No matter the season, Canada’s Capital is a treasure trove of impressive sights and stimulating activities. From world-renown historic places to outdoor adventure and everything in between, here are the top ten things you don’t want to miss when you visit Ottawa:
1. Parliament Hill
The seat of Canada's federal government and the setting for national celebrations the year round, Parliament Hill is the most visited Ottawa attraction. Guided tours are free and include the Senate, House of Commons, East Block and Parliament: The Immersive Experience. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
2. National Cultural Attractions
Ottawa cultural attractions, museums and galleries invite you to experience the best of Canada all in one place. Whether it's the stunning National Gallery of Canada, with world-class art on display, or the dramatic Canadian War Museum, these are the experiences that bring Canadian culture to life.
Ottawa is home to not one, but seven national museums! Learn more about all seven here.
3. ByWard Market
A historic farmers' market and shopping district by day, a favourite gathering place of restaurants and clubs by night - the ByWard Market, just east of Parliament Hill, is one Ottawa neighbourhood you won't want to miss.
4. UNESCO Rideau Canal
A historic waterway filled with boaters spring through fall and the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter — the Rideau Canal winds through the heart of Ottawa before connecting with the Ottawa River through dramatic stepped locks right next to Parliament Hill.
There are many ways to enjoy the Rideau Canal's beauty year-round — skate, cycle, eat and more!
5. The Outdoors – Adventure
Whether you want to go rock climbing, hiking, spelunking, outdoor running, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or more, there's an outdoor adventure with your name on it in Ottawa.
Try whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Ottawa River, some of the continent’s finest, then top it off with some bungee jumping. The Ottawa region is also a cycling enthusiast’s dream destination, with around 800 kilometres (497 miles) of recreational pathways linking natural areas, parks, gardens and national sites.
6. Festivals
Ottawa is a city of celebrations, offering a year-round calendar of parties, festivals and special events. Admire over a million tulips and enjoy special programming throughout the city during the Canadian Tulip Festival in May. On July 1, the city celebrates the biggest party in the country, Canada Day.
You can also experience a host of music celebrations, including the Ottawa Jazz Festival, Ottawa Chamberfest, Escapade Music Festival and Ottawa Bluesfest, which welcome some of the world's biggest acts to our city.
In winter, Canada celebrates Winterlude, and takes to the ice on the world's largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway.
7. Culinary scene
The culinary scene in Ottawa is in full bloom, with a thriving community of Ottawa chefs and diverse restaurants making names for themselves both at home and abroad. To experience multiple venues in one outing, book a dining tour of one of Ottawa’s great neighbourhoods — Ottawa Tasting Tours and Experience Food make all the arrangements for you. Or take a guided gourmet food tour with C'est Bon Ottawa to explore food shops, farmers’ markets and restaurants.
Ottawa is lucky to have a number of restaurants make the list of Canada's 100 Best Restaurants in both 2023 and 2024. The tasty options in Ottawa are endless!
8. Performing Arts
The Capital’s premier performing arts venue, the National Arts Centre, presents a full lineup of music, dance and theatre, plus popular touring acts and shows. Ottawa also has a thriving local theatre scene, including the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa Little Theatre, The Gladstone and La Nouvelle Scène.
9. City tours
Ottawa is filled with Capital sights and attractions — and just about as many ways to explore and see them. Experience a tour on both land and water with the Lady Dive Amphibus, or enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Ottawa River or the Rideau Canal. Get up close and personal to city sights by joining a walking or cycling tour based on your activity level and interests. If you're looking for something spookier, go on a Haunted Walk.
10. Neighbourhoods/Shopping
Unique Ottawa neighbourhoods offer distinctive shopping, dining and nightlife experiences across the Capital. From the must-see ByWard Market area, to the Glebe’s community feel, to the trendy Wellington West, there’s lots of local flavour to soak up in Ottawa’s varied districts.
Learn how to shop like a local, find fresh produce and other local goodies at one of the many farmers' markets, find your next favourite read at an independent bookstore and pick up the perfect souvenir for a loved one.
Complete your experience by enjoying some national treats! Take a look at A Taste of Canadiana in Ottawa, for ideas.
