A list of things to do and places to visit in and around Ottawa: the dynamic, cosmopolitan Capital City of Canada, situated on the banks of Ottawa River, renowned for its Parliament Buildings, must-see museums and the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink.
Contents
1. Parliament
2. Museums & Historic Sites.
3. Outdoor & Nature Adventures
1. Parliament, Peace Tower & Memorial Chamber
Sitting atop the Parliament Hill and overlooking the southern banks of the Ottawa River are the Gothic-style Parliament buildings. Go on a guided tour of the Parliament.
Central Block: Home to the Senate, House of Commons and Library of Parliament.
East Block: Restored heritage rooms.
Visitors can watch proceedings in the Senate and the House of Commons when in session (on a first-come-first-serve basis). Check the calendar for the dates. Details
Peace Tower: A bell and clock tower, from which you can get a bird’s eye view of the National Capital Region. Experience the 53 bells of the Peace Tower Carillon on select dates.
Memorial Chamber: Commemorates Canadians who have lost their lives in military service. Details
Location: 111 Wellington Street, Downtown Ottawa.
Phone: 613-992-4793 (local), 866-599-4999 (toll-free)
Ticketing Centre: 90 Wellington Street, Downtown Ottawa.
Peace Tower & Memorial Chamber: Visitors need a ticket if visiting only the Peace Tower and Memorial Chamber. Those part of the guided tour doesn’t need additional tickets. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at 90 Wellington Street (across from Parliament Hill). Free admission with guided tour.
2. Museums & Historic Sites in Ottawa
1. National War Memorial
A cenotaph symbolizing the sacrifice of all Canadian Armed Forces. This is also the site of the National Remembrance Day Ceremony on November 11.Details
Location: Elgin Street | Confederation Square, Ottawa
Hours: All Year Round, Dawn to Dusk
Cost: Free
2. Canada Aviation and Space Museum
A hands-on experience to learn about life in orbit. Learn about space stations, how it works, and what life abroad a space station is like. See life through the eyes of an astronaut, how they live in a micro-gravity environment and Canada’s role in space programs.
Go on guided tours of the Museum. Details
Location: 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa.
GPS co-ordinates: 45.458392, -75.644368
Phone: 613-991-3044; 866-442-4416
3. Canadian War Museum
A glass building welcomes you to the Canadian War Museum with Memorial Halls, Hall of Honour and exhibits covering a diverse collection of artillery, vehicles, and other artifacts, stories from the 18th century to the present, Canada’s contribution to the South African and World War I, learn about the Cold War. Know more about the Aboriginal conflict, Louis Riel and the Northwest Resistance of 1885. Download the Museum Guide. Details
Location: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa
Phone: 800-555-5621
4. Bytown Museum
Artifacts and exhibits here will take you on a journey through the city’s history, assisted by family events, interactive scavenger hunts, programs, and guided tours. Learn about the early years of Rideau Canal construction, about Bytown’s emergence as Canada’s capital and more. Details
Location: 1 Canal Lane, Ottawa. Located at the Rideau Canal locks between Parliament Hill and the Château Laurier hotel.
Phone: 613-234-4570
5. Canadian Museum of Nature
All you need to know about nature. Dinosaur fossils, blue whale skeletons and more at the Canadian Museum of Nature featuring world class galleries, 3D movies, special exhibitions, guided tours and workshops. Details
Location: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa
Phone: 613-566-4700
6. Canadian Museum of History
Housed in an architectural gem on the banks of the Ottawa River is the Canadian Museum of History featuring a wide collection of artifacts, and exhibits. Discover the events and people that shaped Canada’s history through permanent and rotating temporary exhibits. See the Cine+ movie and visit the Children’s museum.
Canadian Postal Museum presents the story of Canada’s postal history together with exploring themes related to postal communications. The highlights of the museum include the National Stamp collection, and a writing desk of Sandford Fleming, designer of Canada’s first postage stamp and more objects relevant to Canada’s postal heritage. Details
Location: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Phone: 819-776-7000 / 800-555-5621
7. Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Learn how developments in agricultural science and technology transformed the lives of Canadians. Participate in live demonstrations, special events, and programs, see the collection of extensive collection of artifacts and exhibitions. This museum, best described as a demonstration farm, is ideal for picnics. Details
Location: Prince of Wales Drive (south of the traffic circle, north of Baseline Road) Ottawa.
