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Things to Do in Ottawa

Looking for the best things to do in Ottawa? Whether you're planning a weekend getaway to Canada's capital or exploring your own backyard, Ottawa has something for everyone. From world-famous landmarks to vibrant neighbourhoods, outdoor adventures to cozy cafés, this scenic and cultural city delivers four seasons of fun.

Ottawa blends political history with local charm, making it a destination full of energy, natural beauty, and unexpected surprises. Use this guide to plan your visit and uncover the top attractions, outdoor escapes, indoor fun, and flavour-packed local experiences that make Ottawa unforgettable.

Must-Visit Attractions in Ottawa

As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is filled with iconic attractions that celebrate the country’s history, culture, and innovation. Whether you're visiting for the first time or the fifteenth, there are must-see spots for every interest.

Start at Parliament Hill, where you can take a guided tour of Canada's government buildings or enjoy the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony in the summer. From there, explore the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that transforms from a scenic boating route in summer to the world’s largest skating rink in winter.

Families will love the Canadian Museum of Nature, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and Canadian Museum of History—all packed with interactive exhibits. Art lovers can spend hours at the National Gallery of Canada, home to Indigenous art, Canadian masterpieces, and international exhibitions.

For something a little different, take a haunted walk through the downtown core or hop aboard an amphibus tour that travels by land and water.

➡️ Check out our Ottawa Attractions Category for even more top-rated experiences.

Outdoor Adventures and Nature in Ottawa

Ottawa might be known for politics, but its outdoor offerings are just as powerful. With riverside trails, lush parks, and year-round recreation, it's easy to fill your days with fresh air and fun.

One of the best ways to explore the city is by biking or rollerblading along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River pathways. With kilometers of flat, scenic trails, they’re ideal for families, couples, or solo riders. In summer, rent a kayak or paddleboard and float past landmarks from a whole new perspective.

For more adventurous outings, head to Gatineau Park, just across the river. There you’ll find hiking trails with panoramic lookouts, lakes for swimming, and campgrounds for overnight stays. In the fall, the park becomes one of the best spots in Ontario for leaf-peeping.

When the snow arrives, Ottawa embraces winter with ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and popular festivals like Winterlude, which features ice sculptures, snow playgrounds, and the beloved Rideau Canal Skateway.

➡️ Plan your next adventure in our Outdoor Activities Category

Best Indoor Activities and Entertainment in Ottawa

Rainy day? Cold snap? No problem. Ottawa has no shortage of indoor fun to keep you entertained year-round. Whether you're after culture, games, or pampering, there's an experience waiting inside.

National museums are a top draw. Visit the Canadian Museum of History for interactive exhibits and artifacts or explore The Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War museum located in a real underground bunker. Art enthusiasts will appreciate local galleries, artist-run studios, and cultural centres scattered throughout the city.

Looking for something more high-energy? Test your skills in a local escape room, go bowling, visit a trampoline park, or play retro video games at one of Ottawa’s themed arcades. There are also creative workshops for pottery, painting, or mixology—ideal for group outings or date nights.

Don’t forget Ottawa’s independent cinemas, live music venues, and theatres, which host comedy shows, touring plays, and local performances that add charm to any evening out.

Food, Drinks, and Local Experiences in Ottawa

Ottawa’s food and drink scene reflects the city’s diversity, creativity, and love for local. Whether you’re wandering the ByWard Market or tucking into a neighbourhood favourite, there’s something delicious around every corner.

Start in the ByWard Market, where food stalls, bakeries, and international eats tempt every palate. Grab a BeaverTail, Ottawa’s iconic pastry, or browse local vendors for farm-fresh produce and handmade goods. Nearby, districts like Westboro, Hintonburg, and The Glebe offer trendy spots for brunch, craft beer, and global cuisine.

Craft beverage fans can tour local breweries and distilleries, many with inviting taprooms and seasonal patios. For a refined outing, visit Ottawa’s wine bars, farm-to-table restaurants, or sign up for a guided food tour that lets you taste the best the city has to offer.

Don’t miss seasonal food festivals like PoutineFest or Taste of Wellington, which showcase the capital’s passion for comfort food and community.

Plan Your Visit: The Best Things to Do in Ottawa

From Parliament Hill to hidden gems, ice skating to food festivals, and museums to hiking trails—Ottawa is filled with things to do for all ages and interests. Whether you're visiting solo, with kids, or on a romantic getaway, you'll find something exciting, relaxing, or delicious at every turn.

