Best Things to Do in Ottawa
Ottawa is the place where national history, culture, and natural beauty meet in a compact setting that is easy to explore. As the capital of Canada, Ottawa offers visitors historic landmarks, internationally renowned museums, beautiful waterways, and urban neighbourhoods easy to explore on foot. All these features make it a top choice for travellers on city breaks, even if they have only one day.
In contrast to the larger Canadian cities, Ottawa’s main attractions are in and around the downtown district and along the Ottawa River. Many of the best things to do in Ottawa are close together and easily reachable on foot or by bicycle along several paths that line both banks of the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River, making navigation simple and allowing visitors to see many different things without feeling rushed.
This article introduces the best things to do in Ottawa, including iconic landmarks, essential museums, must-visit spots, and seasonal attractions not to be missed.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Ottawa?
Some of the best things to do in Ottawa include visiting Parliament Hill, the National Museums, the Rideau Canal, ByWard Market, and the many walkable neighbourhoods in the city.
Ottawa’s charm is in the effortless combination of culture, history, and nature. Sightseers can visit government monuments in the morning and spend the rest of the day at museums, relaxing by the water or on the streets.
Why Is Parliament Hill a Must-See in Ottawa?
Parliament Hill, overlooking the Ottawa River, serves as both the political centre and a major tourist attraction. Its sharp green slopes drop hundreds of feet to the water below, creating the dramatic neo-Gothic silhouette familiar to anyone who has studied Canadian history. Today, these buildings remain the most enduring symbol of Canada’s federal government.
In summer, warm-weather visitors stream up to Parliament Hill and back down to the Rideau Canal. On fine Autumn days, taking walks around the Gothic building and its grounds, including the mysterious back channels used only that time of year for water access, which is drained for a cozy, crushed-hockey scene in winter, overlooking Parliament Hill, offers a striking view of our city as can be found from any other vantage point.
During the summer, Parliament Hill hosts ceremonial events and evening light shows. On national holidays, especially Canada Day, it becomes the centre of Ottawa’s celebrations.
Which Museums Should You Visit in Ottawa?
Major museums in Ottawa include the Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Canadian War Museum, which are all located in the Downtown area. Ottawa is the museum capital of Canada and offers national museums spanning the arts, history, and culture.
The Canadian Museum of History tells the story of Canada from an Indigenous perspective, while The National Gallery of Canada has a significant collection of Canadian and international art. The Canadian War Museum offers immersive exhibitions on Canadian military history.
Most museums are located downtown, making it easy to visit two or more in a single day. They can also be free on certain days of the week for travellers with a tighter budget.
Is the Rideau Canal Worth Visiting?
The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features lovely walking paths in summer and the world’s longest skating rink in winter.
Ottawa is home to the beautiful Rideau Canal, which flows through the city centre and connects many of its most popular tourist destinations. It is excellent in the summer to walk or bike, or crane your neck to watch boats passing through the locks down by downtown.
The canal offers the best skating in seasons with favourable weather, turning into a vast public rink when frozen in winter. This natural event is something of a Canadian institution, and people travel across Canada to witness this seasonal transformation.
What Is ByWard Market Known For?
ByWard Market is Ottawa’s most lively district, where you will find restaurants, local food, shopping, and a bustling nightlife in the city center.
The ByWard Market is one of the oldest and busiest areas in Ottawa. Near Parliament Hill, it blends historic market stands with modern restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.
By day, it’s a market complete with fresh produce, local goods, and specialty shops. At night, it becomes a social hub with plenty of places to eat and enjoy the nightlife, making it one of Ottawa’s best neighbourhoods to experience after dark.
What Neighbourhoods Should Visitors Explore in Ottawa?
Popular Ottawa neighbourhoods are Centretown, The Glebe, Westboro, and Hintonburg, each with its own local shops, cafés, and personality. Ottawa’s neighbourhoods offer a quieter, more local perspective outside the main tourist scene. The Glebe is known for tree-lined streets and indie shopping, while Westboro and Hintonburg offer innovative food scenes and independent boutiques.
