Ottawa

Urban Riverfront

Population: 1 million

Best Season to Visit:

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: November

Famous For: Parliament Hill, Canadian Museum of History, National Gallery of Canada, Rideau Canal, Byward Market, Confederation Square, Canadian War Museum, Tulip festivals, Outdoor recreation, Government landmarks

Train Access: Yes (Confederation Line (O-Train), Trillium Line)

Bus Access: Yes (OC Transpo)

Ottawa's downtown core centers on Parliament Hill, where the Gothic Revival Parliament Buildings dominate the skyline and the Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs daily in summer. The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches 202 kilometers and freezes solid in winter, becoming the world's largest skating rink; in warmer months, it's ideal for cycling and walking. The National Gallery of Canada on Sparks Street houses major works by the Group of Seven and contemporary artists, while the Canadian Museum of History across the river in Gatineau showcases Indigenous artifacts and national heritage. The ByWard Market, Ottawa's oldest neighborhood, combines Victorian-era architecture with independent shops, restaurants, and the Saturday farmers market. Neighborhoods like the Glebe offer tree-lined streets, boutique shopping on Bank Street, and proximity to Lansdowne Park, while the Westboro neighborhood along Wellington Street West features craft breweries, vintage shops, and local cafés. The National War Museum and Canadian Museum of Nature provide deep dives into specific collections, and Confederation Park offers green space near downtown.

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Planning Your Trip to Ottawa

Weather: Ottawa experiences a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Average winter temperatures drop below freezing, while summers are typically mild to warm with moderate humidity.

Festivals: Canadian Tulip Festival (May), Ottawa International Jazz Festival (July), Canadian Film Festival (June), Bluesfest (July), Winterlude (February)

Best Things for Kids to Do: The Canada Science and Technology Museum on St. Laurent Boulevard features interactive exhibits on transportation, space exploration, and computing with hands-on demonstrations. The Ottawa Zoo, located in the Greenbelt at Old Macdonald Farm Road, houses over 2,800 animals and includes a petting farm area. The National Museum of Natural History on Metcalfe Street displays dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, and interactive geology exhibits. Lansdowne Park combines the Canadian War Museum, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, and outdoor play areas with seasonal events and splash pads.

Hidden Gem: The Diefenbunker: Canadian Cold War Museum, located in Carp (20 kilometers west of downtown), is a decommissioned underground nuclear bunker built in 1959 that served as a potential emergency government headquarters during the Cold War. The museum's preserved offices, communications rooms, and living quarters provide a tangible, eerie glimpse into Cold War-era Canadian history that most visitors overlook in favor of Parliament Hill.

Accessibility: Parliament Hill's visitor center and Parliament Buildings offer wheelchair-accessible tours with elevators and accessible washrooms; however, some heritage areas have limited access due to historic architecture. The Rideau Canal pathway is largely paved and wheelchair-accessible, particularly the sections near the National Arts Centre and downtown. OC Transpo buses are equipped with lifts and priority seating, and the Confederation Line LRT (opened 2019) features elevators and accessible platforms at all stations. The National Gallery of Canada, Canadian Museum of History, and Canada Science and Technology Museum all provide wheelchair access, accessible parking, and accessible washrooms.

For the Runner: The Rideau Canal Pathway runs 12 kilometers from Lansdowne Park to the Rideau Falls, offering a flat, paved route ideal for all levels with scenic water views. The Ottawa River Pathway stretches along the river's edge for approximately 12 kilometers from Lemieux Island to the Champlain Bridge, combining urban and natural scenery. The Greenbelt Trail system encompasses over 50 kilometers of interconnected trails through forests and wetlands, with sections ranging from easy to moderate terrain nea

Restaurants in Ottawa

Ottawa offers a diverse and vibrant dining scene with excellent options ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. The city features strong representation of Canadian cuisine, international flavors, and a growing farm-to-table movement, particularly in neighborhoods like the Byward Market and Westboro. Local restaurants showcase regional ingredients and innovative cooking, making it an appealing destination for food enthusiasts.

Where to Stay

Ottawa's accommodation ranges from luxury properties near Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal to mid-range business hotels in the downtown core and budget options in the ByWard Market and Glebe neighborhoods. High-end properties cluster around Sparks Street and Wellington Street, while more affordable chains line the Queensway corridor and near the airport.

Best Hotels: The Fairmont Château Laurier, located directly across from Parliament Hill on Wellington Street, is a historic 1912 château-style hotel with views of

Dog-Friendly Hotels: The Fairmont Château Laurier welcomes dogs with a pet amenity package and allows them in designated rooms with views of Parliament Hill. The Andaz Ottawa Byward Market permits dogs in guest rooms and is steps away from the ByWard Market's outdoor patios and nearby green spaces.

Ottawa

Planning Your Trip to Ottawa

Restaurants in Ottawa

Where to Stay

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