Phone: 613-991-3044
8. Canada Science and Technology Museum
Explores fascinating stories of Canada Science and Technology advancements at the Museum. Details
Location:2421 Lancaster Road, Ottawa.
Phone: 13-991-3044
9. Bank of Canada – Currency Museum
History of World and Candian currency with fascinating artifacts and exhibits all the while understanding what the Bank of Canada does. Details
Location: 245 Sparks St, Ottawa
Phone: 613-782-8914
10. Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint produces hand-crafted collector and commemorative coins, gold bullion coins, medals and medallions. This is where the master tooling is done to create the dies that strike coin designs for both circulation and commemorative issues. The Mint’s gold refining and advanced engineering operations are also located here in Ottawa. Details
Location: 320 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Phone: 613-993-8990
11. Rideau Hall
Rideau Hall, a National Historic Site, is the official residence and workplace of the Governor General. The residence tour takes you to visit the State rooms where the governor general fulfills official duties, see the collection of Canadian art and furniture and more. Tour the grounds to see the trees planted by a visiting head of State/Royal family, or other dignitaries. Discover the inuksuk and the totem pole, come admire the sweeping arc of roses in the Canadian Heritage Gardens, enjoy a picnic on the grounds or take in a cricket match. Details
Location: 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Phone: 866-842-4422
12. Rideau Canal National Historic Site
A historic landmark in Ottawa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 220 km long system of lakes, rivers and canals and travels from Kingston to Lake Ontario. Go on voyageur canoe tours or walking trails, try paddling the rideau canal and more. In summer, see the 100th regiment musket firing demos. Hike, Bike or Picnic along the trails that follows the canal or in winter skate on Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. Details
Location: 1230 Notre Dame Street, Gatineau
For walking along the river: use this address beside Ottawa Locks – 1 Canal Lane, Ottawa.
Phone: 819-209-1045
Hours: Walking Hiking: Year Round, Dawn to Dusk
13. Supreme Court of Canada
Visit the Supreme Court of Canada. Take a tour and a law student guide you on the operations of the Canadian judicial system. If the Court is in session, you can sit on the hearing of an appeal.Details
Location: 301 Wellington Street, Ottawa
Phone: 613-995-5361
Hours: Year-round
Admission: Free
14. Notre Dame Basilica
Recognised as a historic monument in 1978, the Cathedral is the oldest surviving church in Ottawa. Stained glass windows, the gothic arches and ornamentation decorate the interior of this majestic Cathedral. Details
Location: 385 Sussex Drive, Guigues Ave., Ottawa
Phone Number: 613-241-7496
15. Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
This National Historic Site built during the Cold War is a 4-storey underground bunker and is nicknamed after the then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. Built with an intention of housing the government in the event of a nuclear war, the Museum in the present day presents before the Canadians a glimpse into the country’s past through exhibitions and events. Details
Escape The Diefenbunker: Escape room Experience
Location: 3929 Carp Road, Ottawa (Carp)
Phone: 613-839-0007
16. National Gallery of Canada
Location: 380 Sussex Drive,Ottawa.
Phone: 613-990-1985, 800-319-ARTS
17. Art Galleries
Visit art galleries and set the spark for creative imagination.
- Ottawa Art Gallery
- Orange Art Gallery
- Gallery 3
- City Hall Art Gallery
- Cube Gallery
- Gallery 101
- L.A. Pai Gallery
- La Petite Mort Gallery
- Patrick Mikhail Gallery
- SAW Gallery
- Wall Space Gallery
- Kanata Civic Art Gallery
- Gallerie St-Laurent + Hill
- Gordon Harrison Gallery
- Central Art Garage
18. Billings Estate National Historic Site
The oldest wooden frame house in Canada and the former home of one of the region’s earliest settlers. Spend the day enjoying one of our special events or programs, exploring the exhibitions with interactive and kid-friendly activities, discovering the beauty of the parkland.
