Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Ottawa, Canada. #Top Attractions

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Bank of Canada Museum

Money does make the world go round.

Create your avatar and discover how essential you are to the economy. Hands-on exhibitions cover everything from the psychology of economic expectations to the history of banknote design.

Informative videos, multimedia stations, and old-school displays are interspersed among the high-tech interactive exhibitions.

This features years’ worth of economic relics, from shells previously used as money to banknotes made from tree bark and their history and lore.

They have a permanent exhibition, but they also have temporary exhibits like the history of Canadian money and the people featured on the notes.

The museum, housed in the Bank of Canada Building downtown, is committed to teaching people about the economy, Canada’s involvement in global markets, and the Bank of Canada’s role in all of this.

The Bank of Canada Museum is free to visit and offers guided tours if you wish to join in!

Learn more about Canadian Money and its history at The Bank of Canada Museum.

Address: 30 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G9, Canada

Byward Market

Stroll through this lovely market to see all that Ottowa has to offer.

The ByWard Market is a quick 10-minute walk from Parliament Hill and is a nice place to rest and refuel while visiting the city center.

It is one of Canada’s oldest and largest public marketplaces, stretching back to 1826, when the market was filled with horse-drawn carriages.

Local eateries, street cuisine, and sweet sweets are available for purchase. You’ll find artisan products, boutique shops, and local goods if you wish to shop. If you’re looking for a drink at night, there are plenty of busy clubs, authentic pubs, and even live music to choose from.

Basically, walk the ByWard Market area during the day and then again at night to get a different perspective on the city!

The four-block community hub is now a pedestrian-only zone with outdoor farmers’ market stalls, permanent indoor stores, and vendors selling anything from colorful crafts and gifts to Canadian-centric foods like BeaverTails and fresh maple delights.

Wander the Byward Market now.

Address: 55 ByWard Market Square; Ottawa, Ontario; K1N 9C3

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

People who love to fly see the sky as second nature.

This sprawling facility houses Canada’s national aviation history museum, which is located near Ottawa Rockcliffe Airport.

The museum’s collection of military and civilian aircraft spans a long period of Canadian aviation history, originating with the pioneer era and continuing through both World Wars to the present day.

Vintage bush planes from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, as well as military aircraft from both World Wars and the Cold War, are a big draw. The museum’s display of the remaining pieces of the Avro Arrow interceptor, which dates from the 1950s, is the most popular attraction.

A Space Shuttle Endeavor’s Canadarm, a Canadian-built robotic arm originally mounted on the International Space Station, is also on display at the museum.

On-site activities include guided tours, interactive exhibitions, demonstrations, and films.

Come and learn all about aviation and space here now.

Address: Rockcliffe Airport, 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa, Canada

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Learn where fuel for our bodies comes from.

At the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum in Ottawa, learn about Canada’s farming past, food literacy, and the connection between agricultural science and everyday living. Find out about canola, food preservation, and other topics. Meet horses, cows, alpacas, pigs, goats, lambs, rabbits, and full-grown and newborn animals!

The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is situated on the grounds of a functioning farm just outside of Ottawa.

The modern building is intended to show visitors how modern agricultural science and technological advancements have influenced the path of Canadian history and, as a result, the lives of Canadians.

In addition to an informative and guided farm tour, the museum has captivating displays, educational and community-based programming, and live demonstrations across the campus.

The topics of events, food availability, and livestock presentations change with the seasons to reflect the actual development of events on the farm throughout the year.

Learn more about the real farm-to-table experience now at Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.

Address: 901 Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa, ON K2C 3K1, Canada

Canadian Museum of Nature

Both museum and nature fans would love this place.

The Canadian Museum of Nature is an Ottawa-based natural history museum. The museum gives instruction and insight into several themes through interactive activities and interpretative educational tours.

It is Canada’s national natural science and history museum, and the historic structure (formerly the Victoria Memorial Museum) is where the country’s national museums began. In 1910, the construction of this castle-like structure was completed.

The Talisman Energy Fossil Gallery features dinosaur skeletons and demonstrations. At the same time, the Vale Earth Gallery displays geological forces, the rocks and minerals that shape the world, and the changes they have undergone over time. A mammal gallery also features mounts of various well-known Canadian animals, including moose, grizzly bears, caribou, cougars, and others.

