This is 20 of the BEST Things to Do in Ottawa

Welcome to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, where history, culture, and adventure collide in the most unexpected ways! From the iconic Parliament Hill to hidden foodie gems, this city is bursting with experiences that will make you say, “Why haven’t I visited sooner?” Whether you’re wandering along the Rideau Canal, exploring world-class museums, or indulging in local eats that are nothing short of mouthwatering, Ottawa has a way of surprising every type of traveller.

Stick around as we uncover the best things to do in Ottawa…

Whatever it is you’re into, Ottawa has something for everyone. Every time we go, we try something new. In this article, we’re going to talk about some of the best things Ottawa has to offer, so you can better plan your next adventure.

Visit Parliament Hill

Without a doubt, the icon of Ottawa is Canada’s Parliament Building. It’s one of the top things to do in Ottawa, whether taking a tour or simply visiting the grounds. Not only is it the centre of Canada’s government, but the buildings are also incredibly beautiful. From the Peace Tower to the Gothic architecture, the buildings are stunning to admire from the lawns in front of the building. In addition, if you want to go inside, you can take one of the free tours and learn about Canada’s political system.

Watch the Changing of the Guard

Another popular thing to see in the summer is the Changing of the Guard, which takes place on Parliament Hill every morning during the peak season from late June to late August. Starting at 10 AM (check the time schedule to make sure), you’ll see a colourful spectacle of pomp, pageantry, and music. You’ll want to get there at least 30 minutes early if you want the best spot.

Experience Parliament: The Immersive Tour

Imagine stepping into a time machine, except instead of rattling gears, you get huge 360° projections, immersive sound, and visuals that make you feel like you’re wandering through the Senate, the Commons, the Library of Parliament, the Peace Tower and the Memorial Chamber—all while knowing the real Centre Block is under renovation. This is a relatively new tour located right across the street from Parliament Hill. It’s free, bilingual, and gives you a chance to see and learn about Canada’s government and parliament buildings without actually going inside.

It’s ideal if you’ve never been inside Centre Block (or want to sneak a peek while it’s closed), or if you love sensory storytelling. Just a heads up—there are flashes, immersive sound, dim lighting, and some motion visuals—cool, but maybe not for everyone (photosensitive folks, look out).

Witness the Rideau Canal

Located right next to the parliament buildings, the Rideau Canal is well worth a visit. In fact, it’s hard to miss. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was actually built to protect against war with the USA way back in 1812, but has now become a very popular spot with boaters, connecting the city all the way down to the 1000 Islands and Lake Ontario. While you’re there, stop into the Bytown Museum as well, which we’ll talk more about below.

Stroll Through the ByWard Market

One of the most popular Ottawa tourist attractions is the ByWard Market. This historic farmers’ market is within walking distance of the parliament buildings and a great place to grab a bite to eat, have a beer on a patio, or explore the various locally-made crafts and clothes. If you want to fully experience what the market has to offer, take a lunch-tasting tour.

It’s buzzing with people, especially in the summer, as they browse for everything from gourmet cheese to maple-infused chocolates. We always visit the ByWard Market when we’re in Ottawa, not only because it’s so lively, but because we love the Mexican restaurant Corazon De Maiz. We had their tostadas three times in five days when we were last there. Soooo good.

Learn about Ottawa’s History at the ByTown Museum

If you’re looking for Ottawa museums that focus on Ottawa’s history, the ByTown Museum is the one to visit! Located on the lower locks of the Rideau Canal, between the Chateau Laurier and the Canadian Parliament buildings, this museum is a great place to learn about the city. Ottawa’s oldest remaining stone building, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of the origins of Bytown and its development and growth into the present city of Ottawa.

Explore the Aviation and Space Museum

Quite possibly one of the coolest museums we’ve visited, the Aviation and Space Museum is the place to go if you’re interested in planes, jets, and spaceships. Located on a former military airbase on Sussex Drive in Ottawa, this museum focuses on aviation in Canada within an international context – from its beginnings in 1909 to the present day.

