Planning a trip to the Nation’s Capital and unsure of “What to do in Ottawa?”, I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re coming to visit, study, relocating or already live here, there’s activities available in Ottawa to suit everyone!
Like many capital cities, Ottawa has a reputation for being a ‘sleepy government town’ or ‘the city that fun forgot’. I can assure you that in the last few years a lot of things have changed. While relative to it’s larger neighbours, Toronto and Montreal, Ottawa’s population of just over one million may seem small. The truth is it’s a small town with just the right amount of a big town feel. It’s the city that will completely charm you into coming to visit again (or stay!). The guide is set up to cater to all budget levels, so whether you want to splurge on dinner and save on accommodations, you’ll find inspiration all the way from ballin’ on a budget to livin’ large!
I’m also here to say (and show you) that Ottawa is the most underrated capital city in the world – bold statement, and as an Ottawa native, I may be biased!
Best time to visit Ottawa
Ottawa is a beautiful town that is ideal for visits year round. However, for most visitors Summer and Fall are most ideal. Spring can be hit or miss as not all attractions may be open and the weather is unpredictable. While, there is loads to do in the Winter in Ottawa, it’s not for the faint of heart. Weather can get to extremely cold temperatures, so if you’re not used to -15 degree celsius (which is the average not including the wind chill), just wait a few months before travelling! We’re even known to win the title of coldest capital in the world a few days each winter.
With that said, there are a events that happen in the city each season that Ottawa is famous for. If you’re able to plan visits to Ottawa around these, you’re in for a treat!
Summer: Festivals galore! Ottawans are fully out of hibernation and really make the most of spending the summer days outdoors. In the summer months the city is best known for Bluesfest and it’s infamous July 1st Canada Day celebrations.
Fall: Without a doubt, the best things to do in fall in Ottawa is to explore the trails at Gatineau Park to watch the leaves change colours as they prepare for winter.
Winter: Canadians are not afraid of being outdoors in the winter. In the winter months we’re most likely to be seen skating on the world’s longest outdoor rink, the Rideau Canal, admiring ice sculptures at Winterlude or skiing/snowboarding at one of my many slopes nearby.
Spring: A must-do in May is the tulip festival.
Getting to Ottawa
Adding Ottawa onto your Canadian itinerary is easy and there are many transportation options to consider. If you’re coming to Ottawa from Toronto or Montreal, while the flight times are short, with check-in times and such, it’s quicker and more convenient to take the train, bus or drive yourself! Costs below are approximate for one-way trips in Canadians Dollars and don’t include tax.
Greyhound Bus Station
Approximate time and cost from Montreal: 2h 30m at $27.00
Approximate time and cost from Toronto: 5h 15m at $48.51
Ottawa International Airport
Approximate time and cost from Montreal: 47m at $400
Approximate time and cost from Toronto: 59m at $289
Via Rail Train Station
Approximate time and cost from Montreal: 2h at $44
Approximate time and cost from Toronto: 4h 36m at $48
Road Tripping
Approximate time and cost from Montreal: 2h 22m
Approximate time and cost from Toronto: 4h 16m
(Traffic is crazy, particularly in Toronto, so opt for travelling during non peak hours)
TIP: Make sure to book bus/train tickets in advance as you can take advantage of early bird pricing (ideally about 3 months out to get the best deal).
Getting around Ottawa
Walk: Good ol’ fashioned walking! The downtown core, in particular ‘The Market’ is a relatively small area, so it’s easy enough to take in most of the sites by foot on your own walking tour!
Bike: The downtown core is bike friendly, but of particular interest to cyclists would be the routes along the Ottawa river.
Bus (OC Transpo): Public transportation is very accessible downtown. There’s also a new light rail coming to town soon! If you’re planning to venture outside the downtown core by bus into other neighborhoods like the Glebe, Little Italy or Westboro, it may be a good idea to get a day pass instead of paying per ride!
Uber/Lyft: Ride sharing services are available in Ottawa, but there are restrictions when crossing over into Quebec, so be mindful of that!
