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.

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.

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.

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.

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.