28 Best Things to Do in Ottawa – A Complete Guide to the City

Ottawa offers many exciting and unique experiences for couples and families alike. The city, often underrated as a Canadian vacation spot, holds a special place in our hearts since it was the first place I visited with my family many years ago. We continue to return year after year, making it feel like a second home.

When planning to visit Ottawa, you might think of the iconic Parliament buildings and skating on the Rideau Canal, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, there is truly so much more to explore beyond just the government buildings and museums.

Recommended Things to Do in Ottawa

This comprehensive guide provides insights into attractions, activities, and dining options within Ottawa. Just a four-hour drive away, we frequently visit for weekend trips and week-long adventures, allowing us to become quite familiar with the city. Canada’s capital city stands out as one of its coolest destinations, and here’s why.

We aim to make this the most in-depth guide on the best things to do in Ottawa, covering everything from Parliament and outdoor adventures to museums. We’ll also delve into luxury relaxation, dining options, and even the best spots to catch stunning sunset views. Let’s dive in!

1. Parliament Buildings

While visiting Ottawa, seeing the Parliament buildings is a must. Canada boasts stunning government architecture. You could leisurely stroll around the grounds, reveling in the views of the nearby river, but joining a guided tour is highly recommended. Experience the Senate in the Senate of Canada Building, the House of Commons within the West Block, and the East Block itself.

Parliament Tours

Free tours of Ottawa’s Parliament last around 45 minutes. Guests must undergo a security screening, similar to an airport procedure, and are permitted one small bag and a bottle of water. No video recording is allowed.

These informative tours focus on the center and east blocks of the parliament buildings. Tickets can be obtained at 90 Wellington Street, located directly across from Parliament Hill. If you’re interested in attending Question Period, you can reserve tickets.

One of the newest offerings is the Parliament: Immersive Experience, where you can explore the center block via an engaging exhibition and a 360° multimedia presentation. This free admission experience lasts about 45 minutes, but tickets should be reserved in advance.

2. Changing of the Guard

Just like in England, Canada has its own Changing of the Guard ceremony! You can witness two daily performances in Ottawa. The change occurs daily at WW1 Memorial, where you’ll find a small but captivating ceremony featuring a piper and two guards changing their duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A grand spectacle occurs daily at 9:50 am from June to August on the East Lawn of Parliament Hill.

3. Yoga on Parliament Hill

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been known to attend Yoga on Parliament Hill. Every Wednesday from May to August, the Hill hosts mass yoga classes, led by Lululemon Athletica, and it’s completely free to participate.

Museum Capital Of Canada

Not only is Ottawa our nation’s capital, but it also claims the title of the museum capital of Canada. (Though it may not be an official title, many would agree!) With countless museums, you could easily spend your entire trip exploring them. Here are a few favorites to consider.

4. Aviation and Space Museum

Home to over 130 aircraft propellers and engines, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum showcases military jets, WWII fighter biplanes, helicopters, and early aviation artifacts. This impressive collection highlights both military and civilian contributions to aviation.

Engage in flight simulations or even book helicopter tours or a biplane flight, making it one of the finest aviation museums worldwide—definitely worth a visit—check the Aviation Museum for details.

5. National Gallery

The National Gallery of Canada is a striking architectural marvel housing an extensive collection of Canadian art. Its enormous spider sculpture, Maman, designed by Louise Bourgeois, attracts beaucoup attention. If you travel frequently, you might recognize this iconic piece from its display at the Tate Modern in London, Missouri, St. Petersburg, Bilbao, Tokyo, and more.

6. The Canadian Museum of History

From First People’s Hall, honoring the legacy of the First Nations, to the Canadian History Hall, showcasing pivotal moments and figures in Canadian history, this museum’s unique architecture reflects the Canadian landscape. Visitors will enjoy scenic views of the Ottawa skyline and the illuminated Alexandra Bridge at night.

7. Fairmont Chateau Laurier Historic Display

The Fairmont Historic Display is free and showcases the history of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Visitors can enter the grand hall, stroll past boutiques, and admire photos documenting both the hotel’s history and the city itself. Notably, Winston Churchill often enjoyed visits to the Chateau Laurier.

Additionally, the hotel has ties to the Titanic. Charles Melville Hays, responsible for railway expansions in Canada, collaborated in the hotel’s design. The Chateau Laurier originally served as the flagship hotel along this railway line.

8. Rideau Hall

As a national historic site, Rideau Hall serves as the official residence of Canada’s Governor-General. Guided group and private tours occur daily, providing access to the Governor-General’s quarters. The role mimics that of the Queen of England.

