City: Ottawa
Top Things to do in Ottawa
Top Restaurants in Ottawa
Things to do in Ottawa, Canada: The Best Government Buildings
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. Senate of Canada
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Global Centre for Pluralism
7. Ottawa City hall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By KevinMDuguay - Peterborough, Canada
Enjoyed the use of the facility - two days of meetings. The exterior was animated with crowds, an outdoor skating rink, food services and more. The main lobby was vibrant- busy and open to the public..art galleries, displays and more. Well done
8. Prime Minister's Official Residence
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 22 reviews
9. Parliament of Canada
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