What to do in Ottawa

Activities, attractions and tours
Photo provided by National Capital Commission

Ottawa Attractions

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and is located on the map of eastern Ontario near the Quebec border, and it was formerly known as Bytown named after its founder Colonel John By in 1826. The name was changed to Ottawa in 1855, and now in addition to being the center of the Canadian government, it also is a tourist hub you can visit any time of the year and expect to find entertainment and relaxing spots to spend your time. Among fun things to do in Ottawa, the following places are by far the best to visit when you travel here.

One must see attraction in Ottawa is the Canadian Museum of Civilization, a museum that takes you way back in history to the early days of the native people who inhabited the country before the Europeans came, through to the the French settler periods, and all the way to the time in which Canada became a nation. From artifacts and profiles of famous Canadian founders to even a children's museum section, these features make this place a top location for Ottawa excursions.

There are many local festivals taking place throughout the year you may add to the list of Ottawa activities such as the Festival of India, the Nevan Fair, the Carp Fair, and the Ottawa Egyptian Festival. These festivals are great for the family to enjoy together, while kids also get a chance to dress up in costumes and participate in other activities to give them an insight to different cultures.

Among other attractions in Ottawa is the Fitzroy Provincial Park, a place where you can go to enjoy the Canadian outdoors and view wildlife on the Ottawa River. The park also hosts outdoor concerts sometimes where you can add the tune of music to the sights and sounds of your visit.

Other Ottawa tours are available from Expedia, so use our packages to discover Canada's capital and see how you can plan for your trip there. With lots to do and more to see, Expedia.com is your ticket for traveling to Ottawa.


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Top places to visit

1. Parliament Hill

The center of the Canadian government is situated on a 170-foot (50-meter) hilltop overlooking the Ottawa River. Home to the members of Parliament, the Senate and the House of Commons, the buildings on Parliament Hill are a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture.
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Parliament Hill showing heritage architecture and an administrative building

2. Byward Market Square

Eat, drink and shop at Byward Market, the most popular market in Ottawa. During the summer months, 50,000 people visit each weekend to browse the stalls, sample produce and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Both a marketplace and a large commercial district just east of the city’s historic center, Byward Market offers enough attractions to take up a whole day of your stay in the city.
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Byward Market which includes street scenes, signage and markets

3. Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History is one of Ottawa’s architectural and cultural jewels. See its magnificent Grand Hall and impressive collection of Canadian cultural treasures.
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Canadian Museum of History featuring skyline and modern architecture

4. Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a water channel that runs 126 miles (202 kilometers) between Ottawa and Kingston, Ontario. Built between 1827 and 1832, the canal is North America’s oldest continuously operated canal system. Today the canal is the scenic and recreational centerpiece of Ottawa, filling with boats in summer and skaters during winter.
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Rideau Canal featuring a city, street scenes and a castle

5. Canadian War Museum

See tanks, artillery pieces and a fighter jet and learn about Canada's military history when you visit the Canadian War Museum. Through art, photographs, personal stories, medals and uniforms, understand more about the human cost of conflict.
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Canadian War Museum which includes a city and modern architecture

Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Downtown Ottawa

4/5(47 area reviews)

Discover art, delve into history and savor natural beauty in the heart of Canada’s national capital, a delightful blend of old and new.

Downtown Ottawa
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Kanata

Kanata is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Canadian Tire Centre and Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre while you're in town.

Kanata
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Nepean

Nepean is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Nepean Sportsplex and Bayshore Shopping Centre while in the area.

Nepean
Canadian Museum of History featuring skyline and modern architecture

Hull

4/5(2 area reviews)

Hull is a destination visitors seek out for its interesting museums, casinos and stunning river views. You might want to check out attractions like Canadian Museum of History or Jacques Cartier Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Hull
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Orleans

Orleans is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Princess Louise Falls and Petrie Island Park.

Orleans
Ottawa which includes snow

Centretown

4/5(15 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Centretown. Top attractions like Elgin Street and Museum of Nature are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Centretown

Day trip destinations from Ottawa