10 Things You Must See In Ottawa, Canada 2024

Looking For The Best Things You Must See In Ottawa, Canada?

This blog post is about the ”10 Things You Must See In Ottawa, Canada”, and has been updated in 2024.

I have been to Ottawa at least four or five times in the past.

I have visited the below attractions in different years which you can probably tell from the photos (different camera quality and different weather).

In this blog post, I will share with you the best things you must see in Ottawa based on those previous experiences.

Also, you will find suggestions for tours, places to eat and where to stay in the capital city.

There is a map of Ottawa at the end which shows the location of all the things I have mentioned.

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What Is Ottawa Best Known For?

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and it is located in the province of Ontario.

It is situated on the Ottawa River and is where you will find the Canadian Parliament.

It is a pretty quiet city but it does have many things to do.

Keep reading to learn what to see in Ottawa.

Can You Visit Ottawa In The Winter?

You can visit the capital city year-round, however, in the winter it gets pretty cold.

Also, a lot of the activities are only operational in the summer (especially ones outside).

If it is your first visit then I would highly recommend you visit in the summer months.

What Language Do People In Ottawa Speak?

Most people in Ottawa speak both English and French.

On the opposite shore of the Ottawa River, is the city of Gatineau which is located in the province of Québec (the French-speaking one).

One of the attractions from the below list is actually located in Gatineau. However, you only need to cross one bridge (Alexandra Bridge) to get to it.

The Ottawa River is the province border between Ontario and Québec, which is why most people speak both languages.

Things You Must See In Ottawa, Canada

Let’s start with the main attraction in Ottawa, which you can probably guess!

1. Parliament Hill

The Parliament Buildings are stunning and are one of the things you must see in Ottawa, Canada

Also, you are allowed to go inside on a FREE organized or self-guided tour.

Outside

The Canadian Parliament is situated on Parliament Hill which is located in downtown Ottawa.

It is the main tourist attraction in Ottawa.

There are three main buildings – East Block, West Block (House of Commons), and the Central Block (the main building).

The last one houses the Peace Tower in the middle and the Library of Parliament in the back.

Can you go inside Parliament Hill?

You are allowed to go inside all three of the buildings as well as to the tower and the library.

Do I need a ticket to enter Parliament Hill?

It is Free to enter the three buildings. However, you need to get a timed ticket from the building right across the street.

The tickets finish pretty quickly so make sure you go first thing in the morning.

If you want to visit Canada’s Parliament, you can reserve your Free ticket online as well.

Once you have the ticket, you need to show up at the given time for your guided tour.

Inside you can see historic paintings, interesting architecture as well as a lot of the rooms used by the government for different meetings and gatherings.

On the lawn in front of the Central Block, you can observe the Changing of the Guards which happens every morning in the summer months.

Confirm the timing via the link above before you go. This event is also Free.

There are Free yoga and Zumba classes as well. Also, the must-watch – the Sound And Light Show.

🎥 Here are some videos from Changing of the Guards:
Changing of the Guards – Parliament Hill, Ottawa 2017 Part 1
Changing of the Guards – Parliament Hill, Ottawa 2017 Part 2
and, Changing of the Guards – Parliament Hill, Ottawa 2017 Part 3

The Sound And Light Show

The Sounds and Light Show is projected onto the Central Block building in the evenings.

It depicts the history of Canada and it is a must-see in Ottawa.

It is a Free 30-minute show of lights and narration in both English and French.

It’s also only available during the summer months and the time it starts depends on the time of the sunset (you will need to check the times before you go).

The show is also weather dependent so if it is raining the show might be canceled.

I’ve seen it years ago and back then it was pretty basic and kinda boring.

However, the last time we visited in 2017 (Canada’s 150 birthday) the show was new and improved and I was impressed.

So I highly recommend putting it on your must-see list. Bring a blanket or something to sit on while you watch.

Also, check out the Centennial Flame which is a fire pit, with water flowing through it.

Therefore, it creates the illusion that the fire is burning through the water. 

How does the Centennial Flame work?

The installment works with natural gas and recently it started using biogas to prevent it from freezing in the cold winters.

Inside

Inside the buildings, you will see mostly government-related rooms.

If you don’t have a lot of time only go inside the Central Block building, the Peace Tower & the Library of Parliament (same tour).

From the Peace Tower, you can see the beautiful views of the surrounding area including the Ottawa River.

All three buildings have separate tours.

This means you can pick and choose which ones you want to see, but I recommend the Central Block tour.

