Liam SmithWho said life’s greatest thrill was finding an extra chicken nugget in your takeout? (Okay, low-key, that is pretty awesome, but stay with me here.) I’m about to turn your average, yawn-inducing day into a legendary tale worth telling at boring dinner parties.
Here’s our list of the best things to do in downtown Ottawa, where you’ll be an urban explorer, a connoisseur of the extraordinary, a—well, you get the picture. So, ditch that seventh rewatch of “The Office” (we all know Dwight deserves better) and read on!
- Visit Parliament Hill and witness a stunning light show
- Explore the National War Memorial
- Enjoy shops and lively street performers on Sparks Street
- Discover art at the National Gallery of Canada
- Watch a performance at the National Arts Centre
- Indulge in diverse cuisine at ByWard Market
- Take a stroll in Major's Hill Park, with city and river views
- Witness the changing of the guard ceremony at Rideau Hall
- Admire the architecture of the Supreme Court of Canada
- Learn Canada’s story at the Canadian Museum of History
- Check out how coins are made at Royal Canadian Mint
- Try hands-on activities at the Canada Science and Tech Museum
- Skate on the Rideau Canal, the world’s largest skating rink
- Savor gourmet chocolates at Stubbe Chocolates
- Dive into Canada's military past at the Canadian War Museum
- Catch a movie at ByTowne Cinema
- Browse unique finds at the Ottawa Farmers' Market
- Enjoy craft beer at the local brewery, Clocktower Brew Pub
- Sample modern Canadian cuisine at Beckta
- Experience interactive exhibits at the Bank of Canada Museum
Visit Parliament Hill and witness a stunning light show
– Media credit: robertoamuple
Website: https://www.parl.ca/
Address: Wellington St.
Contact details: +1 613-992-4793
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8:30 AM to 6 PM
- Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Parliament Hill has this light show that’s totally off the charts—they project these images right onto the Parliament buildings, telling the country’s story. It’s like history class, but you’re outside, the graphics are killer, and there’s no pop quiz.
Plus, the buildings themselves are like something out of a Hogwarts scene—just way more Canadian, minus the flying broomsticks, obviously. Now, during the day, you can dive into the inner workings of Canada’s government with a tour inside.
You can take a peek into the House of Commons, the Senate, and even the Library of Parliament. It’s like getting a backstage pass to where all the big decisions go down.
| Pro tip: The light show usually only happens in the summer and just before Christmas, so plan accordingly. And hey, the tours are free, but you’ve got to snag tickets early in the morning, especially during tourist season. |
Explore the National War Memorial
– Media credit: janetjstephen66
Address: Wellington St.
Contact details: +1 866-522-2122
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
The National War Memorial isn’t just another stop on the map—it’s heavy but in a good way. It’s this huge granite arch with bronze soldiers on top, paying tribute to the Canadians who served in wars.
Seriously, standing there gives you chills when you think about what it represents—total respect for bravery and peace. Now, if you’re around on Remembrance Day, it’s a whole other level of somber.
The ceremony they put on is super moving. But any day you swing by, you’re likely to see folks laying down flowers or just pausing for a moment of silence.
| Pro tip: Remember to keep your camera ready because there’s always a changing of guard ceremony during the summer months, usually around 10 a.m. It’s pretty cool to catch if you like a bit of pomp and pageantry. |
Enjoy shops and lively street performers on Sparks Street
Website: https://www.sparkslive.com/
Address: Sparks St.
Contact details: +1 613-230-0984
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Forget the typical mall scene—Sparks Street is where it’s at. It’s this outdoor pedestrian-only zone lined with all these funky shops and places to grab a bite.
The street performers here are not your run-of-the-mill juggling act—think escape artists and fire-eaters. Besides snagging some cool souvenirs or chowing down on some killer eats, Sparks Street is perfect for just hanging out.
And check this, every now and then, they have massive events like Ribfest or Poutinefest. Yes, there’s a festival just for poutine, and it’s as magical as it sounds!
| Pro tip: You’ll want to check their event calendar before you head over because you don’t want to miss out on things like car shows or special holiday events. |
Discover art at the National Gallery of Canada
Website: http://www.gallery.ca/
Address: 380 Sussex Dr.
Contact details: +1 613-990-1985
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Alright, art geeks and the art-curious, the National Gallery of Canada is a no-brainer. This place is stunning, with its glass and granite digs that look like something out of a sci-fi flick.
Inside, you’ve got everything from Indigenous art to the classic European masters—just scoot on through from one gallery to the next. They’ve also got big-time temporary exhibits that roll in and out, so there’s always something fresh.
