It’s easy to see why travellers often overlook Ottawa, Canada’s capital city—Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver tend to steal the spotlight. But with so many things to do in Ottawa, this vibrant and walkable city deserves a top spot on any itinerary.
Here, Gothic-style Parliament Buildings rise above the Ottawa River, museums celebrate Canada’s rich history, and green spaces invite you to slow down and explore. Most of the city’s best attractions are conveniently clustered downtown, making it easy to experience its culture, cuisine, and charm in just a few days.
I may be biased—I once called Ottawa home—but every visit feels like a return to something familiar and special. So, come along with me and discover the many things to do in Ottawa, a city that blends history, beauty, and a welcoming spirit like no other.
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Why These Things to Do in Ottawa Stand Out
1. Tour the Parliament Buildings
Of all the places to visit, the Parliament Buildings are an Ottawa must-see! Overlooking the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill consists of three buildings: the East, the West, and the Centre Blocks. This is where representatives from across Canada gather to make laws that affect every single Canadian.
Take a self-guided tour of the exterior. Wander the grounds to take in the amazing Gothic architecture. The buildings were built between 1859 and 1927 and the details are impressive – the soaring columns, spires, stained glass windows, and peaked arches. At the back of the buildings, you will have river views straight across to the province of Quebec.
The guided tour of the interior will take you to the Senate, the House of Commons, and what is notably known as the most beautiful room in Canada, the Parliament Library.
On July 1st, Canada Day birthday celebrations are held on the lawn of the Parliament Buildings. This is Canada’s biggest celebration featuring live entertainment and fireworks, and it’s free!
Another showstopper festival on the lawn of the Parliament Buildings is the spring display of the world’s largest Tulip Festival, taking place every year in early to mid-May.
2. Stroll Sparks Street
This historic street is chock full of 19th-century buildings. It became where parliamentarians would live and work, and where commercial banks and businesses set up their offices in the late 19th to early 20th centuries.
It was named after Nicholas Sparks, a farmer from Ireland, who purchased this land unseen. He ploughed a path through this barren landscape, which allowed for the development of Ottawa to begin.
In the 1960s, the city decided to make it a pedestrian-only zone, and it turned into a large outdoor mall full of shops and restaurants.
It’s also where the city hosts festivals year-round, like the Ottawa Poutinefest and Ottawa Ribfest – just to name a few.
3. Wander on Elgin Street
Take a stroll down Elgin Street, full of historical monuments and amazing architecture. At the top of the street is the National War Memorial, originally built to commemorate Canada’s sacrifice in the First World War (1914–18). It now honours all who have served Canada in wartime.
Just beyond you will come across the Central Chambers National Historical Site, built in 1890 with its striking red brick in Queen Anne Revival style. A little further down, you will come across the Lord Elgin Hotel, built in 1941. It’s a modern adaptation of the French Chateau architectural style.
Across the street sits Confederation Park, a small but lovely park with fountains and statues. End your stroll with my recommended stop at The Scone Witch, where their sweet or savoury scones are the best I’ve ever had!
4. Walk the Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is the waterway that connects Ottawa to Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River. At 202km in length, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historic significance. Opened in 1832, it is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America.
Along the canal, 45 operational locks function from May to October. Valves open, letting the water out of the lock, and as the water drains, the boat floats down. When the water in the lock matches the water level of the downstream water, the gates open and the boat moves out and follows down the canal. It’s one of Ottawa’s tourist attractions worth watching.
Locals enjoy the canal all year long. Whether it’s out for a stroll, run, or cycle along the paths. Kayaking down it in the summer or ice skating along it in the winter, it is always full of people enjoying the city. And, one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy it, along with seeing the city, is to take a sightseeing river cruise.
5. Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Known as the city’s castle, this French Renaissance-style architecture, with a touch of Gothic Revival style, is an attraction in itself. It’s more than just a place to stay; it’s actually the keeper of many of Ottawa’s things to do.
Here are the top 10 reasons why I think you should stay at the Fairmont Château Laurier.
- The hotel is pet-friendly. Any chance to travel with my dog will always be top of my list. (Bonus: the hotel staff loved him up)
- It’s where royalty stays. Past guests include the late Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, King George IV, and Nelson Mandela, to name a few.
- Enjoy an afternoon tea service in their exquisite Jasper Team room. I adore high tea, and if you do too, this is a must!
- Get the best night’s sleep of your life. The luxe bed and bedding make it hard to get out of bed in the morning.
- See all of the exquisite design details of the hotel’s interiors, like the Tiffany stained glass windows, Belgian marble floors, conical turrets and elaborate staircases.
- Savour a delicious meal at Wilfred’s fine dining restaurant. Reservations are a must, especially come patio season, as this restaurant is sought after for its late-night dining with a sunset view.