This place is full of incredible aircraft, ranging from military aircraft to vintage bush planes, commercial airlines, and so much more. Then, as if that’s not enough already, they also include aerospace technology, including the Canadarm and various exhibitions explaining what it’s like to live in space. This is considered one of the finest aviation museums in the world. This would also be one of the best things to do in Ottawa with kids.

See Ottawa from the Sky on a BiPlane Flightseeing Tour

If you’re looking to enjoy one of Ottawa’s coolest activities, sign up for one of the BiPlane flightseeing tours! How often do you have the opportunity to sit in an actual World War II-era biplane and go for a tour over Ottawa, passing over the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, and downtown Ottawa? It’s really incredible to sit in an outdoor cockpit in front of the pilot. He’s in the back! Can’t recommend this activity enough. It’s a blast!

Learn about Canada at the Canadian Museum of History

Located on the other side of the river in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Museum of History is fantastic on both the inside and the outside. Inside, you’ll find an array of permanent galleries that explore Canada’s 20,000 years of human history as well as various special exhibitions expanding on Canadian themes and other cultures and civilizations.

We especially loved walking through the expansive Grand Hall, admiring the beautiful totem poles, and learning about Canada’s history in both the Canadian History Hall and the First Peoples Hall. In addition, we’ve since visited with our two-year-old girls and they had a blast in the Children’s Museum, which playfully introduces them to a variety of cultures.

Designed by Douglas Cardinal, a famous indigenous architect, the building is easily one of the most beautiful architectural designs in the city. It also offers stunning views of the Parliament buildings on the other side of the river.

Check out Art at the National Gallery of Canada

Yet another great place to get views of Parliament, the National Gallery of Canada is the country’s premier art gallery. The Gallery has a large collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs.

Although the Gallery houses the most comprehensive Canadian art collection, it also has many works from both American and European artists. Perhaps the most photographed piece of art is outside the museum – a giant sculpture of a spider welcomes people as they walk by.

Go Underground at the Diefenbunker Cold War Museum

Although the Diefenbunker Cold War Museum is located outside Ottawa in a small town called Carp, it’s one of the most unique museums in the world. Built as an actual military bunker during the threat of nuclear war in the Cold War Era, this 75-foot, 100,000 square-foot underground bunker is now a great place to learn about a scary time in world history.

This Canadian war museum is also home to the world’s largest escape room! This is still the only escape room we’ve experienced, and it was such a blast solving clues and trying to escape from a bunker!

Step Inside the Fairmont Château Laurier

If you’re visiting Ottawa, there’s no way to miss the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Laurier. It’s located right next to Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, not to mention that it’s walking distance from practically every other attraction in central Ottawa. Like any Fairmont hotel, it’s incredibly beautiful inside and out, and whether you’re staying there or not, we certainly recommend a visit.

Visit the Impressive Rideau Hall

This Government House, dating back to 1867, is the official residence in Ottawa of both the Canadian monarch and the Governor-General of Canada. It consists of 175 rooms spread out amongst 102,000 square feet of space and is used for state affairs.

Although it’s still very much in use today, Rideau Hall and the surrounding grounds were designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1977 and are open to the public for guided tours throughout the year. It’s also one of the stops on a fun city bike tour around Ottawa if you want to get a little active on this vacation.

See Ottawa from the Hop on Hop off Bus

Want to see Ottawa without huffing and puffing through miles of sidewalks? The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is your cheat code. You grab a pass (usually for 24- or 48-hours), climb aboard a double-decker bus, and ride a loop that hits 13 stops that cover 70-plus landmarks of the Capital Region.

Want to dive into Parliament Hill, shop and eat in ByWard Market, absorb the art at the National Gallery, or chill by the Rideau Canal Locks? Just hop off. When you’re done, you hop back on and keep exploring. Wanna just see Ottawa in an hour? Sit back, listen to the bilingual commentary, and just enjoy the ride.

Explore the Canadian Museum of Nature

It took us about five visits before we finally decided to visit this museum, and it’s a huge regret. Perched in a beautiful “castle-style” building just downtown, the Canadian Museum of Nature is a one-stop nature trip—from prehistory to the Arctic and everything in between.