Exploring neighbourhoods makes for a more leisurely time in Ottawa and opens the door to local cafés, bakeries, and green spaces.
Are There Good Outdoor Activities in Ottawa?
There are plenty of outdoor activities along Ottawa’s riverfront paths, in city parks, and on cycling routes, with easy access to Gatineau Park.
Ottawa is consistently ranked as one of the greenest cities in Canada. Major’s Hill Park offers open green space close to the city centre, and the Ottawa River Pathway provides unimpeded walking and cycling routes.
Just outside the city, at Gatineau Park (aka Parc de la Gatineau), a leafy wonderland with hiking trails and stunning lookouts offers seasonal foliage viewing that’s just as convenient.
Is Ottawa Walkable for Tourists?
Ottawa is very walkable, as most major attractions are downtown and are linked by pedestrian paths and scenic waterways.
Downtown Ottawa is walkable and relatively small, making it easy to reach the main sites on foot. Pedestrian paths often connect Parliament Hill with the city’s museums, the Rideau Canal, and its waterfront viewpoints, allowing visitors to see two or more places in one leisurely walk.
Is Ottawa a Good City to Visit in Winter?
Ottawa Winter sees thousands of visitors flock to the skating rink on the Rideau Canal, enjoy the Winterlude festival, or explore its many indoor museums.
In winter, Ottawa becomes a seasonal experience rather than a static one. Winterlude celebrates skating, snow sculptures, and other cold-weather activities, with enough museums and cafés to warm up and find balance.
Despite the cold, it never fails to enchant visitors who make friends with winter.
Are There Festivals and Events in Ottawa?
Ottawa hosts festivals throughout the year, including Canada Day, summer cultural activities, and Winterlude.
Summer is for outdoor concerts, food festivals, and national celebrations; winter favours seasonal events and cultural programming. Most of the festivals are located downtown, so they can easily be incorporated into an itinerary.
Is Ottawa Worth Visiting for First-Time Travelers?
With a compact, walkable downtown core and national landmarks throughout the city, Ottawa is a great destination for first-time visitors.
Ottawa is neatly proportioned, with just enough history, culture, and breathing space to give you a balanced travel experience, yet without the magnitude or intensity of bigger urban centres. It’s ideal for weekend or short city breaks.
How Much Time Do You Need to See Ottawa’s Attractions?
It will take two to three days to visit Ottawa’s major sights, including Parliament Hill, the national museums, downtown neighbourhoods, and scenic waterways.
Shorter trips may focus on highlights, but during extended visits, there’s time to explore neighbourhoods and nearby nature.
Plan Your Ottawa Visit
Ottawa strikes a balance among history, culture, and the great outdoors in a way few other Canadian cities do. Whether you are in town for a weekend jaunt or for many days and nights, the city offers an all-around great experience that’s easy to plan and even easier to enjoy.
For deeper planning, explore related guides covering Ottawa itineraries, accommodations, transportation, and seasonal travel tips.
Ottawa Travel FAQs
Is one day enough to visit Ottawa?
Yes, one day is enough to see Ottawa’s highlights, such as Parliament Hill, downtown, and the Rideau Canal, but two to three days allow a more relaxed visit.
What are the must-see attractions in Ottawa for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors should prioritize Parliament Hill, national museums, the Rideau Canal, and ByWard Market.
Is Ottawa expensive for tourists?
Ottawa is cheaper than other major cities in Canada, and there are many museums and attractions that offer free or low-cost entry.
Is it possible to get around Ottawa without a car?
Yes, you can get around Ottawa quite easily without a car thanks to the walkable downtown, biking paths, and easy-to-use public transit.
What is the best season to visit Ottawa?
Late spring to early fall offers pleasant weather and access to plenty of outdoor attractions, while winter attracts skating enthusiasts and festival-goers.
