Museums
The capital region is home to 29 museums, including 12 national museums and institutions that appeal to all interests and age groups. Many of these attractions line Confederation Boulevard, "Canada's Discovery Route," which links Quebec and Ontario and is the site of a variety of events which animate the capital throughout the year. The architecture of Ottawa's museums, the copper roofs and the Gothic towers of Canada's national symbols will provide a long-remembered sight. |
Byward Market
ESTABLISHED by Lt-Col. John By in 1826, the ByWard Market is one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets. The legendary builder of the Rideau Canal, Colonel By himself laid out the street plan of the Market, designating George Street and York Street to be extra wide to accommodate the creation of a public market and gathering place. |
Shopping - Rideau Centre
Check out the best downtown shopping facility in Ottawa |
Festivals
Ottawa is home to dozens of festivals, representing dozens of different topics and interests. From Winterlude in the cold months of February, to the Tulip Festival in the spring, to Bluesfest in the heat of July, festivals are a great way to enjoy our city. |
Visist Parliment Hill
The Parliament of Canada is open to visitors free of charge, seven days a week. Take a guided tour of Centre Block, attend live debates or explore the Peace Tower and Memorial Chamber. |
Haunted Walks
The Haunted Walk is Ottawas most popular walking tour company. Locals and newcomers alike are fascinated by these glimpses into the darker history and haunting of the Nations Capital. |
Take In an NHL Game
At many home games the fans are entertained both outside and inside Scotiabank Place with a myriad of talent. Before and during games, entertainment is provided by Spartacat, the official mascot of the Senators, ananthropomorphic lion. Witness the power of the "Sens Army" |
Dow's Lake Pavillion
Dows Lake Pavilion is a year-round recreational centre on the Rideau Canal. In summer, they offer bikes, in-line skates, pedal boats, canoes and kayaks for rent. You can dine in one of the two restaurants overlooking the lake, or bring your lunch and enjoy it under a shady tree in the nearby arboretum. In the winter, the Rideau Canal becomes the world's longest outdoor skating rink, with over 7 km of groomed ice. |
Gatineau Park
In summer choose from swimming at one of the six supervised beaches (five public beaches and one beach reserved for campers: Smith Beach) canoeing, sport fishing, camping, hiking and biking on trails. Rent boats, mountain bikes and snowshoes at rental booths. |
Mackenzie King Estate
Pack a picnic and take a self-guided tour of the Estate of Canada's tenth Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. Wander through the restored cottages, enjoying a video on King's life and times or take afternoon tea in the Moorside Tea Room. Stroll through the gardens, by the lake or among a picturesque collection of architectural ruins.
Location: Gatineau Park, Quebec, a 20-minute drive from downtown Ottawa |
Rideau Hall
The historic residence and workplace of Canada's Governor General is buzzing with activity this summer. The Tell-a-Tale Trail treasure hunt challenges young and old to find secret words along the trail. Come discover: A Butterfly's World, an activity on the lives of Rideau Hall's fluttering friends. Stop at the Visitor Centre for a Time out for art or to Build an inuksuk. |
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Stable
RCMP Rockliffe houses the Musical Ride. Public performances are presented when they are in Ottawa, and the general public may watch outdoor Musical Ride practices when in session. Guided Tours are available all year-round. |
Hop on - Hop off bus tour
Experience Ottawa's original and most comprehensive Hop on-Hop off City Tour aboard either London style open top Double Deckers or turn of the century Trolleys. Your ticket is valid for one or three consecutive days - depending on which option you order - which allows you to tour the Nation's Capital at your own pace, or stay on the bus straight through the loop for a fully narrated tour. |
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Take an invigorating hot air balloon ride over Ottawa, the capital of Canada. This extremely popular activity will provide you with approximately an hour's worth of flight time.
A flight over Ottawa's skyline will provide views of Parliament Hill, which is home to the capital's landmark government buildings (such as the Peace Tower). Both the urban and rural areas of Ottawa will showcase views of the Ottawa River, which contains the mouths of the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal. |
Rent a Bike
Ottawa/Hull boasts some of the best recreational pathways in North America What better way for groups to explore the nation's capital? Over 5,000 participants every year have fun on two wheels. Some groups have been returning for over 15 years. Join us for our tours on safe and scenic pathways and side roads. |