City: Ottawa
Top Things to do in Ottawa
Top Restaurants in Ottawa
What to do and see in Ottawa, Canada: The Best Things to do
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. Small Pony Barrel Works
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Explore718365 - Ottawa, Canada
My son and I checked out Small Pony and were glad we did. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, offering us samples of a number of beers, all of them good. We ended up buying some to consume on site and taking bottles home. Don't let the bland strip mall exterior fool you: though modest, the bar area is attractive, overlooking vertical ranks of barrels. The beer produced is a welcome change of pace from typical craft beer offerings, which lean towards British-and-U.S-inspired styles. A bonus is that Big Rig is just around the corner and the Calabogie brew pub just down the road.
2. Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,259 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 kailenav - Vancouver Island, Canada
The canal is definitely a must see when you visit Ottawa. Best time to enjoy would be may - September when the canal is filled and boat tours are open, as well as in February during Winterlude. You can skate the entire canal weather permitting. If you are a cyclist, runner, or have a dog, there are lovely paths on either side of the canal that you can travel along. Even driving next to it - it’s so beautiful.
3. National Gallery of Canada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,055 reviews
The National Gallery of Canada is committed to offering a welcoming and safe place for our visitors, employees and volunteers. To that end, in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we have CLOSED the Gallery and cancelled all events and activities until further notice. Founded in 1880, the National Gallery of Canada (Musee des beaux-arts du Canada) holds in trust a collection of European and Canadian paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and photos.
Reviewed By whereverman - Hong Kong, China
A national treasure and my favourite spot in Ottawa. The gallery has a wonderful collection of Canadian and Modern Art. The building itself is a work of art with enormous glass ceilings and sunny courtyards between exhibits.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Canadian Museum of Nature
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,138 reviews
TEMPORARILY CLOSED. In accordance with current Government of Ontario directives during this pandemic, the museum is temporarily closed until further notice.
Reviewed By L971AWronb - Cobourg, Canada
The Museum of Nature building seamlessly blended the fort-like stone work with towering glass to make the experiance interesting for all ages. The butterfly exhibit was well worth the additional $5. You could spend a whole day viewing the tastefully arranged and informative displays of mamals, animals, birds and fish. They have created thought provoking interactive displays that entertain, educate and entice the viewer to get involved. This is a great family experiance.
9. Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,429 reviews
Located on a former military air base just 5 kilometres from the Prime Minister’s residence in Ottawa, the Museum focuses on aviation in Canada within an international context, from its beginnings in 1909 to the present day. As Canada’s contribution to aviation expanded to include aerospace technology, the Museum’s collection and mandate grew to include space flight. The Collection itself consists of more than 130 aircraft and artifacts (propellers, engines) from both civil and military service. It gives particular, but not exclusive, reference to Canadian achievements. The most extensive aviation collection in Canada, it is also considered one of the finest aviation museums in the world. Museum Highlights: Largest surviving piece of the famous Avro Arrow (its nose section); the original Canadarm used on the Endeavour space shuttle; Lancaster WWII bomber; Life in Orbit: The International Space Station exhibition.
Reviewed By ScubaJeffy - Victoria, Canada
This is a great museum for aviation enthusiasts, there are many very iconic Canadian aircraft on display, and lots of information on the history of aviation I. Canada
10. Peace Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,291 reviews
Reviewed By 9mmglock - Moon Township, United States
Very interesting tower from the outside...if yo go into the building there is a small elevator that takes you to the top of the inside of the tower...entrance is near the gift shop...whole complex with offices a comfortable 2-3 hour tour
