Yes, Ottawa is absolutely worth visiting — and it's one of Canada's most underrated cities. The combination of free national museums, iconic landmarks, a UNESCO-listed canal, and a genuinely walkable downtown puts Ottawa in a different league than most Canadian cities its size. If you've been skipping it in favour of Montreal or Toronto, it's time to reconsider.
The Case For Ottawa
Let's start with what makes Ottawa genuinely exceptional: the national museums. The Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery, the Canadian War Museum, and the Canadian Museum of Nature are all world-class institutions — and several have free or low-cost admission options. Nowhere else in Canada can you access this density of national cultural institutions in a single walkable area.
Parliament Hill is the other obvious answer. The Gothic Revival architecture is stunning, the grounds are beautifully maintained, and free guided tours run through Canadian parliamentary history in a way that's genuinely engaging even for non-Canadians. The Centre Block is under restoration until 2030 or so, but the East Block tour is arguably more intimate anyway.
Food and Neighbourhoods: Better Than You Think
Ottawa's food scene has leveled up significantly over the past decade. The ByWard Market area remains a hub for dining, but neighbourhoods like Hintonburg, Wellington West, and Westboro now have serious restaurant density — think natural wine bars, acclaimed tasting-menu spots, and excellent ramen shops alongside long-standing local institutions.
The Glebe along Bank Street is a particularly pleasant place to spend a slow afternoon: independent bookstores, bakeries, and the kind of neighbourhood energy you don't find in purpose-built tourist zones.
Ottawa vs. Montreal: Which Should You Visit?
This is the most common debate for travellers to the region. The honest answer: they're different experiences. Montreal is bigger, louder, and famous for nightlife and French culture. Ottawa is more compact, more walkable, and stronger on history, museums, and outdoor access. If you're choosing between the two for a single trip, it genuinely depends on what you're after. Many travellers do both — they're only two hours apart by train.
Outdoor Access Is Underrated
Ottawa's position on the Ottawa River and its proximity to Gatineau Park gives it outdoor access that most capital cities can't match. In summer, you can paddle, bike, or hike within 20 minutes of downtown. The Rideau Canal cycling path is one of the best urban bike routes in Canada. In winter, the canal skating rink turns the city into a winter playground.
Honest Drawbacks
Ottawa isn't perfect. It closes early — the nightlife scene is tame compared to Montreal or Toronto. Winters are genuinely cold (plan for -20°C days in January). Some parts of the downtown core outside the tourist zone feel a bit grey on weekdays. But none of these are dealbreakers for most visitors; they're just things to plan around.
For ideas on where to start, browse things to do in Ottawa or check Ottawa events this weekend for what's on during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ottawa a good city to visit for tourists? Yes. Ottawa has a highly walkable downtown, world-class free museums, iconic national landmarks, and a welcoming mid-sized city feel. It consistently ranks among Canada's most liveable and safest cities.
Is Ottawa better than Montreal for tourists? Neither is objectively better — they serve different travel styles. Ottawa is stronger on history, museums, and outdoor access. Montreal wins on nightlife, French culture, food density, and festival volume. Both are worth visiting and are only two hours apart by train.
Is Ottawa expensive to visit? Ottawa is generally more affordable than Toronto and comparable to Montreal. Many of the best attractions — national museums, Parliament Hill tours, canal skating, Gatineau Park — are free or low cost. Mid-range hotels in Centretown typically run $150–$250/night.
Is Ottawa safe for tourists? Ottawa is consistently ranked one of Canada's safest major cities. The tourist areas around Parliament Hill, the Canal, and ByWard Market are busy and well-lit. Standard urban common sense applies, but Ottawa is not a city where safety should be a significant concern for visitors.
