When everyone thinks of Canada, the city that immediately comes to mind is Toronto. What most people don’t know is that Toronto may be the capital city of the province of Ontario, but Ottawa is the capital city of the country. This bilingual city has a rich history. Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital because it was safely tucked away in the woods away from harm. Ottawa was a mere logging city back in the 1800s, and since then, it has grown to house a population of well over 850,000. If you also consider the far-flung tourists staying in many of its hotels and resorts, the number rise to an additional 11 million every year. You can choose from a wide range of accommodation options - from Airbnb vacation rentals to secluded glamping spots. For sightseeing, there are national treasures and gems that attract people from miles away. Check out these best things to do in Ottawa, Canada, and discover a unique charm deep within this Canadian capital.
1. Explore the best of Ottawa by land and water (from USD 34.0)
If you think a tour across top places of interest in Ottawa is just plain and ordinary, think again. This specific city tour takes passengers on a journey across the Canadian capital by not just land but also water. The trip aboard the amphibious bus - “Amphibus” for short - begins with an expedition across several paved streets, passing through iconic landmarks such as Parliament Hill, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, and the National Gallery of Canada.
By the second half, you’ll be taken off the streets and into the Ottawa River, where you’ll eventually cruise through the waters and see Ottawa in a different light. As testified by many who went, you’ll certainly receive the best of both worlds with this tour.
Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water
Duration: 1 hour
2. Treat yourself to a Canada-themed dinner musical experience (from USD 72.0)
Looking for some unique form of entertainment here in Ottawa? If you happen to be running out of dinner ideas, give this Canada-themed experience a go. It offers a tasteful array of signature Canadian 5-course meals with the option to purchase alcoholic drinks.
It’s not just the meals that make this experience worthwhile. You’ll also be treated to full-blown musical performances showcasing some of the country’s best-known cultural assets, including Anne of Green Gables. Chow down in delight as beloved homegrown characters and performers donned in red and white sing along to songs popularized by the likes of Justin Bieber and Celine Dion.
Ottawa Canadian Dinner Musical
Duration: 2 hours
3. Grab a shot of the iconic Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is one of the best attractions in Ottawa. Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, this government building is full of art history and architecture. When you first enter the vicinity of the buildings, you are greeted by the centennial flame, which has been burning since 1967. In 1916 there was a fire and the library was burned down. Since then, in 1920 the building was reopened and still features a few morsels of the old library. The famous clock tower is a pillar in the Ottawa community and it is recognizable from afar. There are daily tours of the parliament buildings where you can learn about the history of their origins.
Parliament Buildings
Address: 111 Wellington Street Ottawa, Ontario
Price: Free
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8.30am - 6pm. Friday: 8.30am - 5pm. Sunday: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: +1 6139924793, Toll Free +1 8665994999
Website: Parliament Hill
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4. Skate down the Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is one of Ottawa’s wonders. The canal is 202 kilometers (125 miles) long and was built in 1832 to connect downtown Ottawa’s parliament with the Ottawa River, as an escape route. In the present day, Rideau Canal is known as the world’s largest skating rink and skating down it is one of the cool things to do in Ottawa. Every year the canal is tested for durability and is then opened for skating. Hundreds of people skate on the canal each year, taking in the fresh air and the greenery. The canal is also open until 11 pm for the skaters to enjoy the spectrum of Christmas lights, lit every year around the city. Even if skating isn’t your scene, come down to the canal to enjoy a hot chocolate and a Beaver Tail, which is one of Canada’s Aboriginal desserts.
The Rideau Canal
Address: Ottawa, Ontario
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 7am - 11pm
Access: There are various access points to the canal, check the website for details
Contact: +1 6132395000, Toll Free +1 8004651867
Website: Rideau Canal
5. Zip lining at Camp Fortune
One of the fun things to do in Ottawa is to go zip lining. Camp Fortune is known in Ottawa for their great ski hills, but they are also known for their zip lining experience. This attraction is located just outside of Ottawa, in the Gatineau Hills area.
There is nothing like the fall season in Canada, where all the leaves are changing colors and there are smells of the forest leering around every corner. Imagine that feeling soaring down a zip line - you’ll surely appreciate the gorgeous scenery Ottawa can offer. If you are daring, you can also free fall from the sky onto an airbag.
Camp Fortune
Address: 300 Chemin Dunlop Chelsea, QC J9B 2N3
Price: from 20 USD
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays
Duration: around 3 hours required
Access: Just 20 minutes outside of the Ottawa Downtown area
Contact: +1 8198275517
Website: Camp Fortune
6. Picnic down at Dows Lake
If you are wondering what to do in Ottawa in the summer months, then make your way to Dows Lake. In May we have the Tulip Festival, where hundreds of people walk down the canal to enjoy the spring air and the colorful tulips. If you’re visiting in the later months of the summer, you can find paddle boat and kayak rentals at the pavilion. Whether you are enjoying a romantic day on the water or strolling down the canal, you must visit Dows Lake.