And don’t even get me started on the giant spider sculpture out front. Yes, a spider—Maman, they call her, and she’s kind of Instagram gold.
| Pro tip: The gallery is free on Thursdays after 5 p.m., so that’s a sweet deal if you’re trying to save some dosh. If you can, hit up the lookout at the top of the gallery—views for days! |
Watch a performance at the National Arts Centre
Website: https://nac-cna.ca/
Address: 1 Elgin St.
Contact details: +1 613-947-7000
Operating hours:
- N/A
If you want to catch some live action, the National Arts Centre is the place to be. This isn’t your average theater—it’s a heavyweight hitter: ballet, orchestra, Broadway shows, you name it.
The building itself looks like a geometric dream and sits right on the Rideau Canal. So, you can catch a show and then go for a twilight skate when the canal freezes over.
The NAC is known for putting on some high-caliber performances. And don’t worry if you didn’t pack your opera glasses; this spot has a vibe that’s classy but not stuffy.
| Pro tip: Tickets can sometimes be snagged last minute at a discount, so it’s worth checking out their deals if you’re feeling spontaneous. But really, if there’s a must-see show, book in advance. |
Indulge in diverse cuisine at ByWard Market
Website: https://www.byward-market.com/
Address: 55 ByWard Market Square
Contact details: +1 613-244-4410
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
If your taste buds are itching for a serious adventure, ByWard Market is where you should sprint—no jokes. It’s like a buffet spread across several blocks with everything from farm-fresh produce to tacos that’ll have you considering a move to Ottawa.
By day, you can roam through outdoor stalls, snagging samples of cheese, maple syrup, and whatever else catches your eye. By night, the scene flips into this buzzing hub with restaurants and bars everywhere you turn.
Oh, and don’t skip out on the local craft beer spots sprinkled around—some suds to wash down the grub, you know? Moreover, there are boutiques, galleries, and some out-there street performers that’ll have you pulling out your phone for that ‘Gram story.
| Pro tip: Make sure you hit the market in the morning if you’re more about the fresh produce and less about the nightlife buzz. Also, keep an eye out for special events, especially in the summer—they’ve got everything from festivals to craft beer weeks. |
Take a stroll in Major’s Hill Park, with city and river views
– Media credit: twolostcapers
Website: https://ccn-ncc.gc.ca/endroits/parc-majors-hill
Address: Mackenzie Ave.
Contact details: +1 800-465-1867
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
For some downtime and a sneak at some epic sights, Major’s Hill Park has got you covered. It’s this chilled-out green space where you can plop down for a picnic with some smashing views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.
It’s kind of perfect for those days when you’re like, “I should probably see some nature” but not wander off into the wild unknown. There are paths weaving around for a stroll, and you’ve got landmarks popping up perfect for photo ops.
During tulip season, this place explodes in color—like, take whatever image you have of a bunch of tulips and multiply it by a million. Plus, it’s common to stumble upon an outdoor concert or festival here because why not?
| Pro tip: Early morning or later in the evening are prime times to visit if you’re gunning for tranquility and killer light for photos. Also, keep tabs on the park’s event calendar too; something’s always going down, especially around Canada Day. |
Witness the changing of the guard ceremony at Rideau Hall
Website: https://www.gg.ca/
Address: 1 Sussex Dr.
Contact details: +1 613-991-4422
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 4:30 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 5:30 PM
You’ve probably seen or heard about those guards with the big fuzzy hats in London, but did you know Ottawa’s got its own version? Yup, Rideau Hall is where you can catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and it’s as official as it gets.
The guards are all about precision, and the music and pomp are 100% on point. It’s a bit of British tradition tangled up with Canadian pride.
Now, Rideau Hall itself ain’t just some backdrop for the ceremony; it’s the Governor General’s pad. When there aren’t folks marching and playing bugles, you can roll through for a tour of the residence and the stunning gardens.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to check the schedule for the changing of the guard because it’s a seasonal thing, usually happening in the summer months. And, hey, tours of Rideau Hall are free, but you might want to book ahead online to secure your spot. |
Admire the architecture of the Supreme Court of Canada
Website: http://www.scc-csc.gc.ca/
Address: 301 Wellington St.
Contact details: +1 613-995-4330
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Even if you couldn’t care less about legal stuff, the Supreme Court of Canada’s building itself is a feast for the eyes—grand, imposing, and with this vibe that screams, “This is where big decisions go down.”
Inside, it’s all marble, high ceilings, and art that tells the country’s justice story. They’ve got tours that dish out all the juicy bits about Canada’s legal system and the landmark cases that have been battled out here.
And the best part is that you can sit in on actual hearings. You can just stroll in (when the court’s in session) and watch lawyers do their “objection, your honor” thing live.
| Pro tip: Summer is great for guided tours, but you can swing by anytime if you just want to marvel at the building and maybe catch a bit of legal action. |
Learn Canada’s story at the Canadian Museum of History
Website: https://www.historymuseum.ca/
Address: 100 Laurier St.
