Things to do in Ottawa

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Major\'s Hill Park which includes snow and a church or cathedral
Voyageur Provincial Park which includes general coastal views
Ottawa featuring heritage elements and interior views
Ottawa featuring ice skating, a bridge and snow
Rideau Canal showing a bridge, a river or creek and a city
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What to do in Ottawa

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ottawa

Parliament Hill showing heritage architecture and an administrative buidling

Parliament Hill

Spend a day enjoying the lively debates, artworks, library and Gothic Revival architecture of Canada’s political heart.

Parliament Hill
Rideau Canal which includes boating, a castle and a river or creek

Rideau Canal

This engineering and scenic marvel fills with pleasure craft in summer and transforms into the world’s longest naturally frozen skating rink in winter.

Rideau Canal
Byward Market featuring markets, outdoor eating and street scenes

Byward Market Square

Fresh local produce, artisanal handicrafts and historic courtyards are some of the many features of Ottawa’s oldest and busiest market.

Byward Market Square
The dance of the butterflies. Each year, this University has an exhibition in a small greenhouse of butterflies from all over the world.

Carleton University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at Carleton University during your stay in Ottawa. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Carleton University
National Arts Centre which includes a garden

National Arts Centre

You can get tickets for a performance at National Arts Centre on your trip to Ottawa. Experience the acclaimed art scene or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

National Arts Centre
Canadian Museum of History which includes skyline and modern architecture

Canadian Museum of History

Traverse 20,000 years of Canadian history in just one day at Ottawa’s treasure house of culture.

Canadian Museum of History
Canadian War Museum showing a city and modern architecture

Canadian War Museum

The country’s museum of military history features collections of weapons and vehicles that cover hundreds of years of conflict.

Canadian War Museum
Confederation Square which includes a monument, heritage architecture and an administrative buidling

Elgin Street

Take the family on an outing to Elgin Street during your trip to Ottawa. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Elgin Street

Canadian Tire Centre

Catch an event at Canadian Tire Centre during your trip to Ottawa. Discover the top-notch restaurants and great live music in this family-friendly area.

Canadian Tire Centre

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica showing a city, a church or cathedral and religious elements

Downtown Ottawa

4.5/5(617 area reviews)

Central to Ottawa's financial district and government buildings, this area boasts a vibrant restaurant district on Elgin Street and shopping on Bank Street. Explore heritage sites like Château Laurier and Sparks Street's pedestrian mall.

Downtown Ottawa
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Kanata

Suburb within Ottawa, Kanata boasts the Canadian Tire Centre, home to the Ottawa Senators, and the Kanata Research Park. Enjoy shopping at Kanata Centrum, Tanger Outlet Mall, and Hazeldean Mall, or catch a movie at Landmark Cinemas Kanata 24.

Kanata
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Nepean

Explore the retail center on Merivale Road, featuring smaller shops and big box stores, or visit the Nepean Museum and Ben Franklin Place for a mix of culture and government services. Enjoy amenities like the Ottawa Public Library and Centrepointe Theatre.

Nepean
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Orleans

Situated 16 km from downtown Ottawa, Orléans boasts a significant francophone population and offers recreational activities at Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex and Petrie Island's natural beach. Explore nature trails like Bilberry Creek Trail and enjoy shopping and dining along Innes Road.

Orleans
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
Canada Aviation and Space Museum featuring interior views and aircraft

Gloucester

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Gloucester. Top attractions like Place D'Orleans Shopping Center and Rideau Canal are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Blair Station or Cyrville Station to see more of the city.

Gloucester

Popular day trips from Ottawa

Kemptville featuring a lake or waterhole

Kemptville

Photo by Paula Norton

Arnprior

Gatineau Park which includes a cascade and snow

Gatineau

Photo by Linda Gratton

Casselman

Photo by Cindy Baker

Cantley

Gatineau Park which includes a house and flowers

Pontiac

Frequently asked questions

Is Ottawa worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Ottawa is visit Canadian Museum of History. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Ottawa?
Kick your day off with a visit to Canadian Museum of History and Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Then, explore other parts of Ottawa for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ottawa?
Canadian Museum of History is one of the top tourist attractions in Ottawa and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Ottawa?
Three days in Ottawa is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travelers book for two days on average. Canadian Museum of History, Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Canadian Museum of Nature are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Gatineau.
Is Ottawa a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Ottawa. Several attractions, like Canadian Museum of History and Canadian Museum of Nature, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Ottawa's neighborhoods, Downtown Ottawa is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while Byward Market - Parliament Hill is 0.97 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Ottawa with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all ages, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Ottawa with kids.

What to do in Ottawa for adults?
Funhaven Entertainment Centre and Parliament Hill are just two of the things to do in Ottawa. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Ottawa?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Ottawa is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Major's Hill Park is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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