- Parliament Hill is the gothic heart of the city—watch the Changing of the Guard in summer.
- The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO site—skate on it in winter (7.8km!) or boat in summer.
- ByWard Market is full of food stalls, restaurants, and the famous BeaverTails.
- National Gallery of Canada has the giant spider sculpture 'Maman' outside.
- Canadian Museum of History (across the river) is stunning inside and out.
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When to go: May or February
May is the Tulip Festival (millions of tulips). February is Winterlude (ice sculptures and skating).
Summer is warm. Fall is beautiful for colors.
- May: Tulips.
- Feb: Skating.
- Summer: Canada Day (July 1).
Getting there: Bus or Train
Ottawa International (YOW) is 20 mins away. Bus 97 takes you to downtown.
The Train Station is connected to downtown by the O-Train (LRT).
- Airport: YOW.
- Train: VIA Rail.
- LRT: O-Train.
Where to stay: Downtown or Market
Stay Downtown or in the ByWard Market to be walking distance to everything.
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier is the castle-like hotel next to Parliament.
- Downtown: Central.
- ByWard Market: Lively.
- Chateau Laurier: Iconic.
What to see: Museums and Hill
Tour Parliament (book ahead). Visit the War Museum and Nature Museum.
Cross the bridge to Gatineau for the History Museum and views.
- Parliament: Gothic.
- Museums: World class.
- Canal: UNESCO.
- Gatineau Park: Nature.
Food: BeaverTails and Shawarma
BeaverTails (fried dough pastry) were born here. Eat one on the canal.
Ottawa has more Shawarma places than anywhere else. It's the unofficial city food.
- BeaverTail: Sweet treat.
- Shawarma: Everywhere.
- Poutine: Nearby Quebec.
- Market: Fresh produce.
Getting around: LRT and Walk
The O-Train (LRT) is new and good. Buses (OC Transpo) cover the rest.
Downtown is very walkable. Biking along the canal is popular.
- LRT: O-Train.
- Walk: Easy.
- Bike: Scenic paths.
Budget: Moderate
Cheaper than Toronto. Museums have free hours (usually Thursday evenings).
Skating the canal is free.
- Museums: Check free times.
- Food: Reasonable.
- Skating: Free.
1 Day in Ottawa
Morning: Parliament Hill. Walk along the Rideau Canal.
Lunch: BeaverTail and Shawarma in ByWard Market.
Afternoon: National Gallery or Museum of History. Sunset at Nepean Point.
Evening: Dinner in the Market.
- Morning: Politics.
- Lunch: Market.
- Afternoon: Culture.
- Evening: Fun.
FAQ
Is it boring?
It has a reputation as a sleepy government town, but the festivals and food scene are great.
Is it cold?
In winter? Yes, freezing. But that's why the canal freezes!
English or French?
Both! It's right on the border with Quebec. You'll hear both.