Ottawa is the capital of Canada and also the fourth-largest city in the country. As the political center of Canada, Ottawa receives millions of visitors each year.
You’ll hear both English and French spoken here in the streets, as it’s located in Ontario at the Quebec border. Visitors can discover Canada’s proud heritage at many of the city’s national sites and landmarks.
A great way to save money on accommodations in the city is to book your hotel through Booking.com. I was able to save a lot of money by using Booking.com for my trip to Ottawa.
A great way to explore Ottawa is to take a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. You’ll get the opportunity to see over 75 sites including Parliament Hill, Canadian Museum of History, Notre Dame Basilica and more!
This is a fun way to experience Ottawa’s cool neighborhoods and landmarks.
If you’re planning a trip to Ottawa for the first time, make sure you don’t miss the following 10 attractions!
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1. Head to Parliament Hill
Canada is fortunate enough to have some of the most beautiful Parliament buildings in the world.
Visitors can discover more about the history of Canada’s parliament buildings with a free guided tour of Centre Block. This building is home to the Senate, House of Commons and Library of Parliament.
Each morning during summer months, visitors can witness the daily Changing of the Guards ceremony on the front lawn of Parliament.
In the evenings, there is also a beautiful Sound and Light show which displays projected images on the Parliament buildings. Both events are free which make this a must-visit attraction in Ottawa.
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2. Explore Byward Market
A trip to Ottawa would not be complete without a visit to this historic market. Here visitors can explore unique shops and boutiques, dine at some of the city’s best restaurants and enjoy one of Canada’s most popular desserts – Beavertails.
A fun way to experience By Ward Market is to take a food and drink tour.
This popular tasting experience gives you the opportunity to listen to stories and history of Ottawa while enjoying 9 food samples and 2 alcoholic beverages. You can click here to learn more.
3. Grab brunch at one of Ottawa’s delicious restaurants
Weekends in Ottawa were made for starting the day with a nice brunch and good company. Head to one of Ottawa’s best brunch spots, such as Jak’s Kitchen where they source locally-grown and organic ingredients for their dishes.
If you have a sweet tooth in the morning, why not head to Suzy Q for the city’s best gourmet donuts.
When searching for places to eat, I also recommend reading reviews on Tripadvisor. This website is a great place to search for reviews on restaurants, attractions, and hotels in Ottawa.
By checking reviews ahead of time, you can gain insider tips to make your trip to the city even better!
4. Browse the shops at Rideau Centre
Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, Rideau Centre is the city’s leading shopping destination.
With over 20 million annual visitors, this three-level shopping center is home to some of the biggest names in fashion, beauty, dining and more.
5. Marvel at Rideau Canal
Rideau Canal is Ontario’s only UNESO World Heritage Site and a must-visit attraction in Ottawa.
During the spring and summer months, this historic waterway is filled with boaters and transforms into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink in the winter.
6. Tour one of Ottawa’s cultural attractions
Ottawa is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the country.
From the National Gallery of Canada, which holds a world-class collection of art displays, to the Canadian Museum of Nature, where visitors can discover natural history and artifacts, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
7. Admire the beauty of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
As Ottawa’s oldest standing and largest church, this national historic site is a must visit. The interior of the church is brightly painted and decorated with beautiful stained glass windows and statues of various religious figures.
8. Attend one of Ottawa’s festivals
Ottawa holds a number of festivals and events year round, including the biggest party in the country on Canada Day.
In the winter, visitors can attend Ottawa’s famous Winterlude and enjoy some of the best music at the Ottawa Jazz Festival during the summer.
9. Have an outdoor adventure
Ottawa is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. During the summer months, I recommend white water rafting or kayaking on the Ottawa River.
Visitors can also explore the nature trails during the winter at Gatineau Park or cycle one of the many recreational pathways.
Related: 10 amazing bucket list adventures to have in Canada
10. Visit Ottawa’s unique neighborhoods
One of the best ways to get to know a new city is to explore its unique and vibrant neighborhoods. Just make sure to bring a pair of comfortable shoes.
Whether you’re on foot or bicycle, some of the best neighborhoods to visit include Downtown Rideau, Chinatown and Little Italy. Here visitors will find distinctive shopping, dining and nightlife.