The Capital City of Ottawa, Ontario is located on the banks of the majestic Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau Rivers. Ottawa began as a small logging town over 150 years ago and has become a flourishing metropolis. Ottawa is a city of great neighbourhoods and parks. Bicycle and nature trails are just minutes away from the downtown core. If you are looking for culture, history or simply natural outdoor attractions, Canada's Capital region offers a unique combination of both. Ottawa offers visitors over 30 museums, 50 galleries and theatres, night clubs, fine dining, world-class shopping, heritage sites, stunning architecture, festivals, cultural activities, attractions, tours, natural wonders, sports, and more.
Things to do in Ottawa
Bank of Canada Currency Museum
The country's most comprehensive and complete display of Canadian bank notes and coins. The museum offers a fascinating and curious look at how money is made; do not miss the infamous Yap Stone - a large donut shaped stone from the Island of Yap that was once used as currency. Open daily
245 Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON
Beechwood Cemetery
The Beechwood Cemetery offers more than just a cemetery. Visitors will find a stunning garden of mature trees and a profusion of flowers; horticultural talks are offered on a regular basis. Within these gardens you will find a cherished history that dates back to 1873. 160 acres are dedicated to Canada's war heroes, and is the site where many of the brave souls who served in the Second World War. Beechwood was designated as a National Historic Site in 2001. Call 613-741-9530 for more information.
280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Billings Estate Museum
This Georgian estate was built in 1827and was once home to one of the region's founding families: Braddish and Lamira Billings. On this 8-acre site you will find the grand house, an ice house, dairy room, a cemetery, lush landscaped grounds, pathways a picnic area and more. Open May - October Tuesday - Sunday. Call 613-247-4830 for more information.
2100 Cabot Street, Ottawa, ON
Canada & the World Pavilion
Learn about Canada's place in the world through a variety of interactive displays, informative exhibits and special activities. Featured are the hundreds of Canadians who have made important contributions to the world, from Dr. Lucille Teasdale to Celine Dion. You can help build the international space station, become a business mogul, take part in the Olympics and much more! Closed in the winter aside from the year-round school program; Call 613-239-5000 for more information.
50 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON
Canada Agriculture Museum
Ottawa is the only world capital that has a demonstration farm at its heart. The Canada Agriculture Museum is located on the 500-hectare Central Experimental Farm and was founded as a research station in 1886. Canada's unique agricultural heritage is featured at the Museum, where you can explore the sights and sounds of traditional farm life. Visit the animal barns and special exhibitions at the largest urban working farm and research station in Canada; wander through the Dominion Arboretum and the ornamental gardens right next door. Call 613-991-9207 for more information.
Canada Aviation Museum
This museum is an aeronautical addict's dream with over 120 aircrafts on display. This unique collection of aircraft illustrates the full story of aeronautical history, from the first attempts at flight to the jet age. Recognized to be the finest of its kind in Canada. If you've been up in a bush plane - a Beaver or a Twin Otter - then you've encountered one of Canada's most important contributions to international aviation. This museum is housed in an impressive, modern building that houses the collection that includes a number of interaction displays, making this museum suitable for the whole family. Open from Labour Day – May 1 Wednesday - Sunday 10am – 5pm; closed Monday and Tuesday; May 1 – Labour Day 9am – 5pm daily. Call 613-993-2010 for more information.
11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa, ON
Canada Science & Technology Museum
This museum is best known for its hands-on approach, its Crazy Kitchen and its SimEx Virtual Voyages simulator. You will also find historical displays of such items as antique cars, giant steam locomotives, bicycles, household implements, communications and space technology, and computers. Do not miss the 15-inch refracting telescope for observation in the evening (reservations required). Special visits, demonstrations and workshops are available. September 2, 2003 to April 30, 2004: Tuesday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays and December 25; Open December 22 and 29, 2003 and statutory holidays Call 613-991-3044 for more information.
