Ottawa River - Canoeing

Ottawa summer adventures — from Oh! to Ah!

Ottawa is one of Canada's most rewarding cities to visit in summer. Canada's capital offers a rare combination of world-class institutions and genuine outdoor pleasure: seven national museums, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Rideau Canal, open-air summer festivals, and a culinary scene that rewards the curious. 

For a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Ottawa has a habit of surprising even the most seasoned traveller—from the Oh! of discovery,  to the Ah! of exceeded expectations.

Get your passes

Cyclist enjoying Parliament Hill views from Major's Hill Park
Visit Ottawa Pass - SUMMER SALE

The Visit Ottawa Pass gives you admission to your choice of three or five premium experiences – plus access to great discounts on a variety of participating attractions, tours, dining, shopping and festivals.

From now until September 7th, families save even more! Buy one adult pass and get a kids pass for FREE!

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Canadian Museum of Nature
Ottawa Museums Pass
Access museums and galleries for one low price with the Ottawa Museums Pass!
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Take the train to Ottawa — and save $15

Train Station VIA Rail

Skip the drive this summer. Book a VIA Rail trip between Toronto and Ottawa and save $15 in Economy or Business class.

Promo code: VIAOTTW

Book by July 3, 2026 · Travel between June 8 – July 6, 2026

Book your trip

*Valid on direct Ottawa–Toronto and Toronto–Ottawa travel only; intermediate stations excluded. Not valid on trains 40, 42 and 55. Book at least 3 days before departure. Booking period: May 19 – July 3, 2026. Travel period: June 8 – July 6, 2026.

Oh! to Ah! experiences you can’t miss

Family cycling on the Rideau Canal in downtown
Event calendar
Find out what’s happening in Canada’s capital up to a year in advance by searching our online Event Calendar.
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Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy
Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy
Each summer, be dazzled by spectacular fireworks displays exploding in shimmering waterfalls and blooms of colour high above the Ottawa River, all set…
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Canada day
Canada Day in the capital
Canada Day in the capital is an unforgettable experience for Canadians and international visitors alike, drawing hundreds of thousands of people…
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Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (FMG)
Every year in late summer, FMG brings the Ottawa-Gatineau region to life with an electrifying music lineup, performances for all ages, fireworks, and…
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Lansdowne, Ottawa Farmers’ Market
What’s happening in Ottawa
Check out some of the fun events and activities taking place in the Ottawa region this week, including the weekend!
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Ottawa Bluesfest
Ottawa Bluesfest
Every summer, some 300,000 music fans gather to see more than 200 acts on multiple stages. No wonder Billboard Magazine has ranked this event among…
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Changing of the Guard
Changing of the Guard
See soldiers in scarlet uniforms and bearskin hats perform precise drills to military music during the Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill. This…
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Escapade Music Festival
Escapade Music Festival
Escapade Music Festival is the first festival of its kind in the NCR. It is an event dedicated to the development of the electronic music scene and…
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Weekend Bikedays
On weekends—and even some weekdays—you can bike, walk, run and in-line skate on several car-free parkways in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Weekend…
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More Oh! to Ah! experiences in Ottawa

Tavern on the Hill at Major's Hill Park
Top 10 things to do in Ottawa
No matter the season, Canada’s Capital is a treasure trove of impressive sights and stimulating activities.
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Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Ottawa’s seven national museums
Visit seven of Canada’s nine national museums in Ottawa!
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Arlo Wine & Restaurant
Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2024
Six Ottawa restaurants make the list of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2024 list.
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TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
Ottawa’s summer 2026 music festivals
Ottawa beats to the sound of countless outdoor and indoor music festivals during the summer of 2025.
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General inquiries: 1-833-864-7839
info@ottawatourism.ca

Stay up to date

Stay up to date on upcoming events and ideas to plan your next trip to Ottawa with friends, family or on your own by signing up for the Ottawa Tourism Newsletter.

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