City: Ottawa
Top Things to do in Ottawa
Top Restaurants in Ottawa
What to do and see in Ottawa, Canada: The Best Historic Sites
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Tin House
4. National Aboriginal Veterans Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
5. Senate of Canada
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. Watson's Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Nestled in the heart of Manotick village, Watson's Mill has a remarkable past rooted in Canadian history and industrial ingenuity. Built in 1860 along the shores of the Rideau River, Watson's Mill remains active as a working water powered grist and flour mill. Come and explore Ottawa's only industrial heritage site! Watson's Mill Manotick Incorporated is a non-profit organization. It's mandate is to preserve Watson's Mill as a working heritage grist and flour mill, and as an educational, social and cultural focal point for the community and visitors. Watson's Mill is a seasonal site open May - October.
Reviewed By northgoessouth - Springville, United States
This is a lovely location in the summer and the folks who run the Mill are very informative in their information and subsequent displays. I did not want to go up to the top floor but when at my husbands insistence but it felt uncomfortable to me. We found out after the fact that folks had seen the ghost of a young woman who died there. Oh oh! lol
8. Global Centre for Pluralism
9. Pinhey's Point Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
