Things to do in Ottawa

Activities, attractions and tours

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Ottawa travel guide

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Tours & day trips

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Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Sentier des Cimes Laurentides Scenic Views and Mont Tremblant

Food, drink & nightlife

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Oh Canada Eh!? Ottawa Dinner Musical with Live Music and Comedy

Adventure & outdoor

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Ottawa City One Day Tour

Free cancellation available

What to do in Ottawa

Popular places to visit

Canadian Tire Centre

Catch an event at Canadian Tire Centre during your trip to Ottawa. Discover the top-notch restaurants and great live music in this family-friendly area.

Parliament Hill

Spend a day enjoying the lively debates, artworks, library and Gothic Revival architecture of Canada’s political heart.

Byward Market Square

Fresh local produce, artisanal handicrafts and historic courtyards are some of the many features of Ottawa’s oldest and busiest market.

Carleton University

Explore the campus of Carleton University as part of your travels around Ottawa. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

University of Ottawa

Enjoy the student vibe at University of Ottawa during your visit to Ottawa. Experience the fascinating museums or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

Casino du Lac Leamy

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Casino du Lac Leamy during your visit to Gatineau? Experience the acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

Rideau Canal

This engineering and scenic marvel fills with pleasure craft in summer and transforms into the world’s longest naturally frozen skating rink in winter.

Canadian Museum of History

Traverse 20,000 years of Canadian history in just one day at Ottawa’s treasure house of culture.

Rogers Centre Ottawa

Learn about the events happening in Rogers Centre Ottawa during your trip to Ottawa. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries in this walkable area.

Areas of Ottawa

Downtown Ottawa

4/5(51 area reviews)

Discover art, delve into history and savor natural beauty in the heart of Canada’s national capital, a delightful blend of old and new.

Kanata

Kanata is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Canadian Tire Centre and Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre while you're in town.

Nepean

Nepean is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Nepean Sportsplex and Centrepointe Theatre while in the area.

Gloucester

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Gloucester. Top attractions like Place D'Orleans Shopping Center and Ernst & Young Centre are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Blair Station or Cyrville Station to see more of the city.

ByWard Market

A noteworthy feature of ByWard Market is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

South End

Consider a visit to South Keys Shopping Centre and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in South End. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Greenboro Station or Confederation Station.

Kemptville

young woman paddling a green canoe solo on a river with trees clad in freshly fallen snow in the background room for text shot on the ottawa river in eastern ontario canada

Clarence-Rockland

Frequently asked questions

Is Ottawa worth visiting?

One of the most popular things to do in Ottawa is visit Canadian Museum of History. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of the area's culture and history.

How do I spend a day in Ottawa?

Kick your day off with a visit to Canadian Museum of History and Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Then, explore other parts of Ottawa for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.

What is the top tourist attraction in Ottawa?

Canadian Museum of History is one of the top tourist attractions in Ottawa and should be high on every to-do list of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Ottawa?

Three days in Ottawa is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travellers book for two days on average. Canadian Museum of History, Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Canadian Museum of Nature are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Gatineau.

Is Ottawa a walkable city?

It all depends on what you want to do and see in Ottawa. Several attractions, like Canadian Museum of History and Canadian Museum of Nature, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Ottawa's neighbourhoods, Downtown Ottawa is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Byward Market - Parliament Hill is 0.97 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Ottawa with kids?

If you're looking for activities and attractions for all ages, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Ottawa with kids.

What to do in Ottawa for adults?

Funhaven Entertainment Centre and Parliament Hill are just two of the things to do in Ottawa. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.

Are there free things to do in Ottawa?

One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Ottawa is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Major's Hill Park is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.