867 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Illustrating Canada's history from prehistoric times, through the original Canadians, early settlers and explorers, to the fur traders, and mass immigration to modern times. Life sized reconstructions of all these stages in history fill the museum Open Tuesday – Sunday 9am – 5pm; Thursday 9am – 9pm. Located across the river from Ottawa Call 819-776-7000 for more information.
100 Laurier Street, Ottawa, ON
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography
Discover Canada's most photogenic museum. This collection of over 160,000 images is housed in this elegant building that was a creative reconstruction of an abandoned railway tunnel. See the photographic works of Canada's most dynamic art and documentary photographers. The galleries with help you discover works that startle, excite and reveal; periodically the galleries are transformed with new exhibitions drawn from the museum's collection, and complemented by works and exhibitions from other venues. Browse through the museum's boutique for a superb selection of photographic postcards, a wide range of photography books and affordable gift items. Open October 1 - April 30 Wednesday - Sunday 10am – 5pm; Thursday – 8pm; closed Monday & Tuesday / May 1 - September 30 open daily 10am – 5pm; Thursdays – 8pm. admission is free, suggested donation of $2. Call 613-990-8257 for more information.
1 Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON
Canadian Museum of Nature
Explore the natural world through a variety of exhibitions that continue to amaze visitors. You will find four floors of dinosaurs, gems, insects, deep sea creatures, mammals and much more. This collection is kept alive by offering a variety of changing programs and events so that visitors can visit again and again. Call 800-263-4433 for more information.
240 McLeod, Ottawa, ON
Canadian War Museum
Relive Canadian history through the eyes of those who have witnessed it and those who study it. The Canadian War Museum presents Canada's eventful history through the use of many media. Take in a diorama of the D-Day landings, hear a young René Lévesque interview Canadian Forces in Korea, and see the Iltis jeep used by Canadian peacekeepers wounded in Bosnia. Open Tuesday – Sunday 9:30am – 5pm; Thursday 9:30am – 8pm. Call 800-555-5621 for more information.
330 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON
Carleton University
The University offers programs in more than 50 areas of study Call 613-520-7400 for more information.
1135 Colonel, Ottawa, ON
Central Experimental Farm
This large farm is not only a research base for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, but it is also a tourist attraction. Featured are the Canada Agriculture Museum, which features a working dairy, small animal, cattle and rare breeds barns; the Arboretum, with a vast and massive collection of established trees and shrubs that sprawl across the grounds; Ornamental Gardens, which first opened in the 1880s, and encompasses a variety of smaller themed gardens; and many heritage buildings dating back to the 1880s. The Arboretum and Ornamental Gardens are open to the public daily free of charge; the Grounds are open year round sunrise - sunset; the Barns are open daily 9am – 5pm; closed December 25. Exhibitions are held every year from March - October daily 9am – 5pm; closed November - February; Call 613-991-3044 for more information.
Changing of the Guard
This historical ceremony takes place on Parliament Hill. This joins the Governor General's Foot Guards with the Canadian Grenadier Guards accompanied by the band of the Ceremonial Guard. Be sure to arrive early for a short talk about the symbolism and history of this fascinating display that has its roots in Britain. Occurs daily from June 23 - August 25 at 10am.
1 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON
Commonwealth Air Force Memorial
This memorial is dedicated to 800 airmen who died in Canada during the Second World War. Some were killed on missions over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and in the Arctic, most died while learning to fly under the Empire Air Training Scheme or while ferrying aircraft made on this continent to Europe and North Africa. Located at Green Island
Confederation Park
This popular park plays host to many main events, such as Winterlude, Canada Day and the Jazz Festival.
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
This museum is an open-air museum that depicts life in the Lower Ottawa Valley during the 1930s. Visitors can tour over 25 buildings that include a One-Room School House, a Church, a functioning Sawmill and the oldest Imperial Gas Station in Canada. Open daily 10am - 5 pm until mid-October; reopens for Christmas from December 3 - 22. Call 613-833-3059 for more information.
