Parliament Hill
Stunning neo-Gothic complex housing Canada's federal government, featuring the iconic Peace Tower, beautiful grounds, and the impressive Changing of the Guard ceremony during summer months.
Read MoreOttawa is the capital city of Canada. It is in the province of Ontario, near the Ottawa River. The city is known for being clean, safe, and full of nature. Ottawa has many important buildings, like Parliament Hill, where the government works. People in Ottawa speak both English and French. The city has many museums, like the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery. The Rideau Canal is a popular place to walk, bike, and skate in winter. In summer, people enjoy boating and walking by the water. Ottawa also has many parks, trees, and walking paths. Every year, the city holds fun festivals like Winterlude and the Tulip Festival. Ottawa is a great place to live and visit. It is full of culture, history, and fun things to do for people of all ages.
Stunning neo-Gothic complex housing Canada's federal government, featuring the iconic Peace Tower, beautiful grounds, and the impressive Changing of the Guard ceremony during summer months.
Read MoreUNESCO World Heritage Site winding through downtown Ottawa, transforming from scenic waterway in summer to the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter stretching 7.8 kilometers.
Read MoreCanada's most visited museum located across the river in Gatineau, showcasing the country's rich cultural history with particularly outstanding Indigenous exhibitions and the Grand Hall's towering totem poles.
Read MoreImpressive glass and granite building housing the country's premier art collection, featuring Canadian masterpieces, Indigenous works, and international treasures beneath its iconic glass spire.
Read MoreHistoric farmers' market and surrounding district offering local produce, artisanal foods, restaurants, boutiques, and vibrant nightlife in one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets.
Read MoreVast natural playground covering 361 square kilometers just 15 minutes from Parliament Hill, offering hiking, cycling, swimming, cross-country skiing, and fall foliage viewing across diverse ecosystems.
Read MoreArchitecturally striking facility chronicling Canada's military history through powerful exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories, designed with symbolic elements honoring sacrifice and remembrance.
Read MoreOttawa has many fun and easy things to do. You can visit Parliament Hill to see big, important buildings. Walk along the Rideau Canal or skate on it in winter. Go to museums like the Canadian Museum of Nature or the National Gallery to learn and have fun. Visit ByWard Market for tasty food and local shops. In spring, see the pretty flowers at the Tulip Festival. In winter, enjoy Winterlude with ice slides and snow fun. There are also parks like Major’s Hill Park where you can relax. Ottawa is a great place to enjoy nature, history, and fun activities.
ByWard Market vendors offer Canadian specialties including maple products and local crafts. Sparks Street pedestrian mall features Canadian designer boutiques. Local specialties include Indigenous artwork, Canadian-designed winter clothing, Ottawa-themed souvenirs, BeaverTails pastries, and artisanal chocolate from local chocolatiers like Stubbe and Cylie.
Ottawa's diverse culinary scene highlights Canadian ingredients with global influences, especially in the ByWard Market, Elgin Street, and Westboro neighborhoods. The Glebe and Little Italy offer trendy gastropubs and craft breweries. Nightlife concentrates in the ByWard Market with clubs and bars, while Casino du Lac-Leamy across the river in Gatineau provides gaming and entertainment.
Ottawa's efficient O-Train and bus system connects major attractions, with dedicated transitways for faster service. The city's extensive recreational pathways make cycling a popular option with bike rentals available. Licensed taxis display identification; ride-sharing services operate citywide. Winter conditions affect all transportation; the O-Train is most reliable during snowstorms.