TOP 21 Things To Do In Ottawa 🇨🇦 Travel Guide
Explore the best of Canada's capital with this comprehensive guide to Ottawa's top attractions. From the iconic Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill to world-class museums and vibrant markets, discover a city rich in culture, history, and natural beauty.
Rideau Canal and Rideau Canal Locks
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal is a picturesque waterway perfect for boating in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Visitors can explore the historic locks and enjoy scenic walks.
National Gallery of Canada
A striking glass and granite building housing an impressive collection of Canadian and international art, including works by the Group of Seven. The gallery's iconic spider sculpture, Maman, greets visitors at the entrance.
Parliament Hill
Gothic Revival style buildings that are the heart of Canadian democracy, offering free guided tours of the Senate, House of Commons, and East Block buildings. Visitors can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony during summer months.
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
A stunning neogothic church featuring intricate wooden carvings, colorful stained glass windows, and a magnificent pipe organ. Visitors can admire the ornate interior and attend mass or concerts.
Byward Market
A vibrant neighborhood that is home to a bustling Farmers Market, trendy boutiques, and diverse restaurants. Visitors can sample local produce, enjoy street performances, and experience Ottawa's lively culinary scene.
Royal Canadian Mint
A facility offering tours where visitors can learn about the coin-making process and see where Canadian circulation coins are produced. The Mint also offers interactive exhibits and the chance to lift a real gold bar.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
A museum showcasing Canada's aviation history through an extensive collection of aircraft and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore vintage planes, try flight simulators, and even book a biplane ride.
Rideau Canal Cruise
Relaxing boat tours offering a unique perspective of Ottawa's landmarks and history while gliding along the Rideau Canal. Knowledgeable guides provide commentary on the city's attractions.
Peace Tower
An iconic 92m high tower and one of the most widely recognized symbols of Canada. While the tower and surrounding Parliament building are currently under restoration, it's still worth seeing this Marvel from the outside
Canadian Museum of Nature
An impressive museum housed in a castle-like building featuring exhibits on Canada's diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can explore galleries dedicated to dinosaurs, mammals, birds, and minerals and enjoy interactive displays and temporary exhibitions.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
A Grand Hotel resembling a French Chateau and a National Historic Site of Canada. Visitors can admire its stunning architecture, enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge, or take a guided tour through its Grand hallways.
Mer Bleue Bog
A unique ecosystem located just outside downtown Ottawa featuring a boardwalk Trail through a northern Boreal landscape rarely found this far south. Visitors can take a bike ride or simply observe diverse plant and animal life while learning about the boog's ecological importance.
Rideau Falls Park
A Scenic Park offering views of the twin waterfalls where the Rau river meets the Ottawa River. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnic areas and learn about the area's history.
Canadian War Museum
A thought-provoking Museum chronicling Canada's military history from earliest times to the present day with numerous immersive permanent and special exhibits.
Major's Hill Park
An Urban Oasis offering stunning views of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, and the National Gallery of Canada. Visitors can enjoy picnics, attend festivals, or simply relax amidst beautiful flower gardens and mature trees.
Canadian Museum of History
Located just across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, this Museum showcases Canada's social and human history. Visitors should explore the impressive grand hall featuring towering totem poles and learn about indigenous cultures and Canadian achievements.
National War Memorial / The Response
A solemn Monument honoring those Canadians who served in war and features the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visitors can pay their respects, observe The Changing of the Guard ceremony and reflect on Canada's military sacrifices.
Britannia Park and Beach
A popular recreational area offering a Sandy Beach, picnic spots and walking trails along the Ottawa River. It's the perfect place to enjoy swimming, sunbathing and water sports during summer months or scenic walks year round.
Canada Science and Technology Museum
A recently renovated interactive Museum that explores Canada's technological innovations and scientific discoveries. Visitors can engage with Hands-On exhibits, see vintage locomotives, and learn about Canada's contributions to space exploration.
Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
A former underground nuclear bunker that has been transformed into a fascinating Museum chronicling Canada's role during the Cold War. Visitors can tour the impressive four-story bunker, see the prime minister's Suite or for a unique experience book an escape room.
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
A working farm in the heart of Ottawa showcasing Canada's agricultural Heritage and modern food production. Visitors can meet farm animals, learn about sustainable farming practices and participate in Hands-On demonstrations.
Gatineau Park
Offers hiking trails, beaches, and stunning fall foliage, making it one of the best things to do in Ottawa during autumn.
Dominion Arboretum
Showcases a diverse collection of trees and shrubs, providing a peaceful retreat for Ottawa sightseeing.