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Ottawa Attractions: What to do in Ottawa

Things to do in Ottawa

 

Attractions (103)

Activities (31)

Nightlife (22)

Shopping (24)

All (103)
Cultural (21)
Museums (19)
Outdoors (17)
Landmarks (13)
Sports (13)
Amusement (12)
Performances (6)
Zoos & Aquariums (1)
Name

Attractions travellers recommend

Canadian War Museum
Canadian War Museum
Ranked #1 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 642 reviews
Category: Military Museums; History Museums
Owner description: Discover the military history of Canada through a vast collection of artifacts, moving personal stories, works of art, and... more » Owner description: Discover the military history of Canada through a vast collection of artifacts, moving personal stories, works of art, and unforgettable photography. Explore the human conflicts that have shaped Canada, Canadians and the world. With its prize-winning, richly symbolic architecture, the War Museum, provides a spectacular setting for exhibitions, public programs and other events that illustrate the way in which human conflict, in Canada and around the globe, has changed the face of the world. « less
Map | Visitor photos (190)
Parliament Hill and Buildings
Parliament Hill and Buildings
Ranked #2 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 1,015 reviews
Category: Government Buildings; Historic Sites; Historic Walking Areas; Lookouts
Owner description: Three Gothic Revival-style buildings, located on a 170-foot bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, house the offices of the... more » Owner description: Three Gothic Revival-style buildings, located on a 170-foot bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, house the offices of the members of Parliament, the House of Commons and the Senate. Free guided tours delve into Canadian history and explain the workings of the political system. « less
Map | Visitor photos (491)
Rideau Canal
Rideau Canal
Ranked #3 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 611 reviews
Category: Bodies of Water; Trails; Historic Sites
Owner description: One of the oldest landmarks in Ottawa, this canal is filled with boats in the summer and becomes the "World's Longest Skating... more » Owner description: One of the oldest landmarks in Ottawa, this canal is filled with boats in the summer and becomes the "World's Longest Skating Rink" in the winter. « less
Map | Visitor photos (164)
MosAika
MosAika
Ranked #4 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 218 reviews
Category: Performances

MosAika - “ Canada through the eyes of its people” Is the latest version (launched Summer 2010) of the Government of Canada / National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Sound & Light... more »

Map | Visitor photos (20)
National War Memorial
National War Memorial
Ranked #5 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 92 reviews
Category: Monuments/ Statues

Large war monument from the WWI era is located between and south of Parliament and the Chateau Laurier.  One of the more recognizable landmarks of Ottawa. more »

Map | Visitor photos (36)
Ottawa River Parkway
Ottawa River Parkway
Ranked #6 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 87 reviews
Category: Biking Trails
Map | Visitor photos (26)
Notre Dame Basilica
Notre Dame Basilica
Ranked #7 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 129 reviews
Category: Religious Sites
This beautiful and ornate gothic-style cathedral is recognized by its twin spires.
Map | Visitor photos (68)
Peace Tower
Peace Tower
Ranked #8 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 187 reviews
Category: Observation Decks/ Towers

Tall tower located in the front middle of the Center Block building of the Canadian Parliament.  Contains an observation deck, clock,  carillon and a war memorial hall.  Admission... more »

Map | Visitor photos (62)
National Gallery of Canada
National Gallery of Canada
Ranked #9 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 439 reviews
Category: Art Museums; History Museums
Owner description: Dating back to 1880, this visual arts museum holds in trust a collection of European and Canadian paintings, sculptures,... more » Owner description: Dating back to 1880, this visual arts museum holds in trust a collection of European and Canadian paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and photos. « less
Map | Visitor photos (74)
Canadian Museum of Nature
Canadian Museum of Nature
Ranked #10 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 289 reviews
Category: Natural History Museums; Museums
Owner description: Canada's national natural history museum offers world-class galleries in a handsome heritage "castle". Marvel at dinosaurs... more » Owner description: Canada's national natural history museum offers world-class galleries in a handsome heritage "castle". Marvel at dinosaurs and other ancient reptiles in the Talisman Energy Fossil Gallery. See grizzlies and other wild animals up close in beautiful dioramas in the Mammal Gallery. Observe hundreds of specimens in the Bird Gallery. See a real blue whale skeleton in the RBC Blue Water Gallery. Be dazzled by over a thousand gorgeous minerals and rocks in the Vale Earth Gallery. Peer at an eye-popping assortment of creepy crawlies in Animalium. Enjoy an action-packed 3D movie. Take advantage of numerous hands-on activities. Don't miss the special, travelling exhibitions. A superb destination for visitors of all ages! « less
Map | Visitor photos (56)
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Ranked #11 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 199 reviews
Category: Speciality Museums; Science Museums
Owner description: Housing one of the finest collections of aircraft in the world, this museum traces aviation history and features over 115... more » Owner description: Housing one of the finest collections of aircraft in the world, this museum traces aviation history and features over 115 actual planes and full-size replicas. « less
Map | Visitor photos (115)
ByWard
ByWard
Ranked #12 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 145 reviews
Category: Neighbourhoods

This is the general term for the area surrounding the Byward Market and on Dalhousie Street, extending a few more blocks towards the Ottawa River.   It is technically the... more »

