Ottawa Has No Shortage of Weekend Plans
Ottawa is one of those cities that rewards people who actually get outside on a weekend — and with mid-May temperatures finally feeling like spring, this is a great time to explore what the city has on offer.
Whether you're a long-time local or new to the capital, there's something going on in virtually every corner of the city from Saturday morning to Sunday evening.
Hit the Farmers Markets
Ottawa's market scene is genuinely one of the best in the country. The ByWard Market is the obvious anchor — it's been running since 1826 and remains one of the oldest and largest public markets in Canada. Pick up fresh produce, grab a beaver tail, or just wander the stalls with a coffee.
For a more neighbourhood feel, the Parkdale Farmers' Market in Hintonburg draws a loyal crowd of west-enders every Saturday morning. It's a great spot to find local vendors, artisan goods, and some seriously good baked goods.
Get Outside on the Pathways
The National Capital Commission's 800 kilometres of pathways make Ottawa one of the most walkable and cycleable capitals in the world. The Rideau Canal pathway is a classic for a reason — flat, scenic, and easy to access from most central neighbourhoods.
For something a little wilder, Gatineau Park is just across the river in Quebec and offers dozens of hiking trails ranging from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging ridge hikes with sweeping views of the Ottawa Valley. The Champlain Lookout trail is a perennial favourite.
Explore a Neighbourhood You Don't Know
Ottawa's neighbourhoods each have their own distinct personality. If you haven't spent an afternoon in Westboro lately, the stretch of Richmond Road between Island Park and Kirkwood is lined with independent shops, coffee spots, and restaurants worth checking out.
Gloucester Street in Old Ottawa South, the Glebe's Bank Street strip, and the ever-evolving Preston Street Little Italy corridor are all worth a leisurely explore if you want to see the city beyond the tourist core.
Check What's On at the Museums
Ottawa has more national museums per capita than almost any city in the world — and several are free on certain days. The Canadian Museum of History, the Canada Science and Technology Museum, and the Canadian War Museum all run regular programming and rotating exhibitions.
The National Gallery of Canada is always worth a visit for the permanent collection alone, and the adjacent Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city if you haven't stepped inside.
Live Music and Local Eats
Ottawa's live music scene punches above its weight for a city its size. Local venues across the Glebe, Centretown, and the Market neighbourhood typically have programming running through the weekend — check venue social pages or local listings for what's on.
Cap off the weekend with dinner somewhere you've been meaning to try. Ottawa's restaurant scene has grown considerably in recent years, with strong options across every neighbourhood from Hintonburg to Vanier.
Source: To Do Canada via Google News Ottawa Events feed.
