The capital of Canada is often overlooked in favour of the more visited cities of Canada like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal and that’s a shame. Ottawa has a number of things to offer visitors and unlike some of the other cities it can provide a great insight into how the country runs and the history of Canada. That’s not all there is to do of course. There are a ton of things to do in Ottawa and despite how many times I’ve been there I definitely haven’t gotten to all of them so I thought I’d reach out to some fellow travel bloggers for their recommendations on what to see and do in Ottawa! My own recommendations are mixed in within the post and but I love Ottawa and I’ve been so many times I’ve lost track so if you’re looking for recommendations on things to do/see and places to eat feel free to send me an email or drop a comment below and I’d love to help out!
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Explore the Ottawa Food Scene
Being from Toronto I’m quite spoiled when it comes to the food scene of a city. We’ve got virtually every kind of food you could possibly think of and I may have been a little snobby about Ottawa’s food scene on my original visits since I just didn’t think that there was any way for it to live it to my standards of Toronto’s food scene but luckily I was wrong! Ottawa’s got a fantastic and constantly improving food scene. It’s got a number of options for upscale dining but also tons of brunch options and casual dining! ByWard Market of course has a number of options but as the city grows more neighborhoods are coming up and with it tons of restaurants are opening up! You could easily spend a weekend in Ottawa just eating so do make sure to carve out enough time to enjoy proper meals!
Take A Selfie With The Ottawa Sign
It seems that every major city now has a sign for you to take selfies with and Ottawa is of course no different. You can find the Ottawa sign in ByWard Market!
Walk Around Hog’s Back Falls
Hog’s Back Falls, more officially known as Prince Wales Falls, can be found in Hog’s Back Park. While it is an artificial waterfall it’s still quite spectacular! You can take it in from multiple angles including the bridge above it and the walkway right along it. The walkway does get super slippery in the winter so make sure to be careful if that’s when you’re exploring! It’s interesting to know that the falls are the point where the Rideau Canal splits from the Rideau River.
Canadian Museum of Nature
Ottawa is definitely a city of museums and while it may be difficult to check out all of them in one visit you should make time for the Canadian Museum of Nature. While the collection itself is impressive and worth enjoying, the real show stopper here is the architecture! The museum is well built and has some really interesting architectural points like the giant window pictured below. You can check out the hours and ticket costs on their website.
Explore the Glebe
The Glebe is just one of many neighborhoods in Ottawa but it’s one that stands out for its number of restaurants and unique shops. It’s located just south of the downtown core and you can find majority of the shopping on Bank Street. It’s arguably some of the greatest shopping in the city. Make sure to detour down in the side alleys and streets for some great street art as well.
Tour Parliament & Peace Tower
The government of Canada resides in Ottawa and it is where all of the important decisions about day to day Canadian policies are made and so it’s a unique activity to take part in since it’s the only place in Canada you can do so! Parliament offers free tours of its buildings but you do need to secure a ticket. It’s highly recommended that you reserve one ahead of time but they do have limited day of availability as well. I’d recommend calling ahead to see if they’re doing tours or not because the buildings are operational buildings and tours will vary depending on what is going on in parliament. You can find out more information about the tours here.
Explore Parliament Hill
If the timing of the Parliament tour doesn’t work out with your schedule or if it’s not running on the day(s) you’re in town, I’d still highly recommend spending some time around Parliament Hill itself anyways. The buildings are quite historical and make for some excellent photography objects and there’s lots of statues (with plaques and information) around the buildings worth checking out. Noteworthy one is of course Terry Fox that’s across the street from the Center Block (pictured below). Right on Parliament Hill you can also see the Centennial Flame which has been burning since 1967 in memory of Canada turning 100 years old.
When wandering around don’t forget to head to the back of Parliament Hill for some great views of the river!
Parliament Hill Light and Sound Show
Daisy from Beyond My Border recommends experiencing the Parliament Hill Light and Sound Show on your visit to Ottawa:
National Gallery of Canada
Mariellen from Breathe Dream Go recommends checking out the National Gallery of Canada on your visit to Ottawa:
When visiting Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, I firmly believe the National Gallery of Canada is one of those special places everyone should visit even if you’re in the “I don’t do art galleries and museums when I visit a new city” camp. For one thing, the building is spectacular and it’s located smack in the heart of Ottawa, where all the tourists go – between the Ottawa River and the Byward Market. In other words, it’s just a fun thing to do.
