If you're showing a friend around Ottawa for the first time, or you're new to the city yourself, @ottawatourism has put together a handy checklist worth bookmarking. The Instagram account recently posted Part 2 of its Ottawa first-timers bucket list, and it's a solid roadmap for anyone looking to hit the capital's highlights without overthinking the itinerary.
The Ottawa sign photo op
First up: the mandatory photo at the Ottawa sign. It's become one of those unofficial rites of passage for visitors, tourists and locals alike, and it's an easy way to mark that you've officially arrived.
Walking tours for the history buffs
Next on the list is a walking tour to take in the sights. Ottawa's downtown core is packed with historic architecture, from Parliament Hill to the Rideau Canal, and a guided walk is one of the best ways to get context on what you're looking at rather than just snapping photos and moving on.
A picnic in Major's Hill Park
Major's Hill Park sits right beside the Ottawa Locks and offers some of the best views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River. Ottawa Tourism suggests packing a picnic, and honestly, on a nice day it's hard to beat that spot for people-watching or just relaxing between other stops.
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
The list also points visitors toward the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, Ottawa's oldest and largest church, known for its striking twin spires and detailed interior. It's a quick stop but a memorable one, especially for anyone interested in the city's architecture and history.
The classic BeaverTail
And of course, no first Ottawa visit is complete without a BeaverTail from the ByWard Market. As the caption puts it, this stop is basically non-negotiable for newcomers. The Market itself is worth wandering regardless, with its mix of vendors, restaurants and street performers.
As the caption sums it up, this is meant to be a save-worthy list for anyone planning their Ottawa itinerary. Whether you're a lifelong resident looking to play tourist for a day or hosting out-of-town guests, these five stops make for a pretty complete introduction to the capital.
Photo credit: morgan.exploring, via @ottawatourism.
Source: @ottawatourism on Instagram
