Ottawa is Canada‘s capital city, the seat of the Canadian government, and home to a rich history dating back thousands of years. For these reasons, the city has become one of Canada’s most important cultural centers, attracting millions of visitors every year.
The area that is now called Ottawa was inhabited by the Algonquin people, later joined by the Iroquois, for over 6,500 years before European explorers began establishing fur trading posts in the valley from the 17th century on.
The city was designated as Canada’s capital primarily because of two factors: its strategic location at the confluence of the Ottawa and Rideau rivers, far from the southern border, and its symbolic position halfway between major centers in Eastern and Western Canada and English and French Canada.
Ottawa actually borders the city of Gatineau in Quebec, and the two can feel like separate halves of one metropolis. Ottawa is filled with beautiful examples of Gothic Revival architecture dating back to the 1800s. The city is also home to some of Canada’s finest museums and galleries, along with the Canadian House of Parliament and its Senate.
This Canadian city is absolutely worth a visit for its historic importance, as well as modern wonders like the Skateway along the Rideau Canal, the Canadian Tulip Festival (the largest tulip festival in the world!), and the unique natural biomes that exist in and around the city.
With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Ottawa. Stick to these fun and unique Ottawa bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this beautiful, historic city on the border of Ontario and Quebec!
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15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Ottawa, Canada
1. Marvel at 300,000 Colorful Blooms at the Canadian Tulip Festival
Every May, the largest public tulip festival in the world opens up in Ottawa’s Commissioners Park. You’ll find over 300,000 tulips and 100 varieties as part of the stunning seasonal display.
The Canadian Tulip Festival‘s origins date back to World War II when the Dutch royal family sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa to commemorate the sacrifice of the Canadian soldiers who played a role in the liberation of the Netherlands. That initial gift has grown into a staggering garden numbering over one million tulips, of which approximately one-third are shown during the Tulip Festival.
During the festival, visitors can stroll through the public displays and take part in the event program, which includes live music concerts, nightly light shows, and film screenings, along with a market that welcomes local artisan vendors. Visiting at night means you’ll be able to see the garden beds lit by decorative lighting.
Admission is free, though you can choose to attend certain functions, like the guided tours, for a small fee.
2. Go Ice Skating on the Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is one of the most iconic Ottawa attractions. At over 125 miles long, the canal connects the city to Lake Ontario, and it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its amazing engineering.
One of the most unique and fun things to do in Ottawa is to ice skate along the Rideau Canal in the winter. In the coldest winter months, the canal transforms into the world’s largest natural ice skating rink, measuring nearly 5 miles long.
Every winter, the National Capital Commission monitors the ice to ensure it’s thick enough to skate on. Once it is, the canal is cleared of snow and the ice is smoothed over and maintained. Usually, the canal is skateable for around 30 days, between January and March.
You’ll be able to skate around some of the most stunning Ottawa attractions and landmarks, including the Parliament buildings and Ottawa’s historic downtown. Winter festivals and events take place on the ice, so you’ll be able to enjoy live music, hot chocolate, and warming winter snacks when you visit.
Ice skates can be rented at the canal, and there are heated changing facilities to keep you toasty.
3. Witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony
On Parliament Hill, from late June through August, you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. This longstanding commonwealth tradition provides a chance to witness a historic military pageant, making it one of the most unique things to do in Ottawa.
The Changing of the Guard literally represents the New Guard taking the responsibilities of the Old Guard, with all the ceremonial decorum observed, including an inspection from the company commander, along with a march through Parliament Hill. This tradition dates back to 1959, and the ceremony in Ottawa is modeled on one that took place in London, England.
Every morning, the parade starts at Cartier Square and continues up to Parliament Hill. From 9:45 in the morning, you’ll be able to see the guardsmen marching up the hill and the military band getting ready. From 10 am, the parade kicks into full swing, with the band playing marching songs and the reservists beginning a synchronized march across the lawn. The ceremony ends at Rideau Hall.
4. Celebrate All Things Jazz at the Ottawa Jazz Festival
This renowned annual music event is one of the largest jazz festivals in Canada. This 8- to 10-day event, held in late June or early July, focuses primarily on jazz but cultivates a diversity of musical acts.
The Ottawa Jazz Festival first began in the summer of 1980, when members of the grassroots musical scene in Ottawa founded the festival. Over the years, the festival has hosted thousands of artists, including Diana Krall, Aretha Franklin, and Sonny Rollins.
The festival runs across multiple indoor and outdoor stages across downtown Ottawa. The main stage is set up in Confederation Park, which is the city’s central park.
The musical lineup is comprised of international and local artists, from icons to up-and-coming acts. Between the big outdoor concerts, you’ll be able to enjoy intimate club shows and late-night jam sessions at Lord Elgin Hotel, too!