Other exhibits focus on marine life, aviary species, live insects, and more. Each gallery has a variety of displays and exhibits and information and interactive elements.

The website calendar contains information regarding temporary, visiting, and exhibits.

Come and visit this museum now! There is undoubtedly something for everyone of all ages!

Address: 240 McLeod St, Ottawa, Canada

Canadian War Museum

“War does not determine who’s right, only who’s left.”

The Canadian War Museum is home to several galleries and displays that preserve and educate visitors about Canada’s military history. It is regarded as one of the top museums in the world for studying and comprehending armed conflicts.

The museum is noted for its distinctive and memorable curation, which emphasizes and underscores the human experience of warfare.

The Canadian War Museum began as a small collection of militia artifacts in 1880 and has since grown to house over 3 million war artifacts, specimens, artworks, documents, and even personal memoirs.

There are exhibits from the 16th century about battles between the French and the Iroquois to the Canadian commitment to the First and Second World Wars. There are also exhibits about the modern duty of peacekeepers.

The museum also has one of the best military collections in the world, with rare artillery, uniforms, vehicles, and medals in its renowned Beaverbrook Collection.

Visit this museum now to learn more about Canada’s war history.

Address: 1 Vimy PI, Ottowa, Ontario K1A 0M8

Hog’s Back Falls

Stroll by these lovely man-made falls.

Hog’s Back Falls is a succession of artistically created artificial waterfalls on the Rideau River. Visitors go to the bridge to gaze out over the rocky maze of flowing water as gentle sprays splash against their faces.

Hog’s Back Park, which spans over 20.8 hectares, was established in the 1950s. One of the most difficult dam-building efforts occurred at Hog’s Back during the construction of the Rideau Canal (1826–1832).

The park, which serves as an urban green area, comprises many heritage sites, including a pavilion and historical exhibits with explanatory material.

There are numerous kilometers of hiking trails and walking paths throughout the park, as well as picnic tables and a concession, stand with refreshments for sale.

The park is open from May to December, but the weather may affect the availability of on-site facilities.

Wander around and see these falls now when in Ottowa.

Address: Hog’s back falls, Ottowa, Canada

Laurier House

Why not visit the homes of some of Canada’s most notable leaders to learn more about the country’s rich history?

This National Historic Site is located in the Sandy Hill neighborhood of Ottawa. The mansion, once the private residence of two former Canadian Prime Ministers, is now a museum that offers guided tours and interpretative learning to the public. The house is decorated in period style and has original relics from the two presidents’ families.

The Laurier House is a historic mansion in downtown Ottawa that once served as the home of two notable Prime Ministers: William Lyon Mackenzie King and Sir Wilfrid Laurier.

There is also information on the prominent people who visited the house, including King George VI of the United Kingdom, Sir Winston Churchill, and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

During the summer, the house offers daily visits where you may discover more about the true lives of these great Canadian leaders. Also, the house hosts different activities and events, such as an afternoon sweet picnic tea on the veranda.

They also have an escape room called “Escape the Kitchen!” if you feel brave. “You must complete a recipe for the Prime Minister’s dinner party in a 1940s kitchen during World War II!

Experience going through this historical residence now and learn more about Canada’s history.

Address: 335 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6R4, Canada

Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo

It’s Canada’s largest exotic animal rescue center.

They have provided one of the most enjoyable and engaging ways to experience eco-education and zoology in Canada since 1995.

Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo is Canada’s zoo and animal rescue with Canada’s largest and most diverse animal education outreach program.

The zoo is home to Canada’s largest reptile and amphibian rescue. Its exhibits highlight individual animals while providing information about their natural habitats and personalities. Numerous animals are on show, including alligators, cobras, birds of prey, pythons, tarantulas, and rattlesnakes.

Educational events are held on the grounds throughout the zoo’s operating hours; these particular programs are geared toward animal advocacy, awareness, and science education. The zoo’s online schedule lists rotating exhibits with more animals and educational programs.

Since its founding, the nature center has had the largest and most diverse animal education outreach program in Canada, training zookeepers and zoo facilities both on and off-site.

Visit this one-of-a-kind rescue center now.

