By Absolutely! Here’s a full guide to the Best Attractions in Ottawa, Canada’s charming capital. Whether you’re a tourist, visiting with family, or just exploring, Ottawa is packed with history, beauty, culture, and some surprisingly fun experiences!
🇨🇦 Best Attractions in Ottawa
🏛️ 1. Parliament Hill
- Why Go: Canada’s political heart + stunning Gothic architecture
- Must-See: Free guided tours, Changing of the Guard (summer), and evening Northern Lights Sound & Light Show
- Price: Free!
🎨 2. National Gallery of Canada
- Why Go: Iconic spider sculpture (Maman) outside, incredible Indigenous and Canadian art inside
- Bonus: Beautiful glass architecture
- Price: ~$20 CAD (Free Thursdays 5–8 PM)
🌊 3. Rideau Canal
- Why Go: UNESCO World Heritage Site — paddle in summer, world’s longest skating rink in winter!
- Activities: Boat tours, cycling, skating, picnics
- Price: Free access (rentals extra)
🏞️ 4. Major’s Hill Park
- Why Go: Beautiful downtown green space with epic views of Parliament and the river
- Great For: Walks, sunsets, picnics
- Price: Free
🦉 5. Canadian Museum of Nature
- Why Go: Dinosaurs, giant blue whale skeleton, and interactive exhibits for all ages
- Kid-Approved? 100% yes
- Price: ~$20 adults / family pricing
🛶 6. ByWard Market
- Why Go: Historic open-air market with food stalls, boutiques, patios, and beavertails (iconic snack!)
- Best Time: Day or evening
- Price: Free to explore (bring $$ for eats)
🧬 7. Canadian Museum of History (across the river in Gatineau)
- Why Go: Immersive exhibits + one of the most beautiful museum buildings in the country
- Highlight: The Grand Hall with totem poles
- Price: ~$20 CAD
🌸 8. Commissioners Park / Tulip Festival (Spring)
- Why Go: Over a million blooming tulips every May
- Perfect For: Instagram, peaceful walks
- Price: Free
🚲 9. Ottawa River Pathway & Biking Trails
- Why Go: 600+ km of scenic bike paths through forests, along rivers, and past national landmarks
- Tip: Rent a bike downtown or join a guided tour
- Price: Free access
🌆 10. Peace Tower & Parliament Hill Tour
- Why Go: Go inside Parliament and get panoramic city views from the Peace Tower
- How: Book free tour tickets online (they go fast!)
- Price: Free
🎟️ Bonus Attractions
- Royal Canadian Mint – See how coins are made!
- Canadian War Museum – Massive exhibits & architecture buffs will love it
- Dows Lake – Paddle boats, kayaks, cherry blossoms in spring
- Little Italy & Chinatown – Explore Ottawa’s vibrant food scene
✨ Local Vibes
- Grab a Beavertail in ByWard Market
- Watch the Rideau Locks in action
- Try kayaking or SUP on the Ottawa River
- Catch a sunset from Nepean Point
Want a custom itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 days in Ottawa? Or tips for visiting in winter vs summer? I’ve got you!
Absolutely! Here’s a handy Ottawa Attractions FAQ to help you plan your trip like a pro — whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, with family, or as a curious local rediscovering the city. 🇨🇦
🏙️ Best Attractions in Ottawa – FAQ
❓ What are the top must-see attractions in Ottawa?
Here are the can’t-miss highlights:
- Parliament Hill
- Rideau Canal (summer & winter!)
- National Gallery of Canada
- ByWard Market
- Canadian Museum of Nature
- Canadian Museum of History
- Peace Tower
- Major’s Hill Park
- Royal Canadian Mint
💵 Are there free things to do in Ottawa?
Yes! Ottawa has a ton of amazing free activities:
- Parliament Hill tours (book online)
- Rideau Canal walks/skating
- Major’s Hill Park
- Explore ByWard Market
- National Gallery – Free Thursday evenings (5–8 PM)
- Sound & Light show on Parliament Hill (summer evenings)
- Tulip Festival (May)
🧒 What are the best family-friendly attractions?
Top picks for kids and families:
- Canadian Museum of Nature (dinosaurs + fun science)
- Rideau Canal skating (in winter)
- Canadian Children’s Museum (inside Museum of History)
- Parliament Hill tours (older kids love the inside view!)
- Paddleboats at Dows Lake
- Rideau Hall grounds and gardens
🌞 When is the best time to visit Ottawa?
- Spring (May): 🌷 Tulip Festival, mild weather
- Summer (June–August): Outdoor patios, bike paths, festivals
- Fall (Sept–Oct): Colorful leaves, cozy vibes
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Skate the Rideau Canal, Winterlude Festival, hot drinks and lights
⛸️ Is the Rideau Canal always open for skating?
- Only in winter, when the ice is thick enough (usually late Jan–mid Feb)
- It’s the world’s longest skating rink
- Free to skate! Rentals available on site
🕰️ How much time do I need for each attraction?
- Parliament Hill tour: ~1 hour (book in advance)
- National Gallery: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Rideau Canal walk/bike: 1–2 hours or more
- ByWard Market: 1–2 hours for strolling + snacks
- Museum visits: 2–3 hours each
🏛️ How do I book Parliament Hill tours?
- Free tours are available through the Government of Canada website
- Book online in advance — especially in spring/summer
🚶♀️ Is Ottawa walkable?
- Yes! The downtown core is very walkable.
- You can easily explore Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, Rideau Canal, Major’s Hill Park and multiple museums on foot.
🧭 What neighborhoods are worth exploring?
- ByWard Market – Shopping, patios, food
- Downtown Core – Museums, government buildings, historic landmarks
- Glebe – Charming cafes and shops
- Westboro – Outdoor gear, trendy restaurants
- Little Italy – Coffee, pasta, and Dows Lake nearby
🚲 Can I bike around Ottawa?
Absolutely! Ottawa has 600+ km of bike paths:
- Ride along the Rideau Canal
- Try the Ottawa River Pathway
- Rent from shops downtown or use the city’s bike share
🌟 What local food should I try?
- Beavertails – Fried dough with sweet toppings (must-try!)
- Poutine – Fries, cheese curds, gravy 🇨🇦
- Local craft beer – Many cool breweries
- Maple treats – Taffy, cookies, or syrup everything
Want help planning a 1-day walking tour, weekend getaway, or family-friendly itinerary? Just say the word!