2940 Old Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON
Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada
Presenting the most important collection of Canadian notes, coins and tokens in the world, as well as currency from other countries. See the wide variety of artifacts used for exchange, such as a Yap stone weighing over three tons. Currency continues to play an important role in the daily lives of people around the world. Exploring the diverse means of exchange throughout time and across continents provides insight into cultural values, history and geography. Open year round Tuesday – Saturday 10:30am – 5pm; Sunday 1 – 5pm; open Mondays May 1 - Labour Day. Located at the Bank of Canada Building
245 Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON
Diefenbunker
This is Canada's Cold War Museum found at the site of an old secret nuclear bunker. The museum is focused on Cold War education through tours of the bunker. See the Prime Minister's suite, blast tunnel, machine room and much more. Interesting and somewhat eerie, visitors can wander the corridors of the actual bunker and visit museum displays and exhibits. Call 613-839-0007 for more information.
3911 Carp Road, Ottawa, ON
Dows Lake
This man-made lake is fed by the Rideau Canal and is the most popular spot for winter ice skating. Do not miss Winterlude - an ice sculpture competition. You will find a large pavillion located here that offers restaurants and a marina for year round activities.
Gatineau River
The Gatineau is a large river that rises in the Laurentians in south west Quebec and flows southbound to eventually meet with the Ottawa River between Hull and Ottawa. The Gatineau is used in several places for hydroelectricity.
Hog's Back Falls
The Rideau Canal and the Rideau River part here to create a wonderful 60-foot waterfall. This strange name comes from a rocky ridge that once rose above the foaming water at the foot of the falls that looked like a hog's back.
Inuit Artists' Shop
A non-profit enterprise that showcases original Inuit Art from across the Canadian Arctic. Offering safe and reliable world wide shipping of carvings, prints, jewellery, dolls, wall hangings and baskets. Visit the shop located in Ottawa's Byward Market Call 613-224-8189 for more information.
2081 Merivale Road, Ottawa, ON
Jacques Cartier Park
Sprawling on the banks of the Ottawa River, Jacques Cartier Park offers great views of Hull's downtown and the Rideau Falls. A series of trails also connects the park to Leamy Lake and the Gatineau River. A popular outdoor festival location. Located at the Rue Laurier in Hull just across the river from Ottawa.
Lac de la Carriere
Bordering the Hull Casino, this small lake is fed by the Gatineau River by way of Lac Leamy situated on its north east. Its shores are popular with cyclists and walkers, and its waters are popular with boaters alike. There is a large spouting fountain at its centre. Located in Hull just across the river from Ottawa.Major's Hill Park – The Park is situated in the middle of Ottawa and is a popular park for events such as the Canadian Tulip Festival and many outdoor concerts. Visitors also enjoy the park for its spectacular views of Sussex Drive, Byward Market, the Parliament Buildings and the National Art Gallery while relaxing or picnicking after a day of shopping.
Midway Family Fun Park
Fun can be had rain or shine at this 24,000 square foot indoor facility. You will find lots of fun with our bumper cars, mini golf, bowling, video simulators, giant jungle gym and more! Top it off with a visit to the onsite family restaurant. Open daily 9am - 12pm Call 613-526-0343 for more information.
2370 Lancaster Road, Ottawa, ON
National Arts Centre
The NAC was established in 1969 and today is Canada’s showcase for the performing arts featuring over 600 performances annually. The Centre is home to the National Arts Centre Orchestra under the musical direction of Pinchas Zukerman. Innovative theatre in English and French, classical and contemporary dance, and variety performances are all featured here. Open year round with four superb performance halls all joined by a common foyer and surrounded by terraces and walkways offering a magnificent terrace on the bank of the Rideau Canal. Call 613-947-7000 for more information.