While the current Governor-General resides there, visitors can explore part of the residence and the official halls dedicated to ceremonies and meetings—definitely one of the most fascinating stops in Ottawa! To find out more about tours, visit the Rideau Hall Website.

9. SUP with Urban Ocean

Experience paddleboarding on the Gatineau River, all while admiring Ottawa’s stunning parliament buildings. Urban Ocean Ottawa opened the first SUP Centre in Eastern Ontario, offering certifications, instruction, tours, and even SUP yoga! This unique experience ranks among the top activities in Ottawa.

Guided tours will take you from the yacht club to Rideau Canal Locks, Parliament Buildings, and the Supreme Court of Canada while exploring the scenic river’s beauty.

No previous paddleboarding experience is needed; once you find your balance, guides will lead you to explore various sites. For further information, check out the Urban Ocean Website.

10. BiPlane Flight

At the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, I discovered the thrilling opportunity to fly in an authentic World War II Biplane! Regular flights are available during summer hours.

We flew in a Waco UPF-7 open-cockpit biplane from 1939, seated side by side during the 25-minute flight. This aerial tour provided views of the Gatineau Hills and Downtown Ottawa, including a flyover of the Parliament Buildings. Our pilot even showcased some aerial maneuvers over Gatineau before heading back—what a blast!

• For details, check out the Aviation and Space Museum Website.
• Prices start at $65, and we paid $145 for our tour over Gatineau and Ottawa.

11. Hiking Gatineau

While this article highlights things to do in Ottawa, Gatineau deserves mention. Located just across the river, Gatineau is connected by various transportation methods, offering incredible outdoor activities, nightlife, and museums. We absolutely love the stunning natural landscapes, so make sure to include Gatineau Park in your plans.

12. Gatineau Park

Covering 365 square kilometers (139 square miles), Gatineau Park offers an expansive conservation area filled with trails. One entrance sits a mere 4 kilometers from Downtown Ottawa, featuring 165 kilometers of hiking paths and 90 kilometers for mountain biking.

During our visit, we spotted many road cyclists enjoying the trails. A highlight is the William Lyon Mackenzie King Estate, which spans 231 hectares (571 acres) and was home to several of Canada’s Prime Ministers. With its beaches, canoeing, and camping, the park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

13. Hiked to the Carbide Wilson Ruins

This picturesque 30-minute hike leads you through serene forests and alongside lakes, culminating at the former laboratory and summer residence of inventor Thomas Wilson, who famously created calcium carbide. To ensure privacy and safeguard his inventions, Wilson constructed an estate and dam hidden deep in the woods where he could work in solitude. The residence and dam remain intact, nestled within a stunning landscape, making it one of the best Instagram spots in the Ottawa region.

14. Whitewater Rafting

The Ottawa River boasts some of the finest whitewater rafting available globally, drawing professional rafters and kayakers to its class 5 rapids. Situated only an hour outside downtown Ottawa, three rafting companies offer exhilarating trips to suit adventurers of all ages and abilities.

Three Whitewater Rafting Companies

The Ottawa River features three popular rafting companies: Owl Rafting, Wilderness Adventures, and RiverRun. Our experience with OWL Rafting included accommodation at their all-inclusive resort where we spent two thrilling days rafting.

• Day one involved a large group raft as our guide skillfully navigated the immense rapids known as The Staircase.
• Day two we transitioned to a sport raft with just four people.
• The rustic resort was relaxing, with buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner options included.
• For additional information, visit OWL Rafting.

15. Fairmont Chateau Laurier

No trip to Ottawa is complete without a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Built in 1912, this renowned landmark has hosted royalty, celebrities, and world leaders alike.

Located directly alongside the Rideau Canal, it offers some of the best views throughout the city and is centrally located to nearly every major attraction. A five-minute walk in either direction will take you to the ByWard Market or Parliament buildings. Check out their website for availability and rates: TripAdvisor.

16. Nordik Spa-Nature

When in Ottawa, unwind at the tranquil Nordik Spa-Nature, located just 20 minutes away in Gatineau, Quebec. This spa offers a unique experience set amidst nature, perfect for relaxation after a busy day of exploring.

We especially enjoyed the Källä Treatment (Saltwater Pool), spending 40 minutes in absolute serenity, equivalent to several hours of restorative sleep!

Plan on spending an entire day here to experience all Nordik Spa-Nature has to offer:

• Ten baths
• Nine saunas
• One infinity pool
• One saltwater floating pool – Kalla Treatment
• Three restaurants
• Both indoor and outdoor lounges
• Several treatment rooms

Nordik Spa-Nature plans to add an on-site hotel soon, allowing for an overnight stay after a day spent at the spa. For now, plenty of nearby accommodations are available, some within walking distance. Discover our full experience here: Pure Bliss at Nordik Spa-Nature.

