Ottawa Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Outdoor Adventures & Local Eats
Ottawa might be Canada’s capital, but it’s not your typical stiff-suit government town. Sure, Parliament Hill is where the big political decisions get made, but step away from the official buildings and you’ll find a city with more personality than you’d expect from a place where people wear maple leaf pins unironically.
I’ve wandered Ottawa in all four seasons — from crunching across ice on the Rideau Canal in February to sniffing tulips like an overenthusiastic bee in May — and let me tell you, this city will surprise you. Whether you’re here for a quick city break or you’re making it part of a bigger Canadian adventure, there’s plenty to keep you busy (and well-fed).
So grab a coffee, maybe a scarf if it’s winter, and let’s walk through my complete Ottawa guide.
Start at Parliament Hill (Because, Well… It’s Ottawa)
Let’s be honest — if you visit Ottawa and skip Parliament Hill, it’s like going to Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower. The Parliament buildings are Ottawa’s crown jewel, perched on a bluff above the Ottawa River with that perfect mix of gothic drama and postcard charm.
In summer, start your morning with the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It’s part military precision, part brass band performance, and entirely entertaining. The Mounties don’t show up on horseback here (sorry to disappoint), but the red uniforms are still camera-worthy.
If you’re in town on a summer evening, the Northern Lights Sound and Light Show is a must. The Parliament buildings become a giant projection screen telling Canada’s story — history, culture, and a few “ahh” moments when the lights hit just right. It’s free, and it feels like you’re sitting in the front row of Canada’s living room.
Pro tip: Tours inside Parliament are free but book in advance — they fill up fast, especially in peak tourist months.
The Rideau Canal: Paddle in Summer, Skate in Winter
The Rideau Canal isn’t just an Ottawa landmark — it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s most versatile attraction.
In summer, rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and float past downtown. Locals will be jogging or cycling along the canal paths, and you’ll probably spot more than one person casually reading on a park bench with a view.
Come winter, the canal transforms into the world’s largest skating rink, stretching 7.8 km from downtown to Dows Lake. Picture gliding past snow-dusted trees and historic buildings while wearing three layers of socks because it’s minus 20°C. The best part? Stopping at a skate-up shack for hot chocolate and a BeaverTail. It’s basically Canada on ice.
Museums That Might Surprise You
Ottawa takes museums seriously, and even if you think you’ve “seen enough museums in your life,” you might want to reconsider here.
- Canadian Museum of History –Technically across the river in Gatineau, this one’s worth crossing provincial lines for. Its sweeping architecture and exhibits on Indigenous heritage, early explorers, and modern Canada make it a highlight.
- National Gallery of Canada – You’ll know you’re close when you see “Maman,” the enormous spider sculpture outside. Inside, you’ll find Canadian classics, Indigenous art, and world-renowned international pieces.
- Canadian War Museum – Sobering but beautifully designed. It’s a space that tells Canada’s military history with respect and emotional weight.
- Canada Science and Technology Museum – Perfect for families and hands-on learners. Plus, it has trains. Real, full-size trains.
Green Spaces You’ll Actually Want to Spend Time In
Ottawa isn’t just about stone buildings — it’s one of the greenest capitals you’ll find.
- Major’s Hill Park – Centrally located, this is where you go for a picnic with Parliament views. In spring, it’s lined with tulips.
- Gatineau Park – A 15-minute drive but feels like another world. Hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and in fall, some of the most spectacular foliage in the country.
- Dow’s Lake Pavilion – Rent a paddleboat in summer, walk the tulip-lined paths in spring, or skate here in winter.
Festivals Worth Timing Your Trip For
If you can plan your trip to align with one of Ottawa’s festivals, do it — the city knows how to celebrate.
- Winterlude (February) – Ice sculptures, snow playgrounds, skating, and maple taffy served on snow.
- Canadian Tulip Festival (May) – Over a million tulips bloom thanks to a post-war gift from the Dutch royal family. It’s a photographer’s dream.
- Ottawa Bluesfest (July) – Big-name musicians, festival food, and great summer energy.
Wander Through Ottawa’s Neighborhoods
Some of the best Ottawa experiences aren’t on a checklist — they’re in its neighborhoods.
- ByWard Market – Part farmers’ market, part food court, part nightlife hub. Grab fresh produce in the morning, street food in the afternoon, and cocktails at night.
- The Glebe – Trendy shops, cozy cafes, and Lansdowne Park for sports and events.
- Little Italy – Espresso, pasta, and the kind of gelato that makes you forget you’re in Canada.
Food: Come Hungry, Leave Very Happy
Ottawa’s food scene doesn’t get enough credit.
- BeaverTails – This fried dough pastry is Ottawa’s most famous snack. Cinnamon sugar is the classic, but Nutella with banana is a personal favorite.
- Poutine – There’s no single “best” place — everyone has an opinion. Chez Lucien, Elgin Street Diner, and Smoke’s Poutinerie are all contenders.
- Craft Breweries – Try Beyond the Pale or Dominion City for a local pint.
- Fine Dining – Atelier serves a wildly creative tasting menu; Riviera is where locals go for a fancy-but-not-stuffy dinner.
Family-Friendly Fun
Traveling with kids? Ottawa has plenty to keep them happy.
- Canadian Museum of Nature – Dinosaurs, giant whale skeletons, and interactive exhibits.
- Calypso Water Park – Canada’s largest water park, perfect for a hot summer day.
- Saunders Farm – Fun in summer, but in October it turns into a Halloween wonderland.
Take a Day Trip
Sometimes the best part of Ottawa is just outside it.
- Merrickville – Cute shops, cafes, and heritage buildings along the Rideau.
- Wakefield – A charming village with a red-covered bridge and riverside bakeries.
- Mont-Tremblant – A couple of hours away for skiing in winter or hiking in summer.
Practical Tips for Visiting Ottawa
- When to Visit – Spring for tulips, summer for festivals, fall for foliage, winter for skating.
- Getting Around – Downtown is walkable; OC Transpo buses and the O-Train cover the rest. Cycling is also big here.
- Where to Stay –
- Budget: HI Ottawa Jail Hostel (yes, a real former jail).
- Mid-range: Alt Hotel.
- Luxury: Fairmont Château Laurier.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa isn’t a city you rush through — it’s a place that rewards slow exploration. One day you might be strolling through Parliament Hill’s manicured lawns, the next you’re skating past it on the canal, and the day after that you’re sipping craft beer in the Glebe.
It’s a city where history meets outdoor adventure, where you can eat like a foodie and still spend an afternoon hiking, and where every season feels like a different personality.
So whether you’re here for the politics, the festivals, or just the BeaverTails (no judgment), Ottawa will give you plenty of reasons to stay longer than you planned.
