Things To Do
Ottawa is blessed with an abundance of attractions that will enliven your visit no matter the time of year. Bask in the city’s wealth of historic landmarks — from the iconic Parliament Buildings to the Rideau Canal — all located within its downtown core; marvel at the architectural wonders that house national museums and galleries, before taking in their world-class exhibitions; and, soak in Ottawa’s natural beauty, the perfect backdrop for your next outdoor adventure. And round out those experiences with activities that will excite your kids during the day, food that will comfort or surprise (depending on your mood), and nightlife that sparkles.
The following is provided from Ottawa Tourism
Beautiful heritage buildings, landmarks and exciting events highlight Ottawa’s city centre, telling stories of its past, while directing Ottawa’s present and future.
Rural Ottawa and the surrounding areas of Eastern Ontario offer fascinating and fun sites, attractions and activities.
Ontario's first UNESCO World Heritage Site winds its way through the city, starting from the beautiful and historic locks at the Ottawa River.
Ottawa’s fine selection of spas and retreat destinations will leave you feeling refreshed and fabulous.
From quiet and intimate to busy and happening, there's something for everyone, with lots of options for evening entertainment.
An historic waterway spring through fall, the Ottawa portion of the Rideau Canal freezes over in winter to become the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink.
Check our searchable Event Calendar to find out what's happening when you're in the Capital.
One of the greatest things about Ottawa is that you don’t need to drive an hour outside of the city to enjoy waterways, greenery and sports. More than 300 km (186 miles) of pathways crisscross through the city, which also connect Ottawa to Gatineau, allowing you the opportunity to bike, blade, run or walk virtually anywhere you desire; world-class golf courses are located within and around Ottawa, including MarchWood, a PGA-approved short course; while world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking
Ottawa is a city of celebration, offering visitors a year-round calendar of festivals and special events.
Add some structure to your time in Ottawa. Fold up your map, put it in your backpack, and relax as one of the city’s experts shows you the town. There are numerous tours and sightseeing options in the capital, from bird’s eye view see-the-whole-city type of tours, to niche companies that give you an in-depth understanding of a particular aspect of Ottawa. And you can choose your mode of transportation — bus, boat, plane, helicopter, bicycle or feet!
Renowned cultural institutions enlighten Ottawa’s downtown core. The myriad of museums and galleries located within a short walk or drive from Parliament Hill offer a glimpse into everything from Canada’s social and military history to astounding natural wonders and world-class art.