Best Place for an Ottawa Sunset

17. Sunset from Andaz Hotel

Travelers often seek out stunning views when visiting new cities, and the Andaz Hotel in ByWard Market boasts some of the best sunset vistas in Ottawa. Among the city’s various hotels, this one has perfected its sunset terrace.

Enjoy one of their signature cocktails while admiring the view over the ByWard Market from the hotel’s expansive floor-to-ceiling windows or outdoor patio. Visit The Hyatt Andaz for reservations and further information, or check TripAdvisor for pricing.

18. La Terrasse

Located inside Chateau Laurier, La Terrasse features breathtaking views of the Rideau Canal locks. Guests can enjoy cocktails, delicious patio food, and a serene atmosphere here. This shaded terrace also ranks among the premier locations to experience sunsets in Ottawa.

19. John Ceprano Rocks

This charming riverside park contains Muskoka chairs offering serene views of the extraordinary artistic display created by John Ceprano, who works tirelessly on his installations during summer. Ceprano is friendly and eager to share his vision with visitors, making for a memorable stop on your Instagram-worthy adventure.

20. Nepean Point

Nepean Point is renowned for its stunning panoramic views of the Ottawa skyline and the Alexandra Bridge spanning the Ottawa River. We highly encourage you to stroll across the Alexandra Bridge to Gatineau, where you can marvel at both the Ottawa Parliament Buildings and the river while enjoying a leisurely walk. The bridge leads directly to the grounds of the Canadian Museum of History, and you can take the ferry back to Ottawa afterward.

21. Canal Cruise

Another entertaining way to delve into the Rideau Canal’s rich history is to take a canal cruise from Chateau Laurier to Dow’s Lake. These tours typically last about an hour and a half, guiding you past iconic landmarks including City Hall, the National Arts Centre, and the Canadian Museum of Nature.

During the winter, skating along the same route transforms the Rideau Canal into the world’s largest skating rink, stretching 4.8 miles and covering an area equivalent to 90 Olympic-sized hockey rinks. For more winter fun in Ottawa, see our Best Things to Do in Ottawa in Winter.

22. ByWard Market

As one of the best places to explore in Ottawa, ByWard Market is a historic public market established in 1826. Founded by Lt-Col. John By, who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal, the market offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with shops, restaurants, and boutiques.

Local Tip: If you enjoy visiting markets, make sure to check out Ottawa Farmers’ Markets held at various locations throughout the summer.

23. Laval Street in Gatineau

Be sure to visit Laval Street while in Gatineau for its trendy atmosphere. This bustling thoroughfare features various patios and even an art installation with colorful umbrellas adorning the buildings. If you enjoy exceptional food and drinks, Laval Street is a must-see destination.

24. Bike or walk along the Canal

Ottawa offers numerous walking trails, particularly along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River. These pedestrian-friendly paths provide a wonderful opportunity for exploration, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s history and breathtaking beauty.

25. Walk Across the Alexandra Bridge

Just as New York City has the famous Brooklyn Bridge, Ottawa boasts the Alexandra Bridge. This beautiful span is designed for pedestrians and cyclists, linking Ottawa to Gatineau while showcasing splendid views of the Parliament buildings.

26. Ottawa Monuments

Like many capital cities worldwide, Ottawa features numerous monuments commemorating significant events in Canadian history. Take a leisurely walk through the downtown area, admiring statues that mark important moments and individuals, including those found at the Valiants’ Memorial, The Peacekeeping Monument, and the Oscar Peterson Statue.

27. JazzFest to Winterlude

Throughout the year, numerous festivals take center stage in Ottawa. Among our top recommendations are the Jazz Festival, the Tulip Festival, and, most notably, Winterlude, celebrated during winter. Neighboring cities, such as Montreal, also host many exciting festivals. To learn more about the Tulip Festival, visit Bloomin’ Marvels – The World’s Largest Tulip Festival.

Moreover, don’t miss the Volleyball Nations League, where top international volleyball teams, including those from Canada, compete for several weeks. The Ottawa Pet Expo at the EY Centre often includes interactive installations, such as the TICA Cat Show, Bird and Small Animal Zone, grooming demonstrations, and a Reptile and Plant Expo.

If you’re a music enthusiast, local musicians frequently perform at events like Osgoode Porchfest, enriching Ottawa’s diverse cultural landscape. Ultimately, there’s truly something for everyone in this vibrant city.