Details
Location: 2100 Cabot Street, Ottawa
Phone: 613-247-4830
19. Library and Archives Canada
Dedicated to preserving the documentary heritage of Canada, the Library and Archives Canada also serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. Details
Location: 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa
Hours: Monday – Friday | Hours vary with section
Admission: Users who wish to undertake research or to consult the holdings in Library and Archives Canada (LAC) facilities must obtain a user card. This card is valid for two years.
20. Nepean Museum
Nepean Museum showcases the history of Nepean through a series of changing exhibits and houses over 20,000 objects of interest. Outdoor facilities include a children’s climbing frame and sandpit, a basketball court and the Doug Froebel Baseball Park.
Fairfields Heritage House is a 19th century Gothic Revival Ontario farmhouse. It is refurnished with artifacts that reflect different themes of the Bell family history. Visitors will learn about the family’s entrepreneurial, philanthropic, professional, and political activities and learn about the history of the people who shaped the region. Details
Location: 16 Rowley Avenue, Nepean
Fairfields Heritage House: 3080 Richmond Road, Nepean
Phone: (613) 580-9638
21. Pinhey’s Point Historic Site
An Ontario Heritage Trust Site, this site preserves a 200-year old manor house and the surrounding stone ruins. This scenic place with its rolling hills is a popular destination boaters and cyclists. Details
Location: 270 Pinhey’s Point Road, Dunrobin
Phone: 613-832-4347 (May – August); 613-247-4830 (September – April)
22. Laurier House National Historic Site
This National Historic Site is the former residence of two Canadian Prime MInisters – Sir Wilfrid Laurier and the Rt. Hon. William Lyon Mackenzie King. From June to October, tour Sir Wilfrid and Lady Laurier’s private quarters. Watch Laurier’s household coming to life on select days in July. Details
Location: 335 Laurier Ave. East
23. Watson’s Mill
This industrial heritage site overlooks the back channels the Rideau River. This 1860’s grist and flour mill has most of its equipment intact and visitors can see wheat grinding demonstrations and learn about life in the 1860’s. Details
Location: 5525 Dickinson St., Manotick
Phone: 613-692-6455
24. Canadian Ski Hall of Fame & Museum
Canadian Ski Museum strives to promote an understanding, appreciation and celebration of Canada’s skiing/snowboarding traditions and accomplishments, and their significance to Canadian life and identity. Details
Location: The Canadian Ski Hall of Fame and Museum (CSHFM) is currently rebuilding. However it is “open virtually” via the website.
25. Goulbourn Museum
Previously a Town Hall, The Goulbourn Museum is home to interactive and hands-on exhibitions such as The 100th Regiment of Foot about the soldiers who settled Goulbourn Township in 1818 after the War of 1812-1814; The Village Store where kids can dress up as pioneers and shop or barter for supplies; as well as exhibits about early Goulbourn settlers, the communities in the Township, and local services. Details
Location: 2064 Huntley Rd., Stittsville
26. Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
Experience life in the 1920s and 30s at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum with heritage and reproduction buildings- including a sawmill and blacksmith forge. With a whole day of activities including farm animal visits, wagon rides, general store, old-fashioned treats, go-carts, board games and more.Details
Location: 2940 Old Montreal Road, Cumberland
Phone: 613-833 – 3059
27. Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum
Dedicated to preserving the local heritage, the Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum has a vast collection of over 10,000 artifacts reflecting the early beginnings of the Osgoode region. See farming tools and more vintage equipments at this old township. Details
Location: 7814 Lawrence St., Vernon.
Vernon is about 25 km south of Ottawa on Bank Street (Hwy 31) and 35 km north of Highway 401.
