Things to do in Ottawa

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Ottawa

Types of activities

Where to stay

Ottawa Travel Guide

Major\'s Hill Park which includes snow and a church or cathedral

Voyageur Provincial Park which includes general coastal views

Ottawa featuring heritage elements and interior views

Ottawa featuring ice skating, snow and a bridge

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What to do in Ottawa

Popular places to visit

Canadian Tire Centre

Catch an event at Canadian Tire Centre during your trip to Ottawa. Discover the top-notch restaurants and great live music in this family-friendly area.

Casino du Lac Leamy

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Casino du Lac Leamy during your travels in Gatineau? Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed art scene in this walkable area.

Parliament Hill

Spend a day enjoying the lively debates, artworks, library and Gothic Revival architecture of Canada’s political heart.

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.

Byward Market featuring a city, street scenes and outdoor eating

Byward Market Square

Fresh local produce, artisanal handicrafts and historic courtyards are some of the many features of Ottawa’s oldest and busiest market.

University of Ottawa

Explore the campus of University of Ottawa as part of your travels around Ottawa. Experience the acclaimed art scene or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

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.

Rogers Centre Ottawa

Learn about the events happening at Rogers Centre Ottawa during your trip to Ottawa. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art scene in this walkable area.

Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus

Though Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Ottawa while you are here.

Areas of Ottawa

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

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.

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 Centrepointe Theatre.

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.

Canada Aviation and Space Museum which includes interior views and aircraft

Gloucester

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Gloucester. Top attractions like Place D'Orleans Shopping Center and Rideau Canal are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Blair Station or Cyrville Station to see more of the city.

South End

Travelers choose South End for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Greenboro Station or Confederation Station and check out top sights like South Keys Shopping Centre.

Chelsea

Gatineau Park showing a waterfall and snow

Pontiac

Frequently asked questions

Is Ottawa worth visiting?

One of the most popular things to do in Ottawa is visit Canadian Museum of History. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of the area's culture and history.

How do I spend a day in Ottawa?

Kick your day off with a visit to Canadian Museum of History and Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Then, explore other parts of Ottawa for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.

What is the top tourist attraction in Ottawa?

Canadian Museum of History is one of the top tourist attractions in Ottawa and should be high on every to-do list of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Ottawa?

Three days in Ottawa is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travelers book for two days on average. Canadian Museum of History, Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Canadian Museum of Nature are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Gatineau.

Is Ottawa a walkable city?

It all depends on what you want to do and see in Ottawa. Several attractions, like Canadian Museum of History and Canadian Museum of Nature, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Ottawa's neighborhoods, Downtown Ottawa is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while Byward Market - Parliament Hill is 0.97 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Ottawa with kids?

If you're looking for activities and attractions for all ages, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Ottawa with kids.

What to do in Ottawa for adults?

Funhaven Entertainment Centre and Parliament Hill are just two of the things to do in Ottawa. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.

Are there free things to do in Ottawa?

One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Ottawa is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Major's Hill Park is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.