Contact details: +1 819-776-7000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Say you want to get schooled on Canada’s epic saga—from the very start, way before smartphones and smoothies, all the way to now. The Canadian Museum of History is where it’s at.
This place is a deep dive into the stories, artifacts, and first-person accounts that piece together Canada’s timeline. The First Peoples Hall is a standout, giving you a close-up look at Indigenous cultures and history.
Then there’s the architecture—because, of course, the building itself is a masterpiece, designed to catch your eye and probably not let it go. Now, if you’ve got little ones tagging along, the Children’s Museum inside will be their jam, hands down.
| Pro tip: Free admission on Thursday evenings makes for a savvy move if you’re watching your budget. Also, consider pairing your museum trip with a scenic walk along the Ottawa River—it’s right there, and the views are top-tier. |
Check out how coins are made at Royal Canadian Mint
Website: https://www.mint.ca/en/visit-the-mint/ottawa-mint?rcmeid=Google_MyBusiness_Ottawa
Address: 320 Sussex Dr.
Contact details: +1 613-993-0949
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
The Royal Canadian Mint is all about the cha-ching, and they’re minting coins that travel all over the world, not just the ones jingling in your pocket. You’ve got to join one of their tours to see how a chunk of metal becomes a shiny new coin.
They’ve got these monstrous machines that could press metal into pretty much anything, and the precision is nuts. The Mint also whips up collector coins that are like tiny pieces of art—some even have freaking crystals in them.
The building itself is kinda regal too, ’cause it looks like somewhere a king would hang out if he was into numismatics. You can also eyeball Olympic medals there, for real—they made the medals for the Vancouver 2010 games right there.
| Pro tip: You may want to book that tour spot in advance because it’s usually in high demand, especially during the summer. |
Try hands-on activities at the Canada Science and Tech Museum
Website: https://ingeniumcanada.org/scitech
Address: 1867 St. Laurent Blvd.
Contact details: +1 613-235-7053
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Talk about interactive: the Canada Science and Technology Museum is less a museum and more a hands-on science playground. You can mess around with exhibits that go from steam trains to space gear.
They have this crazy kitchen setup where you can learn about the science of food, and it’s way cooler than just reading about it in a book. You’ll probably end up spending a good chunk of your day there because there’s just so much to tinker with.
They’ve got a big section for the kiddos too, so if they’re tagging along, be ready to pry them away when it’s closing time. And they always have some new exhibits popping up, so even if you’ve been before, there’s probably something fresh to check out.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for their special exhibit schedule because they’re always throwing in some new, temporary displays that are pretty out there. |
Skate on the Rideau Canal, the world’s largest skating rink
Website: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/rideau-canal-skateway
Address: Rideau Canal
Contact details: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/contact-us
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
For a slice of pure Canadian winter bliss: aim for the Rideau Canal Skateway. When it freezes over, it’s game on for ice skating on what’s essentially a super-long ice rink that snakes through the city.
Hockey, leisure skating, or if you’re just cracking it at balancing on blades, it’s the ice for you. They’ve got kiosks along the canal where you can fuel up on hot chocolate and those killer Beavertails—yeah, those flat, doughy, sugar-powdered delights.
And hey, if you’re not so hot on the skates, there’s no shame in kicking it on the sidelines with cocoa and all the good vibes.
| Pro tip: Weekdays are less packed, giving you more room to do your ice dance without an audience. And if you want to make it ultra-memorable, show up during Winterlude, when they’ve got ice sculptures and snow playgrounds. |
Savor gourmet chocolates at Stubbe Chocolates
Website: https://www.stubbechocolatesottawa.com/
Address: 1224 Wellington St. W., Unit A1
Contact details: +1 613-241-1040
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Stubbe Chocolates is this family-run joint, and they’ve been doing the chocolate thing for generations, so they’ve got it down to a delicious science. Truffles, bars, and special items like men’s shoes and heels-shaped chocolates.
They even do chocolate-making classes where you can try your hand at being a chocolatier. It’s not a bad skill to boast about if I do say so myself.
And remember to pick up some goodies for later because you’ll definitely be craving more once you leave.
| Pro tip: The hot chocolate here is a must-try—like a warm hug for your insides. Just, pop by earlier in the day if you want a more relaxed vibe because it can get a bit cozy in there later on. |
Dive into Canada’s military past at the Canadian War Museum
Website: https://www.warmuseum.ca/
Address: 1 Vimy Place
Contact details: +1 800-555-5621
Operating hours:
- Monday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday, Friday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
- Thursday – 9 AM to 7 PM
The Canadian War Museum hits differently because it’s not just about the battles—it’s about the stories, the people, and the big-picture stuff that shaped the country.
