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Ottawa, Canada

Top things to do in Ottawa

33 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.

CF Rideau Centre

CF Rideau Centre

402 reviews · Byward Market Area

A major shopping center in downtown Ottawa's Byward Market area, offering over 180 stores, dining, and a central location.

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Browse Ottawa by type: museums, parks & nature, markets. Planning your trip to Ottawa? See where to eat, build a Ottawa itinerary, or check visa requirements.

Entertainment

Entertainment5

Murder Mystery Ottawa

375 reviews

An interactive murder mystery dinner show in Ottawa where guests become detectives to solve a crime.

Park & nature4.5

Free of the Central Experimental Farm

284 reviews

A free public park and arboretum in Ottawa, part of the Central Experimental Farm, featuring gardens, trails, and farm animals.

Dows Lake Pavilion

211 reviews · The Glebe / Dow's Lake

Dows Lake Pavilion is a scenic waterfront venue in Ottawa's Glebe neighborhood, offering boat rentals, dining, and seasonal activities like skating on the Rideau Canal.

Holtz Spa

177 reviews · Byward Market Area

Urban spa in Ottawa's Byward Market offering facials, massages, and body treatments in a serene setting.

The Glebe

The Glebe

168 reviews · The Glebe / Dow's Lake

A vibrant, historic neighborhood in Ottawa known for its eclectic shops, restaurants, and the scenic Rideau Canal.

Shaw Centre

141 reviews · Byward Market Area

A modern convention center in Ottawa's Byward Market, hosting events, conferences, and exhibitions.

Canadian Tulip Festival

Canadian Tulip Festival

140 reviews

Ottawa's iconic spring festival featuring millions of tulips along the Rideau Canal, with cultural performances and family-friendly activities.

Westboro

Westboro

121 reviews

Westboro is a vibrant Ottawa neighborhood known for its trendy boutiques, diverse dining scene, and scenic riverside paths along the Ottawa River.

Absolute Comedy Ottawa

82 reviews

A comedy club in Ottawa, Canada, offering nightly stand-up performances from local and touring comedians.

ISO SPA Floatation Centre

58 reviews

ISO SPA Floatation Centre in Ottawa offers sensory deprivation float therapy in a serene, modern setting for deep relaxation and wellness.

The Highlander Pub

52 reviews

A lively Scottish pub on Rideau Street, known for its warm atmosphere, live music, and extensive whisky selection.

Boreal River Adventures - Ottawa River Outpost

50 reviews

An adventure company offering whitewater rafting and outdoor experiences on the Ottawa River, based in downtown Ottawa.

Capital Information Kiosk

44 reviews · Byward Market Area

Visitor information center in Ottawa's Byward Market, offering maps and advice for exploring Parliament Hill and downtown.

Canada Day

Canada Day

26 reviews

Canada's national day celebration on Parliament Hill, featuring concerts, fireworks, and patriotic festivities.

Flock Boutique

19 reviews

A charming boutique in Ottawa's Wellington West neighborhood offering curated women's clothing, accessories, and gifts.

WonderStruck: Ottawa Magic Experience

17 reviews

An intimate magic show blending illusion and storytelling in a cozy Ottawa venue.

Religious site4

Saint Patrick's Basilica

16 reviews

A historic Catholic basilica in downtown Ottawa, known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and stained glass.

Canadian Museum of Nature

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.

Confederation Park

Confederation Park

A downtown park featuring monuments, fountains, and seasonal events, ideal for a leisurely break or cultural exploration.

Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill

Canada's seat of government, featuring Gothic Revival architecture and the iconic Peace Tower overlooking the Ottawa River.

Château Laurier

Château Laurier

A historic grand hotel overlooking the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill, offering old-world elegance and prime downtown location.

Canadian Museum of History

Canadian Museum of History

Canada's most-visited museum, exploring the country's human and natural history with a standout First Peoples Hall.

Rideau Canal

Rideau Canal

A historic 202-kilometer waterway connecting Ottawa to Kingston, offering summer boat cruises and the world's longest skating rink in winter.

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.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

A stunning Gothic Revival cathedral, the oldest church in Ottawa, known for its intricate woodwork and twin spires.

National Holocaust Monument

National Holocaust Monument

A striking triangular concrete memorial near Parliament Hill, honoring Holocaust victims with six angular walls and a Star of David.

National Gallery of Canada

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.

Major's Hill Park

Major's Hill Park

A scenic park offering stunning views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River, perfect for a peaceful stroll or picnic.

Canadian War 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.

Winterlude

Winterlude

Canada's capital winter festival featuring the world's largest skating rink, ice sculptures, and family-friendly activities.

ByWard Market

ByWard Market

One of Canada's oldest public markets, bustling with fresh produce, artisan crafts, and diverse eateries in the heart of Ottawa.

Alexandra Bridge

Alexandra Bridge

A historic steel arch bridge linking Ottawa and Gatineau, offering stunning panoramic views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.