Ottawa offers an exciting array of sights, activities and cuisine for you to enjoy during your stay. Ottawa is a “Bright City”. It is one of the world’s safest and most beautiful communities to visit. The city prides itself on its quality of life. It is home to a wide range of diverse neighbourhoods, exciting activities, and fun activities. As a G7 capital city, Ottawa is Canada’s showcase city to the world.

1. Parliament Hill tours

Parliament Hill is easily the most popular and most visited attraction in Ottawa. All throughout the summer, the front lawn of the Hill is the setting of the Changing of the Guard ceremony every morning—and in recent years Yoga on the Hill has also become a popular draw. In the evenings you can enjoy the spectacular Sound and Light show: an amazing visual and audio performance projected onto the front of Parliament. Plan your tour here.

2. Ottawa tours & sightseeing information

You can see the city from the water as well as the land. with the Lady Dive Amphibious or a leisurely boat tour along the canal. More information can be found here.

3. Haunted Walk City tours

Ottawa offers guided bus and walking tours that will get you to the top attractions in comfort—as well as the Haunted Walk, for those who wish to hear a few ghost stories from the city’s past!

4. Museums

Ottawa is packed with so many cultural attractions that you could devote an entire trip simply to strolling the halls of the Museum of Nature, Museum of Civilization, Canadian War Museum, Aviation and Space Museum, National Gallery and the Gallery of Ontario. Take advantage of the National Museums Passport to save on your visits to three out of our seven national museums. A full list of museums is available here.

5. Music & NIght Life

Ottawa can boast a year-round live music lineup to match any city in Canada! The Byward Market features the Rainbow Bistro, while the Glebe has Irene’s—both notable for hosting the blues. The Canadian Tire Centre has hosted performers like Rhianna, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Guns n’ Roses, and Kenny Chesney, and you’ll find world-renowned acts performing at numerous other small venues all summer! The top ten places for you to explore.

6. Culinary Experiences

A diverse community of chefs and unique restaurants makes Ottawa a great place to dine. To sample a variety of food fare, book a dining tour with Ottawa Tasting Tours or a guided gourmet tour with C’est Bon cooking, which will show you an array of food shops and farmers’ markets. More information can be found here.

7. Sports

Between the Senators (hockey), Redblacks (football) and Fury FC (soccer) Ottawa has more than our fair share of sports teams. The Canadian Tire Centre is also home to the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, and Baseball fans can visit the Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Park to watch the Ottawa Champions. For a full list of Ottawa teams and events click here.

8. Theatre and Performing arts

The capital’s National Arts Centre is a premier venue drawing the best in music, dance, and theatre. The local theatre scene is no slouch either, with performance of all kinds at the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa Little Theatre, The Gladstone and La Nouvelle Scèn. TripAdvisors top ten theatre experiences in Ottawa.

9. Shopping

Whether it’s the historic Byward Market, the trendy Wellington West, or the Glebe, each neighborhoods in Ottawa has its own style and retail experience. Boutiques, health food stores, local artisans… you’ll find it all!

10. Ottawa Outdoor activities & adventure

Minutes from the trails and views of Gatineau park and located on the Ottawa River and Rideau canal, Ottawa has many opportunities to hike, wakeboard, kayak, or just take in the sights with a leisurely stroll. Some of the best activities can be found on the city of Ottawa tourism website.