Things to Do in Ottawa
Ottawa is Canada's capital, a city of grand limestone buildings, world-class museums, and a river that splits two provinces. From the Parliament Buildings to th…
Ottawa is Canada's capital, a city of grand limestone buildings, world-class museums, and a river that splits two provinces. From the Parliament Buildings to the Rideau Canal, from the ByWard Market to the Gatineau Hills, there is more to do here than any single trip can hold. This guide covers the best things to do in Ottawa for every kind of traveller, from the must-see icons to the free walks, the family-friendly stops, the romantic corners, the outdoor fun, the rainy-day museums, the seasonal highlights and the best day trips beyond the city.
What to do in Ottawa
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Top things to do in Ottawa
Start with the Parliament of Canada for the free guided tour and the Changing of the Guard (summer), then walk the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that becomes the world's largest skating rink in winter. Visit the National Gallery of Canada for Canadian and Indigenous art, the Canadian Museum of History across the river in Gatineau, and the Canadian Museum of Nature. Explore the ByWard Market for restaurants, shops and the farmers' market, and visit the Rideau Centre for shopping and the nearby Rideau Falls.
Free things to do in Ottawa
The Parliament of Canada free guided tour and the Changing of the Guard (summer) are free. Walk the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River pathways, and visit the ByWard Market (free to wander). The RCMP Musical Ride (summer) and the Canada Day celebrations (July 1) are free. The Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada offer free admission on certain days (check current schedules), and the Rideau Falls and the Sussex Drive embassies are free to view.
Things to do in Ottawa for families
Families love the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canadian Museum of Nature (with its dinosaurs and its creepy-crawlies). The Rideau Canal offers boat tours in summer and skating in winter, and the ByWard Market offers treats and a farmers' market. In winter, the Rideau Canal Skateway and the Winterlude festival are family highlights.
Things to do in Ottawa for couples
Couples should walk the Rideau Canal at sunset, visit the National Gallery of Canada for a quiet afternoon, and book a table in the ByWard Market. Take a boat tour on the Ottawa River for a view of the Parliament Buildings from the water, and visit the Gatineau Hills for a fall-colour drive. In winter, skate the Rideau Canal Skateway and warm up with a Beavertail treat.
Outdoor activities in Ottawa
Ottawa is a great outdoor city. Walk or bike the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River pathways, rent a kayak on the Ottawa River, and hike the Gatineau Park trails (just across the river in Quebec). The Rideau Canal offers boat tours in summer and the world's largest skating rink in winter, and the Capital Pathway network offers over 600 km of paved trails.
Rainy-day activities in Ottawa
Ottawa's museums are among the best in Canada. The National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canada Science and Technology Museum and the Canadian War Museum cover art, history, nature, science and war. The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum offer hands-on exhibits, and the ByWard Market and the Rideau Centre offer shopping under cover.
Seasonal activities in Ottawa
Summer (June–August) is the high season for the Parliament tour, the canal and the Canada Day celebrations. Fall (September–November) brings the Gatineau Park fall colours. Winter (December–February) is for the Rideau Canal Skateway and the Winterlude festival (February). Spring (March–May) brings the Canadian Tulip Festival in May and the return of the outdoor patios.
Day trips from Ottawa
Drive to the Gatineau Park (20 minutes) for hiking, swimming and the Champlain Lookout, and to Montreal (2 hours) for the French city experience. The 1000 Islands region (1.5 hours) offers boat tours, and the Algonquin Provincial Park (3 hours) offers canoeing and wildlife. Kingston (2 hours) adds the Fort Henry National Historic Site and the Thousand Islands.
Day trips from Ottawa
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Where to stay in Ottawa
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Ottawa?
Two to three days is enough to see the Parliament, the Rideau Canal, the National Gallery and the ByWard Market, with time for a museum or a day trip to the Gatineau Park. Add a day if you want to include Winterlude (in February) or a day trip to Montreal.
What is the best time of year to visit Ottawa?
Summer (June–August) is the high season for the Parliament tour, the canal and the Canada Day celebrations. Fall (September–November) brings the Gatineau Park fall colours. Winter (December–February) is for the Rideau Canal Skateway and the Winterlude festival. Spring (March–May) brings the Canadian Tulip Festival in May.
Do I need a car in Ottawa?
Not for the downtown core — the Parliament, the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market and many museums are walkable or a short transit ride. A car is useful for day trips to the Gatineau Park, the 1000 Islands and Algonquin, but parking downtown is expensive.
What are the best free things to do in Ottawa?
The Parliament of Canada free guided tour and the Changing of the Guard (summer) are free. Walk the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River pathways, visit the ByWard Market, and enjoy the Canada Day celebrations (July 1). The RCMP Musical Ride (summer) is also free to attend.
Is Ottawa good for families?
Yes. Families love the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and the Canadian Museum of Nature. The Rideau Canal offers boat tours in summer and skating in winter, and the Winterlude festival (February) is a family highlight.
Can I skate on the Rideau Canal in winter?
Yes. The Rideau Canal Skateway is the world's largest skating rink (when conditions allow), typically open from late December to late February. Check the National Capital Commission's daily ice condition report before you go, and warm up with a Beavertail treat on the ice.
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