Things to do in Ottawa

Activities, attractions and tours

A church with two tall spires and a snow-covered park in the foreground.
A river with boats, a large tree, and a historic building with towers in the background.
A large marine fossil skeleton exhibit in a museum.
A snow-covered bridge over a frozen river with benches and a playground.
A river with a lock system, a bridge, and a museum in the background.

Things to do

Canadian War Museum Admission

Canadian War Museum Admission

€16
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Canadian War Museum Admission
Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour

Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour

€23
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour
Grand Hall

Canadian Museum of History (Canadian Children's Museum included)

€18
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Canadian Museum of History (Canadian Children's Museum included)
Full-Day Montreal and Cruise Tour

Full-Day Montreal City Tour from Ottawa and optional city cruise

€68
per adult
Full-Day Montreal City Tour from Ottawa and optional city cruise
Ottawa City One Day Tour

Ottawa City One Day Tour

€62
per adult
Ottawa City One Day Tour
Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour

Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour

€23
per adult
Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour
Ottawa Murder Mystery: Self-Guided City Detective Game

Ottawa Murder Mystery: Self-Guided City Detective Game

€9
per adult
Ottawa Murder Mystery: Self-Guided City Detective Game
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Most popular experiences in Ottawa

Tours & day trips

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Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.2 out of 10 with 209 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €41 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 21 activities
Gatineau Park Scenic Lookout Tour 2 Hours

Gatineau Park Scenic Lookout Tour 2 Hours

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €180 per traveller*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 15 activities
Ottawa: ByWard Market Food Tour with 7 Local Tastings

Ottawa: ByWard Market Food Tour with 7 Local Tastings

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €82 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 3 activities
Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking Tour

Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
8.8 out of 10 with 108 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €23 per adult
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What to do in Ottawa

Stay near popular Ottawa attractions

The exterior of the Canadian Tire Centre with hockey player images and the text "Ottawa Rising" and "Ottawa Debout".

Canadian Tire Centre

8.4/10 (3,133 reviews)
Home to the Ottawa Senators NHL team, the Canadian Tire Centre hosts thrilling hockey games and major concerts. Splurge on luxury suites for premium views and enhanced dining options during events.
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Where to stay in Ottawa

Find the best Ottawa areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Ottawa
Learn more about Ottawa
A large Gothic-style church with twin spires and a clock tower.

Downtown Ottawa

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

A street with The Grand, The Aldeburiner, and The Pour House.

ByWard Market

A noteworthy feature of ByWard Market is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

A cityscape with a mix of modern and historic buildings, a statue in a park, and autumn-colored trees.

Centretown

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Centretown. Top attractions like Parliament Hill and Elgin Street are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

A snow-covered park with people ice skating, surrounded by tall buildings and leafless trees.
Photo by bella
Open Photo by bella

Glebe

You'll enjoy the live music and monuments in Glebe. You might want to make time for a stop at TD Place Stadium or Elgin Street.

A sunset over a calm lake with a forest and buildings in the background.

Westboro

While Westboro may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Kōena Spa and Great Canadian Theatre Company.

A river with a dock, surrounded by lush greenery and residential buildings.

Kemptville

Frequently asked questions

Is Ottawa worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Ottawa is visit Canadian Museum of History. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Ottawa?
Kick your day off with a visit to Canadian Museum of History and Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Then, explore other parts of Ottawa for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ottawa?
Canadian Museum of History is one of the top tourist attractions in Ottawa and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Ottawa?
Three days in Ottawa is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travellers book for two days on average. Canadian Museum of History, Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Canadian Museum of Nature are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Gatineau.
Is Ottawa a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Ottawa. Several attractions, like Canadian Museum of History and Canadian Museum of Nature, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Ottawa's neighbourhoods, Downtown Ottawa is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Byward Market - Parliament Hill is 0.97 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Ottawa with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all ages, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Ottawa with kids.

What to do in Ottawa for adults?
Funhaven Entertainment Centre and Parliament Hill are just two of the things to do in Ottawa. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Ottawa?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Ottawa is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Major's Hill Park is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.