The 12 things to do in Ottawa

Are you flying to Ottawa? Before closing your suitcases, discover our selection of incontours to be made in the capital of Canada!

It is often forgotten, but Canada is not just in Quebec, Montreal or Toronto. Canada is also its capital Ottawa, an incredible city that offers a real diversity and a unique blend of tourism, culture, quality of life and natural beauty. But this city is not necessarily known to all, and if you want to visit Ottawa, we have listed for you the best things to do and see in Ottawa. So here’s all we need not miss:

1. The Canadian Museum of Civilizations (or Canadian Museum of History)

Located on the banks of the Ottawa River in Gatineau (and not Ottawa), facing Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of Civilizations is a wonderful place that recounts the history and achievements of all Canadian cultures. This is especially the place that brings together the largest number of totems in the world. To discover the achievements of the first indigenous peoples, it is in the First Peoples Hall that must be visited. Count to a minimum of 3 hours of visit so much to see and to discover!

2. The By Market (ByWard Historic Market)

This market, founded in 1826, is surely the oldest and largest public market in Canada. Today it is part of the city’s must-see places. It is located on Parliament Hill and it is the ideal place to go shopping, finally “shopping” as it is said in the Atlantic. To find wood products, handicrafted items, to eat a piece, to drink a drink with friends, to enjoy the nightlife with its great restaurants and very trendy clubs, the ByWard Market district is the place of all sensations. Sit at a terrace to sip a glass and watch the continuous brouhaha, this incessant buzz that makes the atmosphere of the ByWard market!

3. The Rideau Canal

Between the St.Lawrence River and the Ottawa River, the Rideau Canal is a famous historic site that ensures a safe passage between the two shores. This place is part of the UNECO World Heritage: why not come in winter to skate for free on the largest ice rink in the world? And for those who come to discover Ottawa during the summer season, it is possible to board a cruise boat or rent a pedal boat or a canoe. It should be noted that the surroundings of the canal are very pleasant and that a small bike ride will bring you one of Ottawa’s unknown facets.

4. Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is a few minutes from Parliament Hill, on the other side of the Ottawa River. It is a fairly unrecognized park of tourists compared to the more famous places such as the park of Mont Tremblant or the park of La Mauricie. This park is simply 361 km2 of wild nature, between forest and lakes. For biology lovers, for those who like to discover fauna and flora, the Gatineau Park offers an incredible variety of specimens. In the summer, it is also the opportunity to make a small picnic, to ride a bike or hike and during the winter, the park turns into a perfect terrain for lovers of cross-country skiing. To discover at the end of September to see the shimmering colours of autumn!

5. The different parks

Speaking of parks, Ottawa is full of greenery and nature: apart from Parliament Hill, the city has other parks like Major’s Hill, which hosts the Franco-Ontarian festival, a fairly shady park where it is not uncommon to meet squirrels or marmots. Jacques-Cartier Park is located near the National Gallery of Canada and it is especially in winter that you have to go there, especially to admire the snow sculptures. There is also Confederation Park, a little further in the centre of the city, along Elgin Street: in this park there is a fountain that comes from Trafalgar Square, offered by the UK, the legend wants this fountain to be haunted...

6. The different festivals

Ottawa, like all across Canada, is full of festivals. There is first Snow ball which is an event that takes place near the Rideau Canal, you will have the opportunity to skate but also to admire fantastic ice sculptures or... to eat beaver tails (Canadian pastry that looks like a waffle). Then you can attend International Jazz Festival Ottawa: recognized worldwide for its quality, this festival is one of the major events in the city where all the great names of contemporary jazz come to offer unforgettable shows. Another festival not to be missed is that of balloons in Gatineau : this stubborn show will delight small and large with many hot air balloons with eccentric shapes and a very fairy atmosphere.

7. Dow’s Lake

Not far from the centre of Ottawa, the Dow’s lake is a perfect place to relax, cool down, forget the city’s incessant buzz: some come here to skate, others running or to read, draw or simply rest. Stay until sunset to enjoy beautiful colors!

8. Parliament Hill

You will have understood it, everything is around Parliament Hill, which is the key part of Ottawa’s landscape. The beautiful Gothic structures of parliament buildings overlook the Ottawa River, exactly where parliamentarians and politicians debate the country’s future. Know that it is possible to enjoy a free guided tour every day, during which you will have the opportunity to have an incredible view of the city from the Peace Tower.

9. Library and Archives Canada

Perhaps not the most touristic place in Ottawa, but it’s definitely a wealth of information for record lovers or professionals. Possibility to participate in temporary exhibitions. A truly extraordinary and very enriching place.

10. Museums

Ottawa, as Canada's capital, is full of cultural places and the city's museums are certainly part of it; There are several museums, such as the Canadian Museum of Aviation and Space, the Canadian Museum of War (museum dedicated to the exhibition of Canada’s military history), the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canada Museum of Fine Arts, which offers one of the largest collections of Canadian art.

11. Nepean Point and the Astrolabe Theatre

It is an outdoor theatre that offers a fantastic view of the whole city. In this place you will discover the outdoor theatre, its amphitheatre and the statue of Champlain (the father of New France).

12. The culinary scene

Gastronomy in Ottawa has been active in recent years, with a flourishing community of chefs and restaurants in Ottawa being known locally and abroad. Ottawa restaurants are wonderfully diverse. Do you prefer French, Italian, Chinese cuisine or do you prefer seafood? Maybe you want to eat something a little more unique and exotic? You'll find everything. There are few culinary specialties in Ontario, however, Ottawa stands out mainly for its culinary diversity through its many restaurants.

Ottawa: How to get there? Where to stay?

Ottawa is located between Montreal and Toronto, which makes it easy to get there by train or bus from these cities but also from many other Canadian and even American cities. If you travel directly from France or the rest of Europe, the aircraft is of course the right solution, as Ottawa has an international airport near the city. To find cheap flights for your stay in Ottawa, use the flight comparison Skyscanner .

Ottawa is not a gigantic city and the hotel offer is not important but the city still benefits from several neighbourhoods where to stay , according to tastes and desires. To find a cheap hotel in Ottawa, search our website Compare hotels .