28. Canada Day

Experiencing Canada Day in Ottawa is a celebrated right of passage for many Canadians. Festivities unfold on Parliament Hill, featuring entertainment, water stations, and various events throughout the week!

The iconic Canadian Snowbirds put on spectacular performances throughout the day, while diverse Canadian talent takes the stage, symbolizing diversity and inclusion. There’s no better place to feel an overwhelming sense of joy than in Ottawa on Canada Day.

Where to Eat and Drink in Ottawa

Riviera Restaurant

Voted one of the best eateries in Canada by enRoute Magazine, Riviera Restaurant stands out as a must-visit dining destination. Located on Sparks Street, Ottawa’s pedestrian thoroughfare opposite Parliament Hill, this popular restaurant is known for its exquisite cocktails. The Ottawa Food Festival also features various food vendors and activities nearby.

The menu changes daily but accommodates a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian and seafood selections. For more details, refer to their website.

Whalesbone

Whalesbone, owned by my college roommate’s brother, has quickly risen to prominence in Ottawa. With two locations in the city, it has become a beloved seafood spot, particularly for its fresh oysters.

You can find Whalesbone on Bank Street and Elgin Street—definitely a must-visit for seafood lovers. For the menu and reservations, visit TheWhalesBone.com.

Chateau Laurier

Wilfred’s at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is longstanding as one of Ottawa’s top dining establishments. Meanwhile, Zoe’s offers a more casual atmosphere while still maintaining a stylish and elegant setting replete with crown molding and high ceilings—it’s the perfect modern twist for the current century.

Tavern on the Falls

Did you know Ottawa features its own picturesque waterfalls? Though not massive, the Rideau Falls showcase the Rideau River’s descent into the Ottawa River, providing a scenic backdrop from the patio of Tavern on the Falls. Here, you can indulge in gourmet hot dogs while sipping beer or bubbly as you take in the waterfront views.

Brig Pub

Brig Pub offers an excellent escape in ByWard Market, highlighted by a hidden yet charming patio. Enjoy an extensive menu of classic pub fare and innovative dishes, from fish tacos to duck confit poutine, all in a delightful setting. Be sure to check out Brig Pub’s menu for more details.

What You Need To Know About Ottawa

What are some free things to do in Ottawa?

Ottawa is abundant with free activities, including skating on the Rideau Canal, touring Byward Market, and exploring Parliament Hill. In fact, many museums offer free admission during select hours.

What is there to do in Ottawa at night?

Our favorite nocturnal activities in Ottawa range from enjoying cocktails at the Andaz Hotel rooftop bar to bar hopping in ByWard Market and enjoying delightful drinks at Whalesbone.

What are some adventurous things to do in Ottawa?

Adventure seekers will find plenty to do in Ottawa, from paddleboarding on the Gatineau River to whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River.

What is there to do in Ottawa in winter?

We have compiled a comprehensive list detailing the amazing winter activities available, which include Winterlude, snowshoeing expeditions, adventures at Parc Omega, and skating trails.

Getting Around Ottawa

Aqua Taxi provides transportation from the Rideau Canal Locks to Gatineau for $3 per person one way.

Uber is an affordable option for traveling within the city.

• Note: Uber and Lyft operate within Ottawa but not in Quebec. If you venture into Gatineau, they will drop you off, but you’ll need to secure a taxi for your return.

Taxis are generally more expensive in Ottawa and are not recommended.

Car Rental is advised for certain activities on this list; consider renting a vehicle for a day or two to see all the attractions before relying on walking or Uber services.

Bike Rentals—Ottawa is exceptionally bike-friendly, featuring ample cycling trails and dedicated lanes. A variety of rental companies offer bikes by the hour or for extended durations.

Walking is a feasible way to access numerous major attractions easily.

Gatineau—Crossing the Alexandra Bridge to Gatineau makes for a delightful stroll, taking approximately 20 minutes to reach the Gatineau Museum of History from ByWard Market in Ottawa. The waterfront in Gatineau is worth exploring as well.

Getting To Ottawa

• Ottawa’s international airport (YOW) is serviced by Porter Airlines offering direct flights from downtown Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport.
• Daily train service travels from Toronto Union Station to Ottawa.
• Alternatively, consider taking a scenic five-hour drive along Highway 401 to reach Ottawa.
• Ottawa is located a two-hour drive from Montreal.

Ottawa is welcoming, friendly, and bilingual, with most residents able to effortlessly switch between French and English. You might even spot our Prime Minister out and about, as he frequents the area!

When you next explore Canada, be sure to include Ottawa in your itinerary. It stands out as one of Canada’s coolest cities, offering visitors a vibrant mixture of culture, nature, luxury, and adventure.