Address: 2781 Colonial Rd, Sarsfield, ON K0A 3E0

Major’s Park and The Canadian Tulip Festival

A beautiful park and amazing tulips.

Major’s Hill Park is located on the Rideau Canal at the Ottawa River’s mouth. Major’s Hill Park is a downtown urban green space located among several of Ottawa’s most significant structures, including Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, and the United States Embassy. The Byward Market and the Embassy

This park is popular because of its paved walking routes, historical information panels, well-kept gardens, open grassland, and picnic facilities.

The park also holds many other events, including Ottawa’s Canada Day celebrations.

Experience the Canadian Tulip Festival that happens annually in May. The tulips, gifted by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands in thanks for the city’s hospitality during WWII, blossom all around Ottawa during the spring celebration, signaling the end of winter. The canal banks, particularly at Commissioner’s Park, are the scene of widespread festivities.

Thousands of tulips bloom in Major’s Hill Park, southwest of the basilica. Several million tulips blossom in the city, with tulip attraction locations spread out along a gorgeous “Tulip Route,” as well as fireworks and shows.

Visit this park now and stroll around to see lovely sights.

Address: Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 1G8, Canada

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Maplelawn Garden

A historic two-story 19th-century mansion and a garden.

It is located in a prominent residential and business neighborhood. The estate has a circular driveway leading to an impressive front entry and comprehensive and beautiful gardens and grounds that add to the property’s glitz.

Because its grounds are the best preserved of the few known remaining examples of early 19th century walled gardens in Canada, Maplelawn & Gardens was designated a national historic site of Canada in 1989. This beautifully made residence in the British classical tradition is of remarkable quality.

The private house, built for William Thomson between 1831 and 1834, is a fine example of the British classical form, with its rectangular design, symmetrical façades, and centrally located main entrance. On the other hand, the casement windows are not typical of this style but rather show French-Canadian construction influences on Ottawa Valley residential architecture. A spacious entrance hall with a Neoclassical semi-elliptical arch at its midpoint graces the inside. Houses built at this time are known for gracefully curving staircases, paneled doors, and ceiling moldings.

Maplelawn is a beloved Ottawa landmark known for its distinctive heritage contribution, preservation qualities, and character-defining architecture.

Visitors can visit the site and the surrounding grounds and learn about the site’s 19th-century origins and contributions to Ottawa culture and history.

Visit these beautiful grounds now when in Ottowa.

Address: 529 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0G3, Canada

National Gallery of Canada

One of Canada’s most prestigious art galleries.

The National Gallery of Canada, also known in French as “Musée des Beaux-Arts du Canada,” designed by the amazing Moshe Safdie, is an architectural marvel with prism-like glass towers showing lines reflecting off the neighboring Parliament Buildings.

The structure itself, a large glass and granite, is known for contributing to Ottawa’s stunning skyline. The gallery was selected as one of the top 500 Canadian buildings built in the last 1000 years by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in 2000.

Paintings, prints, sketches, modern and contemporary art, sculptures, and photographs are among the works of art on display in the gallery’s interior. Many pieces by American and European artists are also on display. The gallery features both permanent and temporary exhibits.

The galleries inside one of North America’s important art museums present aboriginal art; chronicle the evolution of Canadian art from religious works through the Group of Seven; examine European Impressionism. And host temporary exhibitions.

The Inuit art rooms are on the bottom level, underneath the glass-enclosed Great Hall. Admission to this outstanding gallery is free on Thursdays from 5 pm to 8 pm.

View the amazing art at this premier art gallery now.

Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica

The basilica is Ottawa’s biggest and oldest church. It is classified as a “minor basilica,”—yet it is anything but “minor.”

You can find the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, parallel to the National Gallery, a spectacular Catholic basilica erected in 1846.

It is notable for its interior done by Philippe Parizeau, with mahogany carvings and statues made by Louis-Philippe Hébert of the four prophets, evangelists, and apostles.

There are windows made of stained glass that are especially beautiful. Between 1956 and 1061, Montreal artist Guido Nincheri made a set of 17 windows depicting episodes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary. This structure, which was started in 1841 and then finished in 1880, is Ottawa’s largest and oldest standing church.

The church is open to the public between May and October for guided tours. The tours give information on the church’s structure and history and current information about the parish.

