When spring is in the air, that can only mean one thing: the Canadian Tulip Festival is back! With over a million tulips blooming across the capital, prepare to fill your camera roll with flower beds.

Sip delicious, boundary-pushing artisanal beer whose themes often highlight Canadian connections, local ingredients and unique collaborations. Cozy up inside the tasting room or sit under the shade of a large tree on the outdoor deck.

Search for treasures at this antique store with heart. Your vintage lamp, antique typwriter or classic teacup set all help Highjinx to provide, food, clothing and support to those in need in the community.

Ottawa's oldest Chinese restaurant is home to famous egg rolls. These eggrolls are so popular that they're served during Ottawa Senators games at the Canadian Tire Centre.

It's not an official day at the beach if you don't have sand in your hair and a rosy glow to your cheeks. Volley, spike, dig and dive your way into summer at the HOPE Volleyball Summerrfest at Mooney's Bay Beach, and then lay back and enjoy food, music and good vibes at this popular Ottawa festival.

Saunders Farm has the greatest collection of hedge mazes in North America. Try not to get lost while enjoying the hayrides, interesting play structures, and more!

If you have the need for speed, it’s time to rent a Jetski and rev your way down the Ottawa River.

Looking for something cool and completely free to do on a warm summer night? Catch this epic sound and light show nightly on the front lawn of Parliament Hill!

This magnificent collection of trees and shrubs covers about 35 hectares (86 acres) of rolling land. More than 2,000 varieties have been adapted to the region, some dating back to the first plantings in 1889.

Did you even visit the capital if you didn't take a selfie with the giant OTTAWA sign? Check it out on York St. in the ByWard Market, and be sure to stop by in the evening as the sign lights up the night in dazzling colours.

You won’t be feeling angry (or hangry) after visiting this food truck, especially if you order the Korean tacos… and pork belly sliders… with a side of egg rolls.

What better way to go with the flow than cruising along the Rideau Canal aboard a fully electric vessel! For 90-minutes, you're only task is to sit back and take in the UNESCO World Heritage site from its best vantage point: the water.

With Ottawa's best-rated guided bike tours and rentals, you can dive into the city's culture, nature and history on safe and scenic paths! Connect with the outdoors by trying out this fun experience.

The biggest spa in North America is the perfect place to unwind. Relax in one of the many hot and cold pools, saunas, massages, or even the only salt water floating pool in America.

From traditional truffles and cakes, to unique flavours and specialty shapes, you’ll find the perfect treat for chocoholics and special occasions at this long-running, family-owned chocolate shop.

One of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets and a must-see when visiting the city, the ByWard Market is the place to eat, shop and take an epic selfie or two!

Try this 22 km of groomed trails for fat bike rides as well as 2 km of snowshoe trails located in the heart of a picturesque maple grove!

This venerable shop has been selling exquisite flower arrangements and potted plants for almost 140 years. Your loved ones will be awed by the exquisite floral arrangements and fresh flowers.

Row, row, row your Dragon Boat right across the finish line at this free multi-day festival on the Rideau River. It’s the biggest event of its kind in North America!

Don't miss this stop whether you're attending a National Arts Centre show or not. With a terrace overlooking the Rideau Canal, there's no better place to chat and dine.

Take Ottawa's only floating Tiki bar and enjoy a relaxing tour up and down Ottawa River! Whether it’s just chilln' with friends, taking a romantic cruise, or coordinating a larger Tour/Corporate/School Group for a Tropical Ottawa Escape, Palapa Tours is one of the coolest ways to get out on the water!

Soak in the summer vibes on this stunning patio overlooking the Rideau Canal locks. Bring your besties and order up their giant surf and turf caesar rimmed with mini-sliders and succulent prawns.

Calling all gourmet foodies, we’ve got a city tour for you! Eat your way through various Ottawa neighbourhoods and embark on an epicurean excursion of the culinary scene.

Entice your taste buds with a sumptuous and flavorful seafood tower at one of Canada's top 100 restaurants.

Immerse yourself in Ottawa's hip hop culture at this cool and vibrant festival held under the Dunbar Bridge each summer. Catch hip hop performances, dance battles, live art demos and a pretty sweet graffiti wall.

Serving classic Canadian comfort food since 1986, Zak’s Diner is an Ottawa institution that families love to frequent. Must be the milkshakes!

The staircase behind Parliament Hill is a great place to catch some epic views or to get your steps in! Bring good shoes and endurance, as you'll need them for the climb, 286 stairs up

The Laff, as its known locally, is the city’s oldest bar dating back to 1849, and a legendary watering hole located in the ByWard Market area. Join locals for live music, pub grub and a lively ambiance.