On the Central Block tour, you will also see the Library of Parliament which was recently renovated.

It’s located at the back of the building.

The tour is informative and especially so if you’re not familiar with the government of Canada and how it works, the tour will be insightful.

Keep in mind the tours take some time – at least 40min each, so plan accordingly.

You will need a few hours to see all three buildings on the inside.

Can you visit Parliament without a tour?

Yes, you are able to do your own self-guided tour if you want to.

The operating hours are from 8:30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.

It is closed on the weekends and holidays.

2. ByWard Market

ByWard Market is where you will find all sorts of stalls – produce, flowers, food, etc.

Also, there are tons of restaurants and hipster cafés in the area to choose from too.

In the summer they have a farmer’s market where you can grab some fresh fruits.

The area is filled with quirky little shops selling all sorts of arts and crafts.

Also, take a photo with the Ottawa sign, which is close by.

There are also a lot of specialty food stores where you can find local maple syrup, chocolate, cheese, etc.

What food should I try at ByWard Market?

ByWard Market is a good place to stop for lunch.

Some of the foods I would recommend to try are maple syrup anything, poutine, and BeaverTails.

Poutine was originally created in Quebec (the French-speaking province).

It is french fries with chunks of Mozzarella cheese topped with gravy.

It is pretty good!! I highly recommend trying it.

BeaverTails – don’t worry they’re not actual beaver tails lol.

BeaverTails are a famous Canadian pastry that is oval in shape and flat (that is where the name comes from).

It is fried dough with a variety of different toppings that could be added to it.

So it’s essentially a desert, there is no meat in it.

Ottawa is famous for those few foods.

You will see the red pavilions that offer the BeaverTails all over the place.

However, if you are short on time your best chance of finding one would be in the area around ByWard Market.

I like the one that has Nutella and banana slices or the Skor one (above).

Many options are available – some plain ones as well as some pretty interesting options such as strawberry cheesecake, brownie, apple pie, etc.

Maple syrup is one of the things Canada is famous for! Make sure to try something with maple syrup.

Do you need to book in advance to visit ByWard Market?

No, you do not. It is an open-style market where you can get food from the stalls whenever you are there.

What’s the best way to see ByWard Market?

The best way to see ByWard Market is to simply walk around and explore it.

If you are not getting food, you would need about an hour.

👉 If you prefer to do a guided food tour, here is a great option: Ottawa: Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour

3. Rideau Canal & Locks

The Rideau Canal is essentially a waterway that connects the capital with Lake Ontario (at the city of Kingston, Ontario).

Also, it is one of the things you must see in Ottawa, Canada

It is about 200 kilometers long and it is a mix of man-made structures (canals and locks) as well as natural ones (rivers and lakes).

A fun activity to do in the winter is to skate on the frozen Rideau Canal.

There is a place to rent skates if you don’t have any. As well as some food stands along the way.

If you’re there during the summer you can observe the water and the locks.

The primary use of the canal nowadays is for boating, kayaking, and other water-based activities.

You don’t have to go far to see it, the canal and the locks are located downtown –  to the right of Parliament Hill. 

👉 You can opt-in for an Ottawa Boat Cruise – Rideau Canal Cruise

What is so special about Rideau Canal?

The Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously operated canal system in all of North America. It was opened in 1832.

Can you swim in Rideau Canal?

No one is allowed to swim in the Rideau Canal because it is a historic canal and it is protected by law.

4. Cruise on the Ottawa River

A Cruise on the Ottawa River is a popular and scenic activity that allows visitors to experience the beauty of Ottawa from a unique perspective.

The river cruise offers stunning views of the city’s landmarks, including Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and the picturesque shoreline.

The cruises are typically available during the warmer months, offering a refreshing and enjoyable way to explore Ottawa’s waterfront.

From the boat, you can see both shores of the river as well as take a peek at Rideau Falls.

Also, the boat has an interesting commentary on board, explaining all the landmarks that you see along the journey.

If it’s your first time in Ottawa, you might want to skip this one if you don’t have a lot of time. 

👉 You can pre-book here Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

5. Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History is actually located in Gatineau, Quebec (on the other shore of the river).

It is easy to get to, you simply have to cross a bridge (Alexandra Bridge). You can do that with your car or walk across.

I visited this museum a long time ago and back then it was actually called the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

It is one of the largest museums in the country and one of the most famous places in Ottawa!

In it, you will find all sorts of material objects that show the history of humanity and the evolution of our species.

