The best wheelchair-friendly things to do in Ottawa

Ottawa offers an increasing number of accessible attractions and experiences for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. From scenic nature escapes and adaptive outdoor adventures to museums, festivals and live entertainment, Canada’s capital makes it easier to explore comfortably in every season.

Here are some of the best wheelchair accessible things to do in Ottawa:

• Explore nature at Mer Bleue Bog
• Discover a hidden gem at Robert Plante Greenhouse
• Visit Ottawa’s accessible national museums
• Experience art and culture at the Ottawa Art Gallery
• Explore Lansdowne Park and Aberdeen Pavilion
• Visit the Experimental Farm, Dominion Arboretum and gardens 
• Enjoy the bistro and rock sculptures at Remic Rapids Park 
• Spend a day at Ottawa’s accessible beaches
• Try adaptive cycling and sightseeing tours
• Enjoy live entertainment at Algonquin Commons Theatre
• Try adaptive water sports with SkiAbility Ottawa
• Experience seasonal fun at Saunders Farm 

For more to explore and other accessibility needs, visit Ottawa Tourism’s guide for accessible travel.  

Explore nature at Mer Bleue Bog 

Mer Bleue Bog is one of Ottawa’s most unique outdoor destinations and a favourite among nature lovers. The conservation area features wide wooden boardwalks that guide visitors through a rare northern boreal bog landscape filled with birds, wildlife and peaceful scenery. 

While some portions of the boardwalk may be slightly uneven, wheelchair users have shared that the experience is well worth it. It is an especially rewarding spot for birdwatching during spring and fall migration seasons. 

Discover a hidden gem at Robert Plante Greenhouse 

Robert Plante Greenhouses offers a relaxing and accessible outing surrounded by lush tropical plants and flowers. Plus, discover the on-site café where visitors can grab a coffee while exploring the space.  

Wide pathways make it easier to navigate the greenhouse. Throughout the year, the greenhouse also hosts special events including plant sales and farmers’ markets. 

Visit Ottawa’s accessible national museums 

All of Ottawa’s national museums are wheelchair accessible, making them some of the city’s best year-round attractions for visitors with mobility needs. Several museums also participate in the Access 2 program. 

Highlights include: 

The Canada Science and Technology Museum is certified Gold by the Rick Hansen Foundation, recognizing its high standard of accessibility. 

Visitors will find accessible entrances, elevators, washrooms and seating throughout these museums. 

Experience art and culture at the Ottawa Art Gallery 

The Ottawa Art Gallery is committed to creating a barrier-free environment and offers one of the most accessible arts experiences in the city. 

Admission is always free, and mobility accessibility features include: 

Explore Lansdowne Park and Aberdeen Pavilion 

Lansdowne Park is one of Ottawa’s most accessible gathering spaces thanks to its large paved pedestrian areas and year-round programming. 

Wheelchair users can comfortably enjoy: 

The historic Aberdeen Pavilion hosts exhibitions, markets and special events inside one of Canada’s most iconic heritage exhibition halls. Also makes for a great photo op!

Visit the Experimental Farm, Dominion Arboretum and gardens 

The grounds surrounding the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and Central Experimental Farm provide a relaxing accessible outdoor experience close to downtown Ottawa. 

Visitors can explore paved and relatively flat pathways through: 

The area combines gardens, green space and farm animals, making it an enjoyable outing for visitors of all ages. 

Enjoy the bistro and rock sculptures at Remic Rapids Park 

Remic Rapids Park is a peaceful riverside destination known for its seasonal bistro and the striking balanced rock sculptures created by local artist John Felice Ceprano. Locals often recommend this hidden gem for its serene atmosphere and beautiful river views. 

The park offers accessible parking and paved pathways, making it easier for wheelchair users to enjoy the scenery along the Ottawa River. 

During Weekend Bikedays, wheelchair users can roll directly on the car-free Kichi Zībī Mīkan rather than using the adjacent pathways, creating an especially enjoyable and spacious route to the park from areas like Pimisi Station. 

Spend a day at Ottawa’s accessible beaches 

Several Ottawa beaches offer beach-accessible wheelchairs and mobility mats to help visitors enjoy the shoreline and water more comfortably. 

Accessible wheelchairs are available to borrow at: 

These specialized chairs feature large inflatable tires designed to travel across sand and into shallow water. Mooney’s Bay Beach also offers beach mats for easier shoreline access. 

Visitors should check availability and reserve wheelchairs in advance. 

Try adaptive cycling and sightseeing tours 

Ottawa’s extensive pathway network makes it an excellent destination for adaptive cycling and accessible sightseeing tours. 

Let’s Go Cargo recently expanded its adaptive offerings with an accessible e-cargo tricycle designed to improve ease of access for riders of varying abilities. 

Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals also offers a pedal-assist cargo bike that allows passengers with mobility limitations to comfortably experience Ottawa’s paved cycling pathways while riding with a companion. 

For guided sightseeing, Lady Dive Tours offers wheelchair-accessible double-decker buses equipped with secure wheelchair spaces. Staff can also assist passengers boarding amphibious vehicles when arranged in advance. 

Meanwhile, The Haunted Walk offers atmospheric walking tours through Ottawa’s historic downtown streets and haunted landmarks. 

Enjoy live entertainment at Algonquin Commons Theatre 

Algonquin Commons Theatre has received positive feedback from locals with accessibility needs for its thoughtful customer service and accessible event experience. 

Some visitors have shared that theatre staff reached out ahead of performances to help ensure a smooth and comfortable visit. The venue regularly hosts concerts, comedians and touring performances throughout the year. 

Try adaptive water sports with SkiAbility Ottawa 

SkiAbility Ottawa helps make water skiing and wakeboarding accessible to participants of all ages and ability levels. 

The organization uses adaptive equipment and specialized teaching techniques, including sit-skis, wakeboards and ski-boom-equipped boats. Programs run during July and August and welcome everyone from beginners to competitive athletes. 

Experience seasonal fun at Saunders Farm 

Saunders Farm is a favourite seasonal destination just outside Ottawa with accessible experiences throughout the year. 

During the summer months, visitors can relax with locally made cider while enjoying the farm’s countryside setting. In the fall, the farm transforms for FrightFest, one of Ottawa’s most popular Halloween attractions featuring spooky entertainment and festive autumn activities. 

Saunders Farm notes that all buildings on site are wheelchair accessible, and accessible washrooms are located near the entrance. Visitors will also find some paved walkways throughout the property. Certain attractions and features may require navigating more rugged terrain, so accessibility can vary depending on the activity and weather conditions. 

Ottawa continues to expand its accessible tourism offerings, helping wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility enjoy everything from outdoor adventures to arts, culture and entertainment. With thoughtful planning and a growing number of inclusive attractions, exploring Canada’s capital can be both comfortable and memorable.