Ottawa

Ottawa is Canada’s beautiful capital city, set on the south bank of the Ottawa River in Ontario. The city is peppered with national and historical sites, with cultural attractions and festive celebrations that you can enjoy throughout the year. Popularly thought of as a winter destination, Ottawa’s waterways and parks come to life in the warmer months. Rideau Canal offers scenic boating. But come wintertime, it becomes the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink.

Though Ottawa’s one of Canada’s modern hubs for technology and science, the city still has a deep appreciation for history, culture, and ceremonies. Set your eyes on Parliament Hill by the river for one of the city’s most picturesque views and witness the city’s changing of the guards against some of the city’s grandest Gothic Revival buildings. Enjoy Ottawa’s great outdoors at its beautiful parks or go on scenic walks or bike rides through the downtown area.

What to see & do in Ottawa

Where & what to eat in Ottawa

10 Great Restaurants in Ottawa
Great restaurants in Ottawa range from elegant oyster shacks to sleek fine-dining establishments. Indeed, the food scene of the Canadian capital caters to bureaucrats and an affluent crowd who have no qualms about splurging on top-quality cuisine. This list shows you...
10 Best Local Restaurants in Ottawa
The best local restaurants in Ottawa are places where you can sample Canadian cuisine that Ottawans love. While the capital is awash with high-end restaurants, it’s also packed with superb low-key eateries for the budget-conscious diner. You won’t need to...

Where to shop & what to buy in Ottawa

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Ottawa
For the best places to go shopping in Ottawa, you’re in for a treat because the Canadian capital has gotten it all. From glitzy megamalls to hip retail districts and organic farmers' markets, the city has a slew of shopping...
10 Best Markets in Ottawa
Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, pulls visitors from across the globe to visit its historic museums and ancient monuments. It’s also a thriving shopping destination and the best markets in Ottawa provide a wonderful way to get to know the city...

Where to go & what to do at night in Ottawa

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Ottawa
The best things to do after dinner in Ottawa include top places for experiencing the city’s diverse nightlife scene. You could spend the day in prominent shopping districts browsing for local goods during the day, followed by a spot of bar-hopping after sunset. Having the Ottawa River running through Ottawa’s downtown core offers a chance to take in views of the...
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Useful information

10 Best Festivals in Ottawa
As the Canadian capital, Ottawa offers a good mix of historical sightseeing and scenic attractions along the banks of the Ottawa River. Beyond the old buildings and neo-Gothic landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Parliament Hill, Ottawa offers a...
Ottawa Travel Essentials
Our Ottawa Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to the capital city of Canada. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can...