This article was updated on August 28, 2026.
Here’s What to Do in Ottawa, Canada’s Capital City
Someone from Toronto once told me that there’s nothing much to do in Ottawa. Obviously, he hasn’t visited the town in years. I made the trip alone and experienced Canada’s capital city for myself and I ran out of time. I spent four nights wandering downtown, seeing the sights, meeting the people, and eating tons of delicious food. While I’m sure Toronto offers plenty, there’s a growing list of things do in Ottawa, so do not overlook this town. I only wish I would’ve had a few more days there. Are you curious about this Ontario city? Here’s an overview of what to do in Ottawa, Canada.
Stay at Le Germain Ottawa
I had never stayed in a Le Germain property before (the company has hotels all over Canada), so I didn’t know what to expect. I was wowed by this new hotel. The property sits in a modern building that’s part of an arts center––Ottawa Gallery is next door. I loved this hotel for many reasons.
The team was super friendly and made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. Because I stayed for four nights, I really felt at home at Le Germain Ottawa. So much so that I was sad to leave. The custom bed was one of the comfiest I’ve slept in, and Molton Brown bath products were an unexpected luxury. And finally, I was fortunate to dine in Norca, the on-site restaurant that opened just a few weeks earlier, where the food was both inventive and delicious.
Visit Parliament Hill
No Ottawa getaway is complete without visiting Parliament. Many years ago, I witnessed the Changing of the Guard in London, and it was pretty exciting. Well, Ottawa does a Changing of the Guard too, and it happens on Parliament Hill, the seat of the federal government. From June 24 to August 24, the parade and ceremony take place each morning starting at 9:50 a.m, so plan to arrive by 9:40. The Old Guard and the Pipes and Drums march to the East Lawn of Parliament Hill. It’s quite the spectacle. After the march, the “Changing of the Guard” ceremony happens surrounded by hundreds of gaping spectators. The whole event takes some time, I’d say at least 45 minutes, maybe a little longer, but it’s something to see.
I also want to mention that the same lawn on Parliament Hill hosts yoga at noon every Wednesday during the summer and a sound and light show at 10 p.m. each night. Basically, during the summertime, Parliament Hill is the place to be in Ottawa.
Tour Byward Market
Byward Market is an outdoor farmer’s market, an epicenter of shops, eateries, and local businesses in downtown Ottawa. It is the most touristy area because of the concentration of spots to experience, but locals live their lives here too. “Going to market” in Ottawa means shopping at the market or heading to the neighborhood, so you’ll find a lot of Ottawans getting their produce, grabbing a beer, or eating a meal.
I spent quite a bit of time in Byward Market including an afternoon wandering and grazing with C’est Bon Cooking, a local cooking school and culinary tour company. I met some of the city’s chefs and shop owners and tasted bites at each stop. I ate specialties from around the globe including India nan, a Mexican taco, and pizza Margherita, as well as tastes of cheese, tea, maple syrup (of course), cupcakes and beef tartare from Play Food & Wine, one of Ottawa’s go-to restaurants. If you visit Ottawa and like to graze, go to Byward Market and meander for an hour (or five). Or schedule a tour with C’est Bon Cooking. Just be sure to wear stretchy pants. I planned and did not wear pants. I wore a loose-fitting dress. Thank goodness.
Experience the Rideau Canal
Anyone traveling to Ottawa must visit the Rideau Canal. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. Called “the canal” by Ottawans, the Rideau Canal is a scenic place for walking, jogging, bicycling, kayaking or taking a cruise. In wintertime, people skate on the frozen canal, also known as the “Rideau Canal Skateway.” The Guinness Book of World Records says it’s the world’s largest skating rink. The Rideau Locks, designed to help boats navigate uphill and downhill, have been in operation since 1832, with Canada Parks staff on hand to assist boats as they journey on the Rideau Canal.
The Bytown Museum sits along the canal and goes deep into the history of Ottawa as well as the planning and construction of the canal. The locks and museum are very close to Parliament Hill and Byward Market, so you cannot miss either. There’s a fantastic view for gazing and taking photos from the Plaza Bridge. Here you’ll see the locks, Ottawa River and the Alexandra Bridge in the distance.
Visit the National Gallery of Canada and Major Hill’s Park
I suggest checking out the museum and this public park because they are near each other and it makes sense to schedule both on the same day. Featuring over 87,000 works, the National Gallery of Canada is an impressive institution, and even if you’re not an art nerd like me, it’s worth taking an hour or two to explore the Canadian art and indigenous galleries. Louise Bourgeois’s otherworldly bronze spider sculpture “Maman” stands outside the entrance, so you can’t miss this museum. The building is a work of art in itself––Canadian architect Moshe Safdie designed it.
After touring the National Gallery, walk about five minutes and you’ll be at Major Hill’s Park. With more than 12 acres of lawns and landscaping, this green space is magical in the spring when the tulips bloom, but it’s also a sight to see in autumn when fall foliage peaks. You’ll find some of Ottawa’s best views from this park, too. And if you need a spot to eat lunch, Tavern on the Hill is a seasonal canteen in the park and ideal for a quick bite and beverage.
Walk to Parc Jacques-Cartier in Gatineau
On my last full day in Ottawa, I ventured to Gatineau, a town that’s technically not in Ottawa, but in Quebec. It’s a little over two miles (that’s nothing in New York distance!) over the Alexander Bridge. You can also take an Uber, but I recommend the walk if your feet can handle it. Expect incredible views on the way until you reach this park that feels like an extension of Ottawa.
I made the trip to Parc Jacques-Cartier to see Mosaïculture, 125 works of topiary-like sculptures composed from 5.5 million plants of 210 species and varieties. It was one of the most astonishing exhibitions I’ve seen in my lifetime. Mosaïculture Gatineau has since closed, but the park is still worth the trip.
What you need to know about visiting Ottawa
Ottawa is in Ontario, Canada, which borders Quebec. It’s a bilingual city. Almost everyone speaks English and French.
The people are friendly and from everywhere. Ottawa is a multicultural city.
For the most part, it’s very safe. Keep your wits about you, of course, but the crime rate in Ottawa is low as compared to many other cities, US cities included.
The summers can be hot, and the winters are frigid––it is Canada, after all. That said, spring and fall would be lovely times to visit. Although busy, May would be a spectacular month because of the Canadian Tulip Festival when more than one million tulips take over the capital region. No matter when you choose to go to Ottawa, check the weather and pack sweaters, down and boots in the winter, and sundresses, khakis and sandals in summer. Unlike New York City, summer nights do cool down, so I’d throw in a light jacket just in case.
Currency is the Canadian dollar.
The downtown area is walkable. Taxis are available as well. You won’t need a car unless you plan to explore areas outside the city.
Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is small. There’s one terminal, so you don’t need to arrive more than 2 hours for your return flight.
There are so many things to do in Ottawa. Plan a trip to this beautiful Canadian city and you’ll agree.
My Ottawa trip was in partnership with Ottawa Tourism and Tourism Ontario.
Have you visited Ottawa? I’d love to know what you did while you were there.
An incredible park in Gatineau with the most unique art exhibit I’ve seen, just over the bridge from Ottawa.
Also, things to do in Milan. Plus, Liege, Belgium, and Brussels.
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