Over 300 artists come to the festival every year, and hundreds of thousands attend, making this one of the largest musical events in the country and one of the best things to do in Ottawa.
5. Paddleboard Dows Lake or Gatineau Park
Whether you want to stay in Ottawa or head to Gatineau Park, less than a half-hour north, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to have outdoor adventures, whether on land or water!
Dows Lake is right on the Rideau Canal, with a convenient location near Little Italy. Make a day of it and grab lunch or dinner after your paddling experience!
This placid and wide lake is calm enough for a novice paddler, offering tons of amenities nearby and views of downtown Ottawa. Pathways on land also provide opportunities for biking and jogging if you prefer to stick to land.
If you’re looking for more adventurous Ottawa activities, Gatineau Park is a great choice. While it’s technically a part of Quebec, the park is a short drive from Ottawa, and it offers hundreds of miles of parkland to explore.
Gatineau Park has it all, with beautiful and calm lakes, mysterious caves, and rare wildlife to look out for. We’d recommend it if you’re a nature lover!
6. Visit Parliament Hill
Of course, no Ottawa bucket list is complete without a trip to Parliament Hill, the seat of the Canadian government. This iconic area overlooks the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal.
Parliament Hill welcomes over 3 million visitors each year, with gardens that house statues of national heroes and other historic monuments, including the Centennial Flame, the Memorial Chamber, and the Canadian War Memorial.
You’ll be able to take guided tours through both the Senate and the House of Commons. Parts of these buildings date back to 1859, and they showcase intricate stonework and carvings that represent Canadian history. Tours are free, but reserving a ticket in advance is recommended.
Of course, you can’t miss the Peace Tower in the Centre Block, one of the top Ottawa attractions. This 100-year-old building rises above the Ottawa skyline and is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture.
Parliament Hill also hosts many of Ottawa’s major events, including the Canada Day fireworks show, Remembrance Day, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
7. Shop and Dine in ByWard Market
ByWard Market is Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction, so you’ll definitely want to carve out some time to explore this iconic outdoor market. This area is home to hundreds of shops, boutiques, and entertainment venues, and it’s the place to go if you want to enjoy Ottawa’s artisan scene or nightlife.
ByWard Market and the surrounding area are very walkable and easy to get to via car, bike, or public transportation. Established in 1826, this is one of Canada’s oldest public market districts. In the market itself, you’ll find vendors of fine cheeses, handicrafts, and even artwork.
When it comes to dining, you’re spoiled for choice, whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Iconic spots include the cozy Oz Kafe, the 24-hour Zak’s Diner, and BeaverTails.
You might swing by and catch an intimate live show at The Mercury Lounge, grab a drink in a historic tavern, or visit one of the many museums nearby. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Ottawa, you’ll find them in spades at ByWard Market!
8. Explore the National Canadian Museums
Ottawa is home to fantastic national museums, including the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canada Science and Technology Museum, and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.
The Canadian Museum of Nature is a standout, housing an internationally renowned natural history collection. You’ll be able to see rare fossils, including a complete blue whale skeleton and many dinosaur specimens. If you plan to visit, set aside around four hours to view everything – there are interactive displays that younger visitors would enjoy and special exhibits happening all the time.
The Canada Science and Technology Museum is one of Canada’s foremost science museums, and it’s an excellent place for kids, too! Special exhibits include real prototypes of Canadian inventions and a truly soundless cube experience.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in aircraft, there’s no better place than the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. You’ll be able to view real fighter jets, get a taste of Canada’s unique space exploration history, and the museum even offers tours via airplane or helicopter!
9. Peruse the National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada is one of the country’s leading art institutions and boasts over 75,000 works of art in its collection. The museum specializes in Canadian and Indigenous art.
Originally established in 1880 and housed in an incredible building, the museum is worth a spot on your Ottawa bucket list for the architecture alone. Alongside exhibition spaces, you’ll find a covered courtyard, the Rideau Street Chapel, and a beautiful library and reading room.
Some of the most notable works in the collection include paintings by Canadian artists such as Tom Thomson, Emily Carr, and the Group of Seven. The gallery also has an extensive collection of European art, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Gogh.
In addition to its permanent collection, the National Gallery of Canada hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year featuring both Canadian and international artists. The gallery also offers a variety of educational programs, including tours, lectures, and workshops aimed at engaging visitors of all ages and backgrounds with the world of art.
10. Marvel at the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is the oldest and largest church in the city and a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture dating back to the 19th century. The cathedral’s twin spires and the Madonna sitting between them can easily be seen from Parliament Hill and other viewpoints in the city, making it a significant part of the city’s landscape and one of the most iconic Ottawa attractions.
Services in both French and English are regularly held at the basilica, and it’s the official seat of Ottawa’s Roman Catholic archbishop. Walking inside, you’ll immediately notice the massive pipe organ serving as the church’s centerpiece. Art and architecture lovers rejoice – large paintings and murals by renowned artists line the walls alongside stained glass windows, high vaulted ceilings, and hundreds of statues.
