Ottawa punches well above its weight for a city of one million. Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market, and the national museum district are the undisputed must-sees — but the city rewards deeper exploration with vibrant neighbourhoods, stunning river pathways, and a food scene that's grown impressively in recent years.
Parliament Hill
No visit to Ottawa is complete without Parliament Hill. The Gothic Revival Centre Block is currently under a long-term restoration, but the East and West Blocks offer free guided tours that go deep into Canadian political history. The daily Changing of the Guard ceremony runs on the front lawn each summer morning — arrive early for a good spot. The Hill's cliff edge offers one of the best views in the city: the Ottawa River, the Gatineau Hills, and the Canadian Museum of History across the water.
The Rideau Canal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal is both a working waterway and Ottawa's most beloved public space. In summer, rent a kayak or take a cruise from Dows Lake. In winter — typically late January through mid-February — it becomes the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink. Even if you just walk the locks and the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, the Canal is essential Ottawa.
ByWard Market
The ByWard Market neighbourhood has been Ottawa's social hub since 1826. The covered market building overflows with local produce, maple products, and Ottawa-made goods. The surrounding streets are lined with restaurants, bars, and independent shops. BeaverTails — the iconic fried dough pastry — got their start here and you'll still find them at the original stand. Don't skip the side streets: York, George, and Clarence all have gems worth finding.
The National Museums
Ottawa's concentration of national museums is genuinely rare. These are the ones not to miss:
- Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau): Canada's most-visited museum, with a stunning curved building by Douglas Cardinal
- National Gallery of Canada: Houses the largest collection of Canadian art in the world, plus significant international works
- Canadian War Museum: One of the most powerful museum experiences in the country — plan at least two hours
- Canadian Museum of Nature: A beautiful Victorian building with excellent natural history galleries
Gatineau Park
Just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park is a 361 km² wilderness reserve with over 165 km of hiking trails, beaches, and lookouts. The Champlain Lookout offers a panoramic view of the Ottawa Valley that feels completely removed from city life. In fall, it's one of the best leaf-peeping spots in Eastern Canada.
The Glebe and Westboro
For a break from monuments and museums, these two neighbourhoods deliver the best of local Ottawa. Bank Street in the Glebe is lined with independent restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops. Westboro along Richmond Road has a similar energy with a slightly more outdoorsy flavour — great for picking up gear before a Gatineau Park day trip.
For a full list of current things happening in the city, visit things to do in Ottawa or check out family things to do in Ottawa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ottawa most famous for? Ottawa is most famous for Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and being Canada's capital. It's also known for its concentration of free national museums and the Canadian Tulip Festival each May.
Is the National Gallery of Canada free? Permanent collection galleries are free for youth under 12 and for Indigenous peoples. General admission applies to most visitors, but Thursday evenings offer free or reduced admission for Canadian residents. Check the gallery's website for current pricing.
Can you walk from Parliament Hill to the ByWard Market? Yes — it's about a 10-minute walk east along Wellington Street and then up Sussex Drive. The route passes the National War Memorial and Confederation Square, making it a worthwhile walk on its own.
What's the best free thing to do in Ottawa? Skating on the Rideau Canal (rental skates available) and walking Parliament Hill cost nothing. Most national museums have free or by-donation entry options on select evenings.
