Things to do in Ottawa

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A church with two tall spires and a snow-covered park in the foreground.
A river with boats, a large tree, and a historic building with towers in the background.
A large marine fossil skeleton exhibit in a museum.
A snow-covered bridge over a frozen river with benches and a playground.
A river with a lock system, a bridge, and a museum in the background.

Things to do

Canadian War Museum Admission

Canadian War Museum Admission

￥2,971
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Canadian War Museum Admission
Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour

Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour

￥4,262
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour
Ottawa : Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel

Ottawa : Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel

￥2,858
per adult
Ottawa : Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel
Full-Day Montreal and Cruise Tour

Full-Day Montreal City Tour from Ottawa and optional city cruise

￥12,574
per adult
Full-Day Montreal City Tour from Ottawa and optional city cruise
Fly over the City of Ottawa in a Helicopter

Fly over the City of Ottawa in a Helicopter

￥33,152
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Fly over the City of Ottawa in a Helicopter
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Most popular activities in Ottawa

Tours & day trips

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Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.2 out of 10 with 202 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥7,475 per adult
Ottawa City Tour by Land and WaterOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 21 activities
Sentier des Cimes Laurentides Scenic Views and Mont Tremblant

Sentier des Cimes Laurentides Scenic Views and Mont Tremblant

Activity duration is 8 hours
Price is ￥54,259 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 15 activities
Ottawa: ByWard Market Food Tour with 7 Local Tastings

Ottawa: ByWard Market Food Tour with 7 Local Tastings

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥15,277 per adult
Ottawa: ByWard Market Food Tour with 7 Local TastingsOpens in new tab

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 3 activities
Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking Tour

Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
8.8 out of 10 with 108 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥4,214 per adult
Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Ottawa

Stay near popular Ottawa attractions

The exterior of the Canadian Tire Centre with hockey player images and the text "Ottawa Rising" and "Ottawa Debout".

Canadian Tire Centre

8.4/10 (3,133 reviews)
Home to the Ottawa Senators NHL team, the Canadian Tire Centre hosts thrilling hockey games and major concerts. Splurge on luxury suites for premium views and enhanced dining options during events.
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Where to stay in Ottawa

Find the best Ottawa areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Ottawa
Learn more about Ottawa
A large Gothic-style church with twin spires and a clock tower.

Downtown Ottawa

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Ottawa. Check out top attractions like Byward Market Square and Parliament Hill, and jump on the metro at Rideau Station or Parliament Station to see more of the city.

A street with The Grand, The Aldeburiner, and The Pour House.

ByWard Market

ByWard Market is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

A cityscape with a mix of modern and historic buildings, a statue in a park, and autumn-colored trees.

Centretown

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

A snow-covered park with people ice skating, surrounded by tall buildings and leafless trees.
Photo by bella
Open Photo by bella

Glebe

You'll enjoy the live music and monuments in Glebe. You might want to make time for a stop at TD Place Stadium or Elgin Street.

A sunset over a calm lake with a forest and buildings in the background.

Westboro

Westboro might not have many top sights, but Kōena Spa and Great Canadian Theatre Company are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Popular day trips from Ottawa

A river with a dock, surrounded by lush greenery and residential buildings.

Kemptville

A park with a bridge over a body of water, surrounded by trees in autumn colors.

Arnprior

A snow-covered waterfall with large boulders and trees in the background.

Gatineau

A large flock of birds in flight over a grassy field.

Casselman

A wooden dock extending into a lake with autumn-colored trees in the background.

Cantley

A frozen waterfall with ice formations and a tree trunk.

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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