Dows Lake
Address: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
Contact: +1 6132321001
Website: Dows Lake
7. Enjoy the view at Nepean Point
If you’re wondering what to see in Ottawa, then pay a visit to Nepean Point. Just off of the Alexandria Bridge, that bridges Ottawa and Gatineau, you can find Nepean Point. Nepean Point is a hill where you can see a waterfront view of Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau. This lookout is a great place to visit and take scenic pictures!
Nepean Point
Address: Alexandria Bridge, Ottawa, Ontario
Website: Nepean Point
8. Catch a game at TD Place
This elegant spot used to be called Lansdowne Park, until they renovated and remodeled the area. In this little area located near downtown in the Glebe, there are retail outlets, bars, restaurants and a football stadium. If you come in time for the football season, be sure to catch one of the Ottawa Redblack’s games. If you are a hockey fan, you can catch an Ottawa 67’s game. The Ottawa 67’s are a junior hockey league team. There are also other events that go on at the stadium, be sure to check their website for details. Behind TD Place you can find the Rideau Canal, so if you get the urge to walk down the calming waterway after a great dinner and shopping spree, feel free to.
TD Place
Address: 1015 Bank St, Ottawa, Ontario
Contact: +1 6132326767
Website: TD Place
9. Experience tranquility at Ottawa's Garden Promenade
Experience a tranquil green environment in Ottawa with Ottawa’s Garden Promenade, where you can choose your own garden routes for the best adventure that suits your personal preference. Ottawa’s Garden Promenade is all about discovering the beauty of nature through well-preserved green space and breathtaking garden beds. So take your time here and breathe in the fresh air, all the while appreciating the wonder of nature.
Ottawa's Garden Promenade
Address: Garden Promenade C/O Canadian Tulip Festival Inc. The Horticulture Building, 203-1525 Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON K1S 5J3
Website: Ottawa’s Garden Promenade
10. Take a break from city life at Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park is the conservation park for the National Capital Region, featuring unique, diversified ecosystems as well as various local heritage highlights. The park is a highly popular recreational area for the locals as a green space for a beautiful lake view and relaxing outdoor activities. Covering 36,131 hectares of the land, Gatineau Park is a 15-minute drive away from downtown Ottawa and proves to be a great place to visit if one intends to take a breather from the city noise.
Gatineau Park
Address: 33 Chemin Scott, Chelsea, QC J9B 1R5, Canada
Website: Gatineau Park
11. Shop at ByWard Market
Well-known as one of the oldest public markets in Canada, ByWard Market is very popular with both vistors and locals. It consists of a range of food stalls, bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes, boutiques and vendors selling all manner of crafts and goods. A farmer’s market, where local farmers sell fresh produce and artisans sell craft cheese, chocolate and other speciality items, is very popular here. So, shop, dine and have fun at ByWard Market in Ottawa!
ByWard Market
Address: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Website: ByWard Market
Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)
12. Stay at the luxurious Fairmont Château Laurier
For a luxurious stay in Ottawa, book yourself into Fairmont Château Laurier. Resembling a fairy-tale castle from the outside, this five-star hotel is an Ottawa landmark. Its convenient downtown location makes it the perfect accommodation option for tourists. The rooms and suites at this hotel are chic and very well-appointed. By booking a stay here, you will also have access to the hotel’s casual and fine-dining options, an updated fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool.
Fairmont Château Laurier
Address: 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7, Canada
Website: Fairmont Château Laurier
13. Explore the natural beauty of Petrie Island
Spend some time with your family or friends at the beautiful Petrie Island in Ottawa. Consisting of a number of beaches, wetlands, bays, ponds and channels, it is a group of islands that offer many family-friendly activities. Laze around on the beach, explore one of the many nature trails, look for turtles, enjoy a picnic, click pictures of the wildlife or simply admire the natural beauty here.
Petrie Island
Address: 727 Trim Rd, Orléans, ON K4A 3P4, Canada
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
14. Admire pretty tulips on Ottawa Spring Tulip Festival Bike Tour (from USD 67.0)
Come spring and Ottawa blooms with tulips. And at The Canadian Tulip Festival, you can witness a stunning array of tulips in every color and shade. Embark on this Ottawa Spring Tulip Festival Bike Tour to admire the beautiful blooms and click amazing pictures along the way. The tour includes riding through Commissioner’s Park, Rideau Canal, Landsdowne Park, Dow’s Lake, Little Italy and more. Pitstops at other famous Ottawa attractions are also included in the itinerary.
Ottawa Spring Tulip Festival Bike Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Gorgeous scenery
These are just a few of the breathtaking scenes that you can visit here. Alongside the scenery, you can catch a game, go shopping or just walk around TD Place. Whatever your fancy is, Ottawa is a great place to visit. Snow or sunshine, Ottawa is a beautiful city. Be sure to check out these things to do in Ottawa.
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