Plan the perfect Ottawa visit

Capital attractions and museums

Tour the elegant halls and chambers where the business of governing Canada takes place. On Parliament Hill, witness the stirring Changing of the Guard ceremony daily in the summer.

Ottawa houses the majority of national museums, which reflect the Canadian experience from coast to coast. Save money and time with the Ottawa Museums Pass.

Canada’s Parliament

Unique and free experiences at Canada’s Parliament include guided tours of the Senate Building, the House of Commons in the West Block, heritage rooms in the East Block and an immersive multimedia show in Centre Block.

Location: Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Canadian Museum of History

Discover Canada’s diverse history and culture, back to its earliest inhabitants, at Canada’s most-visited museum. Renowned as an architectural masterpiece, the museum sits across the river from Ottawa in Gatineau. 

Location: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau

Canadian Museum of Nature

Housed in a stunning Gothic-style building, explore Canada’s captivating natural history, including fossils, minerals, wildlife and ecosystems.

Location: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa

Canadian Aviation and Space Museum

View interactive exhibits of one of the world’s finest aircraft collections, from early flight to modern space exploration.

Location: 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa

Canadian War Museum

Learn about Canada’s military past with artifacts, art and historical accounts from conflicts spanning centuries. Rich symbolic architecture and thoughtful displays pay tribute to the many sacrifices made.

Location: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa

Royal Canadian Mint

Bank on a great time at the Mint in Ottawa, a state-of-the-art facility where Canada’s commemorative and collector coins are crafted. Watch coin production and hold a solid gold bar during guided tours.

Location: 320 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

The Diefenbunker

Go underground into a massive secret nuclear bunker at Canada’s Cold War Museum. Constructed in the 1960s to protect officials in the event of a nuclear attack, the bunker is now a fascinating museum offering immersive exhibits on Cold War history.

Location: 3929 Carp Road, Ottawa

National Gallery of Canada

Visit the striking granite-and-glass National Gallery of Canada to see masterworks of art, including Canadian, international and Indigenous exhibitions.

Location: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Art Gallery of Ottawa

This contemporary downtown art museum showcases works strongly emphasizing regional art and artists. It offers free admission and features a rooftop terrace with great city views.

Location: 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa

Rideau Hall

The official residence of the Governor General of Canada hosts state ceremonies, official events and diplomatic receptions. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, this historic landmark is also open to public tours and showcases Canada's heritage and cultural significance.

Location: 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

ByTown Museum

At this historic museum near the Rideau Canal, you can glimpse Ottawa’s early history, including its origins as Bytown and the canal construction.

Location: 1 Canal Lane, Ottawa

Culinary highlights

Ottawa is a delight for foodies, with a wide selection of restaurants, bistros, wine bars and cafés featuring everything from internationally inspired cuisine to regional favourites. Be sure to sample a BeaverTail pastry, a local guilty pleasure. Food tours are a great introduction to the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

Where to eat and drink in Ottawa

From weekend brunch and beavertails to fine dining and late-night döners and shawarma, here’s a selection of must-try restaurants and food in Ottawa. Browse even more restaurants in Ottawa and discover food and drink highlights that make this city so dynamic.

The Tavern Patios

During the warmer months, visit one of five seasonal outdoor restaurants and patios overlooking some of Ottawa’s most iconic attractions.

Brew Donkey Tours

Ottawa is home to several innovative craft breweries. Join Brew Donkey on a curated adult field trip to select local breweries for tours, tastings and more.

C’est Bon Ottawa

Discover Ottawa's diverse tastes on a food-focused tour led by local expert foodies. Taste of the ByWard Market is a favourite or opt for a self-guided experience.

Outdoor fun

Explore Ottawa’s natural landscapes, including the National Capital Greenbelt, which surrounds the city with parks, wetlands, trails and recreational facilities.

Stroll, bike or paddle a kayak along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In winter, it transforms into the world’s largest skating rink.

