Things to do in Ottawa

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Ottawa Travel Guide

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Tours & day trips

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Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Sentier des Cimes Laurentides Scenic Views and Mont Tremblant

Food, drink & nightlife

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Oh Canada Eh!? Ottawa Dinner Musical with Live Music and Comedy

Adventure & outdoor

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Ottawa City One Day Tour

Free cancellation available

What to do in Ottawa

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ottawa

Canadian Tire Centre

4.5/5(81 reviews)

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.

Parliament Hill

4.5/5(449 reviews)

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

Byward Market Square

4.5/5(335 reviews)

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

Carleton University

4.5/5(48 reviews)

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

University of Ottawa

4.5/5(112 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Ottawa as part of your travels around Ottawa. Experience the fascinating museums or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

Casino du Lac Leamy

4/5(45 reviews)

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Casino du Lac Leamy during your travels in Gatineau? Experience the acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

Rideau Canal

4.5/5(418 reviews)

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

Canadian Museum of History

4.5/5(130 reviews)

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

Rogers Centre Ottawa

4.5/5(36 reviews)

Learn about the events happening at Rogers Centre Ottawa during your trip to Ottawa. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art scene in this walkable area.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Ottawa

Downtown Ottawa

4.5/5(627 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.

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.

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.

Gloucester

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

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.

South End

Travelers choose South End for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Greenboro Station or Confederation Station and check out top sights like South Keys Shopping Centre.

Popular day trips from Ottawa

Kemptville

Arnprior

Gatineau

Migrating snow geese in Eastern Ontario in early winter

Casselman

Cantley

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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