11 Things to Do in Ottawa

Ottawa, the city of sophisticated explorers, is a destination that perfectly combines its rich history with its vibrant cultural life in both English and French.

If you are passionate about museums, cultural events and natural landscapes, this Canadian city has everything you are looking for. Around every corner, you'll discover a new adventure: from imposing buildings such as the Parliament, to its sporting activities, to the tulips that colour the spring. Whether you prefer a peaceful boat trip on the Rideau Canal or an eclectic tour, here are 11 things to see and do in Ottawa to discover its charm in detail.

One of the most relaxing things you can do in Ottawa is take a boat trip on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. This historic canal stretches for about 200 kilometres and connects Ottawa with Lake Ontario.

As you sail along, you will have the opportunity to see important Ottawa landmarks, such as Parliament, while immersing yourself in the tranquillity of the water. It is an ideal experience for any season, although in winter the canal boasts the world's largest ice skating rink.

On the other hand, if you plan your visit among the things to do in Ottawa in summer, you can go boating or kayaking. It is perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of the city from a different perspective.

Details of interest

• Duration: between 1 and 2 hours.
• What you should know: there are different boat tour options, from sightseeing tours to more intimate sunset cruises. Advance booking is recommended, especially in summer.

The Canadian War Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Canada's military history. This museum has an impressive collection of military artefacts, uniforms, vehicles and weapons that have witnessed some of the most crucial moments in the history of the country and the world.

Its eight permanent exhibitions cover everything from the first wars on Canadian soil to the global conflicts of the 20th century. In addition to the exhibitions, the museum offers a reflective approach to the consequences of war, promoting peace and understanding.

Details of interest

• Duration: approximately 2 hours.
• What you should know: the museum is open Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., however, every Thursday between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. there is special access with free admission. The museum has temporary exhibitions, so there is always something new to see.

The ByWard Market is known not only for its crafts and fresh produce, but also for its diverse culinary scene. A tour of this market will allow you to sample iconic dishes from Ottawa and Canadian cuisine in general, such as the authentic boeuf fumé sandwich, big eye tuna and, of course, a serving of poutine.

On the other hand, when you sign up for a food tour of the ByWard Market, the famous "beaver tail"(beaver tails with honey), the Canadian version of doughnuts, a wide variety of artisanal cheeses and local beer are also added to the table. In addition, many of the restaurants and cafés in the area offer dishes that combine fresh local ingredients with international influences. This tour is ideal for food lovers who want to explore authentic flavours while learning about the local culture.

Details of interest

• Duration: between 1 and 2 hours, depending on how many stops you make.
• What you should know: I recommend taking the tour with a guide to discover the best places and learn the history behind each dish. This is a traditional market dating back to 1827, and it houses around 600 stalls. In addition, several restaurants offer tasting menus that are well worth trying.

Exploring Ottawa from land and water is possible thanks to the fun amphibious buses. This unique mode of transport takes you on a panoramic tour of at least 15 of the city's main attractions, from Parliament Hill, the Prime Minister's official residence, and the Canadian Museum of History (yes, the translation sounds a bit mixed up, but these are new changes that have been implemented), to the Rideau Canal, and then continues its journey by sailing along the Ottawa River.

It's one of the most exciting ways to discover the city, while learning interesting facts and anecdotes about each site visited. The experience is perfect for the whole family and gives you a complete overview of Ottawa.

Details of interest

• Duration: 60 to 90 minutes.
• What you should know: this type of experience can be enjoyed on the regular route with 15 attractions or on the wine tour to sample local ciders and wines in front of one of the parks. It is also possible to hire the buses for private events.

Ottawa has an extensive network of trails that are ideal for exploring by bicycle. One of the most popular routes is along the Ottawa River, where you can enjoy a relaxing ride while taking in sights such as the Wildlife Garden, a bird paradise, or the curious Lansdowne Park.

As you ride along the river, you will also pass other iconic sites such as the Aviation and Space Museum and the entertaining Jacques Cartier Park. It is a perfect activity to enjoy with family or friends, as well as being an eco-friendly way to get to know the city. For this activity, you have the option of booking a tour or renting a bicycle in Ottawa to follow your own route and personalise your ride.

Details of interest

• Duration: approximately 2-4 hours, depending on your itinerary for the day.
• What you should know: it is advisable to bring at least one bottle of water and sunscreen during the warmer months. Some sections of the trails are connected to parks, so you can also enjoy an outdoor picnic.

Since 1866, one of Ottawa's symbols has been its majestic Parliament. This architectural complex located on Wellington Street, which houses the Canadian government, is situated on a hill overlooking the Ottawa River, which you can even reach by tourist bus, offering one of the best views of the Canadian capital.

The Parliament of Canada is not only a place to admire its Gothic architecture, but also to learn about the country's political history. Guided tours take you on a walk through the Central Building, which includes the House of Commons and the Senate.