Step right into Monet’s universe as his art goes beyond canvas in this new immersive exhibit at the EY Centre. Get to know Monet through his environment, creative techniques and the Water Lilies that defined his later works.

Escape to 361 kilometres of open area, where you may go for a run, cycle, swim, or simply take in the beautiful landscapes, lakes, and caverns.

Embark on a Canadian-style safari at Parc Omega and spot bison, elk, wolves and some VERY friendly deer, from the comfort of your car. For a truly unique experience, opt to stay overnight in a Wolf Cabin, and fall asleep to the sound of wolfs howling outside your window.

Fly over Ottawa in a Waco UPF-7 open-cockpit vintage biplane and feel the wind in your hair while seeing the sights.

Now this is something you'll just have to see for yourself. This vintage barn is brimming with one-of-a-kind goods made from local artisans around the world! But hurry, it's only open for 7 weekends in the fall.

Take a moment to reflect at this large monument near Parliament Hill. Initially built to honour Canadians who died in the First World War, it now commemorates all soldiers who have given their lives for Canada.

A true getaway, Mackenzie King (Canada's longest-serving prime minister) would escape the hustle and bustle of the city to his cottage in Gatineau Park. See two of his cottages from the 1940s, have a bite in the charming tearoom, and wander the picture perfect gardens.

Create fun and memorable moments with your family and friends at the biggest theme waterpark in Canada with a wide variety of attractions for thrill seekers of all ages.

You had us at ice cream taco! Crafted on site in small batches with local ingredients, this ice cream shop in rural Ottawa is definitely worth the drive if you’re looking to beat the summer heat. 

On Wednesday evenings in the summer, visit the long-running Parkdale Market in the vibrant Wellington West area to meet community producers and retailers and shop for everything from local beer to baclava!

Authentic Italian woodfired pizzas are the name of the game at Farinella in Little Italy. Come hungry and with friends, as their tasty pies are only sold by the meter and half-meter. Save room for some authentic Italian gelato after your feast, it's some of the best in town. 

Look for hidden cat sculptures in and around the Murray Street parking garage in the historic ByWard Market neighbourhood. Try to find all 14 of the small bronze sculptures ranging from playing kittens to arching kitties.

Stick to the classics with C'est Japon à Suisha, serving Ottawa deliciously upscale and traditional Japanese Cuisine since 1974!

THE spot for night skiing, with 12 brightly lit runs, Camp Fortune has more than 20 different donwhill runs from bunny hills to double black diamonds.

Delight your taste buds at this magnificent café and art gallery, which serves the only Korean corn dogs in Ottawa, which are cheesy to the extreme and topped with a variety of delectable toppings.

Take in the electric atmosphere of an NHL game in Canada’s capital and watch Ottawa's pro hockey team compete in the national sport. (Photo: Freestyle Photography)

Looking for a little respite without leaving the city? You've found your urban oasis right next to the ByWard Market! Pack a picnic or your favourite book and surround yourself with blooming flowerbeds and one of the best lookouts in the city.

A waterfall you'll want to chase, Princess Louise Falls are easy to get to but will still give you the feeling of being transported to an oasis.

Sneak away to this secret spot on the banks of the Rideau River and discover an urban outdoor art gallery like no other. This graffiti hot spot changes regularly, so be sure to stop by regularly to check out cool new creations from Ottawa's talented urban artists.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be inside of a painting? Surround yourself with over 300 works of art from one the most famous and influential artists, Vincent Van Gogh, in this immersive 360 experience

These laid-back bus or walking tours take you to Ottawa-area breweries for fun and informative tastings, plus distilleries, sporting events and activities. The best kind of adult field trip!

Now this is an event that'll have you saying "oh" and "ah" as thousands of colourful lights illuminate downtown Ottawa. Make time for a pit stop on Parliament Hill for the free multimedia show projected onto centreblock.

It turns out you CAN make friends with salad, especially when they taste like this. Pair it with the perfect pinot from the ByWard Wine Market also located inside LOLLO.

Twist and turn down an exhilarating 1km long monorail and feel the wind in your hair as you zip down the summer slopes of Camp Fortune at speeds of up to 40km/hr.

We love winter! Celebrate free Canadian winter fun at this epic festival which takes place in the Ottawa region during the first three weekends of February each year!

The only BFF we need is Burgers n’ Fries Forever! Handcrafted burgers ‘smashed’ to perfection and hand-cut and double-fried fries, need we say more? Psst, ask for the secret menu!

10 days, +100 artists, 1 festival RBC Bluesfest is one of Canada’s largest outdoor music festivals and it takes place right here in downtown Ottawa. (Photo: Scott Penner)

The biggest Canada Day party in the country takes place in Ottawa every year on July 1st!