Want to stand under a full blue whale skeleton? They’ve got “Tallulah”—a 19-meter whale hanging (in a good way) in the Water Gallery. Love Arctic stuff? The Canada Goose Arctic Gallery isn’t just ice-cold visuals—it weaves in Indigenous perspectives, climate, wildlife and the realities of the North.

Bugs, birds, minerals, fossils, live marine critters, interactive stuff to touch or smell or listen to—it’s built so both kids and science nerds get seriously wowed. There’s also Flight of the Butterfly, a room filled with live butterflies fluttering all around. Our kids loved it.

Relax at Nordik Spa-Nature

We will never come to Ottawa and miss spending a day at Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea, Quebec. It’s a close drive from downtown Ottawa and is the most relaxing place on Earth (in our humble opinion). You’ll find 10 exterior baths, 9 distinct saunas, a panoramic pool, a floating salt-water pool, numerous resting places, a yoga and meditation room, an exfoliation room, outdoor massage pavilions, and 4 restaurants. Yes, it’s paradise.

Score Views from Nepean Point and the Alexandra Bridge

If you’re up for a walk, we totally recommend crossing the Alexandra Bridge between Ottawa and Quebec. Not only does it bridge the gap between Parliament Hill and the Canadian Museum of History, but it’s also a great place to check out views of Parliament.

But first, you should walk up to Nepean Point, which is right next to the National Gallery of Canada. It’s on a hill in front of the bridge, which means good views, and it also features a statue of French explorer Samuel de Champlain. If you’d prefer a guide to tell you more about what you’re seeing, take a private tour of Ottawa.

Enjoy a Rideau Canal Cruise

If you’d like to experience the Rideau Canal further, jump on a scenic canal cruise through the city. You’ll get to learn about the canal while sailing past some of Ottawa’s landmarks on a 100% electric boat. The commentary is done live and is bilingual, but is also available as an audio guide application. This same company runs Ottawa tours on the Ottawa River as well, which we’ll talk about below.

Enjoy an Ottawa River Cruise

Another scenic cruise in Ottawa is on the Ottawa River, which splits Ontario from Quebec. You’ll sail past Parliament Hill, under the Alexandra Bridge and all the way up past the Prime Minister’s house and back. The commentary is bilingual and is done live. If you’re looking to simply get out on the water, relax, and admire some views of the shoreline, you’ll like this tour – especially in summer.

Go Whitewater Rafting

If you’re looking for adventurous outdoor activities in Ottawa, the Ottawa River is home to some of the best rafting in the country. Located an hour and a half away in Foresters Falls, this is a wonderful way to have some fun and experience the natural side of Ottawa.

This stretch of the Ottawa provides a balance between exciting rapids and long scenic floats. Plus, unlike many rivers in Canada, this one is warm! You can swim in a bathing suit, no problem. Whether you’re looking to spend the night out there or just go for a day trip, this is a great way to have some fun on the river.

Where to Stay in Ottawa

There are so many options for accommodation in Canada’s capital. From budget-friendly hotels to luxury hotels, you’ll find it all. In fact, there are even unique accommodation options, such as staying in an old jail or enjoying a Bed and Breakfast! So if you’re looking for where to go in Ottawa, here are some options:

reStays Luxury Apartments

reStays blends the luxury of a boutique hotel with the comfort and flexibility of condo-living, making it perfect whether you’re in Ottawa for a day, a week, or more. Nestled in the heart of downtown (Queen & Sparks), you’re just steps from Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the National Arts Centre, and prime dining, shopping & entertainment.

For us, travelling with kids, reStays is ideal. Each suite is decked out with a full kitchen, in-unit laundry, high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows (hello, sunlight!), and in many cases a balcony or heritage loft touches that add real character.

On the amenities front: fitness centre, sauna, 24/7 concierge and excellent services that take the stress out of travel. If you stay often, perks like secure storage through their “reStayers Club” make frequent travel much smoother.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Everyone knows what the Chateau Laurier is. It’s basically an attraction even if you’re not staying there. It’s in a prime location right next to Parliament Hill and is a stunning Gothic castle-like building. It’s beautiful. If you’re looking for Ottawa hotels downtown, this is a great option, as is the Best Western below.