For another, you will learn a lot about the history of Canada, and the culture. Even if you’re a first time visitor, you can basically explore Canada without leaving the building! As you walk through the collections, arranged chronologically, you watch the art transform from a European style to a uniquely Canadian one. Famous Canadian artists such as Emily Carr and Lawren Harris are well represented, and Canada’s most iconic painting, The Jack Pine by Tom Thomson, is here. There’s also a fascinating gallery of Indigenous Art that includes work from the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada as well as art from indigenous peoples around the globe.
ByWard Market
There is plenty to do once you’ve had your fill of shopping. The market has pedestrian areas where you’ll happen upon street performers, performing everything from circus shows to classical music. Do as the locals do and settle into one of the numerous restaurant patios to enjoy a drink while people-watching. If you love a good brunch, be sure to visit Benny’s Bistro. This hidden brunch spot is known for its inventive dishes and relaxed atmosphere. Hop into a horse-drawn carriage for a unique tour of the market and be sure to stop by the BeaverTails stand to enjoy one of their famous dough pastries.
Vanitea Room
Janine from Fill My Passport recommends eating at Vanitea Room on your visit to Ottawa:
Tour the Royal Canadian Mint
Janine from Fill My Passport recommends touring the Royal Canadian Mint on your visit to Ottawa:
No Ottawa adventure would be complete without checking out the Royal Canadian Mint. This establishment in the heart of Canada’s capital brings visitors great bilingual tours of the facility that currently makes commemorative coins and Olympic medals. Pictures are not allowed on tour, but you can grab some unique souvenir guides and memorabilia in the gift shop. While you check out the super cool coins that have designs for all provinces, commemorations, and even favourite Disney characters, don’t forget to line up for that essential Instagram moment with a photo holding a real block of gold. You haven’t lived until you have touched such a valuable commodity!
High Tea at Chateau Laurier
High tea at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel is an iconic experience to have in Ottawa. Not only is the food incredible, with seasonal spreads that will make your taste buds salivate, but the location itself is hard to beat. This historic hotel is arguably the most beautiful building in the city and has a rich history of having entertained politicians, famous artists and even the queen!
If during your team time experience you have problems selecting a tea (the list is extensive) don’t worry you have a tea expert at your disposal to help. It’s an occasion to get a bit dressed up and enjoy the refined atmosphere. Zoe’s Lounge, where the high tea takes place on Sunday afternoons has recently been renovated and the decor is stunning. It’s truly a lovely experience and can be done year round – plus it’s indoors, which can be nice as weather can be unpredictable at times in Ottawa!
Plane Watching at the Airport
Jerry from Four Columns of a Balanced Life recommends plane watching on your visit to Ottawa:
The Ottawa airport is located less than 10 km south of the downtown. It gets approximately 5 million passengers making it the sixth busiest in Canada. In 2017, the airport closed the picnic area on Leitrim Road. A lot of people were leaving garbage and other things which could be sucked into the engines.
To feel the Rolls Royce, Pratt and Whitney or GE engines roar, I recommend a good place near Thad Johnston and Alert Road. Lufthansa, British Airway, Air Canada, WestJet, United, American and Delta all fly into Ottawa. Get your binoculars on, cameras ready to shoot and go for it.
For someone who has flown into Ottawa countless times, the beautiful Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club, Hylands Golf Club and the Falcon Ridge Golf Club can be seen from the plane on a clear day. On the extreme side is the Rideau River which carves Ottawa.
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Sunset over Rideau Canal
Ottawa Locks
Olivia from My Wandering Voyage recommends checking out the Locks on your visit to Ottawa:
The locks in Ottawa are a UNESCO world heritage site and are significant to the history of Canada. But what exactly are they, why they heck are they so important and why should you go?
Well, the Rideau Canal is a man-made waterway built following the War of 1812 that connects the Rideau River with the Ottawa River, allowing boats to safety navigate through the rocky terrain. By the time it was built in 1832, the canal and its 12 locks allowed boats to pass through with ease.
Today, the locks – basically stairs for boats – still function. Because of its importance to Canadian history, and to recognize that it is oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, the Rideau Canal and its locks became a UNESCO world heritage site in 2007.
