Ottawa

Canal skating, grand parliament, national museums and two-nation flavour

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The capital of Canada pairs stately architecture with an easy, outdoorsy feel: the Gothic parliament above the river, world-class national museums, and the Rideau Canal that becomes the largest skating rink in the world each winter. French-speaking Gatineau sits just across the water. Our local picks run from the ByWard Market to canal-side paths. More hand-picked recommendations are on the way – filter by category and budget below.

Ottawa at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: May to October, or February for the canal skating
Highlights: Parliament Hill, the national museums and the Rideau Canal
Where to stay: downtown near Parliament and the ByWard Market
Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
Getting around: a walkable centre plus buses and the O-Train

Where to stay in Ottawa

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ByWard Market

One of Canadas oldest public markets, buzzing with stalls, BeaverTails and boutiques.

★ 4.5

Gatineau

Canadian Museum of History

Canadas most-visited museum, tracing 20,000 years of history across the river.

★ 4.7

Centretown

Canadian Museum of Nature

A castle-like museum of dinosaurs, gems and Canadian wildlife.

★ 4.6

LeBreton

Canadian War Museum

A powerful, architecturally striking museum of Canadas military history.

★ 4.6

ByWard Market

Chez Lucien

A cosy local haunt pouring good beer and grilling one of the citys best burgers.

★ 4.6

Centre

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

The castle-like railway hotel beside the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill.

★ 4.6

$$$

ByWard Market

La Bottega Nicastro

A beloved Italian deli in the ByWard Market, famous for its sandwiches.

★ 4.7

Centre

Lord Elgin Hotel

A grand, classic downtown hotel opposite the National Arts Centre.

★ 4.4

West Hunt Club (Nepean)

Mādahòkì Farm

Why it matters: run by Indigenous Experiences, an Indigenous women-owned organization, this farm 20 minutes from downtown is home to a herd of endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horses – Canada’s only known Indigenous horse breed, with roughly 180 registered animals left. Visit Thursday to Sunday for farm tours, dreamcatcher workshops, seasonal Indigenous festivals and a marketplace of Indigenous-made goods. Entry is free; time your visit to the solstice festivals if you can.

Centre

National Gallery of Canada

The countrys premier art museum, fronted by Louise Bourgeoiss giant bronze spider.

★ 4.7

Centre

Parliament Hill

Canadas Gothic Revival Parliament buildings rising above the Ottawa River.

★ 4.7

Various

PC Cooking School Class

Hands-on cooking classes at the Presidents Choice Cooking School, an Ottawa favourite.

★ 4.3

ByWard Market

Restaurant e18hteen

Upscale Canadian dining in an elegant heritage stone building.

★ 4.5

$$$

Centre

Rideau Canal

A UNESCO canal for summer boating and the worlds largest skating rink in winter.

★ 4.6

Hunt Club

T&T Supermarket

T&T Supermarket (大統華)

T&T Supermarket — Dàtǒnghuá to its regulars — is Canada’s biggest Asian grocery chain, and its Ottawa store on Hunt Club Road is a genuine destination in its own right. Part supermarket,…

★ 4.3

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Ottawa travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Ottawa?

Two to three days covers Parliament Hill, the main museums and the canal, with time to cross into Gatineau or visit Gatineau Park.

Where is the best area to stay in Ottawa?

Downtown near Parliament and the ByWard Market keeps the sights, restaurants and nightlife within walking distance.

What are the best things to do in Ottawa?

Browse the local picks above, from Parliament Hill and the Canadian Museum of History to the ByWard Market and skating or strolling the Rideau Canal.

What is the best time to visit Ottawa?

Late spring to autumn brings warm, green days and festivals; February is magical if cold, when the canal opens for skating.