Things To Do
in Ottawa
Ottawa is Canada’s bilingual national capital, sitting at the confluence of the Rideau and Ottawa Rivers and blending grand institutions with accessible green space. The city is known for its impressive federal architecture on Parliament Hill, world-class museums, and a lively festival calendar from Winterlude to Canada Day. Neighbourhoods such as the ByWard Market, the Glebe and Centretown offer historic streets, markets and a growing food and craft beer scene.
Gatineau Park and numerous waterways make Ottawa an easy gateway to outdoor activities year‑round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll along the Rideau Canal, where you can enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views of the water. Stop by the ByWard Market for a delicious breakfast at one of the local cafes, sampling fresh pastries and coffee. After breakfast, take a guided tour of the stunning Parliament Hill and learn about Canada's political history.
In the afternoon, visit the National Gallery of Canada to appreciate its vast collection of Canadian and Indigenous art. Don't miss the chance to take photos in front of the iconic Maman spider sculpture outside the gallery. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, exploring the diverse cuisine Ottawa has to offer.
As evening descends, head to the Canadian Museum of History, where you can witness the stunning architecture and learn about Canada’s past. Enjoy a scenic walk along the Ottawa River, taking in the views of the illuminated Parliament buildings. End your day with a delicious dinner at a restaurant in the ByWard Market, relishing local flavors.
Begin your day at the Canadian Museum of Nature, where you can marvel at the impressive dinosaur exhibits and explore the diverse flora and fauna of Canada. Take your time wandering through the museum's interactive displays and learning about the nation's natural history. After your museum visit, grab brunch at a nearby café, enjoying local produce and specialties.
Continue your cultural exploration at the Canadian War Museum, where you'll find exhibits that recount Canada's military history through engaging displays. Spend the afternoon reflecting on the artifacts and stories that shaped the nation, and don’t forget to visit the museum's beautiful outdoor spaces. For a late lunch, head to a local bistro to recharge.
In the evening, enjoy a live performance at the National Arts Centre, where you can choose from a variety of shows ranging from theater to music. After the show, take a stroll along Elgin Street to explore its vibrant nightlife and numerous eateries. Cap off your night with a dessert at a local ice cream shop or bakery.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-6 |
| 🚌Public transit single fare | $3.65-3.75 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride | $10-30 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-250 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich national museums, cultural institutions and heritage architecture
- Abundant green space and easy access to nature (Gatineau Park, waterways)
- Distinctive seasonal activities (Rideau Canal skating, fall foliage, summer festivals)
- Bilingual services and strong public amenities
- Winters are long and can be extremely cold for visitors unprepared
- Nightlife and late-night dining options are smaller than in larger metropolitan centres
- Public transit is improving but some suburbs remain car-dependent
- Peak festival times and tourist seasons can make popular areas crowded
Places to Visit in Ottawa
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic Gothic revival architecture, the Centennial Flame and excellent views across the Ottawa River; dramatic at sunrise, dusk and during the evening illumination.
Picturesque canal with historic locks; in winter it becomes the world’s largest skating rink, offering stunning seasonal shots.
Colourful market stalls, street scenes and lively crowds — great for candid city photography and food shots.
Elevated panoramic views over the Ottawa River and city skyline; especially striking in fall and at golden hour.
Green lawns, sculpted trees and sweeping views of Parliament and the river — good for both landscapes and portraits.
A photogenic meromictic lake with unique colors and mature forest surroundings; best in clear weather.
Food in Ottawa
Ottawa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sweet, fried pastry shaped like a tail, topped with everything from cinnamon sugar to chocolate and fruit — an iconic treat best found at the ByWard Market kiosk and winter festival stands.
Must-Try!
Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy — widely available across diners and pubs; try it at casual eateries or late-night spots in the ByWard Market.
Maple syrup appears on everything from desserts to glazes; some restaurants offer venison, bison or other regional game on seasonal menus, often at higher-end bistros.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market with produce vendors, artisan stalls, restaurants and the famous Beavertail. Great for street food, fresh goods and people-watching.
