Best Things To Do in Ottawa

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

If you are passionate about museums, cultural events and natural landscapes, this Canadian city has everything you are looking for. Around every corner you'll discover a new adventure: from imposing buildings such as the Parliament building, to its sporting offerings, to the tulips that color the spring. 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 transportation 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 by cruising down the Ottawa River.

It is one of the most exciting ways to discover the city, while they tell you curious facts and anecdotes about each site visited. The experience is perfect for the whole family and allows you to get a complete overview of Ottawa.

Details of interest

• 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 taste local ciders and wines in front of one of the parks. It is also possible to rent the buses for private events.

One of the most relaxing rides you can take in Ottawa is a boat ride on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. This historic canal, which stretches some 200 kilometers, connects Ottawa to Lake Ontario.

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

On the other hand, if you include your visit among the things to do in Ottawa in summer you can go boating or kayaking. It is perfect to enjoy the natural beauty of the city from a different perspective.

Details of interest

• 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 reservations are recommended, especially in summer.

The Canadian War Museum is a must-see for those interested in Canada's military history. This museum boasts an impressive collection of military artifacts, 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 world 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 hours are Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00 hours, however, every Thursday between 17:00 and 19:00 hours there is a special access with free admission. The museum has temporary exhibits, so there is always something new to see.

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

On the other hand, when you sign up for a food tour of the ByWard Market, the famousbeaver tails(beavertailswith honey), the Canadian version of donuts, a wide variety of artisan 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 flavors while learning about the local culture.

Details of interest

• Duration: between 1 and 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 story behind each dish. This is a market with tradition since 1827, and inside it houses about 600 stalls. In addition, several restaurants offer tasting menus that are very worthwhile.

Ottawa has an extensive network of trails ideal for exploring by bicycle. 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 paradise, or the curious Lansdowne Park.

While flanking the river you will also be bordering other iconic sites such as the Aviation and Space Museum and the entertaining Jacques Cartier Park. It is a perfect activity to enjoy with family or friends, besides being an environmentally 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 route customizing the ride.

Details of interest

• Duration: 2 - 4 hours approximately, this will vary according to 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 an outdoor picnic.

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 reach even 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 10:00 a.m., while the rest of the year it is held once a week.

Details of interest

• Duration: guided tours last from 30 to 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. Also, you have the option to choose a tour with sign language at no cost, 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 field hockey game at the Canadian Tire Centre is a unique experience, where you can feel the passion of the sport in an adrenaline-filled atmosphere.

Whether you're a field hockey fanatic or just looking for a true 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 contagious 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 purchase your ticket to a field 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 also houses a rich history related to Ottawa's French-speaking 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 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, 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 tranquility 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 millennial art and avant-garde. You will also be very close to the traditional Beyond the Pale Brewing with its extensive catalog of beers and flavors from another world. 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 prefer to try your luck by randomly entering one of the more than 20 pubs you'll see during your tour of 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, it's in the same area, so it will be a complete tour.

Details of interest

• Duration: the tour of Wellington Street can last between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the stops you make at pubs and monuments, as well as the type of visit you choose.
• What you should know: in addition to enjoying a good beer, you will be walking along some of Ottawa's most important buildings, very close to the Rideau Canal. Take the opportunity to explore Chinatown and Little Italy, two neighborhoods that are within walking distance and offer a unique cultural and gastronomic experience. It is advisable to book 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 its trails, green areas perfect for picnics and events, with beautiful views of Dows Lake.

Commissioner's Park is also a favorite destination for locals and tourists during the famous Tulip Festival. Every spring, thousands of tulips of all colors 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 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 appreciate masterpieces in thematic 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.

Details of interest

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
• What you should know: the gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. With your ticket you can access the free audio tour service by scanning the QR code of each work of your interest.