The Open Road Travel

The 10 best things to do in Ottawa is a list that includes everything from historical and natural attractions to exciting festivals and monuments.

As one of the most popular and important cities in Canada, Ottawa is, unsurprisingly, filled with attractions that will interest an incredibly wide range of tourists. However, with so much to do and see, narrowing it down to the very best bits can be quite the challenge.

So, if you are visiting Ottawa and want to ensure you plan the perfect itinerary for your trip, this is the article for you.

Ottawa is the fourth most populous city in Canada, as well as the capital of the country. Founded as Bytown in 1826, it was renamed Ottawa in 1855, before being named the capital two years later.

The location of the Federal Government Of Canada, Ottawa is a popular destination for those interested in Canadian Politics. The Parliament Buildings, as well as many other historic structures in the city, also make it a draw for fans of art and architecture.

Other attractions in Ottawa include numerous museums, heritage sites, performing arts centres, and professional sports teams, such as the Ottawa Senators of the NHL. The city also hosts a number of festivals, many of which are the largest of their kind in the country.

Despite its size, Ottawa remains less of a tourist hotspot than other similar Canadian cities. This makes it the perfect destination for travellers who enjoy the comforts and attractions of a big city, but who would like to avoid being surrounded by people where possible.

The best time to visit Ottawa is between late May and early September. With Canada being known for its harsh winters and sub-zero temperatures, you are going to want to select a time when the conditions aren’t quite as brutal.

This is the period when the city offers its warmest temperatures and most pleasant weather. Visiting during these months will allow you the best opportunity to enjoy everything Ottawa has to offer, without constantly worrying about trying to stay warm.

As we move to our list of the 10 best things to do in Ottawa, I am going to suggest a broad range of options. These will include things to appeal to travellers of all different interests, while ensuring you have something to cover everything that Ottawa is known for.

The National Gallery Of Canada is the country’s national art museum, as well as one of the largest such museums in North America in terms of exhibition space.

Its primary focus is showcasing the work of Canadian and First Nations artists, but also exhibits pieces by indigenous people from across the globe.

The original National Gallery Of Canada was established in Ottawa in 1880. However, it has changed premises numerous times, before settling on its current location in 1988.

The current, intricately designed, glass and brick building is a sight to behold in its own right and contains a collection of more than 93,000 pieces from around the world.

With a combination of both permanent displays and temporary exhibits, it is a fabulous destination for art fans, even if you have visited before, as there is always something new to see.

The Rideau Canal runs for 202 kilometres (125.5 miles), connecting the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario. Originally opened in 1832, after taking 6 years to complete, the Rideau Canal is the oldest canal system in continual use that you will find anywhere in North America.

It’s beautiful, historic canal locks give it a somewhat European feel and helped to get it declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

A popular destination for boating in the summer, when the locks close for the season in mid-October, an 8 kilometre (5 mile) stretch of the canal turns into the longest Ice skating

rink in the world.

With scenic walks along its banks offering beautiful views throughout the year, the Rideau Canal is a fantastic attraction, no matter when you visit Ottawa.

The Rideau Falls are a pair of stunning, 11 metre (36 foot) waterfalls, which are where the Rideau Canal empties into the Ottawa River.

One of the most popular sights anywhere along the canal, Rideau Falls is actually where the system got its name. Rideau is the French word for curtain, and this is exactly how the Falls were described when first discovered.

Anyone who is a fan of natural attractions simply can’t pass up the opportunity to see Rideau Falls with their own eyes when they visit Ottawa.

The Centennial Flame is stunning fountain with a flame in the middle, which was unveiled in 1967 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation.

Fed by using natural gas, the flame has been constantly burning since it was first lit, while the fountain on which it sits never freezes.

Originally designed to be a temporary attraction, its incredible popularity with the people of Ottawa has led to it becoming a permanent feature of the city.

Located on Parliament Hill, the Centennial Flame is an iconic monument that is surrounded by attractions of a similar calibre. This means you can make a visit to it as part of a fun filled day out.

While you’re there, feel free to throw some loose change into the fountain. Many people consider it lucky, and all funds generated are donated to people with disabilities, making it a win win for everybody.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a stunning, 19th century cathedral that took more than 40 years to complete. First opening in 1885, it is the oldest and largest church in the city and holds services in both English and French.

Boasting a combination of Gothic Revival and Neoclassical architecture, the cathedral and its two iconic spires is one of the most recognisable buildings in Ottawa.

Designated a National Historic Site Of Canada in 1990, the cathedrals interiors are just as impressive as the exteriors.

The walls are decorated with brightly coloured murals, with beautiful stained glass windows dotted throughout. You will then also find numerous carvings, statues, and sculptures, as well as an antique organ.

Whether you are interested in art, architecture, religious history, or simply enjoy exploring churches and iconic landmarks, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a destination not to be missed.

Confederation Park is one of the largest, most famous urban parks in Ottawa and a National Historic Site Of Canada.

Located right in the heart of Downtown Ottawa, it provides the opportunity to take a break from the press of the city for a while. Paved paths wind through lawns, trees, and plants, while numerous monuments and statues litter the grounds.

