Things to do in Ottawa
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Most popular experiences in Ottawa
Food, drink & nightlife
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Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical
Adventure & outdoor
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Cycling the Nation's Capital, self-guided
Private & custom tours
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Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour
Tours & day trips
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Ottawa: Bilingual Guided City Tour by Amphibious Bus
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
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Ottawa: Scenic Helicopter Flight
Popular places to visit
Parliament Hill
Spend a day enjoying the lively debates, artworks, library and Gothic Revival architecture of Canada’s political heart.
Carleton University
Enjoy the collegiate vibe at Carleton University during your stay in Ottawa. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Byward Market Square
Fresh local produce, artisanal handicrafts and historic courtyards are some of the many features of Ottawa’s oldest and busiest market.
Canadian Museum of History
Traverse 20,000 years of Canadian history in just one day at Ottawa’s treasure house of culture.
Canadian War Museum
The country’s museum of military history features collections of weapons and vehicles that cover hundreds of years of conflict.
Rideau Canal
This engineering and scenic marvel fills with pleasure craft in summer and transforms into the world’s longest naturally frozen skating rink in winter.
National Gallery of Canada
Explore art through the ages in this impressive collection of national and international works of art.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Sit at the controls of beautifully preserved vintage aircraft, take off in a flight simulator and discover Canada’s contribution to space exploration.
National Arts Centre
You can get tickets for a performance at National Arts Centre on your trip to Ottawa. Experience the acclaimed art scene or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.
Areas of Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa
Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Ottawa. Check out top attractions like Rideau Centre and Byward Market Square, and jump on the metro at Rideau Station or uOttawa Station to see more of the city.
Kanata
Travelers come to Kanata for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Canadian Tire Centre and Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre while you're in town.
Nepean
Nepean is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Nepean Sportsplex or Rideau Canal.
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 Museum of Nature, and jump on the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.
Orleans
Orleans is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Princess Louise Falls and Petrie Island Park.
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.
