🏛 Ottawa, Ontario

Canada’s capital, where history, culture, and natural beauty meet.

Ottawa is elegant, inspiring, and beautifully balanced between city life and nature. Grand architecture, national museums, scenic waterways, and vibrant neighbourhoods make it one of Ontario’s most enriching destinations. It’s perfect for travelers who love culture, history, festivals, and walkable cities with stunning scenery.

This page is your complete guide to Ottawa – landmarks, museums, outdoor experiences, dining, places to stay, and seasonal magic.

The heart of Canada’s capital.

• Parliament Buildings
   
• Changing of the Guard (seasonal)
   
• Peace Tower views
   
• Confederation Square
   
• Rideau Canal locks
   

Perfect for:

• First-time visitors
   
• History lovers
   
• Photography
  
   

• Canadian Museum of History
   
• National Gallery of Canada
   
• Canadian War Museum
   
• Canadian Museum of Nature
   
• Canada Science and Technology Museum
   

Ideal for:

• Cultural travelers
   
• Families
   
• Rainy-day exploration
   

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ottawa’s signature feature.

• Summer: kayaking, boat tours, cycling paths
   
• Winter: world-famous skating rink (conditions permitting)
   
• Scenic walks year-round
   
• Canal-side cafés and patios
   

Perfect for:

• Outdoor lovers
   
• Couples
   
• City explorers
   

Ottawa is one of Ontario’s most festive cities.

• Canadian Tulip Festival
   
• Canada Day celebrations
   
• Winterlude
   
• Music festivals
   
• Cultural celebrations
   

Great for:

• Event-based travel
   
• Seasonal trips
   
• Photography
   

Spring

• Tulip Festival
   
• Parks and gardens in bloom
   
• Canal walks
   

Summer

• Canada Day celebrations
   
• Patio dining
   
• River cruises
   

Fall

• Gatineau Park fall colours
   
• Museums and culture season
   
• Scenic drives nearby
   

Winter

• Winterlude
   
• Rideau Canal skating
   
• Snow-covered landmarks
   

Ottawa blends city and wilderness beautifully.

• Gatineau Park
   
• Major’s Hill Park
   
• Dominion Arboretum
   
• Ottawa River pathways
   

Perfect for:

• Hiking
   
• Photography
   
• Day escapes
   

Ottawa’s food scene is sophisticated and diverse.

• ByWard Market
   
• Fine dining restaurants
   
• Casual bistros
   
• International cuisine
   
• Cozy cafés and bakeries
   

Perfect for:

• Food lovers
   
• Market explorers
   
• Romantic dinners
   

Ottawa’s neighbourhoods each have character.

• ByWard Market
   
• The Glebe
   
• Westboro
   
• Elgin Street
   
• Little Italy
   

Great for:

• Boutique shopping
   
• Café hopping
   
• Urban exploration
   

Accommodation options:

• Luxury downtown hotels
   
• Boutique stays

• Historic properties
   
• Budget-friendly hotels
  
   

Ottawa connects beautifully to:

• Gatineau Park – Hiking and fall colours
   
• Wakefield – Charming village in Quebec
   
• Perth – Heritage town
   
• Kingston – Historic waterfront
   

• 🏛 Guided city tours
   
• 🖼 Museum tickets & passes
   
• 🏨 Hotels & festival stays
   
• 🚢 River cruises
   
• 🍽 Dining experiences
   

Ottawa is inspiring, refined, and full of meaning. It offers history, culture, beauty, and celebration in every season. It’s the perfect blend of national pride and peaceful charm, making it a must-visit Ontario destination.