Things to do in Ottawa

Why go to Ottawa

• Canadian Museum of History

  One of North America's most visited museums, with a jaw-dropping Grand Hall showcasing Indigenous totem poles and artifacts spanning 20,000 years.

• Parliament Hill

  Gothic Revival towers looming over the Ottawa River, with free tours inside and a dazzling free light show projected on the façade each summer evening.

• Rideau Canal (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  Skate the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter or kayak its scenic locks in summer, iconic Ottawa at its best.

• Canadian War Museum

  A hauntingly beautiful building housing Canada's most powerful military collection, from WWI trenches to Cold War missiles.

• ByWard Market

  Ottawa's oldest and most vibrant public market buzzes with food stalls, artisan vendors, and street energy that captures the city's soul.

Good to know in Ottawa

• OC Transpo buses and the O-Train light rail cover the whole city; a single fare is ~$3.75 CAD (~$2.75 USD) and a day pass is ~$11 CAD, buy tickets via the Transit app to avoid exact-change hassles.
• Tipping is expected at sit-down restaurants (15-18% is the local norm); counter-service and food stalls do not require a tip but the tablet will ask.
• Ottawa tap water is clean, fluoridated, and perfectly safe to drink straight from the tap, carry a reusable bottle and save on bottled water.
• Free museum days: The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and Canada Aviation and Space Museum offer free entry on select federal holidays; the National Gallery is free every Thursday evening from 5-8 PM.

Trip essentials