Best Western Plus Gatineau

One of my favourite places to stay in Ottawa is the Best Western Plus Gatineau. It’s located in Quebec, not far from the Alexandria Bridge. In fact, it’s within walking distance to the Canadian Museum of History, and also walking distance to Parliament Hill by crossing over the bridge.

However, my favourite feature of this hotel is that if you get yourself a room on one of the higher floors facing the front, you’ll enjoy one of the best views of the city and Parliament Hill right from your bedroom.

The Ottawa Jail Hostel

We’ve never stayed here, but we’ve always wanted to. If you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay, this is it. The Ottawa Jail, which was closed in 1972, was bought by Hostelling International and converted into a hostel. Much of the structure was left intact, allowing guests the chance to “spend a night in jail”. There are also daily tours.

Where to Eat in Ottawa

Like any big city, there are thousands of options for food in Ottawa. From quick and cheap fast food to fine dining, Ottawa has it all. One of our favourite places to eat is the ByWard Market and the area surrounding it. You’ll find cheap local eats as well as a variety of restaurants and pubs.

Here are a few:

Corazón de Maíz: Craving authentic Mexican street food? Corazón de Maíz is your go-to spot. Located at 55 ByWard Market Square, this vibrant eatery offers a menu featuring burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls, all made with fresh ingredients and bold flavours. Their slow-cooked meats, like cochinita pibil (pork), barbacoa (beef), and pollo (chicken), are standout choices. Don’t miss their house-made hot sauces—especially the jalapeño garlic sauce—which adds a perfect kick to any dish. Pair your meal with a refreshing glass of horchata or hibiscus iced tea for the full experience.

Bistro Ristoro: Tucked away on 17 Clarence Street in ByWard Market, Bistro Ristoro delivers a delicious mash-up of Eastern & Western Mediterranean flavours—think Italian, Greek, Spanish, Macedonian—with stunning brick-oven pizzas (made with “green dough” that’s nutrient-infused) alongside tapas, fresh salads, and hearty mains. The vibe? Warm, elegant but relaxed: wood, stone, art on the walls, and welcoming service from its owners, making it ideal for everything from casual lunches to special dinner nights.

Kalinga Indian Cuisine: Right in the heart of downtown at 251 Laurier Ave W, Kalinga Indian Cuisine is a go-to for anyone craving authentic Indian flavour with a modern twist. Their menu is vast — from rich biryanis and creamy curries to delicious butter chicken and mango lassies. The ambiance is warm and welcoming but not over the top — classy enough for date night, casual enough for lunch. Staff are praised for being helpful, especially when it comes to adjusting spice. It’s honestly one of the best Indian restaurants we’ve experienced.

Lavender Grill & Lounge: Lavender Grill & Lounge, also located in the ByWard Market, is a stylish bar & grill that mixes elegance and comfort like a well-balanced cocktail. Owner Reza Khakbaz, drawing from his time in Dubai and Iran, brings in subtle international flair alongside familiar favourites—think lavender-infused ravioli, steak, gnocchi, and chicken parm—all served in a space drenched in calming lavender tones and warm ambient lighting.

It’s great for everything from brunch (weekends) to date nights or weekend dinners, with solid cocktails, friendly service, and enough charm to make you want to linger.

Smash Daddy – ByWard Market: Smash Daddy is definitely the most casual place on this list, with only three things on the menu. Their signature “Smash Daddy” burger is dripping with flavour: perfectly seared halal beef patties or upgrade to Wagyu if you want to live dangerously. The fries? Hand-cut, double-fried, crispy, and begging to be dipped into their house Smash Daddy sauce.

Fun Things to Do in Ottawa, Canada

Whether you’re looking for what to do in Ottawa this weekend or planning a vacation to the nation’s capital, Ottawa has something for everyone. With Ottawa located within walking distance from the Quebec Border, a two-hour drive to Quebec City, a three-hour drive to Montreal, and a four-hour drive to Toronto, it’s also a great base for exploring many amazing places.

For more ideas on what to do around Ottawa, check out our articles below:

• Things To Do in Quebec
• Things To Do in Toronto
• Ottawa in the Winter
• Things to Do in Niagara Falls

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