Oh Ottawa! Or why we love Canada’s capital

Autumn is a special time to visit the Ottawa area, as vibrant fall colors provide stunning backdrops to national sites, historic waterways and eclectic neighborhoods. Each year fall celebrations and activities attract thousands of people to nearby Gatineau Park – a bucolic conservation area just a 15-minute drive from Parliament Hill.

Top things to do while in Ottawa

Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill, as the center of Canada’s federal government and the venue for year-round national celebrations, stands out as Ottawa’s most popular attraction. In the summer months, the front lawn of Parliament Hill serves as the stage for the daily Changing of the Guard, while each evening, a remarkable Sound and Light show takes place, featuring breathtaking lighting effects and mesmerizing giant images projected onto the Parliament Buildings, accompanied by captivating music and narration. The best part is that both events are free of charge.

  • Canadian Parliament Buildings in autumn seen from Major's Hill Park in Ottawa, Canada
  • Parliament of Canada, Peace Tower, Canadian Flags, Ottawa
  • Parliament Hill atop a dramatic hill overlooking the Ottawa River in Ottawa, Ontario in autumn. Parliament Hill is home to Canada's federal government and is the centrepiece of Ottawa’s downtown landscape. Ottawa is known for is high-tech business sector, vast array of museums and high standard of living.
  • The Library of Parliament and the Parliament of Canada Peace Tower as seen from the Ottawa River lookout.
  • Ottawa, Canada - October 11, 2014: The outside of the National Gallery of Canada in the morning. People can be seen outside
  • The Library of Parliament and the Parliament of Canada Peace Tower as seen from the Ottawa River lookout.
  • Ottawa, Canada - May 26, 2015: The Canadian Museum of History (formerly the Canadian Museum of Civilization) is a modern building designed by Douglas Cardinal
  • A winter night shot of the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

National Cultural Attractions

Ottawa’s array of cultural attractions, museums, and galleries offers a comprehensive showcase of the best that Canada has to offer. From the magnificent National Gallery of Canada, exhibiting art of international acclaim, to the compelling Canadian War Museum, these venues truly breathe life into Canadian culture for every visitor. Additionally, make the most of your visit by taking advantage of the National Museums Passport, allowing you to save while exploring three of the seven national museums over a span of three days!

ByWard Market

During the day, the ByWard Market, a captivating historic farmers’ market and shopping district, thrives as a bustling hub. As the sun sets, it transforms into a vibrant social scene, cherished for its multitude of restaurants and clubs. Situated just east of Parliament Hill, this vibrant neighborhood in Ottawa is an absolute must-visit.

  • Ottawa, Canada. September 27, 2019: People sit outside the Byward Market in Ottawa.
  • Ottawa, Canada - October 2, 2013: Part of Byward Market in Ottawa showing stalls and buildings. People can be seen near the building.
  • Ottawa, Canada - October 11, 2014: Shoppers at Byward Market in Ottawa during the day. Various fruit and vegetables can be seen.
  • Ottawa, Canada - November 5, 2012: Car Light Trails in front of Ottawa's Byward Market Building on a Clear Night
  • Ottawa City and River
  • Ottawa Locks of the Rideau Canal, Canada
  • A beautiful view of the Parliament Hill area in Ottawa in Autumn
  • Ice skating on the Rideau Canal (UNESCO) in Ottawa, Ontario Canada (Ice skating on the Rideau Canal

UNESCO Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal, a historic waterway, becomes a haven for boaters from spring through fall, while transforming into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink during winter. It gracefully winds its way through the heart of Ottawa, eventually joining the Ottawa River through a series of striking stepped locks located in close proximity to Parliament Hill.

The Outdoors – Adventure

Try whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Ottawa River, some of the continent’s finest, then top it off with some bungee jumping. The Ottawa region is also a cycling enthusiast’s dream destination, with around 800 kilometres (497 miles) of recreational pathways linking natural areas, parks, gardens and national sites.

  • "Gatineau, Canada - June 19, 2012: Two cyclists riding along the scenic cycling path with Parliament Hill in Ottawa in the background"
  • Young man bungee jumping over river.
  • Woman Kayaking
  • Young Girl in Yellow Kayak
  • Full background of colorful roasted autumn vegetables, above view
  • restaurant, gourmet, vegetarian food and drink,
  • Autumn pecan pie, overhead table scene with cut slice on a rustic wood background
  • Tourists are taking pictures with the Ottawa sign installed at Inspiration Village. It's known for its colorful street art and trendy stores in Ottawa,Canada.

Culinary scene

Ottawa’s culinary scene is flourishing, boasting a vibrant community of talented chefs and a wide range of restaurants gaining recognition both locally and internationally. For a delightful exploration of multiple dining venues in a single outing, consider booking a dining tour of one of Ottawa’s fantastic neighborhoods. Ottawa Tasting Tours and Experience Food are excellent choices that handle all the arrangements on your behalf. Alternatively, indulge in a guided gourmet food tour to discover a variety of food shops, farmers’ markets, and restaurants.

Performing Arts

As the Capital’s foremost destination for performing arts, the National Arts Centre offers an extensive array of music, dance, and theatrical performances, as well as highly acclaimed touring acts and shows. Additionally, Ottawa boasts a vibrant local theatre scene, with notable venues such as the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa Little Theatre, The Gladstone, and La Nouvelle Scène.

  • Open-air theather in Ottawa
  • Ottawa, Canada - July 3 2017: Phase 1 of the 110.5 million dollar renovation of the National Arts Centre, featuring the new glass atrium. The new building was first made available for public tours on July 1, Canada Day.
  • Group of happy people watching funny movie in the cinema. Close up of faces.
  • Slow motion of actors and actresses bowing to audience in a theater
  • Ottawa, Canada - September 12, 2011: Ottawa is Canada capital, in the east of southern Ontario. Sitting on the Ottawa River, it has at its centre Parliament Hill, with grand Victorian architecture and museums such as the National Gallery of Canada.
  • "Ottawa, Canada - May 29, 2010: Thousands of people gather at the annual Glebe neighborhood garage sale which takes place for several blocks in the Glebe area of Ottawa."
  • Ottawa, Canada - October 11, 2014: Shoppers at Byward Market in Ottawa during the day. Various fruit and vegetables can be seen.

Neighbourhoods/Shopping

Ottawa’s diverse neighbourhoods provide a wealth of distinct shopping, dining, and nightlife experiences throughout the Capital. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant ByWard Market, immersing yourself in the community ambiance of the Glebe, or embracing the trendy atmosphere of Wellington West, each neighborhood offers its own unique local flavor to discover and enjoy in Ottawa’s eclectic districts.

Source: https://www.ottawatourism.ca/ 

GETTING AROUND OTTAWA

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