Downtown Ottawa

Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica showing a city, a church or cathedral and religious elements
Confederation Square which includes a city and heritage architecture
National Arts Centre which includes a garden
Bytown Museum showing a river or creek
Confederation Square which includes heritage architecture and a city

Discover art, delve into history and savor natural beauty in the heart of Canada’s national capital, a delightful blend of old and new.

Where Québec meets Ontario and the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River lies the picturesque center of Downtown Ottawa. Explore the city’s ceremonial sites and memorials, engage with art and history or simply indulge in riverside relaxation.

Begin with a walk through Confederation Park, viewing its fountain and gardens as well as the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. Depending on the season, you might also join in public celebrations such as Winterlude, Canada Day or the Ottawa Jazz Festival.

Continue on to nearby Confederation Square, where the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pay tribute to the sacrifice of Canadians in war. Check the schedule for the adjacent National Arts Centre, a prestigious bilingual hub for ballet, theater and classical music. Stroll the grounds at Parliament Hill and climb the iconic Peace Tower for gorgeous views.

Heading north, cross the narrow Rideau Canal and appreciate this vital waterway. Follow its path by tour boat, bike in warmer months or join locals to celebrate wintertime with seasonal treats and ice-skating. Visit neighboring Bytown Museum, which tells Ottawa’s story since its humble origins as a lumber town and military depot. Shop at the modern CF Rideau Centre or purchase local foodstuffs at the historic, sprawling ByWard Market.

Stop at the Notre-Dame Cathedral to admire its spires and interior. Services are conducted in English, French or a combination. Tour the Royal Canadian Mint to appreciate its historic riverside premises and learn the technical process involved in making coins.

Finally, travel to the National Gallery of Canada, an elegant glass-and-granite structure whose large windows offer lovely outlooks onto Parliament Hill and the water. Explore collections of Canadian and international art, including significant works by First Peoples. Complete your visit with a trip to the gift shop and a meal at one of the gallery’s in-house cafés.

Downtown Ottawa can be explored on foot or by bus. Travel from the airport by car in about 20 minutes.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Downtown Ottawa Hotel Deals

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ¥23,512 per night from Oct 24 to Oct 25
¥23,512
¥27,897 total
Oct 24 - Oct 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,815 reviews)
"We stayed there the night before our wedding, amazing experience!"

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ¥21,800 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥21,800
¥25,866 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5,036 reviews)
"Value for money! good location! spacious! clean!"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Cartier Place Suite Hotel

Cartier Place Suite Hotel

3 out of 5
180 Cooper Street, Ottawa, ON
The price is ¥16,374 per night from Oct 10 to Oct 11
¥16,374
¥19,427 total
Oct 10 - Oct 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,934 reviews)
"Great location, comfortable bed. Underground parking is a little tight with anything other than a compact. Not much they can do about it though. We’ll be back."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025

Cartier Place Suite Hotel
Lord Elgin Hotel

Lord Elgin Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥22,208 per night from Oct 13 to Oct 14
¥22,208
¥26,350 total
Oct 13 - Oct 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,461 reviews)
"The Confederation suite was soaked in history and quiet luxury. Very comfortable, very elegant decor."

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025

Lord Elgin Hotel
ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT

ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT

4 out of 5
325 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa, ON
The price is ¥23,392 per night from Oct 10 to Oct 11
¥23,392
¥27,754 total
Oct 10 - Oct 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,814 reviews)
"Super friendly staff"

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2025

ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT
Ottawa Embassy Hotel

Ottawa Embassy Hotel

3.5 out of 5
25 Cartier St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ¥17,340 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥17,340
¥20,574 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,117 reviews)
"Huge suite with loads of amenities and the biggest king size bed ever."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025

Ottawa Embassy Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Downtown Ottawa

Byward Market featuring markets, outdoor eating and street scenes

ByWard Market

This downtown Ottawa's lively retail and entertainment district boasts a dense concentration of eateries, bars, and nightclubs, as well as an open-air market for fresh produce and flowers during warmer months. Cobblestone courtyards, historic buildings, and street entertainment add to the charm.

ByWard Market
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Sandy Hill

Shopping and restaurants are highlights of Sandy Hill. Make a stop by Rideau Centre or Rideau Canal while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at uOttawa Station to get around town.

Sandy Hill
Ottawa featuring snow

Centretown

4.5/5(135 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Centretown. You can visit top attractions like Elgin Street and Canadian Museum of Nature, and jump on the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Centretown
Canadian Museum of History which includes skyline and modern architecture

Hull

4/5(46 area reviews)

As the central business district and oldest neighborhood in Gatineau, this area boasts a cultural hub with the Canadian Museum of History and Casino du Lac-Leamy. Enjoy the transformed downtown, featuring restaurants, cafés, and stores.

Hull
The locks beside the Chateau Laurier

Old Ottawa East

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

While in Old Ottawa East, you'll enjoy the sporting events. Catch the metro at Lees Station to see top sights like Rideau Canal while you're in the area.

Old Ottawa East
Gatineau featuring tranquil scenes and snow

Downtown Gatineau

4/5(40 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the gardens and festivals in Downtown Gatineau. You might want to make time for a stop at Canadian Museum of History or Canadian Children's Museum.

Downtown Gatineau


Downtown Ottawa