Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, brings together the grandeur of national heritage with a lively urban scene. Known for its stately parliament buildings and scenic setting along the Ottawa River, this city stands out for its blend of English and French influences, accessible green spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere. Ottawa’s size makes it feel approachable, yet its status as a capital keeps it buzzing year-round with festivals, international visitors, and cultural events.
The city’s top attractions include the iconic Parliament Hill, a must-visit for its architecture and daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, alongside world-class museums like the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History. Ottawa’s picturesque Rideau Canal turns into a bustling skating rink every winter—one of the world’s largest—while in warmer months it’s popular for boating and cycling. Strolling the historic ByWard Market area is another highlight, featuring local artisans, fresh produce, and a thriving food scene.
Beyond its landmarks, Ottawa offers a relaxed yet active vibe. Locals and tourists mingle in leafy parks or over a cup of locally roasted coffee in trendy neighbourhoods like Westboro and Glebe. The city is compact, making it easy to explore by foot, bike, or public transit, with safe and well-marked paths. Accommodation ranges from historic hotels to modern boutique stays, and you’ll find everything from food trucks dishing out poutine to upscale dining with riverside views.
Ottawa is enjoyable in every season, but spring and fall often bring pleasant temperatures and the city’s best festivals, such as the Canadian Tulip Festival and Winterlude. Visitors will appreciate the city’s friendly pace, bilingual signage, and well-organized tourism services. For a deeper Ottawa experience, try timing your trip during a parliamentary session or local festival, and don’t miss tasting a classic BeaverTail pastry by the canal.
The city’s top attractions include the iconic Parliament Hill, a must-visit for its architecture and daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, alongside world-class museums like the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History. Ottawa’s picturesque Rideau Canal turns into a bustling skating rink every winter—one of the world’s largest—while in warmer months it’s popular for boating and cycling. Strolling the historic ByWard Market area is another highlight, featuring local artisans, fresh produce, and a thriving food scene.
Beyond its landmarks, Ottawa offers a relaxed yet active vibe. Locals and tourists mingle in leafy parks or over a cup of locally roasted coffee in trendy neighbourhoods like Westboro and Glebe. The city is compact, making it easy to explore by foot, bike, or public transit, with safe and well-marked paths. Accommodation ranges from historic hotels to modern boutique stays, and you’ll find everything from food trucks dishing out poutine to upscale dining with riverside views.
Ottawa is enjoyable in every season, but spring and fall often bring pleasant temperatures and the city’s best festivals, such as the Canadian Tulip Festival and Winterlude. Visitors will appreciate the city’s friendly pace, bilingual signage, and well-organized tourism services. For a deeper Ottawa experience, try timing your trip during a parliamentary session or local festival, and don’t miss tasting a classic BeaverTail pastry by the canal.
Expected Weekly Budget
$900–$1400 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Tour Parliament Hill and watch the Changing of the Guard
- Skate or walk along the Rideau Canal
- Explore the National Gallery of Canada
- Browse the stalls and eateries at ByWard Market
- Visit the Canadian Museum of History
- Stroll through Major’s Hill Park
- Go cycling along the Ottawa River pathways
- Catch a festival or event, like Winterlude or Tulip Festival
Notable Sites
- Parliament Hill
- Rideau Canal
- ByWard Market
- National Gallery of Canada
- Canadian Museum of History
- Canadian War Museum
- Major’s Hill Park
- Rideau Hall
General Advice
Ottawa is easy to navigate and friendly for both first-time visitors and return travelers alike. The city center is walkable, public transportation is reliable, and bike-friendly routes abound along major sites. Ottawa thrives in all seasons, so check the weather and pack seasonally appropriate clothing. Embrace local culture by trying both francophone and anglophone experiences, and take advantage of Ottawa’s trustworthy tourist information centers for maps and event details.
Security & Safety
Ottawa is generally considered very safe by North American standards. Petty theft such as pickpocketing is rare but can occur in crowded areas like markets or during large events, so keep an eye on your valuables. At night, well-lit central areas are safe but it’s always wise to stay alert and use common sense. If you plan to skate on the Rideau Canal or venture outdoors in winter, dress appropriately for cold temperatures and heed local safety advisories.
Travel Tips
- Consider purchasing an OC Transpo day pass for easy travel on buses and the O-Train.
- Book tickets in advance for Parliament tours and major museums during peak seasons.
- Try a BeaverTail pastry at ByWard Market for a classic Ottawa treat.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring downtown and park pathways.
- Visit local festivals for a lively taste of the city’s culture.
- Look out for bilingual signage and friendly locals if you need directions.