The exhibits take you through wars that have involved Canada, and I’m telling you, it’s heavy, but in a way that really sticks with you. Tanks, planes, uniforms, and gear that saw the real action—they’re all on display.
One of the best parts of the museum is the Memorial Hall, which houses the headstone of Canada’s Unknown Soldier. Once a year, on November 11 at 11 a.m., sunlight beams down on it, and it’s a moment that’s both eerie and awe-inspiring.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss their Living History Program, a unique opportunity to interact with history dynamically. The museum occasionally features actors and historians dressed in period attire, offering first-person narratives or reenactments. |
Catch a movie at ByTowne Cinema
Website: http://bytowne.ca/
Address: 325 Rideau St.
Contact details: +1 613-789-4600
Operating hours:
- Depends on the movie schedule.
ByTowne Cinema is like a trip back in time but in the coolest way possible. This place shows films that you might not catch anywhere else—think international films, indie flicks, and sometimes those cult classics that everybody loves.
The vibe here is totally vintage, kind of like stepping into another era with the plush seats and that classic marquee outside lighting up Rideau Street. And here’s the thing, they’re big on the community vibe too.
It’s not just about catching a movie; it’s about sharing the experience. They often have directors come in for Q&As, which, let me tell you, is pretty darn cool.
| Pro tip: Remember to grab your tickets online early, especially if there’s a buzz-worthy film playing, as they can sell out pretty fast. And if you’re a movie buff, check their schedule in advance; they’ve got themed nights and festivals that are total gems. |
Browse unique finds at the Ottawa Farmers’ Market
Website: http://ottawafarmersmarket.ca/
Address: 1000 Exhibition Way
Contact details: +1 613-417-3595
Operating hours:
- Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM
Ottawa Farmers’ Market is like a mini-adventure where there’s just color everywhere—fruits, vegetables, and flowers. You’ve got vendors selling stuff like fresh honey, homemade jams, artisan cheeses, and, oh, baked goods.
Beyond those, there are crafts, too. Local artists show off their stuff here, so you can snag some pretty unique finds, like handmade jewelry or some quirky home decor.
| Pro tip: Make sure you show up early to get first dibs on everything. The best stuff can go quickly, especially if it’s something rare or super fresh. |
Enjoy craft beer at the local brewery, Clocktower Brew Pub
Website: https://www.clocktower.ca/
Address: 140 Rideau St.
Contact details: +1 613-562-4878
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 1 AM
The Clocktower Brew Pub is basically a local legend. They’ve got a lineup of beers that’ll make any hophead happy, and they’re all about keeping it seasonal, so there’s always something new to try.
And it’s not just about the drinks here, since the food pairs perfectly with whatever pint you pick. We’re talking classic pub fare like kimchi fries, fish tacos, wings, and nachos.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out their special brew nights or seasonal launches. It’s like a mini-beer fest with the locals. And definitely ask for a flight if you can’t decide what to try; it’s the best way to sample a little bit of everything. |
Sample modern Canadian cuisine at Beckta
Website: http://www.beckta.com/
Address: 150 Elgin St.
Contact details: +1 613-238-7063
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Now, if you’ve got a thing for modern Canadian cuisine, you’ve got to slide into Beckta. This place is a gem in downtown Ottawa that takes the whole dining experience up a notch.
Their menu is always changing because they roll with what’s in season, which means every visit is a little surprise. The setting is classy but without that stuffy vibe.
It feels special like you’re in on a secret that the rest of the city is just catching on to. Plus, they’ve got a wine lineup that complements each dish so well, that you’ll feel like a wine genius by the end of the night.
| Pro tip: Remember to book a table well in advance, especially if you’re eyeing a weekend slot. And if you’re really into the food scene, asking for the chef’s table experience could be a killer move. |
Experience interactive exhibits at the Bank of Canada Museum
Website: https://www.bankofcanadamuseum.ca/
Address: 30 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613-782-8914
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
The Bank of Canada Museum isn’t your typical snooze-fest bank tour. It’s all about getting hands-on with Canada’s economic and financial history, but in a way that’s actually engaging.
Think of interactive exhibits that might just make you a bit smarter about money. The exhibits are super modern, giving you bits of history, economics, and even some pop culture without making it feel like a lecture.
And it’s not all staring at old coins—although they have those, too. It’s more about getting you to think about what money really means in society, and how it affects you personally.
| Pro tip: Since entry is usually free, you can pop in and out as you please, making it a neat little detour while you’re exploring downtown. It’s a smart move to slot this in between other activities, especially if you’re looking to mix a little learning into your day without heavy lifting. |
