The Best Places to Visit in Ottawa, Ontario
From the iconic Parliament Hill to stunning Gatineau Park, there are many places to explore in Ottawa. Visitors looking for an urban adventure can check out Byward Market and the Canadian War Museum, while nature lovers will be delighted by Rideau Canal. Art enthusiasts won't want to miss the National Gallery of Canada either. With all these amazing places, deciding which ones should make your list can be hard—and these are only the start. If you’re traveling through the province of Ontario, make sure to save some time for Ottawa!
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is one of Ottawa's must-see attractions, boasting iconic symbols such as the Peace Tower and offering guided tours for free. The Senate of Canada Building, formerly Ottawa's old train station, provides insights into the unique role and history of Canada's Upper Chamber.
To visit the House of Commons, the West Block offers tours that usually last 40 minutes. For those interested in exploring East Block—which features four heritage rooms—seasonal guided tours take around 50 minutes.
To get tickets, you can buy them in advance or the same day. Note that there’s no guarantee of a ticket if you wait. There are no tours when the Senate or House of Commons are in session, as well as on December 25th, January 1st, and July 1st.
And finally, don't forget about the symbol that reigns over Parliament Hill: The Peace Tower stands at an impressive height of just over 92 metres and is widely recognized as one of Canada's most iconic symbols.
Rideau Canal
Experience the captivating history of Canada and explore the hidden treasures along the iconic Rideau Canal. You can navigate the waters by boat, canoe, or kayak to uncover its secrets. Or, if you want to stay on land, spend an afternoon exploring the site and watching boats pass through one of its locks.
Some Ottawa residents are lucky enough to enjoy these views year-round by living in a waterfront community nearby, but visitors can have the chance to enjoy it for a night by staying in a meticulously restored lockmaster's house or Canalman's cottage. Parks Canada maintains these vintage homes with care to offer modern amenities with original craftsmanship for a historic setting like no other. Discover what it was like in 19th-century canal construction as you take in all these remarkable destination offers.
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ByWard Market
Discover the unique offerings and bustling atmosphere of Ottawa's ByWard Market, a historic public market since 1826. This top tourist destination offers a wide variety of experiences to both residents and visitors alike:
Shop from over 600 independent businesses in the area.
Enjoy the local produce showcased at the farmers' market.
Admire handcrafted goods by artisans in the area.
The ByWard Market is also home to various events throughout the year, and individual businesses often host their own. Specialty shops line up along its streets, offering delicious food and drinks, making it an ideal spot for dining or just relaxing with friends while enjoying Ottawa's fresh air and vibrant culture.
Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park is perfect for nature lovers looking to immerse themselves in the outdoors. Covering over 360 square kilometres, it’s the largest green space in the area and home to abundant wildlife. The park offers multiple entry points and roads that traverse its northern and western sectors, making it easily accessible from downtown Ottawa.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking; it’s also a great place for camping with family or friends. Even in the winter there’s plenty to do, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. With its remarkable biodiversity and stunning landscapes, Gatineau Park provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation while prioritizing conservation.
Canadian War Museum
Featuring thousands of artifacts and stories, the Canadian War Museum is for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of Canada's military history. Located in the LeBreton Flats neighbourhood, the current museum opened its doors on May 8, 2005, marking the 60th anniversary of V-E Day and celebrating the museum’s 125th year. The exhibition galleries focus on pivotal moments in Canada's military history and how they have shaped the nation as well as honouring those who served.
Inside are over 3 million artifacts ranging from vehicles to artillery pieces and uniforms to medals. One highlight is the 14,000-work Beaverbrook Collection of War Art. Visitors can also listen to personal memoirs or watch audio/visual recordings that bring events to life. The museum also offers school tours and virtual programs.
National Gallery of Canada
Explore Canada's vibrant art scene at the National Gallery of Canada. Located close to the lively ByWard Market neighbourhood, this prominent museum covers an area of over 45,000 square metres, roughly a quarter of which is dedicated to showcasing art. Marvel at a mix of modern and traditional artworks such as paintings, sculptures, photographs and multimedia installations often from Indigenous and Canadian artists.
The gallery offers guided tours for visitors to explore its collections and exhibitions, and there’s an extensive collection on the museum’s website. It also hosts educational activities such as specialized tours and workshops.
Exploring Ottawa at its Best
Ottawa is an amazing city to explore, offering many entertaining attractions. It's no surprise that Ottawa is considered one of Canada's premier destinations, thanks to all these sights and activities. Whatever your interests may be, you're bound to discover something that captivates you in this dynamic and lively city!
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