In the summer you can take a walking tour of the locks and the surrounding heritage sites such as Bytown Museum and Lockmaster’s Office. You can also experience the locks the way they were meant to be experiences – on the water. Several cruises take you on a journey along the Rideau Canal and locks or along the Ottawa River to see the locks from below.
Science and Tech Museum
It’s easy to spend a full day at the Science and Tech Museum. It is filled with hands on activities that are fun for young and old. The museum includes all aspects of science and technology and how each impacts our daily lives. It’s impossible to list all the wonderful exhibits but we definitely have a few favourites!
The museum has several old steam trains that visitors can explore. These have always been a great hit with my kids and now it also includes a virtual reality experience where you can drive the train. We also love the crazy kitchen. This is an illusion in action giving visitors the feeling of falling as they walk through. The Medical Sensations area includes a plastic body that is sliced horizontally so you can move the parts aside and see all the organs and veins and how they interact. My youngest was fascinated! A few other favourites include the Mars Rover, animal tracking devices, making your name in braille, and the live science exhibitions on the center stage. The schedule for these is at the main entrance so make sure to check it out when you arrive!
Seasonal Events
Tulip Festival
Marie-France from Big Travel Nut recommends checking out the annual Tulip Festival on your visit to Ottawa:
Every year in May, Ottawa drapes itself in a million colourful tulips for the Canadian Tulip Festival. The main display consists of several large flower beds strung along the length of Commissioner’s Park on the shores of Dow’s Lake. Other tulip displays can be found in Major’s Hill Park near the Parliament, as well as throughout smaller city parks and public areas.
The festival features musical entertainment, floral workshops, children’s art and crafts, an artisan market, gourmet food trucks, a walking tour, and fireworks.
Launched in 1953, the tulip festival has interesting origins. In 1945, the Royal Dutch Family gave Ottawa 100,000 tulip bulbs to thank Canadians for sheltering the future Queen Juliana and her family during the last three years of the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The gifts continue to this day, with Ottawa receiving 20,000 bulbs every year from the Netherlands.
Skate on Rideau Canal
there’s a warming hut or somewhere to buy refreshments.
Winterlude
Winterlude is an annual event that takes place in Ottawa/Gatineau celebrating winter. It’s a great opportunity to get outside despite the cold! They’ve got plenty of things happening like snow and ice sculpture competitions, snow playgrounds and so much more! The event takes place from the end of January until about mid-February every year!
Remembrance Day
Helen from Not Without My Passport recommends experiencing Remembrance Day on your visit to Ottawa:
If you plan your visit to Ottawa during the month of November, I highly encourage you to attend the Remembrance Day Ceremony. Every November 11th, crowds gather at the National War Monument in Confederation Square to pay tribute to Canada’s fallen. Solemn but powerful, the event is of particular significance to visitors from other parts of Canada. Expect to see a parade, government dignitaries like the Prime Minister and Governor General and, of course, active service members, military veterans and their families. Just be sure to arrive early to get a good spot and dress warmly especially with warm boots (toes can quickly freeze when standing still for an hour or two).
Just Outside of Ottawa
Diefenbunker Cold War Bunker
Chris from Worthy Go recommends checking out the Diefenbunker Underground Bunker on your visit to Ottawa:
Gatineau Park
Located about 20-30 minutes from downtown Ottawa you can find the stunning, and huge, Gatineau Park. It’s a fantastic piece of nature located so close to the city that just begs to be explored! There are a number of hikes and look out points and there’s even a waterfall. You could easily spend a day or more here alone but even a few hours is good enough to get a feel for the park!
Nordik Spa
There you have it – a giant list of suggestions on things to do in Ottawa! How many of these have you managed? How many are you planning to do? Let me know in the comments and as always pin this post for your upcoming visit to Ottawa!
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I honestly had no idea there’s so much to do in Ottawa – thank you so much for sharing! Also love your suggestions outside of the city. Canada is on my bucket list, and a few days in Ottawa will surely be part of the trip.
I am planning a trip up to Canada soon and Ottawa is on my list! This was a great read and I’m surprised with all there is to do. Thanks!
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Glad to hear! Ottawa is definitely worth a visit!
I really enjoyed my trip to Ottawa, but I only made it to Toronto. Next time I visit, I’ve plenty of inspiration on places to see in the future.
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There definitely is a ton to do in Ottawa!