Being one of the city’s most-appreciated heritage buildings, the basilica is definitely worth a look if you’re walking around downtown Ottawa.
11. Visit the Gorgeous Mer Bleue Bog
The Mer Bleue Bog is a must-see for nature lovers. This unique wetland is one of the best-preserved bogs in the country, covering over 21 square miles.
The bog is part of the Mer Bleue conservation area, an 8,649-acre expanse protected under the Ontario Heritage Act. The bog itself is around 7,700 years old and has served as an essential part of the wetland ecosystem throughout the centuries.
You’ll be able to spot many rare species of flora here among the orchids, sphagnum moss, and carnivorous plants. It’s also a great area for bird-watching, as it’s a nesting site and a migration stop. You can explore the bog through several different trails and boardwalks that cut across the forest, sand ridges, and wetlands.
The area is especially beautiful in fall, as the leaves change color and fog begins to roll in. Amenities like picnic areas and washrooms mean that a visit can turn into a whole-day excursion, perfect if you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do in Ottawa.
12. Tour through Significant Canadian History Sites
As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is the best place to learn about the country’s complex history – and the Canadian Museum of History is a natural first stop.
The museum’s famed Canadian History Hall traces Canada’s beginnings from the home of incredibly diverse Indigenous tribes to the establishment of a scattered collective of British and French trade settlements to its confederation as an independent nation-state after WWII. The exhibit covers a lot of ground!
Meanwhile, the First Peoples Hall showcases the cultural heritage of Canada’s Indigenous peoples, including historical artifacts alongside multimedia displays. Of course, you can also make a stop at the Canadian War Museum, a huge facility with a collection numbering over 500,000 materials across its exhibits, archives, and collection.
On Parliament Hill, you’ll find the National War Memorial in the center of Confederation Square. All these sites are worth a visit for anyone interested in learning about Canada’s storied history.
13. Stroll through the Central Experimental Farm
Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm is primarily an agricultural research facility, but much of the grounds are open to the public without charge. You’ll be able to explore a sprawling arboretum, beautiful gardens, a tropical greenhouse, and a museum.
The Dominion Arboretum is a cultivated woodland rolling out across 86 acres of land. Of its over 2,000 varieties of flora, some plantings are over a century old. A lookout in the arboretum will also give you panoramic views of the city, from Carleton University to Dow’s Lake.
The ornamental gardens are a photography favorite, and they’re especially known for their numerous rose gardens and various other collections arranged in artful flowerbeds. At over 8 acres, you’ll find plenty to see, smell, and touch here.
We’d be remiss not to mention the Tropical Greenhouse, which houses a diverse collection of non-native plant species in a lovely indoor garden. You might also want to check out the Canada Agricultural Museum, which contains exhibits about Canada’s huge farming and fishing industries.
14. Enjoy the Winterlude Festival
If you’re looking for fun Ottawa activities, the Winterlude festival in Ottawa is the best way to experience a Canadian winter. For three weekends in February, you can enjoy the huge program of wintery events held all over the city.
Beginning in 1979, Winterlude’s biggest features include an ice sculpture competition and concerts held at Confederation Park, along with ice skating and concerts on the frozen Rideau Canal, and Snowflake Kingdom, a winter wonderland playground designed for kids, at Jacques-Cartier Park.
Aside from the Winterlude festival sites, you’ll also find that most museums in Ottawa stage Winterlude-specific exhibits. Special events also take place at major tourist attractions around the city, like ByWard Market and Gatineau Park.
Sports enthusiasts take note because Winterlude also hosts a variety of racing events – from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to triathlons and dragon boat races, the festival really has every kind of thrill you might be looking for.
15. Try a Classic Beaver Tail
Beaver Tails are a specialty pastry first served at a fair just outside Ottawa back in 1978, which led to the historic BeaverTails stand opening up at ByWard Market, which has now become BeaverTails, a Canadian household name with shops across Canada and abroad.
For the uninitiated, this classic Canadian treat is comprised of a fried dough base that is perfectly crisp but still chewy, then sprinkled with just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar. It sounds simple, but the devil is in the details!
Additional varieties of Beaver Tail have appeared, of course, to suit a variety of palates. You can get yours done like an apple pie, sprinkled with Oreo pieces, or topped with some hazelnut spread, to name a few options.
Aside from the iconic pastries, the BeaverTails stores serve up other signature recipes, including hot chocolate (perfect for a cold winter day) and another Canadian classic: poutine! Think freshly-made fries doused in a rich gravy and proper Quebec cheese curds.
And if you’re feeling extra Canadian, consider getting a Beaver Tail with poutine served on top!
There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Ottawa. What’s your favorite thing to do in Ottawa?
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