Among the monuments are the Boer War Memorial Statue, Canadian Animals In War Memorial, and National Aboriginal Veterans Monument.

All of these are beautiful to see, as well as perfect opportunities to pay your respects to the lives lost during various conflicts through the years.

Perhaps the most famous attraction in Confederation Park though is its fountain.

Originally located in the legendary Trafalgar Square in London, England from 1845 to 1948, the beautiful fountain is a stunning attraction and a reminder to the enduring bond between the two nations.

Confederation Park also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the Ottawa International Jazz Festival and the most famous Canada Day celebration in the country.

It is even the site for many of the events Held during the largest festival in Canada, the Winterlude Festival, which takes place every February.

During this time, everything from musical performances and artistic displays to Canadian cuisine and even an ice carving competition are held within the park.

Whenever you choose to visit Ottawa, Confederation Park is a great way to break your trip up, do something different, and enjoy a more natural and relaxed side of Ottawa for a while.

The Central Experimental Farm is an agricultural facility located in Downtown Ottawa. The facility covers 4 square kilometres (1.5 Miles) and includes a working farm, gardens, and a research centre run by Agriculture And Agri-Food Canada.

Often referred to as simply the Experimental Farm or the CEF, the Central Experimental Farm has been a National Historic Site Of Canada since 1998.

It was originally opened in 1886 to carry out research and experiments to make improvements to agricultural methods and the quality of Canadian food.

While it continues to serve that purpose to this day, it quickly expanded to offer natural features that would appeal to the wider population as well.

Perhaps the best example of this is the Fletcher Wildlife Garden. Featuring beautiful botanical and ornamental gardens along the banks of the Rideau Canal, it is a wonderful destination to enjoy a day out in nature.

The garden also features an arboretum and the beautiful Dow’s Lake, where you can enjoy some time on the water or see and learn about stunning creatures like butterflies.

All in all, if you are looking to combine outdoor relaxation with natural and agricultural education, there isn’t a better option than the Central Experimental Farm.

Often referred to locally simply as “The Hill”, Parliament Hill was originally designed as an 18th century military fort.

In modern times, it has become the heart of the Canadian Government and the location of the Parliament Of Canada buildings, as well as many of the most historic and iconic landmarks in the city.

The Parliament Buildings themselves are built in the Gothic Revival style and boast some of the most architecturally important sites in Canada.

A designated National Historic Site Of Canada since 1976, it has operated in its current capacity since 1927, when the Peace Tower was completed.

A Gothic clock tower attached to the parliament buildings, the Peace Tower is one of the most easily recognisable locations in Ottawa and continues the very European style that is present throughout much of the city.

In addition to the history and buildings themselves, attractions like the daily changing of the guard ceremony and stunning views of the surrounding area make Parliament Hill one of the most popular destinations in Ottawa, with around 3 million people visiting each year.

Founded in 1827 by Lieutenant Colonel John By, the ByWard Market is among the oldest markets in all of Canada.

While primarily revolving around fresh produce and flowers, the ByWard Market has Stalls selling everything from jewellery and souvenirs to food and local, hand-made goods.

The indoor Market is open all year round, while the warmer, summer months also see the addition of external stalls appearing around the outside of the marketplace.

While perhaps not offering the kind of retail therapy you could get from a regular shopping district, the ByWard Market allows you to soak in the local culture and history, while browsing stalls and purchasing items with a distinct Ottawan feel to them.

Poutine is perhaps the most popular dish in Canada, yet is one many outside of the country may not even have heard of. The delicacy consists of a generous serving of French fries, covered in melted cheese curd and thick brown gravy.

Among the many festivals Ottawa hosts each year, one of the most popular is PoutineFest. Held in City Hall on the first weekend of May, the festival is specifically designed to celebrate this iconic Canadian food.

Attendees have the opportunity to sample both traditional and modern takes on poutine, served by a selection of at least 20 different vendors.

Live music and beer gardens are just some of the options to help make the experience even more enjoyable. More competitive visitors even have the chance to take part in a poutine eating contest.

Whether you have been eating poutine for years or this is your first time trying it, PoutineFest is a fun filled experience you won’t soon forget.

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier is a stunning, 5-star hotel, located within an early 20th century building that is among the most iconic in all of Ottawa and designated a National Historic Site Of Canada.

The hotel is exquisitely beautiful, both inside and out, while surrounded by equally iconic attractions, such as the Rideau Canal and the Canadian Parliament buildings.

The hotel consists of a total of 429 guest rooms, each of which is decorated with antique furniture and boasts amenities like air conditioning, a flat screen cable TV, mini bar, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Facilities in the communal areas of the hotel include a gourmet restaurant, lounge bar, fitness centre, and swimming pool. The entire property is also completely pet friendly and features high speed Wi-Fi throughout.

That concludes our list of the 10 best places to stay in Ottawa. Hopefully, everyone planning a trip to the Canadian capital will now have plenty of options with which to fill out their Ottawa itinerary and make the most of every second of their visit.

All that’s left is to start getting things like attractions, flights, hotels, and rental cars booked. That way, you can guarantee your trip will be exactly how you imagine it and begin looking forward to seeing it all for yourself as soon as possible.