City: Ottawa
Top Things to do in Ottawa
Top Restaurants in Ottawa
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Ottawa, Canada
Canada's capital is a compact, clean, cleverly planned center of culture and politics and a destination for every season. Start downtown at the architecturally stunning National Gallery of Canada, and don't miss the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Rideau Canal offers boating in the summer and turns into the world’s largest skating rink when frozen in the winter. Gatineau Park attracts cyclists and walkers, while Byward Market blends old and new Ottawa.
Restaurants in Ottawa
1. Royal Canadian Mint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,162 reviews
Producing coins since 1908, this excellent collecting resource features gold, silver and platinum coins commemorating Canada's heritage.
Reviewed By 650StacyM - Kernersville, United States
This wasn't on my radar to see but came highly recommended by a friend. It didn't disappoint. I was early and was the only person on the tour. My guide was very knowledgeable and patient with all my questions. It was exciting to see the gold and silver rolls. It also helped getting to see the equipment and workers in action as my guide was explaining the process. The tour was the perfect length for learning about the operation and history as well as being able to see the process. I loved learning the trivia regarding the direction of the profiles on their currency. Especially interesting was the story behind the 2010 Olympic medals all forming a puzzle when they are all put together. The gift shop offers some unique gift options as the commemorative coins cover a lot of different interests and subjects. Don't miss getting to pick up the solid gold bar, which feels much heavier than 28 pounds. Go during the week so you can see the place in action. I don't think it would've been quite as impactful without that. It was fun, interesting and a wonderful surprise all around.
2. Rideau Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 609 reviews
Rideau Hall is the official residence and workplace of every governor general since 1867. This national historic site, situated in an idyllic 79-acre urban oasis, is located only a few minutes from downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.
Reviewed By H317SFjasonr - Kitchener, Canada
Great tour with Rebecca, shared lot’s of great information about the history of the Hall, history of our Governor Generals, and honours/awards celebrated at this historic sight for Canadians.
3. Canadian War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,545 reviews
The Canadian War Museum is more than a museum that is internationally renowned for its symbolic architecture; it is synonym for inspiring and touching stories. Canada's rich military history is showcased through personal stories, artwork, photographs and interactive presentations. Tour the extensive permanent exhibitions and expand your knowledge of the conflicts that shaped Canada, Canadians and the world, as well as the roll Canadians played in them.
Reviewed By Expedition211142 - Victoria, Canada
I spent the better part of 4 hours here visiting the numerous rooms depicting Canada's Military History, watching several short videos, and looking at the 3 dozen or so collection on military vehicles and weapons. This is a must see place in Ottawa when you are there. There is also a nice gift shop for souvenirs.
4. Central Experimental Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
This 500-hectare working farm serves as an experimental station for both farmers and food manufacturers.
Reviewed By Jeb12342020 - Westport, Canada
Going in the spring to see the baby animals is such a highlight for the whole family. It is always so informative and the staff are really engaging for the kids.
5. Parliament Hill and Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,514 reviews
Three Gothic Revival-style buildings, located on a 170-foot bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, house the offices of the members of Parliament, the House of Commons and the Senate. Free guided tours delve into Canadian history and explain the workings of the political system.
Reviewed By ephesians5 - Toronto, Canada
There is much to see inside and around Parliament Hill, especially during summer time. At 10:00 am is the Change of the GuardsCeremony. There are free tours for the Parliament building (Centre Block and East block tours), which require to line up fro tickets for a set time. The Parliament Hill building is Gothic Revival housing a beautiful library at the back of the building. This is the only room that survived the Parliament fire. The surrounding area around the Parliament Hill Buildings have many statues and offers a beautiful view of Ottawa National Gallery, the Cathedral, and the Canada Museum of History across the river, to mention a few sights. Ottawa is very green, clean and easy to walk. In the evening, the Northern Lights- Sound and Light Show presents the narrated Canadian History in English and French, projecting the lights and images on to the Parliament building. It was preceded by fireworks. The show was spectacular, very high quality images, well told history at a good pace. It was quite emotional at the end when people stands and sing the national anthem! This show will end on Labour Day. Bring a blanket or portable chair. There is free parking at Metcalfe street and Albert Street on the weekends, but it fills quickly, especially for the evening light show. A good paid parking is at the National Arts Centre.
6. Laurier House National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Entering the former residence of two of Canada’s most important Prime Ministers is like stepping into the inner sanctum of our country’s political history. For over fifty years this Second Empire mansion in downtown Ottawa was at the heart of Canadian political life, serving as the residence of both Sir Wilfrid Laurier and the Rt. Hon. William Lyon Mackenzie King. Here they entertained dignitaries and politicians while often conducting the business of state.
Reviewed By klam_chowder8
Were very pleasantly surprised by the engaging staff, who are enthusiastic to share their knowledge and stories of the house and its collection. This wonderfully preserved home is chocked full of an incredible number of authentic artifacts (not replicas) - definitely worth a visit to the residence of two of our Prime Ministers (Sir Wilfred Laurier and Lyon Mackenzie King). The staff let visitors freely browse, but every one we asked a question had very interesting insights to share - take the time to chat with them!
7. Nepean Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Lookout offering a beautiful view of the city and a commemorative statue of Canada's founder, Samuel de Champlain.
Reviewed By BeyondPrague - Brno, Czech Republic
I was directed to Napean Point by the people working in the tourist information centre across the street from the Parliament buildings. I was quite disappointed to see that the front of the Parliament was heavily obstructed by construction equipment that will be part of a 10 to15 year upgrade to the structure. Happily, the back of Parliament was still reasonably unobstructed at the time I visited the city and Napean Point was a great place to see it from. Beyond the view of Parliament, the entire panorama of the Ottawa River with Ottawa on one side and Gatineau on the other is quite something to take in from this vantage point. Definitely reccommended!
8. Notre Dame Basilica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,340 reviews
This beautiful and ornate gothic-style cathedral is recognized by its twin spires.
Reviewed By michaelrG7733SL - Wagga Wagga, Australia
Not being religious we still wanted to see Notre Dame and were not disappointed. The building is old and spectacular and reverential. We were lucky in that the Basilica was hosting a female choir at the time so we had the pleasure of exploring the marvelous stained glass windows and ornate columns whilst listening to their pleasant singing. There was a queue to get in and we had to wait 20 minutes to get in but it was well worth it.
9. Ottawa Locks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 775 reviews
In use since 1832, these locks link the Ottawa River with the Rideau Canal and are still operated by hand.
Reviewed By fileman5 - Calgary, Canada
This lock has stood the time on its head as it is there, to help boats and small ships go from the great lakes to the ST. Lawrence Seaway.
10. Supreme Court of Canada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
Out of concern for the health and safety of the public and Supreme Court employees, the Supreme Court Building is closed to the public until further notice. Even though you can’t come to the Supreme Court of Canada, the Court can now come to you! 30 minute remote tours will be offered by our guide-interpreters, who will teach you more about the Court and its history through pictures and interesting facts. Please visit our website for more information.
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
The Supreme Court of Canada is a fantastic building, located close to the parliament building. Could not visit inside as happened to visit on a Sunday. Next time when in Ottawa, will try and take an inside guided tour, on one of the working days.
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