Things To Do in Ottawa, Ontario

Activities, attractions and tours
Parliament Hill showing a city, night scenes and heritage architecture

Ottawa Attractions

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and is located on the map of eastern Ontario near the Quebec border, and it was formerly known as Bytown named after its founder Colonel John By in 1826. The name was changed to Ottawa in 1855, and now in addition to being the center of the Canadian government, it also is a tourist hub you can visit any time of the year and expect to find entertainment and relaxing spots to spend your time. Among fun things to do in Ottawa, the following places are by far the best to visit when you travel here.

One must see attraction in Ottawa is the Canadian Museum of Civilization, a museum that takes you way back in history to the early days of the native people who inhabited the country before the Europeans came, through to the the French settler periods, and all the way to the time in which Canada became a nation. From artifacts and profiles of famous Canadian founders to even a children's museum section, these features make this place a top location for Ottawa excursions.

There are many local festivals taking place throughout the year you may add to the list of Ottawa activities such as the Festival of India, the Nevan Fair, the Carp Fair, and the Ottawa Egyptian Festival. These festivals are great for the family to enjoy together, while kids also get a chance to dress up in costumes and participate in other activities to give them an insight to different cultures.

Among other attractions in Ottawa is the Fitzroy Provincial Park, a place where you can go to enjoy the Canadian outdoors and view wildlife on the Ottawa River. The park also hosts outdoor concerts sometimes where you can add the tune of music to the sights and sounds of your visit.

Other Ottawa tours are available from Expedia, so use our packages to discover Canada's capital and see how you can plan for your trip there. With lots to do and more to see, Expedia.com is your ticket for traveling to Ottawa.


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Explore areas of Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica showing a city, a church or cathedral and religious elements

Downtown Ottawa

4.5/5(4,365 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Ottawa. Check out top attractions like Rideau Centre and Byward Market Square, and jump on the metro at Rideau Station or uOttawa Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Ottawa
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Kanata

Travelers come to Kanata for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Canadian Tire Centre and Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre while you're in town.

Kanata
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Nepean

Nepean is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Nepean Sportsplex or Bayshore Shopping Centre.

Nepean
Ottawa featuring snow

Centretown

4/5(901 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Centretown. You can visit top attractions like Elgin Street and Museum of Nature, and jump on the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Centretown
Canadian Museum of History which includes skyline and modern architecture

Hull

4/5(538 area reviews)

Hull is a destination visitors seek out for is interesting museums, casinos, and stunning river views. You might want to check out attractions like Canadian Museum of History or Casino du Lac Leamy while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Hull
Byward Market featuring markets, outdoor eating and street scenes

ByWard Market

ByWard Market is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

ByWard Market

Day trip destinations from Ottawa