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 …
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…
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…