Things to do in Ottawa

Activities, attractions and tours

A church with two tall spires and a snow-covered park in the foreground.
A river with boats, a large tree, and a historic building with towers in the background.
A large marine fossil skeleton exhibit in a museum.
A snow-covered bridge over a frozen river with benches and a playground.
A river with a lock system, a bridge, and a museum in the background.

Things to do

Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking Tour

Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking Tour

P1,671
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking Tour
Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour

Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour

P1,679
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour
Canadian War Museum Admission

Canadian War Museum Admission

P1,177
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Canadian War Museum Admission
Ottawa : Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel

Ottawa : Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel

P1,126
per adult
Ottawa : Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel
Lilo Floating Tiki Bar on the Ottawa River

Lilo Floating Tiki Bar on the Ottawa River (Gatineau Pickup)

P3,828
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lilo Floating Tiki Bar on the Ottawa River (Gatineau Pickup)
Ottawa City One Day Tour

Ottawa City One Day Tour

P4,433
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ottawa City One Day Tour
Grand Hall

Canadian Museum of History (Canadian Children's Museum included)

P1,294
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Canadian Museum of History (Canadian Children's Museum included)
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What to do in Ottawa

Stay near popular Ottawa attractions

The exterior of the Canadian Tire Centre with hockey player images and the text "Ottawa Rising" and "Ottawa Debout".

Canadian Tire Centre

8.4/10 (3,133 reviews)
Home to the Ottawa Senators NHL team, the Canadian Tire Centre hosts thrilling hockey games and major concerts. Splurge on luxury suites for premium views and enhanced dining options during events.
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Where to stay in Ottawa

Find the best Ottawa areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
A large Gothic-style church with twin spires and a clock tower.

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 Parliament Station to see more of the city.

A street with The Grand, The Aldeburiner, and The Pour House.

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.

A traditional Chinese gate with intricate blue and gold patterns and Chinese characters.

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.

A frozen lake with people ice skating, surrounded by trees and a fence.

Glebe

You'll enjoy the live music and monuments in Glebe. You might want to make time for a stop at TD Place Stadium or Elgin Street.

A sunset over a calm lake with a forest and buildings in the background.

Westboro

Westboro might not have many top sights, but Kōena Spa and Carlingwood Mall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A rural landscape with hay bales, a barn, and autumn-colored trees.

Chelsea

A frozen waterfall with ice formations and a tree trunk.

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.