Map | Visitor photos (10)
Arboretum (Experimental Farm)
Arboretum (Experimental Farm)
Ranked #13 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 53 reviews
Category: Nature/ Wildlife Areas

If you love trees, Ottawa's Arboretum is a lovely place to visit in any season. It is adjacent to the Central Experimental Farm. There are five public areas to visit at the... more »

Map | Visitor photos (1)
Changing of the Guard
Changing of the Guard
Ranked #14 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 140 reviews
Category: Performances
Formal ceremony taking place daily during the summer on Parliament Hill that shouldn't be missed.
Map | Visitor photos (38)
Laurier House
Laurier House
Ranked #15 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 27 reviews
Category: Historic Sites; History Museums
This historic residence served as the Prime Minister's home before 24 Sussex Drive.
Map | Visitor photos (4)
National Arts Centre
National Arts Centre
Ranked #16 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 104 reviews
Category: Theatres
Map | Visitor photos (6)
Rideau Hall
Rideau Hall
Ranked #17 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 92 reviews
Category: Historic Sites; Landmarks/ Points of Interest; Government Buildings; Gardens
Owner description: The home of every Governor General since 1867, this elegant 19th-century mansion is open to the public for tours of the home... more » Owner description: The home of every Governor General since 1867, this elegant 19th-century mansion is open to the public for tours of the home and surrounding grounds, consisting of manicured gardens and recreational areas. « less
Map | Visitor photos (10)
Ottawa Locks
Ottawa Locks
Ranked #18 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 53 reviews
Category: Landmarks/ Points of Interest
In use since 1832, these locks link the Ottawa River with the Rideau Canal and are still operated by hand.
Map | Visitor photos (14)
Little Ray's Reptile Zoo
Little Ray's Reptile Zoo
Ranked #19 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 13 reviews
Category: Zoos
Map | Visitor photos (1)
Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada
Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada
Ranked #20 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 47 reviews
Category: Speciality Museums
Owner description: Experience the most comprehensive collection of Canadian notes, coins, and tokens in the world as well as currency from other... more » Owner description: Experience the most comprehensive collection of Canadian notes, coins, and tokens in the world as well as currency from other countries. The Currency Museum is just a five minute walk from Parliament Hill. Free Admission. « less
Map | Visitor photos (42)
Confederation Square
Confederation Square
Ranked #21 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 22 reviews
Category: Landmarks/ Points of Interest

Square/Park near Parliament Hill hosts part of the annual Winterlude as well as other seasonal events. more »

Map | Visitor photos (11)
National Capital Greenbelt
National Capital Greenbelt
Ranked #22 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
5 of 5 stars 11 reviews
Category: Parks
Owner description: Dubbed the "emerald necklace," this rural landscape spans 200 square-kilometers of open space containing farms, forests,... more » Owner description: Dubbed the "emerald necklace," this rural landscape spans 200 square-kilometers of open space containing farms, forests, natural areas, recreational facilities, and public and private research complexes. « less
Map | Visitor photos (1)
Royal Canadian Mint
Royal Canadian Mint
Ranked #23 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4 of 5 stars 135 reviews
Category: Government Buildings; Educational Sites
Owner description: Producing coins since 1908, this excellent collecting resource features gold, silver and platinum coins commemorating... more » Owner description: Producing coins since 1908, this excellent collecting resource features gold, silver and platinum coins commemorating Canada's heritage. « less
Map | Visitor photos (22)
Supreme Court of Canada
Supreme Court of Canada
Ranked #24 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 34 reviews
Category: Government Buildings
This imposing building houses the highest court in Canada and is open to the public for tours.
Map | Visitor photos (15)
Hog's Back Falls
Hog's Back Falls
Ranked #25 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4 of 5 stars 52 reviews
Category: Waterfalls
Beautiful 60-foot waterfall where the Rideau River and Rideau Canal part.
Map | Visitor photos (11)
Canada Agriculture Museum
Canada Agriculture Museum
Ranked #26 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4 of 5 stars 42 reviews
Category: Speciality Museums
Owner description: The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is living proof of the “Green Capital”. In fact, Ottawa is the only world Capital that... more » Owner description: The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is living proof of the “Green Capital”. In fact, Ottawa is the only world Capital that has a working farm at its heart. Canada's unique agricultural heritage is featured at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, where you can explore the sights and sounds of typical farm life. « less
Map | Visitor photos (18)
Major's Hill Park
Major's Hill Park
Ranked #27 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4 of 5 stars 31 reviews
Category: Parks
This pretty park is located near several museums, churches and the Ottawa River.
Map | Visitor photos (18)
Great Canadian Theatre Company
Great Canadian Theatre Company
Ranked #28 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 10 reviews
Category: Theatres
Map | Visitor photos (1)
East Block
East Block
Ranked #29 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 9 reviews
Category: Historic Sites; Government Buildings
Owner description: Step back into history as you visit what was the nerve center of Canada's government during the country's first hundred... more » Owner description: Step back into history as you visit what was the nerve center of Canada's government during the country's first hundred years. « less
Map | Visitor photos (1)
Preston Street
Preston Street
Ranked #30 of 103 attractions in Ottawa
4 of 5 stars 33 reviews
Category: Landmarks/ Points of Interest; Neighbourhoods
The "Little Italy" section of Ottawa including a nice selection of restaurants.
Map | Visitor photos (3)
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