Apart from being the capital city, Ottawa, Canada, also offers some of the most amazing tourist attractions, world-class museums, and historical landmarks. It is a multicultural hub sitting on the southern bank of the Ottawa river. In this piece, we will talk about the five best things to do in Ottawa in 2022.
Before we move on, let us inform you that if you are a citizen of the United States, you need a valid US passport to fly to Ottawa. But if you are visiting by car, train, bus, or boat, all you need is proper identification and some basic requirements such as a passport card to enter the Canadian.
Without further ado, let us dive in!
Parliament hill
Parliament Hill is probably the most visited tourist attraction in Ottawa. It is a magnificent exhibit of Gothic architecture and sits in the city center while giving fantastic views of the Ottawa river. It has three important buildings and a lush and expansive formal garden. These grounds are often used for various celebrations, shows, and demonstrations. As a visitor, you can find tours throughout the day both in English and French.
Rideau Canal
Rideau Canal is an important landmark of Ottawa and an unmissable part of this list. It runs through the center of the city and connects Ottawa to Lake Ontario after running for about 125 miles. It is known for the beautiful pathways that run along it, perfect for running, cycling, or sightseeing. When the water freezes, this canal becomes really popular among ice skaters.
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica is one of the historical landmarks of Ottawa situated in the Lower Town neighborhood. It is an exquisitely detailed marvel of Neo-Classical architecture and also happens to be the oldest and largest church in Ottawa. It is open for public tours from May to October. In these guided tours, visitors learn the background and church’s construction history, along with information about recent times.
National Gallery of Canada
National Gallery of Canada is one of the most outstanding and premier art galleries in all of Canada. It is situated in downtown Ottawa and is known for its prized collection. The building itself is a matter of awe and inspiration, as it is a massive structure made of glass and granite. It is one of those buildings that add to the beauty of Ottawa’s picturesque skyline.
Canadian War Museum
The Canadian war museum lies on the banks of the Ottawa river and happens to be both a museum and a memorial to the country’s martial history. It has impressively modern architecture that houses wonderful exhibits reflecting the contributions of Canada in the first and second world wars. It was opened in 1942 and has a collection of over three million mementos such as uniforms, tanks, planes, weapons, and a WWI trench replica.
