Idyllic to visit all year round, Canada’s capital is a treasure trove of impressive sights and stimulating activities. If you’re planning a visit, discover the ten best things to try in Ottawa
From world-renowned historic places to outdoor adventure and everything in between, here are the top ten things you don’t want to miss when you visit Ottawa:
1. Parliament Hill
The seat of Canada’s federal government and the setting for national celebrations the year round, Parliament Hill is one of the most visited Ottawa attractions. Guided tours are free and include the Senate, Hour of Commons, East Block and Parliament: The Immersive Experience. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
2. National Cultural Attractions
Ottawa cultural attractions, museums and galleries invite visitors to experience the best of Canada all in one place. Whether it’s the stunning National Gallery of Canada, with world-class art on display, or the dramatic Canadian War Museum, these are the experiences that bring Canadian culture to life for any visitor. Ottawa is home to seven of the nine national museums in Canada.
3. ByWard Market
A historic farmers’ market and shopping district by day, a favourite gathering place of restaurants and clubs by night – the ByWard Market, just east of Parliament Hill, is one Ottawa neighbourhood you won’t want to miss. It was established in 1871 and sees over 50,000 visitors every weekend in the peak tourism season.
4. Rideau Canal
A UNESCO historic waterway filled with boaters spring through autumn and the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter – the Rideau Canal winds through the heart of Ottawa before connecting with the Ottawa River through dramatic stepped locks right next to Parliament Hill.
5. The Outdoors – Adventure
Try whitewater rafting, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking on the Ottawa River, some of the continent’s finest, then top it off by ziplining between 2 provinces over the Ottawa River. The Ottawa region is also a cycling enthusiast’s dream destination, with around 800 kilometres (497 miles) of recreational pathways linking natural areas, parks, gardens and national sites.
6. Festivals
Ottawa is a city of celebrations, offering visitors a year-round calendar of parties, festivals and special events. Admire over a million tulips and enjoy special programming throughout the city during the Canadian Tulip Festival in May. On July 1, the city celebrates the biggest party in the country, Canada Day. Visitors will also experience a host of music celebrations, including the Ottawa Jazz Festival, Ottawa Chamberfest, and Ottawa Bluesfest, which welcome some of the world’s biggest acts to our city. In winter, Canada celebrates Winterlude, and takes to the ice on the world’s longest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway which is 7.8 kilometres (4.5 miles).
7. Culinary scene
The culinary scene in Ottawa is in full bloom, with a thriving community of Ottawa chefs and diverse restaurants making names for themselves both at home and abroad. To experience multiple venues in one outing, book a dining tour of one of Ottawa’s great neighbourhoods —[SL1] Take a guided food tour with C’est Bon Ottawa to explore food shops, farmers’ markets, street food and restaurants. The tasty options are endless! The new Taste of Canada tour should not be missed!
8. Performing Arts
The Capital’s premier performing arts venue, the National Arts Centre, presents a full lineup of music, dance and theatre, plus popular touring acts and shows. Ottawa also has a thriving local theatre scene, including the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa Little Theatre, The Gladstone and La Nouvelle Scène.
9. City tours
Ottawa is filled with Capital sights and attractions – and just about as many ways to explore and see them. Experience a tour on both land and water with the Lady Dive Amphibus, or enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Ottawa River or the Rideau Canal. Get up close and personal to city sights by joining a walking or cycling tour based on your activity level and interests.
10. Neighbourhoods/Shopping
Unique Ottawa neighbourhoods offer distinctive shopping, dining and nightlife experiences across the Capital. From the must-see ByWard Market area, to the Glebe’s community feel, to the trendy Wellington West, there’s lots of local flavour to soak up in Ottawa’s varied districts.
For more information and to plan an adventure, visit ottawatourism.ca
