Great Things to Do in Ottawa

Canada’s capital city, Ottawa sits on the south bank of the Ottawa River and is dissected by the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal. It is a bilingual city, with most locals speaking both English and French. It is also a city that is filled with cultures from all over the world, as well as being good at keeping Canada’s culture and heritage intact.
Like many capital cities around the globe, Ottawa has numerous national attractions. It also has a plethora of other things to see and do, and you could easily spend days enjoying the city.

Skate along the world’s largest outdoor skating rink

Rideau Canal

In the winter months a section of the Rideau Canal is turned into a massive skating rink. The outdoor rink is the longest in the world, stretching for nearly eight kilometres.
The skating rink is open 24-hours a day and is a great place to spend a romantic evening. In the day time, it is great for anyone; families, couples or even solo travellers.
No skate along the Rideau Canal is complete without a Beaver Tail. These deep fried dough sweets are sold at kiosks along the ice rink, as well as in the Byward Market area.

Visit Parliament

Parliament

The magnificent Gothic revival Parliament Hill sits in the middle of the city centre overlooking the Ottawa River. The building is home to the Parliament of Canada, but is also a major tourist attraction.
There are three buildings that make up Parliament Hill, as well as an expansive formal garden. The grounds of the complex are the site of numerous national celebrations, demonstrations and shows.
Tours are available multiple times throughout the day in both English and French. They last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, though you must turn up at 9am to reserve your spot for the day.

Head to the market

ByWard Market

One of the oldest markets in Canada, ByWard Market is in the heart of Ottawa’s city centre. It consists of a main buildings that is surrounded by open-air stalls.
The main buildings is open all year, with the surrounding stalls being open when the weather is nice. It is a colourful place, where fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers can be purchased, as well as other grocery items.
ByWard Market also has restaurants, fast-food kiosks and numerous boutiques. It is a great place to wander around and mingle with the locals.

Learn about Canada’s history


the Canadian Museum of Nature

Being the capital city, it should be of no surprise that Ottawa is home to numerous national museums. And you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy them.
The Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canada Agriculture Museum and the Canadian War Museum are just a few of the museums located in Ottawa.
There are also other speciality museums that may not appeal to everyone, but are quite interesting. These include the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photograph, the Portrait Gallery of Canada and the Bank of Canada Currency Museum.

Go to the park

Major's Hill Park

Just above the Rideau Canal is Major’s Hill Park, which sits just across the canal from Parliament Hill. It is one of the city’s oldest green spaces and is open all year.
Numerous events are held at the park, including Canada Day celebrations and the annual ‘B In The Park’ – an event that highlights pipe bands. It is also just a nice place to spend an afternoon.
Major’s Hill Park also boasts fantastic views of Parliament Hill, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, the American Embassy and the Fairmont Château Laurier.

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