Costs nothing · Ottawa, Canada

12 Free Things to Do in Ottawa

Ottawa without spending: 12 places with confirmed free entry, ranked by the travelers who went.

Only places with a confirmed free-entry policy make this list. Ranked by traveler review volume. Updated monthly.

CF Rideau Centre
Market
CF Rideau Centre is a premier shopping destination in the heart of Ottawa, situated in the vibrant Byward Market neighborhood.
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Free of the Central Experimental Farm
Park & nature
The Free of the Central Experimental Farm, commonly referred to as the Central Experimental Farm (CEF), is a unique blend of agricultural research station and public green space in Ottawa.
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Dows Lake Pavilion
Landmark
Dows Lake Pavilion is a beloved recreational hub located in the heart of Ottawa, nestled along the shores of Dow's Lake within the Rideau Canal system.
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The Glebe
Neighborhood
The Glebe is one of Ottawa's most beloved neighborhoods, stretching from the Rideau Canal north to the Queensway.
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Shaw Centre
Sight
Shaw Centre is a premier convention and event venue located in the heart of Ottawa's Byward Market district.
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Canadian Tulip Festival
Sight
The Canadian Tulip Festival is a vibrant celebration of spring held annually in Ottawa, the nation's capital.
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Westboro
Landmark
Westboro is a lively, walkable neighborhood in Ottawa's west end, blending small-town charm with urban sophistication.
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The Highlander Pub
Sight
The Highlander Pub is a beloved watering hole in downtown Ottawa, offering a cozy Scottish-inspired retreat from the bustling Rideau Street.
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Capital Information Kiosk
Sight
The Capital Information Kiosk is a helpful starting point for visitors exploring Ottawa, located directly across from Parliament Hill at 90 Wellington Street.
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Canada Day
Sight
Canada Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa is the country's largest birthday party, held every July 1st.
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Flock Boutique
Market
Flock Boutique is a delightful independent shop on Wellington Street West in Ottawa, known for its carefully selected collection of women's apparel, jewelry, and unique gifts.
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Saint Patrick's Basilica
Religious site
Saint Patrick's Basilica is a prominent Roman Catholic church located on Nepean Street in downtown Ottawa.
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How we pick these

Every place here is genuinely free to enter. We filter the 37 Ottawa places we track down to those with no admission charge, then rank them by traveler reviews. Updated monthly.

Good to know

Always vs sometimes free

A few museums are free only on set days — check opening info before you go.

Budget the extras

Entry is free, but transport, snacks and lockers in Ottawa still add up.

Go early

Free attractions draw crowds; mornings are usually the calmest.

Common questions

What can you do for free in Ottawa?+

This list ranks the best no-cost things to do in Ottawa, from parks and viewpoints to museums with free entry.

Are there free museums in Ottawa?+

Some museums are free all the time and others on specific days. The verified-free ones are included above.

Is Ottawa expensive to visit?+

You can see a lot of Ottawa on a tight budget by leaning on the free attractions here and eating where locals do.

Worth paying for? Best things to do in Ottawa · hidden gems · build a budget itinerary

Rather have a human do the planning? A Local Friend can build this day for you, at local prices.