Five Things To Do In Ottawa

Ottawa is rich with history and is packed with plenty of things to do. Whether you're a visitor to this beautiful city, or you're looking to explore your backyard, you’ll find historical and political buildings, a collection of charming restaurants, parks, museums, performing and visual arts and lot's more to keep you and your date busy all day and into the night.

1 | Parliment Hill

Ottawa’s beautiful Parliament Buildings are set atop Capital Hill, overlooking the Ottawa River. Free guided tours are available every day and, if you’re in Ottawa during the summer months make sure you catch the Changing the Guard, held every morning on the front lawns, and the Sounds and Light Show held every evening.

2 | Rideau Canal

Winding its way through the city, the canal is both an engineering marvel and a scenic landmark, perfect for a relaxing walk, bike ride or picnic. During January and February, weather-permitting, thousands of skaters take to the ice on the Rideau Skateway, over 7 kilometres of tended ice interspersed with snack and refreshment shops as well as skate rentals and change huts.

3 | Festivals

Ottawa is a city of festivals all year, with something for everyone. Some of the biggest festivals include Winterlude held every February, and The Tulip Festival held every May.

4 | Museums

This historic city abounds with museums where visitors can explore the area’s rich heritage, its people, natural history, culture, technology and more. The Canadian Museum of History, The Bytown Museum and The Canadian Museum of Nature are just a few of the fascinating and popular museums in Ottawa.

5 | Gatineau Park

Just a short ride from downtown Ottawa, this stunning natural area encompasses almost 90,000 acres. With hundreds of kilometres of trails and an abundance of wildlife, this beautiful park is a year-round playground for the outdoor enthusiast.