I personally like museums in general so this was an easy one to pick for this post.

How long does it take to go through the Canadian Museum of History?

Keep in mind that the museum is large and it will take you a while to see all the exhibits – 3-4 hours.

👉 To book your tickets ahead of time, check out this link: Gatineau: Canadian Museum of History Admission

6. Notre Dame Cathedral 

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Basilica and it is one of the things you must see in Ottawa, Canada.

Its exterior is interesting, it has two silver towers and on the inside, it has a blue ceiling and a golden altar.

What is the oldest and largest church in Ottawa?

You guessed it! It is the Notre Dame Cathedral. It opened to the public in 1846.

It is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa and it makes a nice stop during your exploration.

The architecture is beautiful – Gothic style. If you need more info about the Notre Dame Cathedral, click on the link.

7. The National War Memorial & Confederation Square

The National War Memorial is situated in the center of Confederation Square and is one of the things you must see in Ottawa, Canada.

It is made out of granite and has 22 bronze statues of soldiers grouped together in combat.

It’s dedicated to all soldiers who were killed in all wars, past, and future ones.

In front of the monument, you will find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice that all soldiers have done for their country.

Every year on Remembrance Day (November 11th) Confederation Square holds a ceremony dedicated to paying respect to all the fallen.

You cannot miss Confederation Square as it is centrally located –  right beside Parliament Hill. 

8. Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel & Major’s Hill Park

Château Laurier Hotel is a fancy hotel where a lot of politicians and officials stay during their visits.

This hotel looks like a castle and is gorgeous. It is located right in the center of downtown Ottawa right beside the Rideau Locks.

That area around the hotel is one of the tourist spots in Ottawa.

How many rooms does Château Laurier have?

Château Laurier has over 400 rooms.

Is Fairmont Château Laurier located near the city center?

Yes, it has a primary location downtown. Parliament Hill is a 2-minute walk from it.

From the hotel, you can easily see the Rideau Canal as well as the Ottawa River.

Major’s Hill Park is the park right behind the hotel. It makes for a nice walk where you can see some nice statues of different political figures.

The Notre Dame Cathedral is actually located right beside the park.

9. Sparks Street & Ottawa Insectarium

Sparks Street is the pedestrian street that runs parallel to Parliament Hill. 

Here you will find a lot of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, etc.

Good places to eat are either on Sparks Street or around ByWard Market! 

A cool place located on Sparks Street is the Ottawa Insectarium.

I checked and it said it’s closed; however, I’m not sure if it will reopen.

The entrance fee was pretty expensive in my opinion for what it was but I got a chance to hold these interesting bugs as well as a tarantula.

If you’re into that kind of stuff and the place reopens, it’s a fantastic spot to check out.

However, if you do not want to hold the bugs, then I don’t recommend paying the entrance fee only to look at them.

🎥  Check out some videos:
Holding a Tarantula, Ottawa Insectarium 2017
Holding a Stick Bug, Ottawa Insectarium 2017

10. Festivals

Some interesting festivals happen in Ottawa throughout the year.

Poutine Festival

We were there for a Poutine Festival which was pretty much a bunch of food trucks that offered different types of poutine.

The food trucks were all parked on Sparks Street (the pedestrian street). The food was great but I remember it was raining badly that day. 

Tulip Festival

In the spring, Ottawa hosts the Tulip Festival (usually in May), located in Commissioner’s Park.

Keep in mind that Commissioner’s Park is not located downtown.

Therefore, you would need to use public transit or get an Uber. Either way, the tulips are beautiful –  all sorts of different colors and types of tulips.

🎥  Here is a video from that visit: Tulip Festival, Ottawa 2015. This is a small part of it, it is pretty big.

Other Festivals

For Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, there was a one-of-a-kind event that took place in Ottawa.

It was called La Machine and it was a Giant Spider and Dragon machines operated by people.

Every limb was controlled by a different person.

Also, there were musicians playing instruments to accompany the two creatures.

For a few days, they were roaming around until the last day of the show when they had an epic fight!!

🎥  Here are some Spider videos:
La Machine – Giant Spider Roaming the Streets of Ottawa 2017 Part 1
La Machine – Giant Spider Roaming the Streets of Ottawa 2017 Part 2

🎥 The Dragon ones:
La Machine – Dragon Roaming the Streets of Ottawa 2017 Part 1
La Machine – Dragon Roaming the Streets of Ottawa 2017 Part 2

If you like my videos, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel 🙂

🦄 If you are looking for more information about Ottawa, check out these blog posts:
7 Best Ottawa Bike Tours
Does Ottawa Get A Lot Of Snow?

Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?

Yes, it is definitely worth visiting.

However, I would recommend visiting in the summer.

Ottawa is gorgeous in the spring and summer months.

Also, it has a lot of history and you can learn a lot about how the Canadian Parliament works.

Where To Eat In Ottawa?

One of my favorite places is the Bier Markt.

It is located on Sparks St. and has a casual pub atmosphere.

It is centrally located, has delicious food, and has tons of beers on tap.

Also, they offer Poutine as an app, so you can try that Canadian food here.

Closer to ByWard Market, you will find The Koven which has a variety of foods and a different spin on the classic Poutine.

Around ByWard Market you will find a lot of restaurants from international cuisines – sushi, Indian, Italian, Thai, Greek, etc.

Where To Stay In Ottawa?

Ottawa is a smaller city and it is effortless to explore on foot.

Therefore, all the attractions are within a walkable distance so you won’t need to use public transit or taxi/Uber.

Since Ottawa is Canada’s Capital, it offers many luxury hotels tailored toward all the diplomats and politicians that visit.

The Ottawa, Canada hotels are mostly located downtown.

Lord Elgin Hotel (Splurge Option)

We stayed in the Lord Elgin Hotel for a long weekend a few years ago and it was a lovely hotel.

Also, it is centrally located and close to everything. We ordered room service breakfast which was delicious.

• Landmark hotel with first-class amenities
• 10 min walk to Parliament Hill, 15 min walk to ByWard Market
• 24-hour gym, huge pool, sauna, and hot tub
• Free WiFi, restaurant, and bar available

👉 Check availability for your dates: Lord Elgin Hotel

The Century House Bed and Breakfast Ottawa (Budget Option)

• The Century House is a high-rated bed and breakfast (hot breakfast)
• Close to ByWard Market 5min walk; 15 min walk to Parliament Hill
• Great for two people or a couple
• Free WiFi

👉 Check availability for your dates: The Century House Bed and Breakfast Ottawa

Map Of The 10 Things You Must See In Ottawa, Canada

🦄 If you are looking to check out Toronto as well, here are some helpful blog posts:
12 Fun Activities To Do In Toronto For Adults (From A Local)
12 Best Toronto Hotels By CN Tower
Complete Guide To Visiting Casa Loma, Toronto (From A Local)
Does It Snow In Toronto (From A Local)

15 Best Places To Visit In Canada In December

How Long Do You Need To Spend In Ottawa, Canada?

If you want to see everything, I would recommend 2-3 days.

It depends on if you want to see the Parliament Buildings on the inside or not.

Day 1

• Start by going to see the Changing of the Guards ceremony at Parliament Hill and see the buildings from the outside.
• Then go and get the Free Parliament Hill (inside) tour tickets from across the street. Go early as they finish fast. I recommend the Central Block tour the most. *** You cannot get tickets for future days. You need to go in the morning of the day you plan on doing the tour.
• For lunch or dinner stop by the Bier Markt on Sparks Street (5 mins from Parliament Hill)
• In the evening, watch The Sound And Light Show on the lawn of Parliament Hill

Day 2

• By walking around you will see most of the attractions such as Rideau Canal & Locks, The National War Memorial & Confederation Square, Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel & Major’s Hill Park.
• Do any of the remaining indoor tours of Parliament Hill (there are 3 in total). Line up for tickets in the morning.
• Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral 
• Stop for lunch or dinner at ByWard Market or The Koven and check out the area

And Day 3

• Do a cruise in the Rideau Canal or Ottawa River
• Visit the Canadian Museum of History
• See if there is any festival going on

If you do not have enough time only do Day 1 and 2 or exclude a few of the Parliament Hill inside tours and add in the cruise or museum.

🦄 If you are in Ontario and are looking to see some other epic things,
check out these blog posts:
7 Things To Do In Niagara Falls If It’s Your First Visit
Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting
Is Tap Water Safe To Drink At The Hotels In Niagara Falls, Canada?
Why You Should Visit Niagara Falls This Winter
7 Best Niagara Falls Day Tours From Toronto

Conclusion: 10 Things You Must See In Ottawa, Canada

Well, there you have it, “10 things you must see in Ottawa, Canada”.

I would recommend visiting in the summer as the weather is warm and most attractions are open.

Of course, there are other attractions to check out, however, those are the ones that I have done in the past and would recommend.