- Enjoy the spacious rooms. Or even better, upgrade to a King Suite and you get double the space – including two full bathrooms, two separate closet spaces, and two separate views.
- Land yourself on the best outdoor patio at La Terrasse – a secluded terrace with scenic views of the Parliament Buildings.
- The views. Request my room #324 and treat yourself to double windows with views of the War Memorial, the Parliament Buildings and the Rideau Canal.
- It’s a central location. All of the main attractions are within walking distance.
6. Hang Out at Major’s Hill Park
Take a stroll through the capital city’s very first park. What was supposed to be the site for the Governor General’s residence (our country’s representative of the Queen or King of England), locals petitioned unsuccessfully to designate it as a public park for decades.
It was even the site for a huge party and bonfire to welcome the birth of the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867. Not until 1874 was the government finally convinced of the idea of a dedicated park, and it was formed.
Today, Major Hill’s Park remains an integral part of Ottawa’s life. It offers a beautiful and quiet space for locals and tourists alike to visit. It’s a popular hangout spot for families and continues to be the focus of the city’s events and celebrations.
7. Eat, Drink and Roam the Byward Market
One of the city’s top attractions is the historic and wonderfully vibrant ByWard Market area, which houses one of Canada’s oldest year-round Farmers Markets. It’s a major tourist attraction by day and a popular hot spot at night. That makes this one of the fun things to do in Ottawa for young adults.
Seek out the cool vibes at Clarendon Court, an inner courtyard with secluded cobblestone squares filled with small restaurants, coffee shops, and galleries. Some of my favourites are Oz Café, Sidedoor, and Planet Coffee.
Stroll along Colonel By Drive for some of the best architecture and shops. This is my favourite area of the city, as it’s tucked away and often missed by tourists.
Another great way to explore ByWard Market is through its food! Come hungry, as you’re going to want to sample as many sweet and savoury restaurants as you can!
This is where you’ll find the famous Beaver Tails – a deep-fried pastry sprinkled with your favourite toppings (yes, it’s shaped like a Beaver’s tail).
8. Visit the Museums
An interesting thing to do in Ottawa is to visit some of the city’s best museums.
- The Canadian War Museum takes you through the country’s role from pre-confederation to the present day.
- Have an interest in flying, then a stop at the Canadian Aviation Museum is a must.
- A surprisingly fascinating and interactive experience, all about money and the economy, can be found at the Royal Canadian Mint at the Bank of Canada Museum.
- A popular museum for families is the Canadian Museum of Nature, where you can discover natural history and science all rolled into one.
- Visit North America’s largest art museum at the National Gallery of Canada.
- A must-see in Ottawa is actually across the bridge in Gatineau, Quebec – the Canadian Museum of History. Set in a cool architectural building with scenic views of the Ottawa River and the Parliament buildings, while learning about the 15,000-year Canadian history, honouring the indigenous peoples.
Find some public art dotted around the city. One of the top things to see in Ottawa is my fave, called Birds of a Feather.
9. Gaze upon Notre Dame Basilica
Visit Ottawa’s oldest and largest church, completed in 1846. It offers dual-language services in English and French.
The cathedral is open for self-led and guided tours, as well as hosting concerts throughout the year. It’s situated right across the street from the National Gallery of Canada and is a beautiful cathedral to see.
10. Watch a Sunset as a Top Ottawa What to See Experience
Does anyone else love watching a sunset, especially when on holiday?
Well, I’ve got you covered. Where to go in Ottawa for the best views:
- Rockcliffe Lookout Point
- Rideau Falls Park
- MacKenzie Papineau Monument on Green Island
- Major Hill Park
Discover the Coolest Ways to Get Around Ottawa
Fortunately, Ottawa is a very walkable city. Once you arrive here (by car, train or plane), you can walk to all these amazing sites.
But to add to your experience, there are plenty of options to see and experience the best of Ottawa, like walking tours, bike tours, river cruises, hop on-hop off bus tours, by helicopter and even by amphibious bus.
Final Thoughts
With so many things to do in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, it makes for a perfect weekend escape. It’s easy to explore on foot, full of history and charm, and it offers that ideal balance of city energy and small-town warmth.
If you’re planning a getaway from Toronto, consider extending your weekend with a couple of nights in Prince Edward County—a haven for wine lovers and food enthusiasts. One of my favourite small towns nearby is Perth, just an hour from Ottawa, where heritage buildings and riverside strolls await.
Heading in the other direction? Montreal is about an hour’s drive away and pairs perfectly with an Ottawa visit for a culture-filled road trip. Or venture further east into the regions that make up the Eastern Townships, an area chock-full of storybook villages, rolling hills, and French-Canadian charm.
However you plan it, Ottawa is the kind of destination that connects easily to so many memorable adventures.
