What to do in Ottawa, Canada (2025): 14 tours and attractions!

Discover what to do in Ottawa, with the 14 best tours and tourist attractions. The city has many attractions for all ages and travel styles.

Table of Contents

What to do in Ottawa: 14 tours and attractions!

Parliament of Canada

The Parliament of Canada is located on Parliament Hill, a towering spire that dominates the Ottawa skyline, offering panoramic views of the entire city.

The main Parliament buildings include the Centre Block, where the House of Commons and the Senate are located, and the Peace Tower, one of Ottawa’s most prominent landmarks.

Address: Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9.

2. Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a famous historic canal built in the 19th century to connect Ottawa to Lake Ontario. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During the warmer months, the Rideau Canal becomes a popular destination for walking, running and cycling along its 202 km (124 miles) stretch. In addition, several companies offer canal cruises, offering a unique way to explore Ottawa.

3. Canadian Museum of History

The Museum of Civilization in Ottawa, now called the Canadian Museum of History, is one of the top destinations in the Canadian capital.

Situated on the banks of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, opposite the Alexandra Bridge, the site boasts impressive architecture and a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Address: 100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8.
Opening hours: Friday to Wednesday, from 9am to 5pm, and Thursday, from 9am to 7pm.
Tickets: $15, with free entry on Thursdays between 4pm and 8pm.

4. ByWard Market

Established in 1826, the ByWard Market is one of the oldest and largest in Canada. It is located in the heart of Ottawa, close to Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal.

The place is famous for its food stalls that offer a wide variety of fresh produce, from fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses, breads, meats and seafood.

In addition to the stalls, there are restaurants, cafes, bistros, craft shops and art galleries. At night, the Byward Market is transformed by its bars, pubs and clubs, where visitors can enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere. In fact, the Byward Market area is one of the best places to stay in Ottawa.

Address: 55 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 9C3.
Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday, from 9am to 6pm, and Thursday to Saturday, from 9am to 9pm.

5. National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery is located in the city centre, near Parliament Hill. Designed by Moshe Safdie and opened in 1988, the building is notable for its impressive glass and steel dome, which has become a prominent feature of the Ottawa skyline.

The museum’s permanent collection features a wide variety of Canadian and international artwork, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, Indigenous art and more.

Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, 9:30 am to 5 pm, Thursday, 9:30 am to 8 pm, and Friday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 5 pm.
Tickets: $12 on regular days and $16 for special showings. On Thursdays, between 5pm and 8pm, admission is free.

6. Major’s Hill Park

Major’s Hill Park, located in downtown Ottawa, is a green space that offers incredible views of important city landmarks such as Parliament and the Rideau Canal. It’s a great place to picnic and take the whole family out during your trip.

The park features gardens, pathways and sculptures, making it a perfect place to relax. It is also close to the ByWard Market and the National Gallery of Canada.

Address: Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 1G8.
Opening hours: Open 24 hours, with free visits.

7. Canada Aviation and Space Museum

The Aviation and Space Museum is located near Ottawa International Airport. The museum’s collection is impressive, with a variety of historic aircraft, including military, commercial and private aircraft, and the evolution of aviation in Canada and around the world.

In addition, the museum explores the space field with exhibitions dedicated to satellites, space missions, lunar exploration, among others.

Address: 11 Aviation Pkwy, Ottawa, ON K1K 2X5.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 9am to 5pm.
Tickets: $13.

8. Sparks Street

Sparks Street is located in the heart of Ottawa, close to important tourist attractions, and is one of the oldest streets in the city.

Along the way, you will find many shops, restaurants and cafes. It is an ideal place for shopping, especially if you are looking for local products, gifts or souvenirs.

9. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral is a landmark of the Catholic church and is located in the heart of the city of Ottawa.

It is renowned for its incredible architecture and history. It also has elements that reflect the neo-Gothic style, including stained glass windows, altars and ornamental details characteristic of Catholic cathedrals.

Address: 385 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 1J9.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 7pm.

10. Alexandra Bridge

The Alexandra Bridge connects Ottawa, Ontario, to Gatineau, Quebec, across the Ottawa River. It is an essential part of the Canadian capital’s downtown area.

Opened in 1901, the Alexandra Bridge was named after Princess Alexandra. It is one of the oldest structures in the city and has significant historical importance for the region.

11. Rideau Hall

The official residence of the Governor General of Canada is located at Rideau Hall, close to the city centre.

The house is an example of neoclassical architecture, with notable features such as columns, high ceilings and a lot of sophistication. The property also has other structures, such as the chapel and the ballroom, surrounded by stunning landscapes and gardens.

Visitors can take guided tours and explore the main rooms of the residence, including spaces used for formal receptions, ceremonies and special events.

Address: 1 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1.
Opening hours: May vary depending on the season, so it is important to check locally.
Tickets: Free.

12. Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is located within the Arboretum Central Experimental Farm, in the heart of the city. Established in 1889, it plays a very important role in botanical research, plant conservation and public education about the country’s flora.

It also has a large collection of native and exotic plants, including roses, herbs and Japanese gardens. It also houses greenhouses with a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants. It is also a good option for walks, picnics and contact with nature.

Address: Bldg. 72 Arboretum, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6.
Opening hours: Open 24 hours, with free visits.

13. National Arts Centre

The National Arts Centre is located in the heart of Ottawa and is easily accessible on foot from many parts of the city centre.

The venue offers a great program that includes classical music, opera, theater, dance, jazz, pop music and other special events throughout the year.

Tickets for the shows can be purchased online through the official website. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

Address: 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1.
Opening hours: Check the opening hours and ticket prices on the website, as they may vary depending on the event.

14. Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is located in the heart of Ottawa and houses an impressive collection of plant, animal and mineral species from both Canada and around the world.

In addition, it features dinosaur skeletons, exhibits that explore marine mammals, Canadian biomes, and other themes. The architecture of the museum building is also striking for its beauty.

Furthermore, the museum’s interactive and educational exhibits cover topics such as the evolution of life on Earth, climate change and the importance of nature conservation.

Address: 240 McLeod St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 4 pm.
Tickets: Adults pay $13.50, seniors (over 65) and students pay $11.50, and children (3-12) pay $9.50. On Thursdays, between 5pm and 8pm, admission is free.