Ottawa City Rafting

For a fun outdoor excursion, combine thrilling whitewater rafting with fantastic urban views of the city skyline and historic landmarks.

Location: 102 Greenview Avenue, Ottawa

Ottawa Ghost Tours

Take a spooky tour on a guided walk to historic and haunted downtown locations, such as the Bytown Museum and Old Carleton Jail. Led by storytellers in cloaks, it’s a fun way to learn about Ottawa’s darker history and supernatural tales.

Location: 46 1/2 Sparks Street, Ottawa

Interzip Rogers

Soar over 35 metres above the Ottawa River at up to 40 kilometres per hour on the world’s first interprovincial zipline between Ontario and Quebec.

Location: 40 Rue Jos-Montferrand, Gatineau

Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals

Embark on a guided or self-guided cycling tour of urban landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods and scenic greenspaces. Exploring on two wheels allows you to discover popular sites and hidden gems.

Location: 65 Sparks Street, Ottawa

The Dominion Arboretum at the Central Experimental Farm

Arboretums are gardens that specialize in collecting and studying plants and trees. Enjoy a beautifully landscaped area showcasing a diverse collection of over 10,000 different kinds of trees, shrubs and plants at Canada’s oldest arboretum.

Location: Arboretum, Ottawa

Shopping, entertainment and relaxation

Experience the finest shopping and leisure in Ottawa, with sightseeing tours, casino shows, retail therapy and soothing spa treatments.

Ottawa Shopping Guide

From one-of-a-kind boutiques and high-end stores to shoppable neighbourhoods and local farmers’ markets, hunt down the best bargains and treasures in Canada’s capital.

ByWard Market

Stroll through the historic ByWard Market, a lively mosaic of farmers’ market stalls, boutiques, galleries, studios, cobblestone courtyards and charming heritage buildings.

Location: Downtown Ottawa

Rideau Centre 

The 180+ store Rideau Centre offers high-end retailers and popular brand shopping, with even more choices nearby.

Location: 50 Rideau Street, Ottawa

Rideau Carleton Casino 

With a variety of slot machines, table games, dining options and live entertainment, the fun never ends at this vibrant gaming attraction.

Location: 4837 Albion Road South, Gloucester

Hot Rock Spa 

Healing and wellness treatments include massage, facials, reflexology and hot leaf sauna for the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.

Location: 110 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp

Nordik Spa-Nature

Across the river in Chelsea, this luxurious outdoor spa and wellness retreat offers thermal baths, saunas, massages and relaxation areas.

Location: 16 Chemin Nordik, Chelsea

Lady Dive Amphibus Tour

Embark on a one-hour sightseeing tour of Ottawa on land and water without leaving your seat!

Location: 44 Sparks Street, Ottawa

Ottawa Palapa Tours

Take in the city views while floating down the Ottawa River in a Hawaiian-style tiki hut complete with a thatched roof and licensed wooden bar.

Location: The Wharf, 160 Laurier Street, Gatineau

Opera, ballet and orchestra symphony

Include a magical opera, ballet or orchestra performance during your stay in Ottawa.

Sports, events and celebrations

A city of festivals, Ottawa’s calendar is filled year-round with sporting events and seasonal celebrations.

Pro Sports in Ottawa

Catch an exciting Ottawa Senators hockey game in the winter, a Redblacks football game or watch the Ottawa BlackJacks on the basketball court.

Canadian Tulip Festival

In May, millions of tulips bloom across Ottawa during the Tulip Festival, an annual event initiated by a gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs from the Netherlands as a symbol of friendship.

Mādahòkì Farm

Located approximately 20 minutes south of downtown Ottawa, Mādahòkì Farm hosts incredible Indigenous experiences and events, such as the annual Summer Solstice Festival in June.

Location: 4420 West Hunt Club Road, Nepean

Canada Day

Canada Day, the nationwide celebration held on July 1 is always special in the capital city with popular events, including concerts and fireworks.