In a cosy atmosphere with coffee from the best local roasters, light nibbles, and sweets like cookies, you may purchase both new and used books in this well-curated second-hand bookshop.

Re-inventing the oatmeal game is at the heart of Ottawa's Oat Couture Cafe. Devour an inventive oatmeal bowl by day, and stop by after dark as they morph into the Montgomery Scotch Lounge, serving up over 75 different types of single malt scotch.

Indulge in small-batch ice cream, bubble waffles and ice cream tacos that come in fun and international flavours at this popular spot on Bank Street downtown.

Come out of this restaurant feeling refreshed - with a full stomach after a delectable brunch and a new haircut!

Delicious homemade Italian deli sandwiches are the name of the game at Bottega Nicastro. Customize your own tasty creation for a picnic in the park or lunch riverside, and be sure to pick up some authentic Italian treats and a bottle of vino for later.

A skateboard store in downtown Ottawa, Canada, that is owned and operated by skaters. Whether you're searching for skateboards, shoes, jeans, places, coffee, or buddies, they've got you covered..

Patios that stretch a block? Yup. Quiet courtyard surrounded by greenery? Yup. Five unique bars under one roof? Also yup! Grab a pint (or two), enjoy live music 7 nights a week and soak up that genuine Irish hospitality.

The largest chamber music festival IN THE WORLD takes place right here in Ottawa every summer! (Photo: Curtis Perry)

Taking patio pints to a whole other level with 16 tasty craft beers on tap and an IG-worthy taproom. Need a recommendation? Try the Pink Fuzz!

Now here's something to scratch off your bucketlist: skate the world's largest rink! Every winter, the Rideau Canal turns into an epic outdoor rink for all to enjoy.

Take a weekend stroll along an epic boardwalk through a 7,700-year-old bog. Part of Canada’s Capital Greenbelt, Mer Bleue Bog has a uniquely northern boreal landscape with many specifies of rare plants, birds and other wildlife.

Croissants + Waffles = Croffles, a delicious union you’ll never be able to live without again! These buttery, flaky croissant meet crispy, fluffy waffle are made to order.

KIN Vineyards, a 47-acre rural estate in the middle of the Ottawa Valley, is renowned for its exceptional wine and stunning surroundings. Come enjoy the wine and the sunsets.

613flea market brings together artists and designers with independent boutiques, food merchants, and vintage apparel vendors. There's always something new, from handcrafted items to old treasures.

Take a tour through this spectacular outdoor art exhibit of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins all lit at night along a kilometre long path in a picturesque 19th-century backdrop. Open nightly from late September through October, you won’t want to miss this chance to walk in a world of pumpkins.

All hockey fans should visit this large sculpture to honour the Stanley Cup! Near this site at Sparks and Elgin Streets, Lord Stanley gifted the original cup to Canada in 1892 as hockey’s ultimate prize

Take a selfie with a sloth or come face-to-face with a reptile at this exotic animal rescue in rural Ottawa. Learn about reptiles, spiders, mammals and birds at North America’s most diverse animal outreach and education program.

Paddleboard within the city on a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Rideau Canal), the Ottawa River, the Rideau River, pools and more. SUPing options include yoga, fitness, SUP with your pup, and sunset paddles!

Sit back and admire spectacular views of downtown sites such as Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal Locks, Rideau Falls and the Canadian Museum of History while cruising on the majestic Ottawa River.

Take the plunge at Canada's highest bungee jump, and scream your way 200ft dowwwwwn while waiting for a quick head dip in the crystal clear waters of Morrision Quarry.

The Record Centre is an independent record shop in Ottawa, Ontario, that specializes in high-quality new and used vinyl records as well as sound systems. The team loves to nerd out about music making it a welcoming experience.

Nested in one of Ottawa’s oldest buildings, prepare to be transported back to yesteryear with timeless tin tiles, ornate ceilings and bird cage motif. Come for the atmosphere, stay for the cocktails and modern menu.

Scream your way through 2 provinces in less than a minute on Interzip Rogers, the first interprovincial zipline in the world!

Seeking good eats and even better beers, you’ve come to the right place. Industrially-hip, this building has a storied past (think illegal motorcycle chop shop) before being rescued and renovated into the neighbourhood watering hole you’ll see today.

Craving authentic Turkish food? Look no further than the Turkish Village Restaurant! Just make sure to save room for the baklava and Turkish coffee.

Experience some of Canada’s best Indigenous talent through music, dance, workshops, food and more at this free, family-friendly event at Mādahòkì Farm. The Competition Pow Wow is always popular!

Sending love… and chocolate with these completely edible and 100% mailable Postcard Chocolate Bars! All you have to do is a find your favourite funky, fun, weird or interesting flavour combination – like Dried Ramen or Pinot Noir.

