Ottawa is a city for all seasons and all people. There is so much to see and do in Canada’s capital.
No matter the season, Ottawa is a treasure trove of beautiful sights and thrilling activities, from the renowned historical sites to outdoor adventure activities. This beautiful city has so much to offer.
Before we talk about the 10 best things to do in Ottawa, let’s give you a glimpse of the city.
Ottawa At A Glance: 7 Interesting Facts
- Ottawa is the fourth-largest city in Canada, with a population of 812,129, and it is also the capital of the country.
- Ottawa comes from the Algonquin word “adawe,” meaning “to trade.”
- Founded as Bytown in 1826, it was renamed Ottawa in 1855 before being named the capital two years later.
- Nearly 40% of Ottawa’s population speaks both English and French.
- Ottawa has the most national museums of any Canadian city.
- Ottawa can be the best place for those interested in Canadian politics, the Parliament Building, as well as many historic structures in the city.
- Despite its size, Ottawa remains less of a tourist destination than other Canadian cities.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Ottawa
1. Take a Tour of Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is home to the federal government of Canada, where you’ll find all the Parliament Buildings.
Located in the heart of Canada’s capital is the Gothic-style building, which resembles the Houses of Parliament in London. It may sound cliché, and everyone might have suggested that you see the Parliament Buildings, but it’s true that Canada has really beautiful government buildings.
You could simply walk on the grounds of Parliament and enjoy views of the river below, but a tour is highly recommended.
It’s advisable to get the tickets early in the morning if you want to be sure of getting inside the buildings, as admission is first‑come, first‑served. Not everyone would be able to get in.
If you plan to visit Ottawa in the summer, you can also watch the Changing of the Guard at Parliament Hill.
2. Stroll Along The Rideau Canal
Take a stroll along the Rideau Canal, it’s definitely something you’d not want to miss if you are visiting Ottawa for the first time.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the oldest operating canal in North America.
The Rideau Canal runs for 202 kilometers; its banks are the ideal spot in Ottawa for biking, picnicking, and strolling. Those who love adventure can rent a kayak or a canoe to paddle through it.
During the summer, you can hop on narrated cruises along the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River. This way, you’d be able to enjoy the beautiful views and iconic buildings of Ottawa.
And yes, in winter, you can enjoy an ice-skating session along the frozen river, gliding your way to downtown Ottawa.
3. Explore The Stalls of ByWard Market
Next on the best things to do in Ottawa’s list comes the ByWard Market.
Established in 1826, it is one of the oldest markets in Canada. You’ll find nearly 250 stalls stocked with local produce and flowers.
The ByWard Market has stalls selling everything from food to souvenirs, jewelry, and local handmade goods.
There are several top-notch restaurants and outdoor cafes where you can enjoy a good drink with a terrace view.
For lunch, you can head to Sidedoor. Their dishes mainly serve Asian cuisine, so if you are a fan of Asian fusion, this is your place to be.
4. Visit The National Arts Centre
The National Arts Centre is one of the largest and most renowned performing arts centres in Canada, hosting about 600 performances each year.
This centre is home to one of the best touring shows, and amongst the best performers that Canada has to offer. It doesn’t matter if you are interested in dance, music, or theatre, you’ll find a show that you like, no matter when you are visiting.
So, go and take a ballet tour, experience a world-class English theatre performance, or enjoy the house orchestra; there is no doubt that you’d love that experience.
5. Take a Tour of Rideau Hall
If you want to experience more of Canada’s history, then you must take a tour of Rideau Hall. It is home to one of the most important figures in the Canadian Government- The Governor General.
The Governor General performs the same duties as the Queen of England.
There are group and private tours that take place daily to explore the Governor General’s quarters.
Our current Governor-General resides there, but visitors can only tour some portion of this residence and explore its ceremonial rooms. All tours are free, but you have to book in advance.
If you want to know more about how to book a tour, you can visit Rideau Hall’s official website.
