City: Byward Market Area
Top Things to do in Byward Market Area
Top Restaurants in Ottawa
Things to do in Ottawa, Canada: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. ByWard Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,956 reviews
WITHIN an area roughly four blocks square, you'll find museums, cafes, specialty food shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs, hair & aesthetics salons and more! Easily accessible on foot, by transit or by car, the ByWard Market offers a unique experience for all. ESTABLISHED by Lt-Col. John By in 1826, the ByWard Market is one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets. The legendary builder of the Rideau Canal, Colonel By himself laid out the street plan of the Market, designating George Street and York Street to be extra wide to accommodate the creation of a public market and gathering place.
Reviewed By mifh - Kamloops, Canada
This is a fabulous area to shop in traditional shops, eat in fabulous pubs and restaurants, take in street performers (do tip them) and browse the many street vendors. Great produce, amazing flowers, wonderful bargains in tourist goodies
3. 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!
4. 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.
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. Confederation Park
7. Peacekeeping Monument
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Easily noticeable at the junction of St.Patrick street and Murray street, it is a wonderful dedication to honor Canada’s peace keepers.
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