53 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON
National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada is the country’s finest art museum and the permanent home of the world’s most comprehensive collection of Canadian art. You will find Inuit and First Nations art in addition to its European collection that ranges from the Renaissance and Baroque to the Impressionist and Modern periods – and its modern American collection are considered among the best in the country. Discover masterpieces by such artists as the Group of Seven, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Alex Colville, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso and Jackson Pollock. The Gallery is located in one of the most spectacular sites in Ottawa –overlooking the Ottawa River and the Parliament Buildings and its award-winning architecture, featuring the Great Hall, spacious galleries, and interior gardens and courtyards, is in itself worth the visit. Open October 1 - April 30 Wednesday - Sunday 10am – 5pm; Thursday – 8pm. Call 800-319-ARTS for more information.
380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON
National Library of Canada
The National Library of Canada has the world’s most comprehensive collection of books, magazines, sound recordings, government documents and electronic publications. In 2003, the Library amalgamated with the National Archives of Canada, which house and care for millions of documents of all kinds—films, maps, diaries, treaties, art, government records, photographs, sound recordings and more. Open year round; Exhibition rooms daily 9am – 10pm; Reading rooms daily 8am – 11pm; guided tours are available daily 9am – 5pm. Call 613-992-3884 for more information.
395 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON
National War Memorial
The National War Memorial stands 21 metres tall in Ottawa's downtown. The memorial, made of granite and featuring bronze figures of Peace and Freedom, is impressive. The Memorial represents all the Canadians who served their country and was rededicated to their honour in May 1982, with the dates 1939-1945 to represent the Second World War and 1950-1953 to represent the Korean War added to the structure. A nationally televised Remembrance Day ceremony is held at the Memorial each November 11, and other commemorative ceremonies are held here throughout the year to honour the many Canadian men and women who gave their lives for this country. Located in Confederation Square. Call 613-992-7468 for more information.
New Edinburgh Park
Situated alongside the Rideau River, this idyllic park is not far from downtown, but it offers an abundance of wildlife, such as turtles, muskrats, herons and more. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are tennis courts and baseball diamonds. In the winter, there is an outdoor skating rink.
Ottawa City Hall
Ottawa's City Hall is a somewhat controversial city in its modernity. Comprised of several buildings to form more of a community, city hall offers large blocks of concrete and glass in interesting and innovative architecture designed by renowned architect, Moshe Safdie. Situated on Green Island between two channels in the Rideau River where it meets with the Ottawa River.
111 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON
Parliament Hill
Located in Ottawa, Canada's capital city, Parliament Hill is a beautiful national landmark where laws are made and passed into active legislation. “The Hill” as it’s commonly known, consists of several copper-topped buildings representing High Victorian Gothic architecture. Statues of notable people in Canadian history fill the grounds and a wonderful view of the Ottawa River can be enjoyed from the north side of the grounds. Guided tours of the Parliament buildings are offered most days and tours of the grounds are offered during the summer. Closed on Christmas Day & New Year's Day. Call 613-992-4793 for more information.
Prime Minister's Residence
The official residence of Canada's Prime Minister. It has housed every Prime Minister since the government purchased it in 1943. While the building is not open for visitors, it is worth having a peak through the dense trees.
24 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON
RCMP Musical Ride at the Stables
Visit the RCMP stable across from Rockcliffe Park and experience the history and regality of Canada's Mounties. The Musical Ride is a grand display of horse riding ability and choreography set to music. Visitors can also tour the stables, riding school, Tack Room and Farrier Station and see the majestic carriages used to escort Her Majesty the Queen. The stables are open daily for visitors, however, the RCMP Musical Ride travels throughout May - October. Call 613-993-3751 for more information.
Reconciliation, Peacekeeping Monument
The peacekeeping monument is the only monument of its kind in the world. It is dedicated to Canadian peacekeepers. Generations of fathers and grandfathers served overseas in wartime, but our siblings are more likely to have served as peacekeepers. Three bronze figures, representing members of Canada's Armed Forces, stand on top of this monument as they are perched symbolically on high, converging walls that rise above the debris of war; they oversee the process of reconciliation.
