Things to do in Ottawa
Ottawa is a green city, packed with parks and open spaces. As the capital of Canada, it sports numerous national attractions and top museums. A holiday in Ottawa is inevitably a busy whirl of sightseeing, but the city also has a jam-packed events calendar, so it is wise to check what's on when planning to visit. Fun festivals take place throughout the year, from ice-carving in winter to exploring tulip gardens in the spring.
While everyone will enjoy its charms, the city is particularly well suited to more active holidaymakers who'd enjoy cycling along the city's miles of trails, or ice-skating down the Rideau Canal in winter. Extreme outdoor activities such as bungee jumping and white-water rafting are also on offer just outside Ottawa.
Top attractions include the National Gallery of Canada, and Parliament Hill, the seat of Canada's federal government and site of frequent pomp and ceremony. Visitors should also stop at the Canadian War Museum, the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal and the ByWard Market, a historic farmers' market by day and popular entertainment venue by night. If visitors want to go on a tour of Ottawa, a novel way would be to do so on the open-topped tourist buses.
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is a grandiose complex where visitors can embark on tours, observe parliament in action and experience ceremonial spectacles such as the Changing of the Guard. Its …
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is a grandiose complex where visitors can embark on tours, observe parliament in action and experience ceremonial spectacles such as the Changing of the Guard. Its centre block houses the Senate and Commons chambers, with its distinctive Peace Tower a perfect vantage point for vistas of the capital. The historic east block contains restored offices of Canada's first prime minister and other early statesmen, while the west block houses the offices of parliament members and is closed to the public.
Address Wellington Street
Website www.parl.gc.ca/Default.aspx?Language=E
Canadian Museum of History
The Canadian Museum of History was created to enhance the country's understanding of its own past, with tremendously fascinating exhibitions focusing on Canadian history, world his…
Canadian Museum of History
The Canadian Museum of History was created to enhance the country's understanding of its own past, with tremendously fascinating exhibitions focusing on Canadian history, world history and civilisation. Visitors arriving with kids may want to check out the Canadian Children's Museum too. It offers a child-friendly experience by including games, toys, costumes and hands-on props. The museum also has a 500-seat theatre, and a 295-seat cinema equipped with a giant 3D screen. All told, the combination of attractions should keep the entire family happy for hours on end.
Address 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Website www.historymuseum.ca/
Gatineau Park
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park is the capital's conservation and outdoor-recreation haven. Travellers can expect a fun itinerary of activities, regardl…
Gatineau Park
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park is the capital's conservation and outdoor-recreation haven. Travellers can expect a fun itinerary of activities, regardless of the season. Swimming, hiking, biking, camping, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are all on offer within an area renowned for its hilly woodlands and clear lakes. Visitors typically enjoy exploring the beautiful Luskville Falls, the diversity of forests along the King Mountain Trail, and the marble and geological phenomenon of Lusk Cave.