What are the top things to do in Ottawa?

The top things to do in Ottawa are: Rideau Canal Ottawa Parliament Hill Canadian War Museum Ottawa Locks Gatineau

What are the top things to do near Ottawa?

Check out things to do near Ottawa: Ontario

What is Ottawa best known for?

As Canada's capital, Ottawa is home to the seat of the Canadian government and known for its historic sites and landmarks. With up to three million visitors a year, Parliament Hill is Ottawa’s most famous attraction: Its complex of Gothic revival buildings is on the southern banks of the Ottawa River.

Is there anything to do in Ottawa?

Yes. Visitors to Ottawa will find plenty to do. You can stroll around Parliament Hill; explore the historic ByWard Market area; paddle or skate on the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal; and visit the National Gallery of Canada, Canadian Museum of History, and Canadian War Museum.

What can you do in Ottawa during winter?

Yes. Visitors to Ottawa will find plenty to do. You can stroll around Parliament Hill; explore the historic ByWard Market area; paddle or skate on the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal; and visit the National Gallery of Canada, Canadian Museum of History, and Canadian War Museum.

What can you do in Ottawa for free?

In winter, when the Rideau Canal freezes over, Ottawa is home to the longest skating rink in the world—you can rent skates at booths along the skateway. There’s also a skating trail in Gatineau Park and at Lansdowne Pavilion. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular in the Greenbelt area.

What is there to do in Ottawa for teenagers?

Most teenagers visiting Ottawa enjoy visiting the Big Locks where the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River; paddling or skating the Rideau Canal; exploring the Byward Market; and shopping at the Rideau Centre. The Canadian Museum of Nature, Aviation and Space Museum, and Science and Technology Museum all offer engaging exhibits.

Is Ottawa worth visiting?

Yes. Ottawa is worth visiting. The city offers a rich blend of history, culture, nature, and wide-open public spaces. You can go from exploring world-class museums and historic parliament buildings to paddling or skating on the canal and hiking forested trails—all in just a few hours.

THE TOP 15 Things To Do in Ottawa | Attractions & Activities

Welcome to Ottawa

The Canadian city of Ottawa sits on the southern shores of the Ottawa River, on the border between the provinces of Ontario and Québec. Located 123 miles (198 kilometers) to the west of Montreal, Ottawa is home to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Rideau Canal, one of North America’s oldest canal systems. Diverse galleries and museums offer insight into Canada’s rich culture and colorful history, while the plentiful riverside parks and green spaces showcase the changing seasons to the full. Visitors keen to take in the city sights can enjoy walking and cycling tours to top attractions such as Byward Market (Ottawa's oldest public market), the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum, Notre Dame Basilica, and Rideau Hall; or explore by hop-on hop-off buses and sightseeing cruises. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Ottawa is also a great base from which to explore the Canadian countryside. Nature lovers can delve into Algonquin Park to spot native bears, beavers, eagles, and moose in their natural habitat, while thrill-seekers take on the Ottawa River’s swirling class III and IV rapids on adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting adventures. For something a little more sedate, horse-riding treks take visitors deep into the beautiful Ottawa Valley, where life ticks by at an altogether more relaxing pace.

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