Seasonal market at Lansdowne Park with local produce, prepared foods and artisanal vendors; ideal for picnic supplies.
Smaller community market with local produce, baked goods and ready-to-eat options popular with neighbourhood residents.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Ottawa is officially bilingual — English is predominant but many services and signs are in French. A few polite French phrases are appreciated, especially in government offices and Gatineau.
People generally queue politely, value punctuality for appointments and are friendly but reserved; a simple 'please' and 'thank you' go far.
Keep parks and trails clean, follow posted rules at heritage sites and be mindful of wildlife in Gatineau Park; respect Indigenous land acknowledgements and sites.
Safety
Tipping in Ottawa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or greater for table service, and rounding up or a few dollars for taxi drivers and delivery drivers. Tip more for exceptional service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (tap) and mobile wallets are common. Carry a small amount of cash for farmers’ markets, small vendors and tips, but most places accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and often humid with temperatures typically 20–30°C (68–86°F). Expect festivals (Canada Day, Bluesfest), crowded patios, and long daylight hours ideal for walking, cycling and paddling.
Crisp, cool weather with brilliant fall foliage from late September to mid-October — excellent for hiking in Gatineau Park and scenic drives.
Cold and snowy, often −5 to −20°C (23 to −4°F) or colder during cold snaps; winter sports dominate (skating on the Rideau Canal, skiing, snowshoeing), so bring warm layers and winter boots.
Variable weather with thawing and muddy periods; cherry blossoms and bulb blooms in late April/May bring short but beautiful displays, and patios begin to reopen by May/June.
Ottawa at Night
Hiking in Ottawa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderately short hike leading to sweeping panoramic views over the Ottawa River and city skyline; excellent for sunrise or fall colours.
A loop around a unique meromictic lake with boardwalks and forested trails; relatively easy and very photogenic.
More challenging trails with steep sections, rock scrambling and scenic waterfalls; popular with experienced hikers and climbers.
A flat, accessible boardwalk trail through an open bog ecosystem offering birdwatching and a unique landscape less than 30 minutes from downtown.
A long-distance trail with many sections suitable for day hikes linking natural areas and offering views of the countryside surrounding Ottawa.
Airports
How to reach Ottawa by plane.
Main airport serving Ottawa with domestic and some international flights; located about 10–20 minutes from downtown by car, accessible by taxi, rideshare and airport bus connections to OC Transpo.
Approximately 2 hours by car or shuttle bus; an alternative for some international connections with frequent flights to Europe and other destinations.
Major international hub about 4–5 hours by car or a short flight; useful if you need more flight options or international carriers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ottawa is officially bilingual with a substantial population of both English and French speakers; government services reflect this duality.
As the national capital, a large share of residents work in federal government, NGOs and related sectors.
Universities like uOttawa and Carleton contribute a sizeable student population and associated cultural life.
The Ottawa region is on the traditional territory of Algonquin Anishinaabe peoples; Indigenous communities and cultures are present and active in the city’s cultural institutions.
Ottawa is home to diverse immigrant communities from South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, East and Southeast Asia and Europe, reflected in neighbourhoods and dining options.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is Canada’s most popular sport — the NHL Ottawa Senators represent the city and local rinks are central to community life.
The CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks attract strong local support during the season with lively game-day atmospheres.
Recreational sports such as cross-country skiing, downhill skiing in nearby hills, skating on the Rideau Canal and paddling are very popular among residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ottawa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available at neighbourhood bistros, health-focused cafés and many larger restaurants; look for dedicated menus or plant-forward dishes.
Most restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, and many bakeries/cafés offer GF options — always inform staff about cross-contamination if you have celiac disease.
Limited but available — ethnic neighbourhoods and specialty grocers carry halal options and there are a few halal restaurants; kosher options are more limited and usually require planning.