online at visit.parl.ca .

ByWard Market

I think this my best recommendation and surely one of the best things to do in Ottawa! ByWard Market is such a lovely and lively neighborhood. It is one of the oldest and largest farmers’ markets in Canada. The market is packed with vendors of fresh food, classic Canadian maple syrup and crafts, eateries, coffee shops, you name it, they have it.

The Ottawa ByWard Market became world famous when President Obama visited Ottawa back in 2009 and decided to visit Le Moulin de Provence to buy a cookie. For over 10 years now, they have been creating these same cookies, now calling them Obama Cookies. Super commercial, and couldn’t be missed in this Ottawa travel guide but you just have to try these cookies.

Also located in the ByWard Market district, at its original stand on George Street, is Beavertail. A Canadian classic, born in Ottawa, nowadays available throughout the country. It is delicious fried dough pastry topped with your choice of sweet condiments and confections, chocolate, oreos, whipped cream and cinnamon sugar. Make sure you try one!

Ottawa sign

For Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations the ‘Ottawa’ letters were placed in the ByWard Market area, soon becoming a popular Ottawa attraction. Take your selfie to show you were in Ottawa.

Rideau Canal

Visiting this historic, UNESCO World Heritage site is a must visit when 3 days in Ottawa. This major Ottawa tourist attraction weaves through downtown. Probably the most visited and photographed part of the Rideau Canal are the Ottawa Locks. They connect the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal in the summer and are still manually operated.

In Summer you can boat or paddle this canal, while in winter the canal surface is completely frozen and it becomes the world’s largest skating rink, as designated by the Guinness Book of World Records. A fun thing to do in Ottawa, no matter what time of year you’re visiting!

Ottawa cultural tourist attractions

The city is home to most of Canada’s national museums, which can be a reason in itself to visit Ottawa. These award-winning museums and galleries are all located within minutes of Parliament Hill and many of the downtown area hotels, and very easily accessible. Whether it’s the National Gallery of Canada and its (Canadian) Art collection, the Canadian War Museum or the Canadian Museum of Nature, they all have something unique and are worth a visit for sure.

I would particularly like to point out the Canadian Museum of Nature, a very interesting and interactive museum. One of the best things to do in Ottawa with kids, you can do quiz questions here to test your knowledge, you can do grocery shopping in arctic regions to see how expensive things are there, and learn all about it in the meantime. This museum has four main themes: Arctic, Earth, Water and Fossils.

Canada’s National Museums Passport

Something I really like to recommend in this Ottawa travel guide is the National museums Passport, which is valid for general admission over 3 consecutive days. Perfect for when visiting Ottawa for a weekend for example. It costs as less as CAD $35, and is valid for 3 visits to museums of your choice among the 7 participating national museums. This is absolutely a must do if you’re really into the cultural Ottawa attractions and want to see and do as many as possible during your 3 days in Ottawa.

Annual Canadian Tulip Festival

Every year in May, for 11 days straight, Ottawa becomes the colourful capital of Canada with the Canadian Tulip Festival. This is to celebrate Canada’s role in the liberation of the Netherlands during World War 2. The Tulips were gifted from the Dutch to the Canadians immediately following the Second World War as a symbol of international friendship. This became a friendship between two countries that has lasted over 74 years. The Tulips Festival is one of the best places to visit in Ottawa when you are lucky to be there during the festival days.

During the Second World War the Dutch Royal family was forced to flee the country in 1940, they left the Netherlands and went to Canada. Back then Princess Juliana was pregnant. Because Dutch Royals need to be born on Dutch grounds, Canada temporarily declared one room in the hospital Dutch, so their daughter, Princess Margriet was born as a Dutch citizen. 

There are more similarities between Holland (Amsterdam) and Ottawa. They both have canals and lots of bike paths. 

Best restaurant in Ottawa

Ottawa offers a wide diversity of dining options. Whether you’re after some French, Italian or Chinese cuisine, or seafood, it can all be found in Canada’s capital city.

My top recommendation when spending a weekend in Ottawa is restaurant Play Food and Wine. An insiders tip, located in the ByWard Market area. An amazing relaxed atmosphere with the best food you can think of. It’s a tapas kind of restaurant with all plates and dishes to share. Window tables offer views on the Ottawa sign. 

A classic Canadian dish, that has to be tried when in Canada is poutine. It’s a dish with French fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy. It’s recently been named Canada’s national dish.

Best place to stay in Ottawa

Looking for the perfect hotel in the heart of the city, and within walking distance to everything? Stop looking and check out the boutique Metcalfe Hotel, located in the heart of historic Ottawa. This locally owned and operated hotel is located just a few blocks from Parliament Hill.

They offer private parking, ideal for travelers who visit Ottawa as part of a trip through the East of Canada, like I did. Visiting Ottawa soon? Check out the rates of the Metcalfe Hotel here .

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A very special thank you goes out to the team of Ottawa Tourism for hosting us in their beautiful city and for a complete carefree stay. Thank you for a private walking tour through your city and for giving us an unforgettable stay in Ottawa!

Travel writer and Traveltomtom team member Ashley wrote this Ottawa travel guide, while travelling through Canada, on behalf of Traveltomtom. Check out more from her trip in the US and Canada:  helicopter flight over the Niagara Falls , her stay in  the Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec  or the amazing Arowhon Pines Resort  surround by nature vibes only.

Enjoy your trip to Ottawa!

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Elegant spires grace the skyline of Ottawa, Canada's fourth-largest city and the country's capital. The gothic architecture of Parliament buildings competes with stretches of green, groomed parks for attention. This is a peaceful city, and for visitors there are a variety of entertainment options, from flash casino to historical sites, adventure getaways and long river stretches.

Located just up from the north end of Lake Ontario across the border from Quebec, the city of Ottawa makes a conveniently placed host. It may not be all about hustle here, but there's plenty to do to keep bustling. Find international art in the impressive National Gallery, good for several hours of perusal, while photography lovers won't want to leave town without stopping at the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography. Get some natural history at the Canadian Museum of Nature or figure out more about farming with a tour around the foliage at Canada Agricultural Museum. Military and machine buffs shouldn't overlook the Canadian War Museum or the Canada Aviation Museum. Even the young'uns won't mind tagging along at the Canada Science & Technology Museum where there are plenty of interactive exhibits to keep them happily occupied.

En route to this fine selection of cultural attractions, stop for a gander at some of the city's best-looking buildings, or take a spin around Parliament Hill. With time to spare, detour for Aboriginal history to the Turtle Island Aboriginal Experience or book an afternoon cruise along some of Ottawa's river routes.

If you're in need of a break from urban activity, cross over to Gatineau in Quebec and pass a pleasant day in expansive Gatineau Park.

Ottawa is 926 miles from Thunder Bay on Lake Superior, 120 miles northeast of Kingston, and 280 miles from Toronto.

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