Phone: 613-821-4062
28. Vanier Museopark
The Vanier Museopark is the only francophone museum in Canada and preserves the heritage of the Vanier community and the French-speaking population of Ottawa with a variety of exhibitions, collections, and educational programming. Be sure to visit in March or April when the Richelieu Park’s sugar shack is open and 10,000 trees are traditionally tapped during maple sugar season. Details
Location: 300, Avenue des Pères Blancs, 2nd floor, Ottawa
Phone: 613-580-2424
Hours: Wednesday – Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Admission: Free
3. Outdoor & Nature Adventures in and around Ottawa
1. Arbraska Laflèche
Trek the undergroundLafleche cave. Tour the aerial parks for ziplines, GPS Rally’s, and other unique games! Explore the Lafleches forest for an exciting day together with family and friends. Whether you prefer to explore the aerial park in the dark or snowshoe here in winter, this place guarantees an exciting time.Details
Location: 255 Route Principale, Val-des-Monts, Quebec
Phone: 819-457-4033
2. Timberland Tours
Sledding adventures for the family located just 45 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Details
Location: 36 Ragged Chute Road, Bristol
Phone: 819-647-3185
3. Bayou-Outaouais
Discover the diversity of flora and fauna of the Ottawa River Refuge with its variety of birds, reptiles and mammals on an airboat. Details
Location: 1230 Notre Dame Street, Gatineau
Phone: 819-209-1045
4. Camp Fortune
Various outdoor recreational activities including skiing, snowboarding, ziplines, ski trials, aerial parks, mountain biking, and more. Details
Location: 300 Dunlop Road Chelsea
Phone: 819-827-171
5. Great Canadian Bungee
Bungee jumping from 200 ft. Details
Location: Morrison’s Quarry, Hwy 105 Wakefield
Jump site: Route 105 Wakefield, Quebec
GPS coordiates: 45° 36′ 52.33″ N 75° 54′ 39.11″ W.
Phone: 819-459-3714
7. Parachute Go Skydive
Less than 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa GO Skydive offers amazing skydiving experience! Details
Location: 1717 Arthur-Fecteau Street Gatineau
Phone: 819-669-5867
8. Escapade Eskimo
Dog sledding, snowshoeing, geocaching, sliding and more in the Outaouais region, located 75 minutes from Ottawa. Details
Location: 1378 Route 301, Otter Lake
Phone: 613-454-5443
9. Eco-Odyssee
Enjoy a unique experience only 30 minutes from Ottawa-Gatineau, near the village of Wakefield. Discover beaver habitat while browsing through a water maze of 64 intersections spread out over 6 km. Details
Location: 52 chemin Les Sources, LaPêche, Wakefield
Phone: 819-459-2551
10. Central Experimental Farm
The Central Experimental Farm is a centre for agricultural research and an oasis of grain-filled fields, barnyard animals, and spectacular gardens. Take a walking tour of this working farm. Walk through the Hosta Garden, the tropical greenhouse and also see the many remarkable trees around the Arboretum. The Ornamental Gardens are famous for its perennial flowers and roses. Details
Location: Central Experimental Farm of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa
Take the Queen Elizabeth Driveway on the west side of the Rideau Canal. After passing Dow’s Lake, you will be on Prince of Wales Drive. Continue on this road to the traffic circle at the corner of Prince of Wales Drive and NCC Driveway. At the traffic circle, turn east to the Arboretum, west to the Ornamental Gardens and Museum, or straight through to find lots of parking.
10. Gatineau Park
Located just across the Ottawa River in Gatineau Hills, Gatineau Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers along the Wolf Trail will be rewarded by breathtaking views of the Ottawa River set against the Ottawa Valley. Enjoy a range of activities including skiing, camping, biking, snowshoeing, swimming, heritage sites, nature walks and more. Details
Location: Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Road, Chelsea
Phone: 819-827-2020
11. Chapman Mills Conservation Area
A 23-acres of conservation land on the banks of Rideau River with wetlands, flood plain areas, shorelines and is home to a variety of fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals. Enjoy self-guided trails, fishing, picining. Details
Location:253 Winding Way, Ottawa
Phone: (613) 692-3571
12. Baxter Conservation Area
Spend a day exploring the trails, take a dip in the Rideau at the Baxter beach, take part in outdoor education programs, day camps. Details
Location:7498 Carter Rd,, Kars, Ottawa
Phone : 613-489-3592
13. South March Highlands Conservation Forest
The South March highlands are Canadian Shield uplands, more than a billion years old. They are home to more than 654 species, including eighteen species that are at risk of going extinct. Details
Location: South March Highlands are located in North Kanata. One of the main points of entry can be found at the junction of Klondike and Second Line Road.