It’s worth a visit because the cathedral was recognized as a National Historic Site in 1990.

Marvel is in awe at this grand cathedral now.

Address: 385 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa Art Gallery

A beautiful art gallery to match an even more beautiful city.

Visit this freshly expanded downtown gallery to explore local, national, and international artists in an airy, light-filled building. Step inside the brilliant cube for an unforgettable and free cultural encounter.

For a slightly more intimate experience of absorbing artwork, Ottawa’s local art gallery is the perfect option. The state-of-the-art venue houses a wide range of exhibits, from short films to captivating paintings and indigenous art.

Tablets are available for use if visitors require closed-captioning for films. Individuals with low vision may book an accessible tour with a guide ahead of time.

At the Ottawa Art Gallery, you may learn about Ottawa’s artistic past and present (OAG). Explore the realm of indigenous art, Spend time on the outdoor terraces, be creative in the studio, browse the OAG shop and Galerie Annexe for locally manufactured goods and regional art, and unwind at Jackson Café.

The OAG is a barrier-free environment with free entrance. Free childcare is available every Friday from 3 to 7 pm and during exhibition openings.

Everyone is welcome, and admission is free. So, visit now.

Address: 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, ON K1N 0C5, Canada

Ottawa Farmers Market

100 local vendors from anywhere around 100km, all in one place.

Over 100 vendors from all across Ottawa congregate each week at Lansdowne in the Glebe to sell everything, from fresh food to furniture.

The Ottawa Farmer’s Market is held outside the Aberdeen Pavilion during the summer. In the winter, it is stored inside the historic building. The market is typically open on Saturdays throughout the Christmas season.

The market features local farmers, small-batch artisan producers, and artists who grow, raise and make their own food, art, and crafts.

Locally produced vegetables, meats, and cheeses, as well as prepared delicacies created from scratch that you may take home or consume on-site, are available as well, depending on the season. Crafts, jewelry, and décor manufactured in the area are also available.

This market is open all year, with a winter market inside when the weather is cold and a summer market beginning in early May.

See all the great things to buy at the Ottowa Farmers Market.

Address: 015 Bank St, Ottawa, Canada

Parliament Hill and Buildings

Visit Parliament Hill to learn everything there is to know about Canadian democracy and history.

There are numerous sites of interest to visit when the Centennial Flame is burning. The Centre Block, East Block, and West Block are the names of the three structures.

The House of Commons is housed in the Centre Block, the primary structure. The vast Library of Parliament is located behind the block, facing the Ottawa River. The House of Commons is now housed in the West Block while the Centre Block is being renovated.

The East Block and the Parliamentary Library are known for their Victorian High Gothic architecture. It is the most original of the structures on Parliament Hill, having been built in 1859.

The grounds are much more than simply government; in the summer, there are even fireworks at Parliament and light festivals.

You can stroll the grounds and look at the statues, wonderful views, and other key sites of interest. You can also look at the buildings and enjoy the sun on the beautiful grass.

There’s also a fantastic summer pavilion with views of the river!

Come to Ottawa and visit Parliament Hill to learn more about Canada’s democracy and history.

Address: Wellington St, Ottawa, Canada

Peace Tower

This is the place to go if you’re looking for panoramic views of the city.

Parliament Hill, the entire city, the river, Gatineau, and the hills to the north are all visible from the observation deck at the top of the Peace Tower (Tour de la Paix), Ottawa’s highest point.

The tower was built to replace Victoria Tower, which burned down in 1916. It was rebuilt in the grandiose Victorian Gothic style to match the other buildings in the Parliamentary complex.

The Peace Tower, also known as the Tower of Victory and Peace, is a prominent feature of Ottawa’s skyline. It is over 300 feet tall and is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline.

The tower is located in the heart of Ottawa’s Parliamentary Hill, has a central bell and a clock, and acts as a national symbol; it is even shown on Canada’s twenty-dollar bill.

The bells of the tower may be seen from the elevator, and there is a memorial area for Canadian troops who died in the First World War, and it has a lot of symbolism, design elements, and architectural details that portray Canadian history.

See picturesque views now at the Peace Tower.

Address: Wellington St, Ottawa, Canada

Petrie Island

Believe it or not, you can go on an island getaway in Canada!

