Best Things To Do in Ottawa

Ottawa, the city of sophisticated explorers, is a destination that seamlessly blends its rich history with its vibrant English and French cultural life.

If you're passionate about museums, cultural events and natural landscapes, this Canadian city has everything you're looking for. Around every corner you'll discover a new adventure: from towering buildings such as the Parliament building, to its sporting offerings, to the tulips that colour the springtime. Whether you prefer a leisurely boat ride on the Rideau Canal or an eclectic tour, here are 11 things to see and do in Ottawa and discover its charm in detail.

Exploring Ottawa from land and water is possible thanks to the fun amphibious buses. This quirky mode of transport takes you on a scenic tour of at least 15 of the city's main attractions, from Parliament, the Prime Minister's official residence, the Canadian Museum of History (yes, the translation sounds a bit choppy, but these are new changes they implemented), to the Rideau Canal, and then continues its journey along the Ottawa River.

It's one of the most exciting ways to discover the city, while being told fun facts and anecdotes about each site visited. The experience is perfect for the whole family and allows you to get a complete picture of Ottawa.

Interesting details

• Duration: 60 to 90 minutes.
• What you should know: This type of experience can be enjoyed on your regular route with the 15 attractions or with the wine tour to sample local ciders and wines in front of one of the parks. It is also possible to hire the buses for private events.

One of the most relaxing things to do in Ottawa is a boat ride on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. This historic canal, which stretches some 200 kilometres, connects Ottawa to Lake Ontario.

As you cruise, you'll have the opportunity to see important Ottawa landmarks, such as Parliament House, while soaking in the tranquility of the waters. It's a great all-season experience, although in winter the canal boasts the world's largest ice-skating rink.

On the other hand, if you're looking for things to do in Ottawa in the summer, you can go boating or kayaking. It's the perfect way to enjoy the city's natural beauty from a different perspective.

Interesting details

• Duration: between 1 and 2 hours.
• What you should know: there are different options for boat tours, from sightseeing tours to more intimate sunset cruises. Advance booking is recommended, especially in summer.

The Canadian War Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Canada's military history. This museum boasts an impressive collection of military artefacts, uniforms, vehicles and weapons that have witnessed some of the most crucial moments in the country's and the world's history.

Its 8 permanent exhibits cover everything from the first wars on Canadian soil to the global conflicts of the 20th century. In addition to the exhibits, the museum offers a thoughtful approach to the consequences of war, promoting peace and understanding.

Details of interest

• Duration: approximately 2 hours.
• What you should know: the museum is open from Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00 hours, however, every Thursday between 17:00 and 19:00 hours there is special access with free admission. The museum has temporary exhibitions, so there is always something new to see.

ByWard Market is known not only for its crafts and fresh produce, but also for its colourful culinary scene. A tour of the market will allow you to sample iconic Ottawa and Canadian dishes such as the authentic boeuf fumé sandwich, big eye tuna and, of course, a helping of poutine.

On the other hand, when you sign up for a food tour of the ByWard Market, the famousbeaver tails, Canada's version of doughnuts, a wide variety of artisanal cheeses and local beer are also on the table. In addition, many of the area's restaurants and cafes offer dishes that combine fresh local ingredients with international influences. This tour is ideal for food lovers who want to explore authentic flavours while learning about the local culture.

Details of interest

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours, depending on how many stops you make.
• What you should know: I recommend taking the tour with a guide to discover the best spots and learn the history behind each dish. This has been a traditional market since 1827, and inside it houses some 600 stalls. In addition, several restaurants offer tasting menus that are well worth a visit.

Ottawa has an extensive network of trails ideal for exploring by bike. One of the most popular routes is along the Ottawa River, where you can enjoy a relaxing ride while taking in scenery such as the Wildlife Garden, a bird haven, or the curious Lansdowne Park.

As you flank the river you'll also be skirting other iconic sites such as the Aviation and Space Museum and the entertaining Jacques Cartier Park. It's a perfect activity to enjoy with family or friends, as well as being an eco-friendly way to get to know the city. For this activity you have the option of hiring a tour or renting a bike in Ottawa, to follow your own personalised route.

Interesting details

• Duration: 2 - 4 hours approximately, this will vary with your itinerary for the day.
• What you should know: it is advisable to bring at least a bottle of water and sunscreen during the warmer months. Some sections of the trails are connected to parks, so you can also enjoy a picnic in the open air.

Since 1866, one of the symbols of Ottawa has been its majestic Parliament. This architectural complex located on Wellington Street, which houses the Canadian government, is located on a hill around the Ottawa River, which you can even reach with the tourist bus, with one of the best views of the Canadian capital.

Canada's Parliament is not only a place to admire its Gothic architecture, but also to learn about the country's political history. Guided tours take you on a walk through the Central Building, which includes the House of Commons and the Senate.

