Ottawa Ontario Travel Guide: 22 BEST Things To Do In Ottawa Canada

A 125mm waterway known for its scenic beauty and year-round activities, offering boat cruises in summer and transforming into the world's largest skating rink in winter.

A castle-like hotel since 1912, offering beautiful views of Parliament Hill and easy access to downtown Ottawa, known for its elegant halls and historic photos.

Home to Canada's Parliament, featuring Gothic-style buildings, guided tours, the Peace Tower for city views, and the changing of the guard ceremony in summer.

Location of Parliament Hill.

Located on Parliament Hill, offering wide city views.

Located inside Parliament Hill, featuring colorful stained glass windows and fine woodwork.

A museum showcasing Canada's wartime history with tanks, planes, uniforms, and stories from major battles.

Housing over 93,000 artworks from around the world, including Canadian and indigenous artists, within a striking glass building.

Offering hiking, swimming, biking, canoeing, and camping across scenic hills and lakes, with attractions like Pink Lake and the Mackenzie King estate.

A scenic lake located in Gatineau Park.

Once home to Canada's 10th prime minister and located in Gatineau Park, where you can find restored cottages, gardens, and a tea room.

Located in Gatineau Park, offering wide views over the Ottawa Valley.

View from Champlain Lookout in Gatineau Park.

Ottawa's oldest and largest church, featuring a striking Gothic Revival design with richly decorated ceilings and stained glass windows.

Location of the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica.

Features over 130 aircraft and engines, including military jets and World War II fighters, with hands-on exhibits and flight simulators.

Main hall in Canada Aviation and Space Museum that shows how Canadian aviation has changed from the early 1900s to today.

Features dinosaur fossils, life insects, and diaramas of Canadian animals, offering interactive programs and science activities for all ages.

Located in the Canadian Museum of Nature and features diaramas of Canadian animals.

Where Canadian coins are made, offering guided tours to watch coin production and see solid gold bars.

A calm green space with views of the Ottawa River and Parliament buildings, featuring historical remains and Tavern on the Hill.

Offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the world.

Views of the Ottawa River, the Ridau Canal locks, and the Parliament buildings from Major Hill Park.

Historical feature in Major Hill Park.

Historical feature in Major Hill Park, now home to Tavern on the Hill.

Located in Header House in Major Hill Park, serving local food and ice cream.

Features exhibits that cover 20,000 years of human history, including the First People's Hall and the Canadian History Hall, located in Gatineau, Quebec.

Located in the Canadian Museum of History and displays the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles.

Located in the Canadian Museum of History and shows key events, Canadian personalities, and diverse experiences of real people.

Located in the Canadian Museum of History and offers hands-on activities for kids to engage with history.

Connects Ottawa and Gatineau across the Ottawa River, offering views of Parliament Hill and the Gatineau skyline.

Showcases over 7,000 artifacts from early Bay by town to present day Ottawa, including tools used to build the Redo Canal and antique toys.

Location of the Bytown Museum.

Company that runs guided whitewater rafting trips on the Ottawa River.

Company that runs guided whitewater rafting trips on the Ottawa River.

Company that runs guided whitewater rafting trips on the Ottawa River.

Known for its beautiful waterfalls (Prince of Wales Falls), offering tall trees, open green spaces, and a concession stand called the Hogs Back Grill and Beastro.

Beautiful waterfalls in Hogsback Park.

Hogsback Park has historical displays and a renovated heritage pavilion that tell stories from the Reau Canal's construction in the 1800s.

Located in Hogsback Park, serving pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and slushies.

Once the residence of two Canadian prime ministers, showcasing period furniture and the third floor library used as his private office.

Location of the Laurier House National Historic Site.

A mix of shopping, food, and local culture, offering outdoor stalls, small shops, local snacks like beaver tales and poutine, and cozy cafes.

Located in the ByWard Market and famous for its pastries once enjoyed by President Obama.

Has two sandy beaches along the Ottawa River known as River Beach and East Beach where families can relax, swim or have a picnic.

One of the two sandy beaches located in Petri Island along the Ottawa River.

One of the two sandy beaches located in Petri Island along the Ottawa River.

A castle-like hotel that has been part of the city's skyline since 1912.

A unique outdoor art display along the Ottawa River where John Soprano builds new stone structures by hand, balancing large rocks without glue or support.

Location of John Felise Soprano Rock Sculptures.

Features more than 100,000 items related to currency, from coins and banknotes to old cash registers and counterfeit bills.

Location of main celebrations happen on Parliament Hill and Labretan Flats Park where you can enjoy life music, fun outdoor activities, and performances by the famous Canadian snowbirds for Canada Day.

A great spot for a picnic or stroll with waterfront views.

Hands-on exhibits and family-friendly learning experiences.

Great spots for a picnic or stroll with waterfront views.