Ottawa Travel Guide
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is a popular travel destination with an impressive array of historic sites, national museums, beautiful waterways, and a compact downtown. This Ottawa travel guide will help tourists plan what to see and do, choose accommodations, create itineraries, and get around with ease.
This guide covers:
- Best things to do in Ottawa
- Ottawa museums and historic landmarks
- Ottawa travel itineraries
- Where to stay in Ottawa
- Getting around Ottawa
- Best time to visit Ottawa
Things to Do in Ottawa
Ottawa offers a blend of historic sites, world-class museums, outdoor venues, and cultural attractions, many of which are concentrated downtown. These guides showcase the best things to do in Ottawa and help visitors plan their time in the city.
Things to do
Explore Ottawa’s main attractions, including historic landmarks, national museums, scenic waterways, and walkable downtown areas.
Free things to do
Discover free museums, public spaces, neighbourhoods, and outdoor attractions in Ottawa.
Musuems & Galleries
Learn about Ottawa’s national museums, heritage sites, and historic buildings that highlight Canada’s history and culture.
Ottawa Itineraries
Whether you’re in town for one day or multiple days, these Ottawa itinerary suggestions help you make the most of your time. Short itineraries focus on Parliament Hill, national museums, and downtown attractions, while extended visits include time for neighbourhood vibes, scenic waterways, and nearby day trips.
2 Day Ottawa Itinerary
A balanced two-day Ottawa itinerary covering major landmarks, museums, downtown areas, and scenic walking routes.
3 Day Ottawa Itinerary
A relaxed three-day Ottawa itinerary allowing time for neighbourhoods, museums, outdoor spaces, and nearby attractions.
Ottawa Travel Guides
These Ottawa travel guides cover practical information to help you plan your visit, including when to go, where to stay, and how to get around the city.
Best Time to Visit Ottawa
Find the best time to visit Ottawa based on weather, seasonal attractions, festivals, and overall travel conditions.
Where to Stay in Ottawa
Explore the best areas to stay in Ottawa based on sightseeing access, walkability, transit options, and your travel style.
Getting Around Ottawa
Understand how to get around Ottawa using public transit, walking routes, cycling paths, and local transport options.
Ottawa Neighbourhoods Guide
Explore Ottawa’s main neighbourhoods to understand where to stay, what to see, and how each area feels.
Who is this Ottawa Travel Guide for?
This Ottawa travel guide is for tourists who want to know everything about Canada’s capital before they visit. It is particularly well-suited for first-time tourists interested in historic sites, national museums, and walkable downtown sightseeing.
The guide is ideal for travelers trying to gauge how much time to spend and what to do with it, whether it’s a short city break or a longer sojourn including cultural sights and day trips from the area. It is a good tool for trip planners who want to get down and dirty with the details, such as public transportation, seasonal limitations, and timelines.
Explore More Ottawa Travel Guides
- Best Things to Do in Ottawa
- Ottawa Travel Itineraries
- Ottawa Neighbourhood Guide
- Best Time to Visit Ottawa
- Getting Around Ottawa
Ottawa Travel FAQs
How Many Days Do You Need in Ottawa for Your First Visit?
First-time visitors should allocate between two and three days to Ottawa. That leaves plenty of time to visit Parliament Hill, the national museums, downtown, and scenic spots along the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal without constantly feeling rushed.
What are the best things to do in Ottawa for first-time visitors?
Best things to do in Ottawa for first-time visitors include taking a tour of Parliament Hill, visiting national museums like the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada, strolling along the Rideau Canal, and exploring downtown and the ByWard Market.
When is the best time of year to visit Ottawa to go sightseeing?
The best time to visit Ottawa for sightseeing is from late May to early October, when the weather is comfortable and outdoor attractions, festivals, and walking routes are open. Summer has the most events; early fall has fewer crowds.
Is Ottawa easy to get around without a car?
Yes, Ottawa is quite easy to get around without a car, especially for tourists. Portions of the downtown core are within walking distance of most attractions, and nearby public transit can reach museums, neighbourhoods, and places of interest farther away.
Where should tourists stay in Ottawa for sightseeing?
Tourists visiting Ottawa for sightseeing should stay downtown or near downtown, at Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, or the central neighbourhoods. Staying centrally means less travel time and better access for walking or using public transit to explore a city.
Is Ottawa a good destination for a weekend trip?
Yes, it is worth taking a weekend trip to Ottawa. With its walkable downtown, compact layout, and concentration of major attractions, it’s possible to hit many highlights in just two days.
Is Ottawa expensive to visit compared to other Canadian cities?
Ottawa is also relatively affordable compared to other major Canadian cities. Hotel prices may fluctuate, but many of the city’s national museums and landmarks offer free or budget-friendly entry, helping visitors keep costs in check.
Is Ottawa worth visiting if you have already been to Toronto or Montreal?
Yes, you should definitely go to Ottawa, even if you’ve been to Toronto or Montreal. Not to forget that Ottawa is the capital of Canada, so it has a different flavor, with national history showcased through museums and vast waterways, which makes it an alternative rather than a replacement.