Downtown Ottawa

Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica showing religious elements, a church or cathedral and a city
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa

Discover art, delve into history and savor natural beauty in the heart of Canada’s national capital, a delightful blend of old and new.

Where Québec meets Ontario and the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River lies the picturesque center of Downtown Ottawa. Explore the city’s ceremonial sites and memorials, engage with art and history or simply indulge in riverside relaxation.

Begin with a walk through Confederation Park, viewing its fountain and gardens as well as the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. Depending on the season, you might also join in public celebrations such as Winterlude, Canada Day or the Ottawa Jazz Festival.

Continue on to nearby Confederation Square, where the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pay tribute to the sacrifice of Canadians in war. Check the schedule for the adjacent National Arts Centre, a prestigious bilingual hub for ballet, theater and classical music. Stroll the grounds at Parliament Hill and climb the iconic Peace Tower for gorgeous views.

Heading north, cross the narrow Rideau Canal and appreciate this vital waterway. Follow its path by tour boat, bike in warmer months or join locals to celebrate wintertime with seasonal treats and ice-skating. Visit neighboring Bytown Museum, which tells Ottawa’s story since its humble origins as a lumber town and military depot. Shop at the modern CF Rideau Centre or purchase local foodstuffs at the historic, sprawling ByWard Market.

Stop at the Notre-Dame Cathedral to admire its spires and interior. Services are conducted in English, French or a combination. Tour the Royal Canadian Mint to appreciate its historic riverside premises and learn the technical process involved in making coins.

Finally, travel to the National Gallery of Canada, an elegant glass-and-granite structure whose large windows offer lovely outlooks onto Parliament Hill and the water. Explore collections of Canadian and international art, including significant works by First Peoples. Complete your visit with a trip to the gift shop and a meal at one of the gallery’s in-house cafés.

Downtown Ottawa can be explored on foot or by bus. Travel from the airport by car in about 20 minutes.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Ottawa

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
The price is P8,021 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P8,021
P9,516 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,664 reviews)
"Gorgeous hotel in an unbeatable location! We loved our stay."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Ottawa Marriott Hotel

Ottawa Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Kent St, Ottawa, ON
The price is P7,009 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P7,009
P8,316 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,306 reviews)
"Nice place to stay"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Ottawa Marriott Hotel
Lord Elgin Hotel

Lord Elgin Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P8,612 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P8,612
P10,218 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,428 reviews)
"Room in excellent condition, friendly helpful staff, beds are very comfortable. Valet parking ( can access your car 24 hrs a day), easy to access busses or taxi. In house restaurant. Lots of stores within walking distance for plenty of shopping."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Lord Elgin Hotel
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,821 reviews)
"Très beau séjour dans l’établissement, propre , bien équipé, lit confortable, foncez les yeux fermés"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn

AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn

4 out of 5
201 RIDEAU STREET, OTTAWA, ON
The price is P7,582 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P7,582
P8,996 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Byward Market Square and Rideau Canal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (157 reviews)
"I am very very pleased with the room, location, amenities… But… it is 9:30pm, and there is a terrible noise outside… like… construction? Fireworks? It started 30 minutes ago and I have no clue what it is… does not seem it will stop."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Rideau Apartments Downtown

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Rideau Apartments Downtown

3 out of 5
161 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON
The price is P5,919 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P5,919
P7,023 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,676 reviews)
"Nice clean apartment, responsible and helpful staff"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Rideau Apartments Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Ottawa

Byward Market featuring a city, street scenes and outdoor eating

ByWard Market

ByWard Market is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

ByWard Market
Parliament Hill which includes night scenes, performance art and nightlife

Byward Market - Parliament Hill

If you're spending time in Byward Market - Parliament Hill, check out sights like Parliament Building or Parliament Hill and hop on the metro to see more the city at Rideau Station or Parliament Station.

Byward Market - Parliament Hill
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Sandy Hill

Shopping and restaurants are highlights of Sandy Hill. Make a stop by Rideau Centre or Rideau Mall while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at uOttawa Station to get around town.

Sandy Hill
Ottawa which includes snow

Centretown

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Centretown. You can visit top attractions like Elgin Street and Canadian Museum of Nature, and jump on the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Centretown
Canadian Museum of History featuring modern architecture and skyline

Hull

Hull is a destination visitors seek out for is interesting museums, casinos, and stunning river views. You might want to check out attractions like Canadian Museum of History or Casino du Lac Leamy while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Hull
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Downtown Gatineau

You'll enjoy the gardens and festivals in Downtown Gatineau. You might want to make time for a stop at Canadian Museum of History or Canadian Children's Museum.

Downtown Gatineau

Downtown Ottawa