Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Ottawa, Ontario

Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River and is bisected by the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal. It is a bilingual city, with the majority of residents fluent in both English and French. Furthermore, the city is rich in cultural diversity, effectively preserving Canada’s heritage and traditions.

Similar to many capital cities worldwide, Ottawa features numerous national attractions alongside a multitude of additional experiences to enjoy. Consequently, visitors can easily spend several days discovering what the city has to offer.

Let us explore the best activities in Ottawa:

1. Skate along the world’s largest outdoor skating rink

During the winter months, a section of the Rideau Canal transforms into an expansive skating rink, which is recognized as the longest outdoor rink globally, extending nearly eight kilometers.

The rink operates 24 hours a day, making it an ideal venue for a romantic evening. Moreover, it caters to diverse groups, including families, couples, and individual travelers throughout the day.

A skating experience along the Rideau Canal is not complete without indulging in a Beaver Tail. These delicious deep-fried pastries are available at kiosks along the rink and within the Byward Market area.

2. Visit Parliament

The impressive Gothic Revival-style Parliament Hill is centrally located, overlooking the Ottawa River. This landmark serves as the seat of the Parliament of Canada and is also a significant tourist attraction.

Parliament Hill comprises three main buildings surrounded by an expansive formal garden. The grounds frequently host numerous national celebrations, demonstrations, and performances.

Guided tours are conducted several times throughout the day in both English and French, lasting between 30 to 60 minutes. Visitors should arrive at 9 a.m. to secure their spot for the day.

3. Head to the market

Among the oldest markets in Canada, ByWard Market is centrally located in Ottawa and features a main building surrounded by outdoor stalls.

The main building operates year-round, while the surrounding stalls are open during pleasant weather. This vibrant area offers a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and various grocery items.

ByWard Market is also home to numerous restaurants, fast-food kiosks, and boutique shops, making it an excellent area to explore and interact with locals.

4. Learn about Canada’s history

As the capital city, Ottawa houses a multitude of national museums. Visitors need not be history enthusiasts to appreciate their offerings.

Institutions such as the Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canada Agriculture Museum, and the Canadian War Museum exemplify the rich history available for exploration in Ottawa.

Additionally, various specialized museums may not appeal to everyone but offer intriguing insights, including the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, the Portrait Gallery of Canada, and the Bank of Canada Currency Museum.

5. Learn about the darker side of the city

Not all aspects of Ottawa are vibrant and cheerful; the city also possesses a notorious history, which can be uncovered on the Haunted Walk of Ottawa.

This tour explores the darker elements of Ottawa’s past, sharing chilling tales about some of the city’s most renowned locations, including the Bytown Museum, the Ottawa Jail Hostel, and the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Guides dressed in black carry lanterns during the tours.

These haunted excursions are available year-round, irrespective of weather conditions. Halloween typically offers an enhanced experience, although they are enjoyable at any time of the year.

6. Enjoy the culinary scene

Ottawa is truly a melting pot of cultures, a characteristic that is prominently reflected in its diverse cuisine options. Here, one can savor flavors from various global cuisines alongside traditional Canadian dishes.

As previously mentioned, indulging in BeaverTails is highly recommended, available with various toppings such as cinnamon sugar, chocolate hazelnut spread, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Furthermore, poutine, a quintessential French Canadian dish featuring french fries paired with cheese curds and gravy, is a must-try.

Ottawa is also well-regarded for its exceptional Lebanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese food, in addition to French, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine available at various establishments across the city.

7. Wander around a historical château

Access within the Fairmont Château Laurier is somewhat restricted, as this grand 660,000-square-foot building now operates as a luxury hotel. This French Gothic-style castle is situated at the intersection of Rideau Street and Sussex Drive, offering views over the Rideau Canal.

The hotel originally opened in 1912, featuring just 350 rooms, only half of which included a private bathroom. Today, it encompasses a total of 429 guest rooms.