Taxi: Relative to Uber/Lyft they can be more expensive, but are an option as well.
Hop-on-off bus: In for a quick visit, see all the sites at your leisure all packed into one trip.
Water taxi: Skip the road traffic and cross the river instead (nice vantage point for some sightseeing as well!)
What to see and do in Ottawa
Parliament Of Canada
A visit to the Parliament when in Ottawa, is a no brainer! Our Parliament building are to Ottawa, what Big Ben is to London, it’s the icon of the city! A unique experience to consider, is to sit in on the proceedings of the Senate and House of Commons. Just make sure to check the schedule in advance and also note that spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re a politics fiend, you may also want to pay a visit to the Supreme Court of Canada, just down the street. In the summer months also make sure to circle back and take a seat for the sound and light show in the evening. It’s also worth going up inside to the top of the peace tower. How many Canadian flags were you able to spot on the rooftops?
Cost: FREE!
TIP: Tickets are available at the information centre across the street. It’s best to arrive when the centre opens at 9am to ensure that you reserve a tour time slot, as they can book up quickly and are only booked for the current day.
Changing of the guard
The guard procession begins at 9:50am and is only done during the summer months. Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early if you want to grab a good spot.
COST: FREE!
Visit Mom (Maman)
Another well known fixture in Ottawa, is ‘the Spider Statue’ aka Maman (French for Mom). If you stand under the sculpture and look up, you’ll understand how it got the name!
COST: FREE!
Museums
For a relatively small city, Ottawa has a ton of amazing museums! From Nature, War, to Aviation and even Science and Technology, there’s something here for everyone! Depending on your interests, I’ve outlined the museum that would be the best fit – if you can only pick one! While the majority of museums are around the downtown core, there are a few that are a bit more out of the way, so keep that in mind as you plan your visits.
For the fun families: The Museum of Science and Technology
For the art aficionado: National Art Gallery
For the history buff: The Canadian War Museum
For the nature lover: The Canadian Museum of Nature
For the ‘I’m not picky’: The Canadian Museum of History (formerly the Museum of Civilization – my personal favourite!)
COST: Varies from $15-$20 per entrance fee or the newly launched museum passport, where you can get a pass to 3 different museums for $35.
TIP: Museums are free from 5-8pm on Thursdays!
Byward Market
You’ll often hear Ottawans talking about ‘The Market’. The Byward Market Square and the two square blocks around it are considered the heart and hub of the city. Come to explore the outdoor stalls (and take a wander inside too), find everything from unique clothing boutiques, cute restaurants and local farmers produce and flowers. The Moulin de Provence bakery is famous in particular for their Obama and Trudeau cookies.
COST: FREE!
Explore the Canal
While I would strongly recommend against swimming in the canal – please don’t do that! There are plenty of other ways to take it all in. You can walk, bike or rollerblade the paths along the canal. Alternatively or in addition you can kayak, paddle board or take a boat ride on the waters of the canal.
COST: Varies
Take a Haunted Walk
Get a chance to walk to the major sites but also be entertained with tales of old time and learn about the history of the some of the cities oldest buildings.
COST: $21.75 – $23.75
What to see and do close to Ottawa
Parc Omega
Caribou, Arctic Wolves and Bears, oh my! For the ultimate Canadian Safari Experience, it’s worth the drive over to Montebello, Quebec to get up close and personal with Canadian wildlife.
COST: $35
TIP: The park occasionally offers Groupon’s, so take a look to see if one is available before arriving!
Nordik Spa
If you’re looking for some relaxation after all the walking you’ve done, this is the best place to do it! The Nordik Spa is built with the feeling of being in the midst of nature.
COST: Access to baths is $65
MosaïCulture Gatineau
This new attraction in Jacques-Cartier Park was introduced in 2017 to celebrate Canada’s 150th and it was so popular they brought it back!