On the other hand, during the summer months, the Changing of the Guard is a popular attraction not to be missed. It takes place every day during this season at 10am, while the rest of the year it takes place once a week.

Details of interest

• Duration: Guided tours last between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the areas of the complex you choose when you book your ticket.
• What you should know: Tours are offered in English and French. You also have the option to choose a sign language tour free of charge, you just need to book in advance.

Ice hockey is the quintessential Canadian sport - in fact, some describe it as 'Canada's religion' - and its federal capital is home to the Ottawa Senators, one of the NHL's top teams. Attending a hockey game at the Canadian Tire Centre is a unique experience, where you can feel the passion of the sport in an adrenaline-fuelled atmosphere.

Whether you're a hockey fanatic or just looking for an authentic Canadian experience, watching the Senators play at home will allow you to immerse yourself in the sporting culture that permeates the atmosphere. From the first serve to the last goal, the energy of the fans is infectious and there will be no shortage of spectacular plays on the ice.

Interesting details

• Duration: An ice hockey game lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including intermissions.
• What you should know: Most games are played at the Canadian Tire Centre, located about 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa. It is advisable to buy your ticket to a hockey game at the Canadian Tire Centre in advance, as tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially for the bigger games.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Ottawa is one of Ottawa's most beautiful religious buildings and the city's oldest place of worship, dating back to 1832.

Its imposing neo-Gothic façade, carved wood details inside the church and vibrant stained glass windows make it a must-see for architecture lovers. The basilica is also home to a rich history associated with Ottawa's Francophone community and continues to be an active venue for religious ceremonies and cultural events.

Details of interest

• Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• What you should know: the basilica is open to the public year-round from 09:00 to 18:00, but be sure to check the schedule if you wish to attend a mass or concert. Admission is free, and it is possible to attend a mass or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the place.

Ottawa is known for its thriving craft beer scene and one of the best places to enjoy this experience is on Wellington Street. This iconic avenue is not only home to a variety of traditional and modern pubs, but also offers a fascinating cultural tour of some of the city's most important landmarks.

In the area you'll find places like the Tooth and Nail Brewing Company with its exquisite combination of ancient art and avant-garde. You'll also be very close to the traditional Beyond the Pale Brewing with its extensive catalogue of beers and otherworldly flavours. Don't know where to start? Then I recommend you hop on the Brew Donkey, the city's brew bus, known for its creativity and quality.

And if you'd rather try your luck at randomly entering one of the more than 20 pubs you'll see along Wellington Street, you'll probably see the Library and Archives Canada, where the country's historical heritage is preserved. Likewise, the Supreme Court of Canada is likely to cross your path. Also, if you want an unforgettable evening , buy tickets for an Oh Canada Eh? dinner show, which is in the same area, so it's a complete tour.

Interesting details

• Duration: The Wellington Street tour can take between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the stops you make at pubs and monuments, as well as the type of tour you choose.
• What you should know: in addition to enjoying a good beer, you'll be strolling past some of Ottawa's most important buildings, in close proximity to the Rideau Canal. Take the opportunity to explore Chinatown and Little Italy, two neighbourhoods that are within walking distance and offer a unique cultural and gastronomic experience. We recommend booking a guided tour to learn about the brewing process and get the most out of your visit.

Commissioner's Park is a true urban oasis in Ottawa. Throughout the year, you can enjoy the trails, green spaces perfect for picnics and events, and beautiful views of Dows Lake.

Commissioner's Park is also a favourite destination for locals and tourists alike during the famous Tulip Festival. Every spring, thousands of tulips of all colours bloom, transforming the park into a visual spectacle.

This annual event celebrates the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands, and has become an unmissable tradition. However, the park is beautiful all year round, whether you're looking for a quiet place to relax or a picturesque setting for exercise, this park has something for everyone.

Details of interest

• Duration: 4 to 6 hours is the average time visitors stay in this park.
• What you should know: The Tulip Festival takes place in May, but the park is open all year round. During the festival, there are also exhibitions and cultural activities in the surrounding area.

The National Gallery of Canada is a landmark for contemporary art lovers. Its impressive modern architecture houses a vast collection of Canadian and international art, including paintings, sculptures and photographs.

Here you can see masterpieces in themed sections such as Canadian, European, Native American, Asian, sketches, photographs and more. Iconic artists such as Emily Carr and Tom Thomson are among those who have permanent exhibitions at the gallery.

In addition, its contemporary art section offers a fresh perspective on current trends. Don't miss Louise Bourgeois' famous sculpture, the giant spider called**"Maman**", located outside, which has become a symbol of the gallery.

Interesting details

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
• What you should know: the gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm. With your ticket you can access the free audio tour service by scanning the QR code of each work you are interested in.