Use Summer Fun Guide to explore Ottawa by season, category, or neighbourhood. You’ll find insider tips, event listings, and hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

➡️ Explore Ottawa now
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Oh Canada EH? Dinner Show

330 Kent Street , Ottawa, Ontario

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613-793-2019

The Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Show is the original all-Canadian musical experience featuring 2 hours of Canadian songs, food & fun! Located in Ottawa Ontario, the award-winning Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show is a Musical Celebration of Canada for the enti... » More

Canadian Children's Museum (part of the Canadian Museum of History)

100 Laurier Street , Gatineau, Ontario

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1-800-555-5621 www.historymuseum.ca/children

The Canadian Children’s Museum reopens May 18 with your most-beloved destinations! Discover the world through play and family time. Safety measures include timed entry and enhanced cleaning measures. Pre-booking required. Limited capacity. Masks a... » More

Canadian Museum of History

100 Laurier Street , Gatineau, Ontario

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800-555-5621 www.historymuseum.ca

Experience Canada’s history in exciting new ways. The Canadian Museum of History is a destination of choice in the National Capital Region. An architectural jewel designed by Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal, the Museum is less than five minut... » More

Canadian Museum Of Nature

240 McLeod St , Ottawa, Ontario

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800-263-4433 www.nature.ca

Canada is all about nature. The beautiful vistas and wildlife you expect to see, you WILL see at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Just minutes from Parliament Hill, the Museum features world class galleries: See iconic mammals, Canada’s original col... » More

Visit Canada’s Parliament

Wellington St , Ottawa, Ontario

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1-866-599-4999 visit.parl.ca

Discover the centre of Canadian democracy with one of four free visitor experiences! Take a guided tour of the Senate of Canada Building, Ottawa’s former train station and a showpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture. Explore the House of Commons at W... » More

Royal Canadian Mint Tours

320 Sussex Drive , Ottawa, Ontario

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1-800-267-1871 www.mint.ca

The Royal Canadian Mint produces some of the world's most stunning collectible coins. The Mint’s hand-crafted collector and commemorative coins, gold bullion coins, medals and medallions are produced in a historic facility with advanced engineerin...

Canadian War Museum

1 Vimy Place , Ottawa, Ontario

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800-555-5621 www.warmuseum.ca

Canada's rich military history is showcased through artifacts, personal stories, artwork, photos and interactive presentations. Tour the extensive permanent exhibitions and expand your knowledge of the conflicts that shaped Canada, Canadians and t... » More

Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum

3929 Carp Road , Ottawa, Ontario

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613-839-0007 diefenbunker.ca

Ottawa’s immersive history destination. The Diefenbunker is Canada’s most significant surviving Cold War artifact — it is an impressive four-storey underground facility that operated as the country’s central communications headquarters during th... » More

Great Canadian Bungee Corporation

Morrison's Quarry, 1780 Quebec Rte 105 , Chelsea, Quebec

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819-459-3714 www.bungee.ca

Looking for the highest bungee jump in the land? Then look no further. Just 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa is "The Rock", home to Great Canadian Bungee's 200 ft. Goliath. Here you'll find one of the world's most spectacular and unique Bungee Jump... » More

Lady Dive Tours

44 Sparks St , Ottawa, Ontario

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613-524-2221 www.ladydive.com

Lady Dive started their Ottawa-Gatineau city tours in 1999 with it’s very popular and unique Amphibus vehicle and their Double Decker buses. Get your family ready for the thrill of a lifetime aboard the only Amphibus tour of the National Capital... » More

St-Albert Cheese Cooperative

150 St-Paul St , St-Albert, Ontario

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613-859-1110 www.fromagestalbert.com

Welcome to the curd capital! Each year, the Cheese Coop welcomes more than half a million visitors. Whether you’re on your way to Ottawa or Montreal, St-Albert Cheese Coop is the most popular gourmet attraction in the Eastern Ontario and an ideal ... » More

Bank of Canada Museum

30 Bank Street , Ottawa, Ontario

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613 782-8914 www.bankofcanadamuseum.ca

Enter the heart of the economic system and explore fun, hands-on, interactive exhibits that cover everything from how people’s expectations affect the health of an economy to how inflation targeting works (hint: you get to fly a rocket ship!). The... » More

Saunders Country Zoological Sanctuary

1058 County Rd #44 , RR # 1 Oxford Station, Ontario

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613-258-1108 www.saunderscountry.com

There is always something new at the Zoo. Babies being born, new critters arriving, new facilities being built. See over 60 species of animals from around the world with new ones all the time. A is for Agouti, Z is for Zebu & all the in betweens l... » More

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Top Things to do in Ottawa

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Things to Do in Ottawa

Must-Visit Attractions in Ottawa

Outdoor Adventures and Nature in Ottawa

Best Indoor Activities and Entertainment in Ottawa

Food, Drinks, and Local Experiences in Ottawa

Plan Your Visit: The Best Things to Do in Ottawa

Oh Canada EH? Dinner Show

Canadian Children's Museum (part of the Canadian Museum of History)

Canadian Museum of History

Canadian Museum Of Nature

Visit Canada’s Parliament

Royal Canadian Mint Tours

Canadian War Museum

Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum

Great Canadian Bungee Corporation

Lady Dive Tours

St-Albert Cheese Cooperative

Bank of Canada Museum

Saunders Country Zoological Sanctuary

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