Rideau Canal
This historic canal is an immense feat of 19th century engineering. The canal system stretches from Kingston to Ottawa and joins a series of lakes and rivers, making it a haven for boaters. The many locks en route provide moorings complete with campgrounds, accommodation, barbeques, picnic facilities and more. The canal is also intertwined with cycle routes, hiking trails and neighborhoods. In winter it is turned into the world's longest ice skating rink. Call 613-283-5170 for more information.
34A Beckwith Street South, Ottawa, ON
Rideau Falls
Named Rideau by early explorers after the French word for "curtain", these falls offer a sheer wall of water that filters into the Ottawa River. There is a viewing spot here that affords great photographic opportunities of the falls, Gatineau Park and Leamy Lake Ecological Park.
Rideau Hall
The official residence for the Governor General since 1867, Rideau Hall welcomes visitors throughout the year. Guided tours lead visitors down Canada's historical past while exploring the wealth of Canadian art and furniture that adorns the halls of this grand building. Tour the beautiful outdoor gardens or see the Ceremonial Guard - it occurs from June 23 - August 23, every hour from 9am - 5pm. Call 613-991-4422 for more information.
Rockliffe Park
You will find this Park just east of Rideau Hall. The Park meanders for about 3 km along the Ottawa River and is popular with Ottawa's business elite who live in this district. The Park is also home to the Canoe Club and the RA Sailing Club and is adjacent to the RCMP Training Centre.
Royal Canadian Mint
Canada's national mint was founded as a branch of the British Royal Mint in 1908. Today the Royal Canadian Mint produces circulation coins for Canada and other countries, as well as commemorative coins sold worldwide. The Royal Canadian Mint is one of the largest refiners of gold in North America, was the first in the world to refine gold to 99.99% purity (24 karats) for its famous gold Maple Leaf bullion coin. Gold, Silver, and Platinum Maple Leaf coins are the most popular bullion coins in the world. Tours of the Mint are available. Call 800-276-7714 for more information.
320 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON
Strathcona Park
Found just east of downtown Ottawa, the Strathcona Park provides a peaceful place to relax. Sit under the shade of a willow tree or enjoy the fountain. Children will enjoy the great play structure and wading pool. Call 800-276-7714 for more information.
Supreme Court of Canada
The Supreme Court of Canada building is open to the public from May 1 - August 31 9am - 5pm (including weekends); guided tours offered. Call 613-947-5651 for more information.
301 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON
Terry Fox Statue
Terry Fox died in 1981, just one month short of his 23rd birthday. Still a teenager when he lost a leg to cancer, Terry made a brave choice as he undertook a run - one-legged - across Canada in an effort to raise money for the fight against cancer. He called it the Marathon of Hope. Terry Fox never completed his journey, collapsing on a road just west of Thunder Bay when cancer reached his lungs. This statue is a commemorative to this brave young man
90 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier consists of a granite and bronze sarcophagus placed just to the front (south) of the Memorial. It contains the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier from a cemetery in the vicinity of Vimy Ridge in France, the location of a famous Canadian victory during the First World War. The Unknown Soldier represents the more than 116,000 Canadian men and women who have died in the service of their country, and in particular the more than 28,000 who have no known resting place. Call 613-992-7470 for more information.
University of Ottawa
The University is located in the heart of the nation's capital. It is the largest bilingual university in North America and the University is a major player in the cultural and economic development of the National Capital Region. Call 613-562-5700 for more information.
550 Cumberland, Ottawa, ON
Victoria Island
Victoria Park is a place of beauty as well as a place of historical significance as a sacred Native meeting place for thousands of years prior to European arrival. Great views of the Parliament Building from the picnic sites found along the way; visitors can also enjoy hiking and rock climbing.
World’s Largest Skating Rink
The Rideau Canal is transformed into the World's Longest Skating Rink every winter when the water freezes. Popular for over 30 years, this 7.8-km pathway becomes a magical setting for winter fun. Several facilities exist along the canal for convenience such as a cafe, ice huts, toilets, skate and sleigh rentals and more. The Rideau Canal is located in downtown Ottawa. Call 613-239-5000 for more information.