It can be said that one of the most attractive and best cities you can go to is Ottawa. Canada’s capital city is home to some of the most iconic and historical sites, national museums, attractions, parks, and exquisite cuisine.
If Canada is on your bucket list to visit then Ottawa, the city where business and fun meet, is the first city you should visit. You will be pleasantly surprised by how much Ottawa has to offer.
Generally, you could spend days just walking from museum to museum, getting to know the history and exploring various boutiques in this vibrant town, and you will still have much more to see and experience.
Ottawa’s cuisine is as diverse and authentic as Canada itself. There are plenty of great restaurants you can visit in Ottawa. But some of the most famous restaurants have the most diverse food options that will satisfy any taste are:
- Le Cordon Bleu
- Atelier
- Mercadito
The best time to visit Ottawa would be in summer, but if you’re a person who enjoys snow, skating, and temperatures below freezing then you should visit in the wintertime. And the main activity you’ll probably enjoy doing is skating and skiing along Rideau Canal.
Finally, there’s no need to have second thoughts about visiting Ottawa, because you will definitely be satisfied with the trip and, who knows, maybe even meet some new people and form a lifelong friendship.
#1 Rideau Canal
If you’re planning to go to Ottawa then you must visit the historic Rideau Canal. One of the many interesting features of the Rideau Canal is the Stone Arch Dam at Jones Falls that was built in 1831 to flood a long series of rapids.
Regretfully, to visit some places like the nearby casino, which does have some excellent music performances, you would need to sacrifice the view. For that reason, many simply pick a bench near the water and play online casino games.
There are many pathways, parks, and gardens lining the Rideau Canal and during summer it’s very popular for cycling, running, exercising, and walking. And one activity that you must do during summer is to cruise the Rideau Canal.
The locale is also home to exciting nightlife, especially in the winter when it freezes over and can be walked upon. The nearby bars and cafes offer a cozy place to settle down when you are done enjoying the walk.
While in the winter you can go to the world’s largest skating rink known as the Rideau Canal Skateway. Each season, between January and March, millions of skaters partake in this amazing experience.
#2 Parliament Hill
If you’ve decided to visit Ottawa then one of the first places you should go to is Parliament Hill. This building is one of the most popular tourist attractions as well as home to the Parliament of Canada.
Parliament Hill consists of three buildings (East, West, and Centre Block). These neo-Gothic-style buildings were built between 1859 and 1927. Tours are available multiple times throughout the day and they last between 30 minutes to an hour.
If you are not a big fan of architecture and history, rather some group sports activities then maybe you’ll be interested in Parliament Hill Yoga. During the summer, every Wednesday at noot you can go on the front lawn and enjoy doing yoga with many other people.
#3 The By-Ward Market
When traveling, one of the most interesting things people enjoy doing is getting to know the cuisine of certain countries and cities. By-Ward Market is the oldest and at the same largest farmer’s market in Canada.
The trip to Ottawa simply cannot end until you take a walk through By-Ward Market. Some of the most iconic sites can be found in this neighborhood.
The By-Ward market was established in 1862 by Lieutenant Colonel John By and it was created with a purpose to support the builders of the Rideau Canal. But now it represents the home to unique shops and indoor food vendors.
The area of the By-Ward market is filled with many pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, and boutiques. It’s a place where there’s something for anyone. Whatever food you’re craving you will find it in the area.
It is also home to the Backpacker’s Inn, which is gauged specifically for travelers who want to see the city on foot.
Finally, if you want to have a truly local experience then you must visit Chateau Lafayette, the oldest bar in Ottawa.
#4 Canadian War Museum
Canadian War Museum is a place that covers hundreds of years of conflict and if you’re interested in getting to know the history then this is a must-see location on your bucket list.
The museum offers its visitors to learn about Canada’s military history through watching tanks, fighter jets, and all kinds of artillery pieces.
By watching art, uniforms, pictures, and reading and listening to personal stories you will understand more and you’ll be educated about the human cost of conflict.
The vast collection of the museum can be divided into four chronological galleries. So, if you want to learn about the history of conflicts in Canada up until 1885 go to the first gallery.
On the other hand, if you want to find out what was like in World War I then go to the second gallery, and if you’re interested in the Cold War and recent battles go to the fourth gallery.
#5 Major’s Hill Park
Major’s Hill Park is one of the most beautiful parks in downtown Ottawa and it represents a very peaceful retreat in the middle of the city.
This park is home to many of Ottawa’s exciting events like the celebration of Independence Day on July 1, the Tulip Festival which is in May, the Winterlude festival which is in February, and more.
Apart from being a great location for festivals, it is also a great place to have a picnic with your family or a partner while exploring the shores of the river. The park also offers spectacular views on some of the major Ottawa sites like Rideau Canal, Sussex Drive, National Art Gallery, Parliament Hall, Byward Market, and more.