On the other hand, during the summer months, the Changing of the Guard is a popular attraction that you should not miss. It takes place every day during this season at 10:00 a.m., while the rest of the year it is held once a week.

Details of interest

• Duration: guided tours last 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the areas of the complex you choose when booking your ticket.
• What you should know: Tours are offered in English and French. You also have the option of choosing a sign language tour at no extra cost, but you must book in advance.

Ice hockey is Canada's national sport. In fact, some describe it as "Canada's religion," and the federal capital is home to the Ottawa Senators, one of the most important teams in the NHL. Attending a hockey game at the Canadian Tire Centre is a unique experience, where you can feel the passion for this sport in an adrenaline-filled atmosphere.

Whether you're a hockey fan or just looking to experience life like a true Canadian, watching the Senators play at home will allow you to immerse yourself in the sporting culture that permeates the atmosphere. From the first face-off to the last goal, the energy of the fans is contagious and there will be no shortage of spectacular plays on the ice.

Details of interest

• Duration: an ice hockey game lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including intermissions.
• What you should know: Most games are played at the Canadian Tire Centre, located about 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa. It is advisable to purchase your ticket to a hockey game at the Canadian Tire Centre in advance, as tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially for the most important games.

The Notre-Dame Basilica of Ottawa is one of Ottawa's most beautiful religious buildings and the city's oldest place of worship, dating back to 1832.

Its imposing neo-Gothic façade, carved wood details inside the temple and vibrant stained glass windows make it a must-see for architecture lovers. The basilica also has a rich history related to Ottawa's Francophone community and continues to be an active venue for religious ceremonies and cultural events.

Details of interest

• Duration: between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
• What you should know: The basilica is open to the public year-round from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but be sure to check the schedule if you wish to attend a mass or concert. Admission is free, and you can attend a mass or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the place.

Ottawa is known for its thriving craft beer scene, and one of the best places to enjoy this experience is on Wellington Street. This iconic avenue is not only home to a wide variety of traditional and modern pubs, but also offers a fascinating cultural tour of some of the city's most important landmarks.

In the area, you'll find places like Tooth and Nail Brewing Company with its exquisite combination of ancient art and avant-garde style. You'll also be very close to the traditional Beyond the Pale Brewing with its extensive catalogue of beers and otherworldly flavours. Not sure where to start? Then I recommend hopping on the Brew Donkey, the city's beer bus, known for its creativity and quality.

And if you prefer to try your luck by randomly entering one of the more than 20 pubs you'll see during your tour of Wellington Street, you'll likely come across Library and Archives Canada, where the country's historical heritage is preserved. You're also likely to come across the Supreme Court of Canada. What's more, if you want an unforgettable evening, buy tickets for dinner and a show at Oh Canada Eh?, which is in the same area, making it a complete tour.

Details of interest

• Duration: the tour of Wellington Street can take between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the stops you make at pubs and monuments, as well as the type of visit you choose.
• What you should know: in addition to enjoying a good beer, you will be walking past some of Ottawa's most important buildings, very close to the Rideau Canal. Take the opportunity to explore Chinatown and Little Italy, two neighbourhoods that are just a stone's throw away and offer a unique cultural and gastronomic experience. It is advisable to book a guided tour to learn more about the beer-making process and get the most out of your visit.

Commissioner's Park is a true urban oasis in Ottawa. Throughout the year, you can enjoy its trails, green areas perfect for picnics and events, with beautiful views of Dows Lake.

On the other hand, Commissioner's Park is one of the favourite destinations for locals and tourists during the famous Tulip Festival. Every spring, thousands of tulips of all colours bloom, transforming the park into a visual spectacle.

This annual event celebrates the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands and has become an unmissable tradition. However, the park is beautiful all year round, whether you are looking for a quiet place to relax or a picturesque setting to exercise, this park has something for everyone.

Details of interest

• Duration: Visitors spend an average of 4 to 6 hours in this park.
• What you should know: The Tulip Festival takes place in May, but the park is open all year round. During the festival, there are also exhibitions and cultural activities in the surrounding area.

The National Gallery of Canada is an iconic place for lovers of contemporary art. Its impressive modern architecture houses a vast collection of Canadian and international art, including paintings, sculptures and photographs.

Here you can appreciate masterpieces in thematic sections such as Canadian, European, Indigenous and Asian art, sketches, photographs and more. Iconic artists such as Emily Carr and Tom Thomson are among those with permanent exhibitions in the gallery.

In addition, its contemporary art section offers a fresh perspective on current trends. Don't miss Louise Bourgeois' famous sculpture, the giant spider called "Maman", located outside, which has become a symbol of the gallery.

Details of interest

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
• What you should know: the gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. With your ticket, you can access the free audio tour service by scanning the QR code for each work you are interested in.