You’ve probably guessed that Canada is one of my favourite countries. After exploring the gorgeous spots in Alberta and delving through some epic places in Ontario, I knew I needed to see much more of the Canadian capital city, Ottawa. Ottawa has heaps of things to do, and it’s a great starting point for visiting so much more of the wider area of Ontario and even nearby Quebec.
Now, even if it’s your first or fiftieth time in the city, you’ll always find something new and exciting to do (especially with all its buzzing festivals).
Take a look at some of the best things to do in Ottawa and places you shouldn’t miss on your first visit. You’ll love the city!
1.) Parliament Hill
Perched in the heart of Canada’s capital is the gorgeous Gothic-style building, which resembles the Houses of Parliament (in London) and the Parliament Building (in Budapest). It’s incredible to see and form Canada’s very centre of government.
Not only that, Parliament Hill is Canada’s most famous hill, and any walk around this area of Ottawa will take you by, near, or on the mountain itself.
Best of all, it’s pretty close to the Ottawa River, which, during the summer months, sees the Changing of the Guard every morning. It’s pretty epic to see and well worth timing your visit accordingly.
You’ll also find daily free guided tours of Parliament Hill, available on a first-come-first-served basis. So, make sure to book them online before arriving in Ottawa – they can fill up, especially in the height of summer. Oh, and don’t forget to spot the Centennial Flame. It’s right in front of Parliament – you can’t miss it.
Afterwards, head over to nearby Little Victories Coffee Roasters. It’s one of my favourite coffee spots in all of Ottawa. They have some great house blends, and their pastries are divine.
Read more: Our visit to the Parliament Building
2.) ByWard Market
If you are hankering for good food and local shops, ByWard Market is the place to go – and not just for the market itself, but all the foodie spots around it, too. The area covers about four square blocks, making this place so special to visit, especially if you’re hungry.
There are scores of delicious restaurants and loads of little boutiques that you’ll love.
The main market offers tasty little treats in addition to local produce. Built a few hundred years ago, it quickly became one of the largest public markets in Canada. Now, the market might be a little sleepy regarding weekday openings – but don’t let that put you off – the whole area is so worth visiting.
There are even a few, more secluded, cobblestone squares, giving visitors something special to look for. The most popular is Clarendon Court, which has five yummy restaurants alone. For a tasty lunch, head to Sidedoor. Their dishes are focused on Asian fusion, and they are delicious. Their prawn curry was mouthwateringly good.
Once your tummy starts to rumble at dinner, head over to Play Food & Wine. We totally love going here on our visits to Ottawa, and they have a huge seasonal menu that is totally delicious.
They’ve got some amazing foods and a huge wine selection, too. Just book a table on weekends, as it can get busy.
Oh yeah, and pop over to the pretty Notre Dame Cathedral nearby.
3.) Explore the Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is both an engineering feat and a scenic place for a picnic (in the summer months)! It’s a popular little spot that’s perfect to visit. The Canal was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the city’s most famous.
Apparently, the canal was designed to secure a supply route from Montreal to Kingston in case the Americans tried to attack Canada (again?!? Think the War of 1812).
Today, everyone enjoys the Canal all year long, strolling and picnicking along the paths, kayaking down it during the summer, and ice skating along it in the winter.
A proper little focal point and one of the best things to do in Ottawa in the chilly months.
4.) Bytown Museum
If you’re a total history buff, you’ll enjoy Bytown Museum, where you can learn all about the history of Canada’s capital city.
The Museum is housed in Ottawa’s oldest stone building and tells the story of Ottawa from its early years (when it was still called Bytown) to the present day. Now, it might not sound like the most engaging museum visit, but it’s much more informative than just seeing old buildings.
Visits can take around 60 minutes, and it’s well worth doing if you’re already strolling down the Ottawa Locks.
Afterwards, book a table at Riviera. It’s one of Ottawa’s best restaurants, and not just because of the food. Riviera is housed in a historic bank, and the venue is so lovely.
Not only that, the food is delicious too. We loved their octopus and their lobster spaghetti – so tasty. Oh, and don’t forget to try some of their Negroni’s made in-house – they have a whole cocktail section just on these and they are incredible (and pretty potent).
Read more: Best things to do in Ontario
5.) Festival in Ottawa
Ottawa has become famous for its festivals, including everything from winter wonderlands to dragon boats and even snow sculptures! If you’re planning a trip to the city, always make sure to check out the festival schedule.
Some of the more popular festivals are: Canada Day, the Tulip Festival, Capital Ribfest (Yum), the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Children’s Festival. The Winterlude festival can’t be missed if you’re in Ottawa in January or February. This is when you’ll get to see some of those lovely ice and snow sculptures.
Suppose you are in Ottawa on the first of July (Canada Day). In that case, you’ll experience a mind-blowing party across the city, ending with massive fireworks above Parliament Hill that are out-of-this-world.
6.) National Gallery of Canada
The world’s most extensive collection of Canadian art is, rather appropriately, found in the capital city, and it’s pretty hard to miss. Housing nearly 65,000 art pieces, the National Gallery of Canada is known worldwide for its Canadian artworks showcasing local and national pieces.
The gallery also holds many First Nation, International, and Contemporary art pieces. Best of all, no visit will ever be the same—the gallery has seasonal exhibits that change almost monthly. You’ll love it. It’s a great place to visit, especially if the weather takes a turn and you want some time indoors.
The gallery grounds include a cloistered garden courtyard, a glass-bottomed pool, and a reconstructed 19th-century chapel, along with the artworks and stunning architecture.
Afterwards, head to Arlo for an early dinner. It’s a cosy little eatery right in the heart of Ottawa, and their seasonal menu is so good. We had the Greenlandic Turbot and pate, and both were a solid 10/10.
