Ottawa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Major\'s Hill Park featuring snow and a church or cathedral
Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa showing snow, a bridge and ice skating
Rideau Canal showing a bridge, a city and a river or creek

Canada’s gorgeous capital offers an array of galleries, museums, nature parks and historic sites, making it the perfect cultural and romantic escape.

Canada’s stylish capital, Ottawa, is a city rich in arts, heritage and sciences. The city blends ultra-modern and Victorian Gothic architecture, balances technology with nature and offers cuisines from across the globe.

Begin your stay with a trip to the historic Parliament Buildings on Parliament Hill. Visit the Library of Parliament and the iconic Peace Tower. These Gothic Revival buildings are adorned with gold-leaf ceilings and ornate images of Canada’s past. Explore Centre Block and listen to political debates in the House of Commons and the Senate. Continue your appreciation of Gothic Revival-style architecture at the Notre Dame Basilica, a Canadian National Historic Site. Admire the terraced galleries, stained-glass windows and altars rich in adornments.

The nation’s capital has plenty of galleries and museums to explore. Follow the history of modern warfare at the Canadian War Museum. Learn about the country’s place in the history of flight at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and marvel at how humans have developed at the Canadian Museum of Civilisation. See old art masters and learn about new ones while discovering Canada’s rich cultural heritage at the National Gallery of Canada.

Ottawa is a city for all seasons with winter snow activities and summer hikes. Discover heritage estates, natural beauty and the rich biodiversity of the popular Gatineau Park. In the summer, boat on the Rideau Canal, an internationally recognised World Heritage Site. Skate on the canal in the winter when it transforms into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink.

Ottawa is an easy city to navigate, with most of the attractions located within walking distance of each other. Check the opening hours of museums before you go since they can vary depending on the season and day of the week. Peak season is during the summer months from June through August and the low season is from November through April.

Where to stay in Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Downtown Ottawa

4/5(47 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 Rideau Mall, and jump on the metro at Rideau Station or Parliament Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Ottawa
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Kanata

Kanata is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Canadian Tire Centre and Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre while you're in town.

Kanata
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Nepean

Nepean is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Nepean Sportsplex and Bayshore Shopping Centre while in the area.

Nepean
Byward Market which includes street scenes, signage and markets

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.

ByWard Market
Ottawa which includes snow

Centretown

4/5(15 area reviews)

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.

Centretown
Canadian Museum of History featuring skyline and modern architecture

Hull

4/5(2 area reviews)

Hull is a destination visitors seek out for its 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 neighbourhood.

Hull
Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
The price is Rp2.479.042 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp2.479.042
Rp2.941.383 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,697 reviews)
"It's a beautiful hotel if your outside it looks like a palace..what i didn't like was i could bearly hear the car outside but overall it was good."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa

Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa

3.5 out of 5
2 Montcalm Street, Gatineau, QC
The price is Rp1.307.163 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
Rp1.307.163
Rp1.555.594 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Gatineau. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Byward Market ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"+"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,860 reviews)
"Great place to stay, excellent location !"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,860 reviews)
"Great place to stay, excellent location !"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Arlo Apartments Downtown

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Arlo Apartments Downtown

3.5 out of 5
88 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy a fitness centre, laundry facilities and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (967 reviews)
"No parking is a real minus."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Arlo Apartments Downtown
Cartier Place Suite Hotel

Cartier Place Suite Hotel

3 out of 5
180 Cooper Street, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,837 reviews)
"Good location."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Cartier Place Suite Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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