Things to do in Ottawa: The Most Visited Places in Ottawa!
SIGHTSEEING
This city is perfect for sightseeing, leisure walks, and witnessing the fantastic scenery such as Major's Hill Park and Rideau Canal National Historic Site. Major's Hill Park is a nice park to visit during the summer, especially during the tulip festival and during autumn. There is a lot of vast open space, and even during busy weekends, there is always space - though shade gets taken up quickly. It can get a little soggy in the spring. There are terrific views of the Chateau Laurier, US Embassy, Notre Dame, and the Art Museum. Downtown Ottawa is a world of its own. Love the calm vibe amid gothic architecture and greenery. The next place that is perfect for sightseeing in Ottawa the famous Rideau Canal National Historic Site. Lots of interesting stories along the way. Our tour guide Braden was not only knowledgeable but had a great sense of humor and made us laugh along the way. A definite recommendation. Would suggest better signage though for are to embark. It is a breath-taking view, especially if you look at the canal while standing on the top (Wellington Street). If you are in Ottawa for the first time or have been here for 50 years, you must go there once a year!
Rideau Canal
Major's Hill Park
CULTURE
Addition your knowledge about Ottawa city by visiting the Canadian Museum of Nature / Musée Canadien de la nature. A fantastic place in the heart of Ottawa. If you are a museum enthusiast, please take 4 to 5 hours off for the detailed and in-depth experience that this museum provides. It's a great museum. They have some great exhibits. They also bring special exhibitions, and many old ones continue to get upgrades with some superior technology.
Canadian Museum of Nature / Musée canadien de la nature
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best times to visit Ottawa for ideal weather are March and May when the weather is sunny and warm.
LANDMARKS
Your visit to Ottawa is not complete without visiting Parliament Hill. Your visit to Ottawa isn't full or meaningful if you miss seeing the Parliament Hill building. There are tour guides inside to give you a thorough tour and brief you about the place. Parliament Hill is an excellent place to visit and soak up some Canadian history. Its Gothic revival suite of buildings is the home of the Parliament of Canada and has architectural elements of national symbolic importance. Parliament Hill attracts approximately 3 million visitors each year.
Parliament Hill
POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS
Ottawa is home to many great museums and galleries. National Gallery of Canada is Art gallery. They're making free admissions, so it's an excellent opportunity to see Canadian art. The gallery is enormous, and you can spend hours here; the gift shop had some very unique art-related merchandise as well. There is no route set for the gallery, which made for a tiring experience. This grand art gallery houses an impressive collection of influential Canadian art and some incredible old-world European masterworks. The next place that is loved by many tourists in Ottawa is the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Some exciting and historically significant aircraft in the museum. It is a fun museum for children. There are some interactive parts on some of the exhibits which the kids like to fiddle with. There are numerous photo opp areas for the kids, too. The space station area is cold, and the Boeing take flight into the future is exceptionally well put together. Free for the military and not expensive at all for the kids. An effortless go-to activity on the weekend in Ottawa.
National Gallery of Canada
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
BEST HOTELS AND RESORTS
Head to Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport to get an excellent facility. This modern airport hotel in a redbrick building is 2 km from Ottawa International Airport, 8 km from Hog's Back Falls, and 12 km from Downtown Ottawa. It is included free Wi-Fi and custom-designed beds, along with flat-screen TVs, microwaves, minifridges, and coffeemakers. Cooked-to-order breakfast is offered (fee), as is an on-site American grill and a 24-hour pantry. Enjoy the special moment of traveling at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel. This sleek hotel is a 7-minute walk from Parliament Hill and 3 km from the historic Rideau Canal. It features floor-to-ceiling windows; the relaxed rooms have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus desks, minifridges, and Keurig coffeemakers. There are a casual restaurant and a Starbucks and an indoor pool, a gym, and a sauna.
Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
BEST RESTAURANTS
Ottawa features so many great foods all over the country. If you happen to visit this country, you should try the fantastic foods served by Cosmos Souvlaki. It is hands down the best Greek in Ottawa. The food here is incredible, the service is super friendly and fast, and you can taste the hard work they put into each wrap and platter. The next place in Ottawa that serves great foods is called Baker Street Cafe. One of the local favorite brunch places in Ottawa. Always a long wait unless you go in the middle of the day or at off-hours from Mon-Thur. Quality food and a cute atmosphere. Relatively small inside and tables are close together, but still lovely.
Cozmos Souvlaki
Baker Street Cafe
BEST SOUVENIR SHOPS
Those of you who are in search of affordable Ottawa souvenirs, 3 Trees is your place. What a gorgeous wide-ranging selection of unique, ethically-sourced clothing and gift items! Beautiful gemstone jewelry, sustainable clothing, and adorable gifts and keepsakes from various International craft-makers. Another place to buy great souvenirs is Readi Set Go. This store is fantastic if you're looking for bottles, lunch containers, and the like. Prices are a little high, but you're getting quality gear and supporting a great local business. Great selection of travel products (containers, luggage accessories, utensils, bottles, camping/hiking gadgets, etc.)
3 Trees
Readi Set Go
