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Things to Do In Ottawa

Rideau Canal National Historic Site Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism

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

Zoos, Farms & Petting Zoos

Amusement Parks & Fun Centres

1. Parliament, Peace Tower & Memorial Chamber

Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism

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

Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism

2. Canada Aviation and Space Museum

From Green Skies Ahead exhibition with its high-efficiency innovative designs to the Main exhibition Hall exploring the Canadian history of aviation, there are a lot of exhibits to keep visitors engaged all day long. Know more about the Rockcliffe Airport, its history and how it developed into one of the most important air stations. Ride in a vintage biplane, helicopter and explore Canada’s capital. Learn about aircraft training during World War II and Cold War. See the vintage aircraft collections at the Jet Age Exhibition and more. Experience virtual flying at the Museum’s Redbird FMX flight simulator. In addition, the museum holds various programs for its visitors throughout the year.

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. Detail s

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

The Gallery is housed in an architecturally designed building capturing elements from the Gatinueau Hills and the Ottawa River and is designed using glass and granite, with stunning views of the Parliament Hill and beyond. From Contemporary to Indigenous art, Canadian to Asian, the Gallery showcases collections from the 1700s to the present. Also included are sculptures, paintings, photography, silver, drawings, and more. See rotating exhibitions by renowned artists throughout the year. Stroll through the courtyard, the Garden Court, the Water Court and also the indoor and outdoor gardens and visit the Rideau Chapel. The Gallery also houses the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography. Details

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.

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

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

Join for a guided tour and listen to the stories of Ottawa. Click on the Tour company name to go to their websites.

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

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