COST: $20 (Most locals find this a bit expensive for a family outing, especially considering it was free for the 150th celebrations, but the sculptures and grounds are really impressive)
Where to eat in Ottawa
The food scene is incredible in Ottawa. I love restaurant hopping and trying new spots throughout the city (I would say I’m a foodie, but not the pretentious kind). I’ve been to my fair share of restaurants, and there are so many amazing places it was tough to narrow it down. Here are a few options for each meal of the day – and for some in between. Read on for some of the best restaurants to try in Ottawa for a variety of budgets:
Breakfast spots in Ottawa
Kettleman’s Bagels
Montreal style bagels in Ottawa, because they are THAT good.
Must-try: Doesn’t everyone order the all-dressed bagels with garlic cream cheese – is there any other way to do it?
COST: $
Continental Bagels
Located in the heart of the market, this is next best bagel shop.
Must-try: They also sell empanadas, take one for the road!
COST: $
Art-Is-In Bakery
Don’t let the industrial park it’s in confuse you. This is one of THE breakfast spots in the city. Their baguettes and breads are the first to sell out every Saturday morning at the farmer’s markets across the city.
Must-try: The quiches!
COST: $$
Wilf and Ada’s
All from scratch, all local. Show up early, this place fills up quick on weekends.
Must-try: Eggs Florentine
COST: $$
Lunch spots in Ottawa
El Furniture Warehouse
Everything on the menu is $5.95! Budgeters rejoice!
COST: $
Tavern on the Hill
Gourmet hot dogs with a great atmosphere and view. Ideal for a light lunch.
COST: $
TIP: There are two locations, check out the one with a view of Parliament!
Ahora
One of those hole in the wall eateries, with decor just as colourful as the food!
Must-try: You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
COST: $
Pure Kitchen
Vegetarian/Vegan friendly restaurant, changing the face of healthy food in Ottawa!
Must-try: Cauliflower Wings
COST: $$
Dinner spots in Ottawa
Smoque Shack
Laid-back southern style eatery that is smokin’ good!
Must-try: Mac & Cheese
COST: $$
El Camino
Mexican food with an asian twist, with a line for tacos that can be out the door!
Must-try: Ox Tongue Taco
COST: $$
TIP: Visit the Clarence St location as it’s usually less busy!
EVOO
Located in Little Italy, this Greek eatery is all kinds of delicious!
Must-try: Do yourself a favor and order a few things to split between your group! Also come back to try their mouthwatering brunch!!
COST: $$
Fairouz
This modern Middle Eastern eatery for good reason was voted one of the best restaurants in all of Canada.
COST: $$$
Riviera
Disclaimer: I have yet to go because the few times I’ve tried it’s been booked solid. This is arguably, the hottest restaurant in town, also voted one of the best in the country.
COST: $$$
Dessert spots in Ottawa
Beavertails
Vegans and animal lovers calm down, this sweet pastry treat is a sugary delight!
Must-try: Killaloe Sunrise
COST: $
Oh-So-Good
They didn’t lie when they named the place!
Must-try: You won’t go wrong with any of the cheesecakes!
COST: $$
Tim Hortons
Foodies, please look away! But hey – it’s the Canadian classic located on every other street corner. If this is your first time in Canada, give it a go!
Must-try: Boston Cream Donut
COST: $
Where to stay in Ottawa
If you’re in town for a few days, the best place to stay is in and around the Market area. Prices are based on a standard room and may vary.
Airbnb
Ideal area to look for is in the ByWard market. Next best would be the Golden Triangle (Elgin St. area), The Glebe, or Old Ottawa South.
COST: Prices start at $70/night
TIP: Get $45 CAD in travel credit if you sign up using this code!
HI Ottawa Hotel
Up for a spooky experience? Spend the night in a former jailhouse that’s rumoured to be haunted. Spend the time, without doing the crime!
COST: Prices start at $83/night
Alt Hotel Ottawa
An affordable but still luxurious option just a block away from the Parliament.
COST: Prices start at $169/night
Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
A relatively new chic and hip hotel that’s shaken up the hotel scene in the city. A more luxurious option with an incredible rooftop patio bar that overlooks the city.
COST: Prices start at $209/night
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