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
98% of travellers recommend
Canadian War Museum Admission
Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour

Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour

€23
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour
Grand Hall

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

€18
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Canadian Museum of History (Canadian Children's Museum included)
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
Best of Ottawa Tour

Best of Ottawa Tour

€99
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Best of Ottawa Tour
Lilo Floating Tiki Bar on the Ottawa River

Lilo Floating Tiki Bar on the Ottawa River (Gatineau Pickup)

€53
per adult
Lilo Floating Tiki Bar on the Ottawa River (Gatineau Pickup)
Ottawa: City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour

Ottawa: City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour

€4
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Ottawa: City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour
Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour

Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour

€23
per adult
Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour
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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 Rideau Centre and Byward Market Square, 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 Elgin Street and Canadian Museum of Nature are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

A frozen lake with people ice skating, surrounded by trees and a fence.

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 Carlingwood Mall.

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.