City: Ottawa
Top Things to do in Ottawa
- 1. Canadian War MuseumOttawa TourismNational Museums
- 2. Parliament Hill
- 3. Parliament Hill and Buildings
- 4. Rideau CanalOttawa TourismOttawa’s Top Natural Wonders
- 5. National War Memorial
- 6. Peace Tower
- 7. National Gallery of CanadaOttawa TourismNational Museums
- 8. Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War MuseumOttawa TourismNational Museums
- 9. Notre Dame Basilica
- 10. Major's Hill Park
Top Restaurants in Ottawa
What to do and see in Ottawa, Canada: The Best Places and Tips
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. Canadian War MuseumOttawa TourismNational Museums
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 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 shane c - Calgary, Canada
Beautiful Museum with interesting, educational displays of Canadians contribution to helping the world in its efforts to preserve our freedoms. I could spend all day viewing all the well done displays and the flow is well planned out. A must visit for young and old.
2. Parliament Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Sal B
If you're planning your trip to Ottawa this summer make sure that you visit Parliament Hill. The offer free tours of the Centre block. They are planning on closing down this section of the Parliament Hill for the next 15 years for extensive renovations and upgrades to the.
The chores will provide you with an overall view of how the Canadian government works in each of the different sections of governments that are house on Parliament Hill.
3. Parliament Hill and Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 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 Star-Framily - Ontario
Getting tickets has always been a problem in the past. We had no problem walking in and getting a ticket this visit. Beautiful building. Informative tour!
4. Rideau CanalOttawa TourismOttawa’s Top Natural Wonders
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
One of the oldest landmarks in Ottawa, this canal is filled with boats in the summer and becomes the "World's Longest Skating Rink" in the winter.
Reviewed By bmark091 - Ottawa, Canada
One of the best parts of Ottawa is getting a Beaver tail (pastry snack) on the frozen Rideau Canal on skates in the Winter. Its also great for running and biking along the paths in the summer or boating. It connects Ottawa's two main universities (Carelton U and U of O) and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
5. National War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 779 reviews
Reviewed By Dan D - London, Canada
This memorial just steps away from our nation's capital is a must visit if you are in Ottawa. I visited here during the week at night during Winterlude and had the place to myself. The monument is composed of many different parts and includes the dates for all major conflicts and a monument to the unknown soldier. t night this is a very humbling place to visit.
6. Peace Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By St_CatharinesRah - St.Catharines
A visit to the Peace Tower in the beautiful Canadian federal Parliament buildings is worth the visit, providing a panoramic view of Ottawa. It is a worthwhile trip particularly for anyone interested in this beautiful architectural style that flourished from the 12th to the 16th century.
7. National Gallery of CanadaOttawa TourismNational Museums
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Founded in 1880, the National Gallery of Canada (Musée des beaux-arts du Canada) holds in trust a collection of European and Canadian paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and photos.
Reviewed By roobarb99 - Wellington, New Zealand
The National gallery is a beautiful building, all glass and air but the building dwarfs the collections, which in itself is small and too be honest boring. Whilst it does show off its paintings, sculptures etc very well, the actual number of items is limited, the information about each piece almost non existent and the overall feeling is one of trying to fit a pint into a gallon pot. Furthermore, once you get to the modern section and see the classic piece of wire stretched diagonally across a room, you get the feeling that the curators of the gallery have succumbed to the silliness of the modern art scene. The only real thing worth seeing is the building itself which is a lovely creature but the collection is small and lacking in excitement. Go if it's raining but don't be too anticipatory of things to come.
8. Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War MuseumOttawa TourismNational Museums
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Visit one of the most unique tourist attractions in Canada! Built to protect top officials of the Canadian government from nuclear attack, this once-secret underground bunker is now a museum & National Historic Site of Canada. Explore over 100,000sq ft of bunker secrets and relive the experience of the Cold War. With its extraordinary engineering and architectural features, the Diefenbunker is a poignant reminder of one of the most turbulent periods of modern history.
Reviewed By pjwcanada - Pickering, Canada
We visited the Diefenbunker in February, during a visit to Ottawa for Winterlude. It was just a short drive from downtown Ottaw where we were staying.
I actually had no idea that this bunker even existed, so it was all the more interesting because of that. It's not a particularly fancy place, but rather, it has been left relatively untouched since the days when it was built, making it a real museum. Given all of the turmoil in the world these days, it does send a bit of a shiver down your spine when you tour the four floors that contain full medical bays, communications centres, mess halls and sleeping quarters. Thankfully, we never had to put this engineering marvel to use!
9. Notre Dame Basilica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This beautiful and ornate gothic-style Cathedral is recognized by its twin spires.
Reviewed By onajourneyToronto - Toronto
Right across from the National Art Gallery is the impressive site of Notre Dame Basilica. We were able to look inside and it was breathtaking. Having visited many European churches I was proud to have such an amazing church right here in Canada. Worth the time to stop and check out.
10. Major's Hill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
This pretty park is located near several museums, churches and the Ottawa River.
Reviewed By CandyCritic - Ottawa, Canada
There's no denying that this park is beautiful in the summer. It's also a great venue for events that take place in Ottawa, most notably Canada Day and the Tulip Festival. Even if there's nothing going on at the time, the park is a great place to relax and enjoy one of the best views of Parliament Hill.
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