Things To Do In Ottawa

Ottawa Adventures: Things To Do In Ottawa That You Shouldn’t Skip

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, has the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an excellent destination for visitors. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the capital city offers a variety of activities that cater to all interests.

Sitting on the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill is at its center. It has grand Victorian architecture and museums like the National Gallery of Canada, with noted collections of Indigenous and other Canadian art. The park-lined Rideau Canal is filled with boats in summer and ice-skaters in winter.

Ottawa is near Montreal and the U.S. border. Let’s explore the things to do in Ottawa that you shouldn’t skip for a memorable experience.

Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill is a must-visit attraction in Ottawa. It is the heart of Canadian democracy and has rich historical significance. The hill features beautiful Gothic Revival architecture, including the iconic Centre Block, East Block, and West Block, which showcase its historical importance.

Visitors can explore Parliament Hill with free guided tours that provide insights into Canada’s political history. The tours include visits to the House of Commons and the Senate. The expansive grounds of Parliament Hill also offer beautiful views of the Ottawa River, making it an excellent spot for relaxation.

Ottawa getaway is complete without visiting Parliament. It does a Changing of the Guard and happens on Parliament Hill, the seat of the federal government. The Old Guard, the Pipes, and Drums march to the East Lawn of Parliament Hill, and after the march, the “Changing of the Guard” ceremony happens surrounded by hundreds of gaping spectators.

Canadian Museum of Nature

Canadian Museum of Nature features over 14.6 million specimens with four-floor exhibits, from dinosaurs to butterflies. Its exhibitions and public programs are housed in the Victoria Memorial Museum Building, an 18,910-square-metre structure in Ottawa, Ontario.

The Geological Survey of Canada established the museum in 1856. It was initially based in Montreal but relocated to downtown Ottawa in 1881. Likewise, it relocated to the Victoria Memorial Museum Building in 1911 and was renamed the National Museum of Canada in 1927.

Visitors can explore galleries such as the Canada Goose Arctic Gallery, which showcases the Arctic environment with real ice and interactive displays. The Water Gallery features a complete blue whale skeleton, while the Fossil Gallery displays remarkable dinosaur fossils.

ByWard Market

Explore the rich history and diverse offerings at ByWard Market, Canada’s oldest public market. It’s a unique heritage destination for residents and visitors, making it the number one tourist attraction in the National Capital Region. With over 600 businesses in the district and an average of 50,000 visitors per weekend during the high season, ByWard Market has something for everyone.

The market has numerous cafes, artisanal shops, and restaurants. In the daytime, ByWard Market features outdoor stalls selling fresh produce, baked goods, and unique crafts. The market transforms into a nightlife hub with bars, clubs, and live music venues as the sun sets.

Canadian War Museum

If you are a history fanatic, the Canadian War Museum is a must-visit destination in Ottawa. The museum showcases the country’s military past, and over three million artifacts, from pre-contact warfare to contemporary conflicts, are on display.

Similarly, tourists can explore the Canadian Experience Galleries, which chronologically narrate Canada’s involvement in significant wars. The museum’s memorial hall honors those who served, including the Unknown Soldier.

National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada is at 380 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, Ontario. Israeli architect Moshe Safdie’s stunning glass and granite building offers a remarkable view of Parliament Hill. The museum showcases historical and contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and multimedia installations.

For art lovers and enthusiasts, the National Gallery of Canada is a destination not to be missed when visiting Ottawa. The museum showcases an impressive collection of over 93,000 works, featuring various artistic movements and cultures, including significant pieces from Canadian and Indigenous artists.

Notre-Dame Basilica

Notre Dame Basilica is the oldest and largest church in the capital city. It has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada since 1990. The church showcases stunning Gothic Revival architecture, and the interior features beautifully painted vaulted ceilings, ornate statues, and exquisite stained glass windows.

Visitors don’t need to pay admission fees to explore the Notre Dame Basilica. The Basilica serves as the spiritual center for Ottawa’s Catholic community and hosts various events, including organ recitals, throughout the year.

Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a variety of activities year-round. The interesting part of Rideau Canal is that during the winter, the canal transforms into the world’s largest skating rink, and in summer, it is perfect for boating, cycling, and hiking. Moreover, it is a central feature in Ottawa’s annual Winterlude festival, which celebrates winter activities and culture.

An iconic waterway that runs through Ottawa, Ontario, hosts festivals like Winterlude, featuring ice sculptures and various winter activities during the winter. It stretches for 202 kilometers (125 miles) from Ottawa to Kingston, and it’s one of the oldest continuously operated canal systems in North America.

Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor activities in Ottawa. It spans over 361 square kilometers (139 square miles) and offers a variety of outdoor activities and scenic beauty. The park is perfect for hiking and biking as it has well-maintained trails for all skill levels. Popular trails include the Pink Lake Trail, which showcases stunning views and wildlife.

Gatineau Park is also an excellent place for swimming and enjoying a relaxing picnic with loved ones. It features Mackenzie King Estate, a historic site where you can learn about Canadian history.

Dominion Arboretum

Dominion Arboretum is a walk into nature featuring over 4,000 species of trees and shrubs. It is part of the Central Experimental Farm, a beautiful 64-acre (26-hectare) area featuring various trees and shrubs, some dating back to 1889.

Nature enthusiasts can explore various gardens, including the Ornamental Gardens, which has displays of annuals, perennials, and a stunning lilac collection. From Dominion Arboretum, you get picturesque views of Dow’s Lake and the Rideau Canal.

Escape Rooms

Ottawa’s Escape Rooms have offered thrilling ways to engage with friends and family. Escape the Diefenbunker is one of the popular escape rooms in Ottawa, where teams can explore a massive underground bunker while solving intricate puzzles and uncovering clues.

Trapped Ottawa is another notable escape room that offers five uniquely designed escape games that challenge participants’ problem-solving skills within a time limit of 60 to 90 minutes.

Unlocked Ottawa features multiple room themes and virtual games suitable for all ages. Ottawa’s escape rooms promise an unforgettable adventure filled with excitement and teamwork.

Also, see Ultimate Adventure Guide: Top Things to Do in Toronto for Young Adults.

Kshitiz Deuja
Kshitiz Deuja

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