The architecture is remarkable, showcasing Tiffany stained-glass windows, Roman columns, and a distinctive copper roof. The lobby features exquisite Belgian marble floors, while the lounge boasts a stunning atrium adorned with luminous chandeliers, making it an excellent venue for afternoon tea.

8. Go to the park

Overlooking the Rideau Canal, Major’s Hill Park is situated just across from Parliament Hill and is one of the city’s oldest public green spaces, open year-round.

This park hosts various events, including Canada Day festivities and the annual ‘B In The Park’ event featuring pipe bands, and is a pleasurable place to spend an afternoon.

Major’s Hill Park also offers remarkable views of Parliament Hill, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, the American Embassy, and the Fairmont Château Laurier.

9. Spend the day at the beach

Surprisingly, Ottawa features a beach located on Petrie Island within the Ottawa River.

There are two beaches situated on the island’s northeastern corner, which operate from May 17th to September 1st, from noon until 7 p.m.

Managed by the city, these beaches have lifeguards on duty seven days a week, offering an excellent location for picnicking, swimming, or unwinding away from the city’s hustle.

10. Watch a sports match

Ottawa is home to several professional sports teams, with the Ottawa Senators being the most well-known. This National Hockey League team plays home games at the Canadian Tire Centre, which also houses the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame.

To see the Ottawa Redblacks in action, visit TD Place Stadium; this represents the city’s Canadian Football League team. Additionally, the Ottawa Fury FC also plays their home games at this stadium.

Baseball enthusiasts can catch the Ottawa Champions at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Park, part of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, also known as the Can-Am League.

11. Hang out with royalty

Rideau Hall serves as the official residence of the Canadian monarch, featuring a remarkable 175-room mansion set on 88 acres of land, serving as Canada’s counterpart to Buckingham Palace.

Designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, Rideau Hall has origins dating back to 1867. This magnificent residence is furnished with a mix of historical and contemporary items.

The mansion welcomes visitors for tours throughout the year, with complimentary guided explorations lasting approximately 45 minutes.

12. Go to court

The Supreme Court of Canada is an architecturally stunning Art Deco building highlighted by a magnificent marble Grand Entrance Hall. Construction commenced in 1939, initiated by Queen Elizabeth, who laid the first cornerstone.

The courthouse is accessible for tours throughout the year, although reservations are advised during the low season from September to April.

The grounds feature two flagstaffs and numerous statues commemorating Canadian figures, including Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent, alongside statues symbolizing Veritas (Truth) and Justitia (Justice).

13. Enjoy a festival

As a capital city, Ottawa hosts a variety of annual festivals that appeal to tourists throughout the year.

The most prominent winter festival is Winterlude, held over three weekends each February, featuring an international ice sculpting competition, public skating, and other engaging activities.

The Canadian Tulip Festival in May provides another excellent reason to visit, while Canada Day celebrations on July 1st are a highlight. Bluesfest, a significant summer festival, attracts visitors from across the country.

14. Stroll through Westboro Village

This vibrant neighborhood has transformed into a shopping hub, featuring various outdoor shops hosting flagship locations, alongside unique boutiques and local design houses.

Take a moment to relax with a freshly brewed cappuccino or a pastry during your shopping trip. In the evening, unwind with a craft beer or indulge in an exquisite box of truffles.

Westboro Village is also home to wellness centers, yoga studios, and massage establishments. Additionally, visitors can find art galleries, hair salons, and barbershops nearby.

15. Enjoy the nightlife

Ottawa showcases a dynamic nightlife landscape, featuring an array of bars, pubs, lounges, and nightclubs. Visitors can relish live jazz performances or enjoy the rhythm of a DJ spinning contemporary tunes.

The ByWard Market is an ideal location for a bar crawl, offering numerous options for drinks and entertainment. Centretown is another trendy area boasting a variety of bars and pubs.

Jazz and blues music thrive in the city, with numerous venues hosting live performances. For those seeking a chic atmosphere, Ottawa provides an abundance of stylish lounges and nightclubs.