Picture yourself strolling along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that transforms into the world's largest skating rink in winter. Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is rich in history and culture, boasting the stunning Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada. Don’t miss the delicious BeaverTails pastry at the ByWard Market, where local artisans and farmers showcase their best. With friendly locals and a blend of outdoor adventures and urban charm, Ottawa is a delightful destination for every traveler.
Ottawa, Canada
Top things to do in Ottawa
33 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.
Market4
CF Rideau Centre
402 reviews · Byward Market Area
Entertainment5
Murder Mystery Ottawa
375 reviews
Park & nature4.5
Free of the Central Experimental Farm
284 reviews
Landmark4
Dows Lake Pavilion
211 reviews · The Glebe / Dow's Lake
Sight4
Holtz Spa
177 reviews · Byward Market Area
Neighborhood4
The Glebe
168 reviews · The Glebe / Dow's Lake
Sight4
Shaw Centre
141 reviews · Byward Market Area
Sight4
Canadian Tulip Festival
140 reviews
Landmark4.5
Westboro
121 reviews
Entertainment4
Absolute Comedy Ottawa
82 reviews
Sight5
ISO SPA Floatation Centre
58 reviews
Sight4
The Highlander Pub
52 reviews
Park & nature5
Boreal River Adventures - Ottawa River Outpost
50 reviews
Sight4
Capital Information Kiosk
44 reviews · Byward Market Area
Sight4
Canada Day
26 reviews
Market5
Flock Boutique
19 reviews
Entertainment5
WonderStruck: Ottawa Magic Experience
17 reviews
Religious site4
Saint Patrick's Basilica
16 reviews
Park & nature
Confederation Park
A downtown park featuring monuments, fountains, and seasonal events, ideal for a leisurely break or cultural exploration.
Park & nature
Major's Hill Park
A scenic park offering stunning views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River, perfect for a peaceful stroll or picnic.
Landmark
Château Laurier
A historic grand hotel overlooking the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill, offering old-world elegance and prime downtown location.
Museum
Canadian War Museum
Canada's military history unfolds through immersive exhibits, from Indigenous warfare to peacekeeping missions, housed in a striking modern building near the Ottawa River.
Museum
Canadian Museum of Nature
Housed in a Victorian castle-like building, this museum explores Canada's natural history with dinosaur skeletons, mineral displays, and live animal exhibits.
Religious site
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
A stunning Gothic Revival cathedral, the oldest church in Ottawa, known for its intricate woodwork and twin spires.
Market
ByWard Market
One of Canada's oldest public markets, bustling with fresh produce, artisan crafts, and diverse eateries in the heart of Ottawa.
Landmark
Royal Canadian Mint
Canada's mint produces circulation coins and offers tours of its historic facility, where visitors can see molten gold poured and strike their own souvenir coin.
Park & nature
Rideau Canal
A historic 202-kilometer waterway connecting Ottawa to Kingston, offering summer boat cruises and the world's longest skating rink in winter.
Museum
Canadian Museum of History
Canada's most-visited museum, exploring the country's human and natural history with a standout First Peoples Hall.
Museum
National Gallery of Canada
Canada's national art museum, showcasing an extensive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art in a striking glass-and-granite building.
Landmark
Alexandra Bridge
A historic steel arch bridge linking Ottawa and Gatineau, offering stunning panoramic views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.
Landmark
Parliament Hill
Canada's seat of government, featuring Gothic Revival architecture and the iconic Peace Tower overlooking the Ottawa River.
Entertainment
Winterlude
Canada's capital winter festival featuring the world's largest skating rink, ice sculptures, and family-friendly activities.
Landmark
National Holocaust Monument
A striking triangular concrete memorial near Parliament Hill, honoring Holocaust victims with six angular walls and a Star of David.
Tickets & tours
Skip the queue in Ottawa
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