Ottawa Canada Travel Guide: 21 BEST Things To Do In Ottawa

Parliament Hill is home to Canada's federal government, offering tours of historic buildings, views from the Peace Tower, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony in summer.

The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a scenic spot for walking, biking, and boat rides in warmer months, and transforms into the world's largest skating rink in winter.

ByWard Market, one of Canada's oldest public markets, is a lively area with fresh produce, local crafts, restaurants, and the opportunity to try a BeaverTail pastry.

The National Gallery of Canada houses an impressive collection of Canadian, Indigenous, and international art, with notable architecture and outdoor sculptures like Maman.

The Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau offers exhibits on Canada's history and cultures, including Indigenous peoples, and features the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles.

Gatineau Park offers scenic lookouts, trails, and lakes, popular for hiking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife watching, just minutes from downtown Ottawa.

The Canadian Museum of Nature features hands-on exhibits and family-friendly learning experiences.

The Canada Science and Technology Museum provides hands-on exhibits and family-friendly learning experiences.

The Canadian Tulip Festival is a colorful event in spring, with thousands of tulips blooming across the city.

Major’s Hill Park is a peaceful green space in downtown Ottawa, offering views of the Rideau Canal, Ottawa River, and Parliament buildings.

Dow’s Lake is a great spot for a picnic or stroll with waterfront views and activities like kayaking and paddle boarding in the summer, and skating in the winter during the Canadian Tulip Festival.

The House of Commons, located in the West Block on Parliament Hill, is open to the public for tours.

The West Block on Parliament Hill houses the House of Commons.

The Senate is located in a former train station across the street from Parliament Hill.

The Grand Hall in the Canadian Museum of History features the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles.

The First People's Hall in the Canadian Museum of History showcases the diverse history of Canada's first peoples.

The Canadian History Hall in the Canadian Museum of History features stories of real people who shaped the nation.

The Canadian Children's Museum offers exhibits for younger visitors.

The Canadian Museum of History has an IMAX 3D theater for movie experiences.

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum houses over 130 aircraft, including military jets, World War II biplanes, and the Silver Dart.

The Silver Dart, the first plane to fly in Canada, is on display at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

The reconstructed Reo Street Chapel, where you can hear 40 recorded choir voices, is inside the National Gallery of Canada.

Kiwi Point, near the National Gallery of Canada, offers views of Ottawa and Gatineau, and features contemporary sculptures.

Rita Hall is the official home and workplace of Canada's Governor General, featuring state rooms and peaceful grounds.

Notredam Cathedral Basilica is the oldest church in the city, featuring stained glass windows, ornate ceilings, and intricate woodwork.

Murals can be viewed under the Petabon Bridge.

Confederation Park features monuments like the South African War Memorial and hosts events like Winterlude and the Ottawa Jazz Festival.

The South African War Memorial is located in Confederation Park.

The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument is located in Confederation Park.

Winterlude is a major event held in Confederation Park.

Canada Day Celebrations are held in Confederation Park.

The Ottawa Jazz Festival is a major event held in Confederation Park.

The Bytown Museum is one of Ottawa's most haunted places, featured on haunted tours.

The Chateau Laurier is one of Ottawa's most famous landmarks.

Grant House is one of Ottawa's most haunted places, featured on haunted tours.

The Ottawa Jail Hostel is one of North America's most haunted buildings, featuring death row and Canada's last working gallows.

The Carlton County Jail offers a historical view of escapes, executions, and riots.

Innerzip Rogers offers a zipline that crosses the Ottawa River, providing views of both Ottawa and Gatineau.

At Dow's Lake Pavilion, you can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and paddle boats.

Commissioner's Park hosts the vibrant tulip displays during the Canadian Tulip Festival.

Carlton University is located close to Dow's Lake.

The Snowball, held in February, features skating, sliding, and dog sledding with an impressive ice sculpture competition.

The Dragon Boat Festival, held in June, is the largest in North America, featuring a thrilling boat race.

Bluesfest, a 10-day music festival in July, brings big-name performers to five stages by the river.

Chamberfest offers world-class music performances.

At Champlne Lookout you get a wide view of the trees and hills.

Pink Lake is known for its clear green water and quiet trail through the trees.

King Mountain offers a steady climb with views along the way.

In the spring, you can spend time at Luskville Falls to see the waterfall rushing as the snow melts.

Lesh Lake is a calm spot, good for paddling or camping by the water.

Lusk Cave is a short tunnel with cool, dark rock walls.

Mont Trromblanc is located about 1 hour 45 minutes away from Ottawa.

You can enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lac Tramlant.

Don't forget to visit Mont Trumblant National Park for hiking, biking, and canoeing.

You will enjoy whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River.

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier is one of Ottawa's most famous landmarks, offering views of the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill.

You can dine at Wilfred's restaurant at Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

You can enjoy a drink at Zoe's at Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

You can visit the Larass Patio at Fairmont Chateau Laurier, an outdoor dining area with fantastic views.

The Nordique Spa Nature in Gatineau offers baths, saunas, an infinity pool, and the Kala Treatment for relaxation.

One of the main attractions is the Kala Treatment, a saltwater floating pool that gives you a weightless experience like several hours of sleep at the Nordique Spa Nature.

Don't miss the John Soprano Rock sculptures along the Ottawa River, a true display of natural art created by balancing rocks without any adhesives.

Walking across the Alexandra Bridge connects Ottawa to Gatnau, offering a scenic route with views of the Ottawa River.

The Ottawa River Pathway is accessible when walking across the Alexandra Bridge.

The Capital Pathway is accessible when walking across the Alexandra Bridge.