Plus, it’s a great place to go for wines – these guys know their stuff.
Read more: Best things to do in Ontario
7.) Ottawa’s Cafes and Craft Beer Scene
Okay, I’ve touched upon my love of Little Victories Coffee Roasters (Which is a must-visit) in Ottawa, but there are so many other epic spots you shouldn’t miss in and around the city itself.
For instance, inside the iconic Fairmont Château Laurier is Zoe’s. Visiting is easily one of the best things to do in Ottawa if you love afternoon tea, which, being a Brit, I loved!
Their afternoon tea is one of the best I’ve had in North America and I don’t say that lightly! It was so good. Plus, they have like 21 different varieties of tea to choose from – with some blends infused with maple syrup – giving it a yummy Canadian flare. Also, Zoe’s whole venue is beautiful and easily one of the most iconic spots in Ottawa.
If you’re looking for more of an aperitif, head to Zoe’s cocktail bar. It has such an art deco vibe and their cocktail list is second to none.
Over the last few years, craft beer breweries have become all the rage, and Ottawa is no exception.
Why not sign up for a tour to discover the craft beers in the capital city? You can easily book this Ottawa beer tour that offer year-round tours of the different craft breweries in Ottawa. You’ll get to try so many local tipples and there is actually a pretty big variety in them all.
If you’re in the capital in September, be sure to stop by Beau’s Oktoberfest, run by Beau’s Brewing Co. Open since 2006, Beau’s brews up certified organic beers, which can be enjoyed both at Oktoberfest and during the rest of the year. Cassel Brewery and Kichesippi Beer Company are also popular brews in the city.
8.) Rideau Hall
If you want to explore more of Canada’s long history, then make sure you book a free tour of Rideau Hall. You see, it’s the official residence of the Governor General in Canada, who is the Crown’s ‘head person’ whilst King Charles III isn’t around.
All tours are free, but you do need to book in advance. The tours take 45-60 minutes, and you’ll get to explore some of Rideau Hall’s ceremonial rooms and even learn how tennis used to be played inside them!
You’ll also get to see Canadian medals and learn more about the Governor’s role in Canada, who the king appoints. If you’ve gone for a morning tour, head back to Wilfred’s at the Fairmont for breakfast once your tour has concluded. We loved their French toast and bagels.
Now, you can walk here from Rideau Hall, but it’s only around an 8-minute ride in an Uber or taxi (which is what we did).
Read more: Best things to do in Ontario
9.) Whitewater Rafting (or boating)
If you’re a sucker for the outdoors, you’ll love the whitewater rafting you can do around the region. Best of all, Ottawa is one of the world’s top spots for whitewater rafting. Quite a few of these companies in the city offer rafting river trips, from those lovely, tranquil levels through high-intensity, sweat-inducing adventures.
For a ride right in the capital, Ottawa City Rafting Company offers the Urban Whitewater Rafting Adventure for visitors aged 5-65. The trek is about 3.5 hours long and ends with a stunning view of downtown Ottawa.
For something outside the city, try River Run Rafting and Wilderness Resort. The company offers adventure rafting, family rafting, and river tubing (my favourite).
Alternatively, if you don’t want to get soaked but still want to go on the river, book this sightseeing boat tour of Ottawa. Tours take around 75 minutes and are perfect on a sunny summer’s day.
10.) Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
A four-story tall building with 300 rooms and 100,000 square feet of space meant to house 535 Canadian government officials. Sounds normal, right?
Not when you find out it is a secret underground building built during the height of the Cold War. More interesting now, eh?
Diefenbunker offers us a glimpse into the secret workings of the Canadian Cold War era. Named after the Prime Minister of the time, John Diefenbaker, the building was meant to house the Canadian government if nuclear war were to break out. *gulp*
Just be sure to dress warmly, as it is always cooler underground!
Read more: Best things to do in Ontario
11.) Gorge at Chinatown
Ottawa’s Chinatown is a lovely place to go once your tummy begins to rumble. Chinatown is not just made up of Chinese spots to see; it has many nationalities, cultures, and restaurants to experience.
We loved Yen Fung Ding Dumpling Shoppe. Yes, most places are small and informal, but that’s what makes them so great – and the food is just delicious. Not only that, Chinatown is home to Korean, Philippine, and Indian food joints, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to gorge.
We recommend visiting on a Saturday afternoon, as it’s a great place to stop for a casual bite to eat.
Read more: Best things to do in Ontario
12.) Canadian Museum of History
I know, I know! It’s not technically Ottawa, but it’s just the other side of the river in the province of Quebec. It’s a short 300 metres from Parliament and a city well worth visiting when you see all the top spots in Ottawa.
Once you’re here, make sure to stop by the Canadian Museum of History. It’s incredible and has one of the largest collections of totem poles in the country. Some of these even date back centuries!
Not only that, it’s a great place to stop if you want to learn more about Canada’s long history, its First Nations people, and the arrival of Europeans to North America. Just make sure to give yourself around two hours to stroll around.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab your tickets before arriving. This makes it all so easy, especially on busy weekends.
Read more: Best things to do in Ontario
13.) Nordik Spa Village (Chelsea)
Again, I know! It’s not Ottawa! But, here’s the thing – there is always something cool and exciting to do just outside the city limits (wherever you are), and Nordik Spa Village is one of those places.
Tucked away, around 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Nordik Spa Village is located in Chelsea (in Quebec) just across the river. You can easily spend about 5 hours here (which we did) and love every second of it.
They have hot thermal pools, cold plunges, and one of only two salt floating pools in North America. Plus, they have a really tasty restaurant that serves up tasty dishes. We didn’t think it would be as good as it was—we thought it would be just convenience food—but we were wrong! The food was top-tier!
Read more: Best places in Ontario to visit
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