Bluesfest

Bluesfest, one of Canada’s largest music festivals, invites an eclectic lineup of local and international artists across various genres to perform at LeBreton Flats during this vibrant early-summer event (July 4-14, 2025).

Winterlude

If you’re visiting in winter, Celebrate the beauty and fun of Canada’s snowy season. Each February during Winterlude, a three-week-long festival featuring experience winter activities like skating and snow tubing, snow sculpture, cultural events and foodie highlights.

Places to stay

Choose from several downtown Ottawa accommodations offering convenient access to major attractions with exceptional facilities and services, including on-site dining.

Fairmont Château Laurier

Overlooking the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill, this landmark luxury hotel is famous for its castle-like architecture, opulent interior and rich history.

Location: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa

Andaz Hotel

Enjoy luxurious accommodations and stellar cityscape rooftop views in Ottawa’s vibrant ByWard Market district.

Location: 325 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa

Le Germain Hotel Ottawa

Artful, elegant and steps from Parliament Hill, this downtown property is also home to the upscale Norca Restaurant and Bar.

Location: 30 Daly Avenue, Ottawa

The Metcalfe Hotel 

Balancing modern sophistication and historic architecture, this boutique hotel offers special seasonal packages.

Location: 123 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa

Alt Hotel Ottawa

Contemporary and stylish, Alt Hotel Ottawa delivers the impeccable service and comfort this accommodation brand is known for.

Location: 185 Slater Street, Ottawa

Swiss Hotel

A short walk from the ByWard Market, the independently owned Swiss Hotel is located in a historic building and offers a European-style stay.

Location: 89 Daly Avenue, Ottawa

Getting here and around

Find out how to travel to Ottawa and get around the city conveniently.

By air

Most flights to Ottawa land at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), approximately 10 kilometres (6 miles) south of the city centre. Several major car rental companies operate at the airport terminal.

OC Transpo operates regular bus service (Route 97 or Line 1 connections) from the airport to downtown Ottawa and public transit services within the city.

Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) is often the gateway for international travel with frequent connecting flights to Ottawa.

By land

Ottawa is accessible via major highways, including Highway 417 (the Trans-Canada Highway) and Highway 416, which connects to Highway 401 for travel to and from Toronto.

VIA Rail provides regular train service between Ottawa and other major cities in Canada. Check Megabus for bus routes and schedules to Ottawa.

Public transport

Public transit options are also readily available across the city. If you have a PRESTO card, it’s also valid for OC Transpo’s buses and light rail. 

Shared e-scooters between April and November, and year-round taxi services are also available.

Crossing the border

The closest border crossing from the U.S. to Ottawa is the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge, approximately 85 kilometres (53 miles) south of Ottawa. This station operates 24 hours a day.

Another nearby option is the Three Nations Crossing, also known as the Seaway International Bridge, connecting Cornwall, Ontario with Massena, New York. It is approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) southeast of Ottawa and is also open 24 hours a day.

Check border wait times and find out what else you’ll need to know to cross the border into Canada.

Parking

Public parking is available in city-operated lots, private garages and street parking. Rates and time limits vary, particularly in the downtown core and near popular attractions.

Know before you go

Visit Ottawa Tourism for local insights and trip planning information.

French language

Canada is a bi-lingual country with French and English as official languages. Learn more about French language services in Ottawa and across Ontario.

Weather

Ontario is a four-season destination; temperatures and weather change dramatically throughout the year. Learn more about the weather in Ontario and get suggestions on what to pack and how to prepare for your trip to Toronto.

Currency, measurements and holidays

If you’re travelling from another country, helpful things to know about Ontario include Canadian currency, measurements and public holidays acknowledged in the province.

Safety information

Emergencies aren’t always the first thing we consider when planning a vacation, but knowing who to contact in an emergency is important.

Land acknowledgement

The City of Ottawa is located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation. Ottawa exists within the bounds of the Upper Canada Treaties and, more specifically, Treaty 27 and Treaty 27½.