Looking for the best things to do in Ottawa? Ottawa, Canada’s capital, combines Parliament Hill, national museums, the Rideau Canal and a bilingual atmosphere. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for Canadian travellers.
Best things to do in Ottawa
1. Parliament Hill
Guided tours and the Changing of the Guard in summer. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
2. Rideau Canal
UNESCO site; skating in winter. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
3. National Gallery of Canada
Canadian art. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
4. ByWard Market
Shops and food. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
5. Canadian Museum of History
Across the river in Gatineau. It is great value for families.
6. Winterlude
February festival. Sunset is a particularly good time.
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7. Gatineau Park
Trails. Book tickets online to skip the line.
8. Canadian War Museum
Military history. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
9. Museums
One of the most popular ways to experience Ottawa; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
10. Skating
One of the most popular ways to experience Ottawa; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Bring a refillable water bottle.
11. Cycling
One of the most popular ways to experience Ottawa; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
12. Festivals
One of the most popular ways to experience Ottawa; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. It is great value for families.
13. Take a day trip to Montreal
Montreal is a French-speaking city with European flair, cobblestone Old Montreal, festivals and a legendary food scene. Read our Montreal travel guide. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
14. Take a day trip to Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands is a scenic archipelago on the St. Read our Thousand Islands travel guide. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
15. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try BeaverTails, poutine and shawarma. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Sunset is a particularly good time.
When to go
The best time to visit is May to October; February for Winterlude.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Cool to mild; maple season in March–April. |
| Summer | June–August | Warm to hot, 25–30°C, festival season. |
| Fall | September–October | Brilliant fall colours from late September. |
| Winter | December–March | Cold and snowy, -10°C or lower; winter carnivals. |
Where to stay
- Downtown: Near Parliament.
- ByWard Market: Lively.
- The Glebe: Local.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$130–210 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | C$220–380 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | C$450–900 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Ottawa travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- Canal skating depends on ice conditions.
- Canada Day is busy.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | C$660–C$1,140 |
| Food and drink | C$660–C$1,056 |
| Activities and entry fees | C$160–C$320 |
| Local transport or car | C$210–C$315 |
| Total | C$1,690–C$2,831 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Ottawa
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light layer for air-conditioned interiors
- A compact umbrella
- A crossbody bag or small backpack
- A portable charger
- A smart outfit for nicer restaurants
For seasonal advice, see our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Ottawa?
For most first-time visitors it is Parliament Hill: guided tours and the Changing of the Guard in summer.
How many days do you need in Ottawa?
Plan 2–3 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Ottawa?
May to October; February for Winterlude.
Is Ottawa good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Ottawa is popular with families and history lovers.
What should I eat in Ottawa?
Try BeaverTails, poutine and shawarma.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Ottawa Travel Guide: Parliament, Museums and the Rideau Canal
- Ottawa 2-Day Itinerary: Parliament Hill, Museums and the Canal
- Montreal Travel Guide: Old Montreal, Food and Festivals
- Thousand Islands Travel Guide: Cruises, Castles and Kingston