- Layer clothing in spring and fall since temperatures can change quickly.
- Use bike rentals to explore the city’s extensive cycling trails.
Similar Destinations
Photo Gallery
Loading photos...
Traveler Comments
Visited in May 2024
Ottawa’s spring was gorgeous—loved the Tulip Festival and walking along the canal. The ByWard Market had such a fun food scene, and we tried our first BeaverTail! It felt less hectic than Montreal or Toronto, which we really appreciated.
Traveled here in February 2024
Skating on the Rideau Canal in winter was honestly the highlight of my trip. The city was cold, of course, but everywhere was so cheerful during Winterlude. If you don’t like the cold, plan for another season, but we found it magical.
Visited in September 2023
The Canadian Museum of History totally blew me away. We spent the afternoon on Parliament Hill and caught the sunset—so pretty. You really get a sense of Canadian history here, and getting around by bus and bike was simple.
Stayed in June 2024
We came for a work conference but managed to squeeze in a lot of sightseeing. The riverfront paths were great for jogging each morning, and there were excellent halal dining options nearby. Highly recommend the National Gallery’s Indigenous art section.
Traveled here in October 2023
Ottawa was really clean and easy to get around. I enjoyed walking through the Glebe neighborhood—so many cute coffee shops! Wish I had spent more time at the art galleries. Weather changed a lot though, so bring a jacket.
Visited in August 2023
Took my family (kids aged 10 and 13), and they loved the Canadian War Museum and Skating on the canal (even though it was summer, we went indoor)! Lots of green spaces and the city never felt too crowded.
Visited in December 2023
Ottawa lit up for the holidays was really special. We bundled up and wandered Parliament Hill at night—gorgeous lights everywhere. Only downside: some restaurants had long waits thanks to all the festivities.
Traveled here in March 2024
I came as a solo traveler and felt super safe exploring even at night. I got great photos from Major’s Hill Park overlooking the city. There’s less nightlife compared to bigger cities, but lots of cozy pubs to check out.
Visited in April 2024
We spent a weekend exploring Parliament and all the nearby museums—impressive and very educational. The city felt very friendly and welcoming to visitors. Loved grabbing coffee at local bakeries in the Glebe.
Stayed in July 2023
Ottawa was attractive but a bit quieter than I expected in the evenings. We enjoyed the canal and ByWard Market, especially for local crafts. Good for a few days, but I’d suggest more time if you’re a big museum person.
Traveled here in January 2024
I’m from a warmer climate so skating on Rideau Canal in January was totally new for me! Dressing in layers was critical—the city was gorgeous under snow. The museums are seriously top-notch.
Visited in September 2023
Was in town for a government meeting and stayed a few extra days. Parliament tours were fascinating, and the riverside cycling was a great way to unwind after work. The cold-brew coffee scene here surprised me!
Visited in October 2023
Autumn colors in Ottawa were worth the trip alone! Parks like Major’s Hill and the walkways along the river were gorgeous. We even joined a walking tour about local history, which made the city come alive.
Stayed in May 2024
Ottawa has a calm, safe vibe. My partner and I loved checking out artisan stands in ByWard Market and biking around the canal. Prices for hotels were a bit higher than expected, but we found some nice foodie spots on a budget.
Traveled here in August 2023
Visited with my parents and got to see the Changing of the Guard at Parliament Hill. The city is green and easy to walk, and there’s lots to do with family. Crowds were light even in summer.
Visited in November 2023
I mostly came for the architecture and wasn’t disappointed—so many grand historic buildings. The Canadian Museum of Nature was a surprise hit too! Would love to come back in spring or summer for more outdoor activities.
Visited in March 2024
We spent hours browsing the National Gallery—the collection is huge! The people here are friendly and we always found help with directions. It does get chilly walking by the river at night, so come prepared.
Traveled here in April 2024
Ottawa was a dream for my kids, especially the science museums and nearby playgrounds. We booked a small apartment near downtown and felt right at home. Easy to get groceries and cook for ourselves too.
Visited in October 2023
I really liked how much green space Ottawa has right in the city. Made it easy to relax between museums. The dining was diverse—had great sushi near Elgin Street.
Traveled here in June 2024
Nice city for a weekend trip. History buffs should definitely check out Rideau Hall—tours are excellent. Public transit made getting around simple, but buses don’t always run late so plan accordingly.
Traveled here in December 2023
Visited Ottawa during Winterlude and enjoyed all the outdoor activities, from ice sculptures to night skating. Locals were warm, helping us with directions more than once. Only downside: some festival sites were spread out, so we used transit a lot.
Share Your Experience
Sign in to leave a review and share your travel photos.