- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Ottawa
Explore Parliament Hill's Gothic Revival architecture, a key part of what is Ottawa famous for. The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was completed in 1832. Discover the hidden Diefenbunker, a Cold War marvel built underground, offering unique insights into history.
The Ottawa River offers scenic views, connecting to over 600 km of recreational pathways. Gatineau Park provides extensive hiking, making these top attractions in Ottawa. Evenings are best spent exploring the lively ByWard Market for local treats and busy nightlife.
When visiting Ottawa, sample a "Beavertail," a local pastry staple, especially popular at the ByWard Market. Beyond the famous poutine, explore the diverse culinary scene, from farm-to-table eateries to unique craft breweries thriving in Hintonburg and the Glebe.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer tourists
- Jul-Augwarm, peak tourist season
- Wintercold, snow, festive activities
- #ComfortableShoes
- #WeatherAppropriateClothing
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- #PortableCharger
- #Umbrella
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 days with side trips
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- English & French
- Both are official languages
- #ParliamentHill
- #RideauCanal
- #NationalGalleryOfCanada
- #CanadianMuseumOfHistory
- #ByWardMarket
- #GatineauPark
- Skate on Rideau Canal in winter
- Explore ByWard Market
- Visit Parliament Hill
- Hike in Gatineau Park
- Attend festivals in summer
Recommended Hotels in Ottawa by Experience
Things to do in Ottawa
Discover
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Ottawa, including landmarks like Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, and ByWard Market. These Ottawa attractions showcase stunning architecture and rich history, offering a glimpse into the city's vibrant culture.
Experience
Experience outdoor activities like biking along the Rideau Canal, enjoy Ottawa cultural activities at live concerts, or visit seasonal festivals like Winterlude. There are plenty of things to experience in Ottawa throughout the year.
Parliament Hill
National seat of government with iconic buildings.
National Gallery of Canada
Museum housing Canadian and Indigenous art.
ByWard Market
Historic market area with local vendors.
Rideau Canal
Scenic waterway popular for boating and skating.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Gothic Revival church known for stunning architecture.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Ottawa fly into Ottawa International Airport (YOW). The Ottawa airport to city center journey is about 20-30 minutes by taxi (~$35-45). For train to Ottawa, VIA Rail serves Ottawa Station from Toronto or Montreal.
Getting Around
Public transport in Ottawa includes OC Transpo buses and the O-Train. DayPasses offer unlimited travel. Bike rentals are popular along scenic pathways. Walking covers many downtown attractions efficiently. Taxis and ride-shares are readily available.
Local Essentials
Driving in Ottawa can be challenging during peak hours; parking downtown is often expensive. Use park-and-ride options for convenience. Always carry ID. While cards are widely accepted, small cash helps for smaller vendors.
Where to Stay in Ottawa
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Ottawa, such as tourtière (meat pie) and butter tarts. Savor late-night dining culture or enjoy unique craft beers. Try local specialties like BeaverTails near the Rideau Canal.
Enjoy
For delicious eats, try Play Food & Wine, one of the best restaurants in Ottawa. Mill St. Brew Pub offers a lively waterfront atmosphere. Don't miss The Scone Witch, one of the top cafés in Ottawa known for fresh, handmade scones and pastries.
Play Food & Wine
Stylish wine bar with seasonal dishes, reservations recommended.
Beckta Dining & Wine
Elegant contemporary dining, perfect for special occasions.
Aroma Meze
Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Ottawa cultural activities showcase Canadian heritage. Celebrate winter at Winterlude, a must-see carnival with ice sculpting and outdoor fun. Discover Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill, a national holiday event connecting to the city's past.
Enjoy
Exploring Ottawa reveals a dynamic modern scene. Experience RBC Bluesfest or the Ottawa Jazz Festival. These things to do, alongside galleries and multimedia installations, highlight the city's creative pulse.
Winterlude
National celebration of winter with ice art and sports (February).
Canada Day
National holiday on July 1st. Parades and fireworks on Parliament Hill.
RBC Bluesfest
Major music festival in July. Multiple stages with international acts.
Canadian Tulip Festival
Millions of tulips bloom in May. Parades and exhibits.
Ottawa International Animation Festival
World-renowned animation films and shorts in September.
Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
Largest dragon boat festival in North America held in June.
Ottawa Jazz Festival
Premier music festival featuring world-class jazz in June.
Ottawa in winter is something else entirely
The Rideau Canal frozen over is just wild to see. Skating on it feels totally surreal. The city is cold but in a fun way - people are out, there's food stands, BeaverTails everywhere. Really well set up for winter visitors.
Great city for a long weekend
Ottawa has a lot going on without feeling overwhelming. ByWard Market is the spot for food and just walking around. Picked up some maple stuff to bring home. The Parliament buildings are genuinely impressive up close. Easy city to navigate and locals are super easy to talk to.
Didn't think I'd enjoy it this much
Came mostly for the Winterlude festival and it totally delivered. Ice sculptures all over, outdoor skating, good street food. The canal stretch is massive and beautiful. Wrapped up warm and just explored for days. Way more to do than I expected for a capital city.
Solid city for history lovers
The Canadian Museum of History just across the river in Gatineau is worth half a day easy. Ottawa itself has loads of federal buildings and monuments that are actually interesting to walk past. Clean, calm city and not too busy even in peak season.
Really enjoyable autumn visit
Fall colours around Major's Hill Park are genuinely stunning. The mix of red and orange against all the stone buildings looks incredible. Museums are free on certain days which is a huge bonus. Food scene in ByWard Market kept us very happy throughout the whole trip.
Canada Day in Ottawa is unreal
Being on Parliament Hill for Canada Day is something you have to do at least once. Crowds everywhere but in the best possible way. Free concerts, fireworks, flags - the whole thing. The city pulls it off really well and there's enough space that it never felt too chaotic.