Indulge in some of the best shawarmas in town at Shawarma Palace, which has been affectionately named Ottawa's favourite. There's a good chance you'll have to come back for more.

On this little but charming island, you shouldn't be shocked if time seems to stop still. It's the ideal place to unwind and take in the sights and sounds of nature.

This unique distillery located just outside of Ottawa transforms unused dairy milk sugars into a tasty smooth spirit called Vodkow. Try the classic in a summer cocktail, or opt for their Vodkow cream liquor to sneak into your morning coffee.

Stop by the new Gallery 55 on your next visit to the ByWard Market to experience unique exhibitions from international and local communities. Find it on the 2nd floor of the ByWard Market Square.

Located in a historic building in downtown Ottawa, Little Victories will have you snapping up more than their delicious locally roasted coffee. One of the most IG friendly cafes in the city, a selfie and a latte is a must in this bustling cafe, and Suzy Q doughnuts only sweeten the deal.

The buzz around Gee Bees Honey is legit! This local, family-run honey farm provides cool private beehive tours, and offers up some of the tastiest pure Canadian honey in the region.

Beat the winter blues with this brand new winter hop-on hop-off tour! Stay cozy (and cute) in these heated vintage buses as you cruise the city.

Prepare to be spooked as you visit some of Ottawa’s most haunted spots! Embark on a lantern-lit walk of Ottawa’s hidden history that the whole family will enjoy.

No trip to Ottawa is complete without at least one BeaverTails! From classic cinnamon and sugar to special flavours like Maple Butter or Nutella, you’ve gotta try them all.

Fairytale dreaming of afternoon tea in a castle? Pinkies up as you sip on aromatic teas and nibble on a tower of elegant finger sandwiches and decadent scones in the iconic Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

Mādahòkì means "to share the land" in the Anishnaabe language which reflects the farms focus in celebrating and experiencing authentic Indigenous culture. Their seasonal events highlight traditional food, dance, music and more while you'll find year-round marketplace and other programming.

Is a poutine even a poutine without squeaky cheese curds? St. Alberts Cheese Co-op is the OG when it comes to curds and locally sourced cheeses.

Race against the clock to see if you and your friends or family can escape using just your wits. Looking for a challenge? See if you can escape the world’s largest escape room at the Diefenbunker, a Cold War-era underground bunker.

Take a guided rafting excursion near downtown Ottawa with a view of Canada’s beautiful Parliament Buildings! Amp up this fun trip down the Ottawa River with body surfing and cliff jumping along the way.

Eating your greens doesn't have to be a bore. Surprise your taste buds with delicious fresh whole vegan meals you won't feel bad about later!

With over 800km of beautiful recreational pathways, Ottawa is the perfect city to explore by bike! Rent one for the whole family and set out on a sightseeing adventure on two wheels.

Visit this cute and meaningful life-sized bronze dog statue in Confederation Park in downtown Ottawa. Reflect on how animals have played a role in Canada’s military history, or simply take a selfie with your pooch

Enjoy the fall colours everywhere in the Capital Region from October 1st to 23, 2022.Take me to the colours!

From its roots as Ottawa's “Home of the Blues” to its current status as a legendary live music venue, this ByWard Market spot hosts everything from international blues artists to local performers

You'll never see an event quite like this one! Cheer on internainal teams as they push dragon boats outfitted with special blades alon the Rideau Canal Skateaway at the World’s Largest Ice Dragon Boat Festival!

Grab your paintbrushes, pencils and smock, Ace Arte Studio is calling your name. Try your hand at pottery, painting or drawing with immersive creative workshops and art classes.

Cheers with a glass of champs or cold local brew while you chow down on a selection of mouth-watering gourmet hotdogs, all with a stunning view of Rideau Falls and the Ottawa River tableside.

Try a dozen or more beers on tap, tour the expansive tasting room, or sit on the patio at this large craft brewery located in the charming village of Vankleek Hill, located between Ottawa and Montreal.

A brewery that loves to tell the stories of Ottawa, Kichesippi Beer Co. is named after the Algonquin word used to describe the Ottawa River as “Great River”. And they make great beer, too!

There’s no better place to catch a sunset than the Rideau Canal! Boat, bike, paddle or stroll along this scenic UNESCO World Heritage Site that weaves its way through the downtown core.

There's no way you can resist these delicious and delectable donuts no matter what sort of diet you're on. They're also sure to brighten your spirits no matter what mood you're in. 

Need a pick me up? These local coffee roasters have been in the bean biz since 1998 ensuring that each cup is ethically sourced and organically grown.

Get sticky at this family-run sugar shack and adorable farm in rural Ottawa. Known for their liquid gold in the spring, their adorable baby animals, summer picnics, and Christmas Village will have you coming back year-round.