Phone : 613-963-0145
15. Cruises/Boat rides
- Rideau Canal Cruises
- Capital Cruises
- Gananoque Boat Line
- Aufeel del’eau
- Lady Dive Amphibus
- Ontario Waterway Cruises
- Ottawa Private Yacht Tour
- World Famous Paul’s Boat Line
16. Wading pools, spray parks and outdoor pools
Beat the heat and enjoy the summer by visiting one of our many wading pools, splash pads and outdoor pools around the city.
4. Nature & Outdoor
See for – Zoos, Farms & Petting Zoos in and around Ottawa
1. Nature Expeditions
Join the wildlife tour guide programs or nature expeditions to observe all aspects of nature across Ottawa area.2. Parks
Spend the day with your family at one of the many parks in Ottawa.
- Major’s Hill Park: Located behind the Chateau Laurier, this is a beautiful place for a stroll, attend various events, or spend a relaxing time. Early May – end of October.
- Lansdowne Park at 1015 Bank Street, is a family friendly park and is a popular destination for shopping, restaurants and entertainment.
- Vincent Massey Park with its scenic views, open grassy areas, walking trails, is a enjoyable place to spend a day picnicing. Early May – December.
- Wesley Clover Park: Located at Ottawa’s west endis a 500-acre natural oasis away from the hustle-bustle of the city. Enjoy trails, skiing, skating, equestrian events, camping, or watch soccer games.
3. Beaches
Enjoy a hot summer day at the beach.
- Westboro Beach: 745 Ottawa River Parkway. 613-722-9998
- Britannia Beach: 2805 Carling Ave. 613-820-1211
- Mooney’s Bay Beach: 2926 Riverside Drive. 613-248-0863
- Petrie Island Beach: 727 Trim Road. 613- 824-5704
4. Vineyards
Enjoy a tour of the vineyards in Ottawa area.
- Domaine Perrault Vineyard (20 mins away)
- Jabulani Vineyard & Winery
- Vankleek Hill Vineyard (1 h drive)
- Le Vignoble du Clos Baillie
- Verger Croque-Pomme (apple orchard)
5. Canoeing, Rafting or Sailing
Enjoy summer and explore Ottawa’s water ways through Sailing, canoeing or rafting. If you are new to this, see Rideau Canoe Club, Ottawa Rowing Club, and Ottawa River Canoe Club to get started.
Tour the Ottawa River, Rideau Canal on a private yacht.
Go whitewater rafting along the Rocher Fendu section of the Ottawa River near Beachburg, ON, and La Rivière Rouge that runs near Mont Tremblant, QC.
Jetski Ottawa offers recreational water tours.
6. Golf
Enjoy golf with your little one at Ottawa’s golf courses.
7. Cheer Ottawa Home Teams
Cheer Ottawa Home teams as they battle it out for the next champions title.
8. Biking
Biking is a great way to explore Ottawa-Gatineau. Ottawa has extensive biking paths. For guided tours, visit Escape bicycle tours,GoBiking
Mountain bikers can go along the Kanata Lakes trails. Join the Ontario Mountain Bike Association to meet fellow bikers. See the various trail maps here.
9. Visit Markets/Farmer Markets
Get Farm fresh local produce and artisan crafts from
2. Just a short walk from the Parliament Hill is the downtown historical ByWard Market, home to artisans, farmers and various other merchants. Visit restaurants, boutiques, nightclubs and unique shops
10. Walks
Enjoy taking strolls along the scenic pathways in Ottawa.
Cost: Free
11. Explore Unique Ottawa & Heritage Tours
- Tours by Locals
- Ottawa Walking Tours
- Time Travel Trail Adventures – Haunted Walk’s Inc
- Bytown Brewers Walking Tour
- Ottawa (de)tours
- Indigenous Walks
- Ottawa Biplane Adventures
- Ottawa Cycling Tours
- Escape Bicycle Tours
- Tours Expédition Ottawa
- Peoples’ History Walking Tours
- Guided Tours of Old Aylmer
- Héli-Tremblant Helicopter Tours
- Gray Line Ottawa
12. Fishing
Fish along the many fishing spots in Ottawa. Ottawa River, Gatineau Park, Shirley’s Bay, Aylmer Island are popular places.
See here for Amusement Parks & Fun Centres in Ottawa