Petrie Island always has a place in the hearts of Orléans locals, as well as the numerous visitors. They come to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and engage in its many activities.

Every summer, visitors from Australia, Europe, and Asia flock to the area to enjoy the outstanding fishing. Many visit to enjoy the white sand beaches, Caribbean ambiance, and rejuvenating sunshine. Others come for canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, including anything from cute turtles to spectacular birds and wildflowers.

Picnicking on the island is popular with families, who swim in water frequently rated as the best of all Ottawa beaches. On the City of Ottawa’s website, you may discover results for beach water quality, which are reported daily during the summer.

The Friends of Petrie Island website has a wealth of information about Petrie Island. They also manage an informative center on the island with adult and family nature tours.

Following the activities, many guests prefer to dine on St-Joseph Boulevard, which has a broad range of eateries. Every palette has something delicious, from a fast poutine stop with the kids to a romantic Italian supper by candlelight with your loved one – and everything in between.

Visit Petrie Island now on your next trip to Ottowa.

Address: Orléans, ON, Canada

Rideau Canal

The most famous canal in the city.

The Rideau Canal, which is 200 kilometers long but just 1.6 meters deep, connects Ottawa and Kingston on Lake Ontario.

It was initially planned as a key route between Montréal and Lake Ontario, as proven by the military need for it during the war with the United States in 1812.

The canal and locks are a busy waterway in the summer. A Rideau Canal trip on one of the many tour boats that ply the water here is a fun thing to do (better yet, spend the night on an overnight canal cruise!).

When the canal freezes over, however, it becomes a popular venue for festivals and ice skating, making it one of Ottawa’s most popular winter activities.

One of the lovely buildings to see on the canal banks is Château Laurier. It was erected in 1912 and had the appearance of a medieval castle. It is a perfect example of how large Canadian railroad firms added grand hotels (and distinctive landmarks) around the country.

Wander around or ride a boat through the Rideau Canal now.

Address: Rideau Canal, Ottawa, Canada

Royal Canadian Mint

A fascinating place where Canadian coins were made.

While Canada’s circulating coins are no longer produced by the Royal Canadian Mint (Monnaie royale Canadienne), the Ottawa plant produces superbly designed medals, commemorative coins for collectors, and precious metal awards. Olympic medals are among them.

The Royal Canadian Mint’s headquarters are housed in a majestic historic structure in the heart of Ottawa.

The Mint was established in 1908 and continues to create collector and commemorative items such as handcrafted specialty coins, medals, medallions, and gold bullion coins today.

A guided tour and a boutique gift shop are available to the public at the headquarters. The tour is guided and participatory. It includes information on how coins are made, a viewing of medals from the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and information on the million-dollar coin, the world’s largest coin.

Visitors can even grip a genuine gold bar worth three-quarters of a million dollars throughout the tour.

Come and visit the Royal Canadian Mint now!

Address: 320 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Canada

Westboro Village

Come and wander through Ottawa’s trendiest village.

The stylish, energetic, and outdoorsy Westboro Village neighborhood is located just west of Wellington Village, where Wellington Street West meets Richmond Road.

The area was a rural village with scattered farmland in the early 1800s. In the 1870s, sawmills opened, luring employees and local businesses. An electric trolley began operating along what is now the Byron linear park and footpath in 1900, providing convenient access to downtown.

The neighborhood went through various changes, with the advent of the popular Canadian store Mountain Equipment Co-op sparking major gentrification in the 2000s (MEC). Other stores, pubs, and coffee shops followed suit, making Westboro one of the city’s most fashionable districts.

Richmond Road, Westboro’s pedestrian main strip, is lined with a variety of appealing shops. Fashion and accessories can be found all across the neighborhood, including the internationally renowned Roots. Explore natural wellness goods at Saje, kitchen utensils at Kitchenalia, and gorgeous Canadian art at Wall Space Gallery to improve your health and home life.

There are several options for foodies in Westboro, from food carts to luxury eateries; you will not leave hungry. Westboro is a hive of activity throughout the year, but especially during the summer.

Walk around this village now, surely there will be something for you.

Still wondering if you should visit Ottawa, Canada? Visit why visit Ottawa, Canada, at least once in your lifetime here.

Address: Westboro Village, Ottawa, Canada