Must-See Attractions in Ottawa for Every Visitor

Like many of the world’s finest capital cities, Ottawa showcases national finery in the way of museums, shops, architecture, and governmental and historical highlights. The city has a cultured, yet friendly vibe. Building height restrictions and multiple pedestrian-friendly areas have kept it human in scale and comfortable to navigate.

Sitting at the convergence of three major rivers in northern Ontario, Ottawa boasts beautiful natural geography and an expanse of green space and waterways, including the Rideau Canal that runs right through the city and transforms into the world’s longest skating rink in winter.

Parliament Hill

Address: Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9, Canada

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Phone: +1 613-992-4793

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Parliament Hill is an impressive group of buildings that house Canada’s government. Free tours are offered throughout the year, and the Hill also serves as the setting for national celebrations, particularly during Canada Day, when Ottawa truly comes to life.

Byward Market

Address: ByWard Market, Ottawa, ON K1N, Canada

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The ByWard Market is an open-air market located just one block from Parliament Hill. This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood in Ottawa features a year-round farmers’ market along with numerous arts and crafts vendors, charming boutiques, and diverse restaurants.

National Gallery of Canada

Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada

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Phone: +1 613-990-1985

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The National Gallery of Canada is a grand glass and granite structure that hosts superb Canadian and international artworks and features significant seasonal exhibitions. Kids will adore the giant bronze spider sculpture, Louise Bourgeois’s “Maman,” which welcomes visitors outside the gallery.

Chateau Laurier

Address: 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7, Canada

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Phone: +1 613-241-1414

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The Chateau Laurier is an iconic landmark located in the heart of Ottawa, boasting stunning views of Parliament Hill, the ByWard Market, Congress Centre, and the Ottawa River. Originally one of the historic Canadian Pacific Railway hotels, the Chateau showcases architectural elements reminiscent of a French château.

Visitors should not miss the opportunity to enjoy high tea—a delightful experience perfect for children, as well (they offer pink “princess tea” among other kid-friendly options). Alternatively, arriving early for the exquisite morning breakfast buffet is also highly recommended.

Additionally, do take time to view the famous photographs by Yousuf Karsh displayed on the first floor. Notable figures such as Winston Churchill and Albert Einstein posed for Karsh, who lived at the Chateau for many years.

Today, this distinguished hotel operates under the Fairmont brand.

Canadian Museum of History

Address: 100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8, Canada

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Phone: +1 819-776-7000

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The Canadian Museum of History is located in Gatineau, Quebec, just a five-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, making it accessible for visitors to explore. This museum features the Canadian Postal Museum, Canadian Children’s Museum, and an IMAX theatre, along with exhibitions dedicated to Canada’s First Peoples and its rich history.

Expansive and architecturally captivating, this museum makes for an excellent family outing.

Canadian War Museum

Address: 1 Vimy Pl, Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8, Canada

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Phone: +1 800-555-5621

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While war history may not be the primary focus for many visitors to this peace-loving nation, the Canadian War Museum offers a compelling exploration of the personal, national, and international dimensions of the Canadian military. The Museum’s collection includes medals, artwork, military artillery, and even a CF-Voodoo jet fighter. Through these artifacts, visitors can gain insight into the experiences of women, men, and children affected by the conflicts that have shaped Canada and influenced the world.

Rideau Canal

Address: Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON, Canada

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The Rideau Canal is a remarkable series of lakes and waterways stretching 202 km from Kingston, at the head of Lake Ontario, to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, the canal transforms into the largest skating rink in the world during freezing weather.

Gatineau Park

Address: Gatineau, QC J9A 3M2, Canada

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Phone: +1 819-827-2020

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Gatineau Park—technically situated in Quebec—is a protected green space approximately 15 minutes from Parliament Hill, featuring hundreds of kilometers of biking and hiking trails winding through forests abundant with over fifty species of trees, diverse wildlife, and numerous sparkling lakes typical of the Canadian Shield.

Year-round camping and overnight stays are available at cabins, as well as the Wakefield Mill Inn & Spa. Take a look at the rates and reviews of the Wakefield Mill Inn & Spa on TripAdvisor.

The Royal Canadian Mint and Currency Museum

Address: 320 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G8, Canada

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Phone: +1 613-993-0949

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The Royal Canadian Mint and Currency Museum is nestled in a central downtown heritage building. Here, visitors can learn about the complex processes involved in creating handcrafted collector and commemorative coins, gold bullion coins, medals, and medallions, while also witnessing the master tooling that produces the dies for coin designs used in both circulation and commemoration.

This museum captivates even those who might not typically express interest in coins, largely owing to the engaging stories and history of Canada brought to life by the knowledgeable tour guides.

The Supreme Court of Canada

Address: 301 Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0J1, Canada

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Phone: +1 613-995-4330

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The Supreme Court of Canada is the supreme judicial body of the country. Visitors are encouraged to explore the building, which is notable for its impressive architecture and art collection. Guided tours, conducted by law students, provide insights into how legal issues of public importance are addressed by the Supreme Court of Canada. If Court sessions are in progress, visitors may even have the opportunity to attend an appeal hearing.