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Ottawa, Canada

Destination Guide

Ottawa

Canada

Best things to do in Ottawa

42 curated attractions in Ottawa, Canada. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

June - August

Average temp

7°C/45°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About Ottawa

Ottawa is Canada's capital, shaped by its status as a political and cultural hub. Parliament Hill dominates the skyline, while the Rideau Canal provides a popular recreational space that freezes into the world's largest skating rink in winter. The city is known for its abundance of national museums, including the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Nature, which attract visitors from across the country. However, Ottawa is not all about politics and culture; the ByWard Market is where you can find local produce and a variety of restaurants. Though a little sleepy, it has its charm, with many attractions conveniently clustered together, making it easy to explore on foot. Most people come for the museums and the chance to see the changing of the guard at Parliament Hill, which might come with an unexpected crowd.

Who it's for

Perfect for those who enjoy a mix of history and culture without the hustle of larger cities. Good for families and anyone looking to explore museums. Not suited for those seeking a nightlife scene, as the evenings are quiet, and visitors wanting a more urban atmosphere may find it lacking.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • Walking from the National Gallery of Canada to Parliament Hill takes about 15 minutes
  • The OC Transpo bus system is efficient, with routes to major attractions, though buses can get crowded during peak hours
  • The Rideau Canal is a pleasant 20-minute walk from the ByWard Market
  • The nearest airport is Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, about 20 minutes from downtown by taxi
ByWard Market

ByWard Market

Local & craft markets
Peace Tower

Peace Tower

Monuments & memorials
Downtown Ottawa

Downtown Ottawa

Streets & neighbourhoods
Royal Canadian Mint

Royal Canadian Mint

Specialty & quirky museums
STACKT

STACKT

Urban Attractions
Den Den Claw

Den Den Claw

Family-Friendly Attractions
National War Memorial

National War Memorial

Monuments & memorials
Canadian War Museum

Canadian War Museum

History museums
Midway Pool Hall

Midway Pool Hall

Food and Drink Destinations
Ottawa 67's

Ottawa 67's

Entertainment
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Churches & cathedrals
Major's Hill Park

Major's Hill Park

City parks
Mayfair

Mayfair

Urban Attractions
Canadian Museum of Nature

Canadian Museum of Nature

Science & natural history museums
National Gallery of Canada

National Gallery of Canada

Art museums & galleries
Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill

Monuments & memorials
Canadian Aviation and Space Museum

Canadian Aviation and Space Museum

Science & natural history museums
Ottawa Locks

Ottawa Locks

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Rideau Canal

Rideau Canal

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum

Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Senate of Canada

Senate of Canada

Historical Attractions
Cumberland Heritage Village

Cumberland Heritage Village

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Ottawa River

Ottawa River

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Ottawa Art Gallery

Ottawa Art Gallery

Art museums & galleries
Escape Manor

Escape Manor

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Watson's Mill

Watson's Mill

Specialty & quirky museums
Nepean Point

Nepean Point

Scenic viewpoints
Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall

Historic houses & mansions
Bytowne Cinema

Bytowne Cinema

Arts and Entertainment Venues
National Arts Centre

National Arts Centre

Theatres & opera houses
Bank of Canada Museum

Bank of Canada Museum

Cultural
Bytown Museum

Bytown Museum

History museums
Lansdowne Park

Lansdowne Park

City parks
Canadian Museum of Agriculture and Food

Canadian Museum of Agriculture and Food

Specialty & quirky museums
Absolute Comedy

Absolute Comedy

Entertainment
Canada Science and Technology Museum

Canada Science and Technology Museum

Science & natural history museums
Yuk Yuk's

Yuk Yuk's

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Supreme Court of Canada

Supreme Court of Canada

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Ottawa Titans

Ottawa Titans

Sports and Recreation Venues
Rockcliffe Park Pavilion

Rockcliffe Park Pavilion

City parks
Parliament Immersive Experience

Parliament Immersive Experience

Science and Technology Exhibits
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography

Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography

Art museums & galleries

Where to eat in Ottawa

The places worth planning a meal around.

Local Public Eatery

Local Public Eatery

Canadian

★ 4.6 · 4,480 reviews

Level One Game Pub

Level One Game Pub

★ 4.6 · 4,173 reviews

Craft Beer Market

Craft Beer Market

Canadian, Gastropub · $$

★ 4.3 · 4,145 reviews

Bier Markt

Bier Markt

German, Belgian, European · $20–$40

★ 4.2 · 3,784 reviews

House of Targ

House of Targ

Canadian, Comfort Food · $$

★ 4.6 · 2,732 reviews

La Bottega Nicastro

La Bottega Nicastro

Italian · $$

★ 4.7 · 1,908 reviews

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