Things to do in Ottawa

Attractions in the city range from nature-based areas to the plentiful museums and shopping areas on hand, not to mention some stunning architecture. As the seat of Canada’s government, no trip to Ottawa is complete without a visit to the Parliament Buildings, with tours inside available.

Parliament Hill

Canada’s Parliament Buildings are located on Parliament Hill, and are majestic constructions built in a Gothic revival style. While much of the original structure was destroyed in the fire of 1916 (only the original Library remains), a major reconstruction plan resulted in the buildings that are here today.

Tours of the buildings’ interiors and of the grounds in which they stand are available daily and take in some fascinating sights. Inside, you’ll get to see the ornately furnished state rooms, where many of the country’s most important decisions are made, while outside, a cat sanctuary, the old bell and the summer pavillion are available for viewing.

National Art Gallery of Canada

Canada’s most significant collection of both classical and contemporary artworks is available for viewing at the National Art Gallery. Visitors can check out pieces by masters such as Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh, alongside contemporary works by the likes of artists such as Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon. Multiple levels in the facility cover different genres and periods, while visiting exhibitions are regularly held on the ground floor of the gallery.

Byward Market

Covering about seven square blocks, Byward Market is a huge outdoor market that’s home to a large number of craft stalls and boutiques as well as cafés, bistros and nightclubs. Whether you’re in the mood to shop, dine or dance the night away, you’ll find something of interest here, and with street entertainers giving regular performances during the summer season, it’s easy to see why this is one of the city’s most popular destinations for leisure and social activities.

Rideau Canal

An integral part of the city’s development and consequently its history, the Rideau Canal is now a boater’s paradise in summertime and a skater’s paradise in winter. Visit when the weather is warmer and take a boat ride along an extensive stretch of the canal, taking in some of the city’s most interesting sights along the way. Various annual events are focused around the canal including Winterlude and the Tulip Festival.

Royal Canadian Mint

The historic Royal Canadian Mint, set in a magnificent castle-like building, is one of the city’s longest established institutions and gives an interesting insight into the production of money and articles made from precious metals. Tours of the building are available daily, taking in old and new aspects of monetary production as well as offering visitors the chance to purchase some interesting souvenirs such as jewellery, medals, collector coins and watches with coin faces.

Canadian Museum of Civilisation

The Canadian Museum of Civilization is the biggest and most significant museum facility in the entire country and is also its most popular. An extensive number of exhibits are on display, among which highlights include 43 genuine Native American totem poles and a scale reconstruction of elements of an Indian village. An IMAX theatre at the facility shows short movies with educational slants at regular times throughout the day, while other interesting sections include the Postal Museum and the Children's Museum.

Museums

Aside from the museums already mentioned, Ottawa has a selection of other interesting cultural centres worthy of mention, among which are facilities such as the Canada Aviation Museum, Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, Canadian War Museum, Museum of Nature and the Canada Science and Technology Museum.