6. Experience The Thrill of Whitewater Rafting
If you are a lover of adventure activities, then you’ll definitely love the whitewater rafting in this region. Ottawa is known to be one of the world’s best spots for whitewater rafting.
Located just 1.5 hours outside downtown Ottawa, there are four rafting companies that will take you to experience the adventure of your lifetime. These companies include:
- Wilderness Tours Adventure Resort.
- OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River.
- RiverRun Rafting Resort.
- Ottawa City Rafting
7. Visit Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
Diefenbunker is a four-storey building with 300 rooms and 100,000 square feet of space, which was meant to be home to 535 Canadian officials and military personnel.
You may find that normal, right? But what if we tell you that it is a secret underground building that was built in the middle of the Cold War (between 1959 and 1961).
The bunker was named after the Prime Minister of the time, John Diefenbaker.
Diefenbunker offers us a glimpse into the secret missions of the Canadian Cold War era. It was meant to shelter government officials in case of a nuclear war.
The museum is now open for public tours. It’s a short drive out of town, so you’ll need a car. But undoubtedly, it would be a great experience for you.
8. Stay at Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Your trip to Ottawa wouldn’t be complete without staying at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
Built in 1912, it is a stunning 5-star hotel and one of the most famous landmarks that has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and world leaders to its historic chambers. It is among the most iconic in all of Ottawa and is designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.
The hotel is splendidly beautiful inside and out, surrounded by equally exquisite attractions like the Rideau Canal and the Parliament Buildings.
The hotel has around 430 guest rooms, each of which is decorated with beautiful antique furniture along with several amenities like an air conditioner, a flat screen TV, a mini bar, coffee, and tea machines.
9. Explore The National Gallery of Canada
The world’s most extensive collection of art is situated in Canada’s capital, and no doubt it’s pretty difficult to miss.
The original National Gallery of Canada was built in Ottawa in 1880. However, it has changed locations several times before finally settling on its current location in 1988.
Home to nearly 65,000 art pieces, the National Gallery of Canada is known for its worldwide collection.
Its giant spider out front (aka Maman) is what really attracts people’s attention. The primary focus of this museum is to showcase the work of Canadian and First Nations artists, but it also exhibits artwork from indigenous people worldwide.
10. Visit The Spring Tulip Festival
If you happen to visit Ottawa in the early spring, then do not miss a chance to explore the famous Tulip Festival.
Spread along Dow’s Lake, there are huge beds of colorful tulips. It’s just like a sign that winter is about to end.
And, if you’ve had enough of the brutal cold weather, then this is one of the great things to do in Ottawa.
Final Thoughts
This concludes our list of the 10 best things to do in Ottawa. Hopefully, everyone planning a trip to Canada’s Capital will have plenty of things to experience.
With this list, you can cover all the major tourist attractions in Ottawa, and we are sure you will not return disappointed.
However, if you are someone who is moving to Ottawa permanently, then you might need to research more about the city.
The research would majorly focus on topics like the cost of living in Ottawa, moving costs in Ottawa, or hiring a local moving company in Ottawa.
Although there are several pros and cons of moving to Ottawa, you need to decide what’s best for you in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the free things to do in Ottawa?
Ottawa offers several free activities, from taking a stroll on the Rideau Canal to exploring the Byward Market and Parliament Hill. Not only that, but there are also several museums that are free at a designated time.
2. Why is Ottawa so famous?
Ottawa is famous because it is Canada’s capital. The city is home to Parliament Hill and is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation. It has several historic sites, art and cultural institutions, beautiful tourist attractions, and great food.
3. What to do in Ottawa at night?
The best things to do at night in Ottawa would be to go bar hopping at the Byward Market, take a stroll along the Rideau Canal, and take a Sunset cruise on the Ottawa River, from where you can watch the beautiful city lights.
4. Does Ottawa get a lot of snow?
Yes, Ottawa receives a considerable amount of snow in the winters, and temperatures become quite cold. If you like winters, then it can be the perfect winter wonderland for you.
