Things to Do in Ottawa
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ottawa.
Historical Toursfromper adultC$48
Historical Toursfromper adultC$48
Duck Boat Toursfromper adultC$45
Dinner and Show Ticketsfromper adultC$96
Historical Toursfromper adultC$179
Audio Guidesfromper adultC$45
Audio Guidesfromper adultC$202
Helicopter Toursfromper adultC$190
Street Art TourfromC$11per adult (price varies by group size)C$9
Spring Breakfromper adultC$85
Military Museums
Admission tickets from C$24
Interactive museum with a focus on historical exhibits and personal narratives from global conflicts, featuring hands-on activities and kid-friendly areas.
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Historic waterway meandering through downtown, lined with scenic paths; features relaxing boat cruises and transforms into a skating rink in winter.
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Museum with a focus on Canadian and Indigenous art, set in a futuristic building. Features outdoor dining, the 'Maman' spider sculpture, and a diverse art collection.
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Interactive museum showcasing a blend of live displays, historic artifacts, and engaging activities across Earth's history and ecosystems, set in a historic building with ever-changing exhibits.
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Historic basilica showcasing intricate stained glass, serene ambiance for reflection, and an impressive organ. Hosts bilingual masses and cultural events.
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Aviation museum with a rich array of aircraft spanning wars and eras, interactive displays for children, and a deep dive into Canadian aviation heritage.
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Guided tour through the meticulous art of coin and medal crafting, with interactive displays on the history and technology behind minting. Features a diverse coin shop.
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Reflective war memorial in downtown, marked by a poignant ceremony with a bagpiper. Showcases educational exhibits and honors sacrifices with a powerful "unknown soldier" tribute.
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Architectural gem with historic Peace Tower, captivating light shows, and First Nation's history. Despite renovations, presents photo-worthy European-inspired design.
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Historic locks with scenic views, connecting a canal to a river amidst landmarks. Enjoy watching boats and exploring nearby cultural sites like the Bytown Museum.
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Other Top Attractions around Ottawa
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Horace LHamburg, Germany225 contributionsBooked tickets months ago on-line. Arrive 20 mins early to pass through security checks and take in some of the old railway station's features. Very informative guide (Grace) who spent about 30/40 minutes walking us round the Senate and answering questions. In the afternoon did the immersive Parliament tour on Sparks Street which was OK (and free too)Written May 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Peter LTaunton, UK179 contributionsFirst class museum. Always interesting to see the views of other players in wars,
especially in respect of wars of the 20th Century. Displays showed that Canadians have been fighting since the English, French and Scots etc, arrived. Museum shows the
sacrifice made by Canadians in WW1 and WW2. Took about three hours for my self
guided tour. Use underground car park for easy access.Written May 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jud1952Nottingham, UK52 contributionsWe were in Ottawa during the Tulip Festival so took the bus down to Commissioners Park and walked back into the city along the canal. Lovely walk but if it’s a hot day take plenty of waterWritten May 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- lorrainetSeattleEdison, WA197 contributionsThis is a must see, but give yourself plenty of time. The building itself is special. But the art and the spaciousness, design and flow of the galleries is wonderful. We could have spent many more hours in the Indigenous and Canadian sections alone. Getting to see exceptional piece, after exceptional piece in such a lovely space was a treat. Loved itWritten June 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michel A5 contributionsWe were a group of veterans with families. Great experience for all and some souvenirs of days gone by for the veterans. Thank you to the staff.Written May 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Hayley CLondon, Canada18 contributionsSo much to see, be sure you have enough time. Staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. Even though there was some work being done inside, it did not affect our visit at all. Great spot to
Spend an afternoon.Written April 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DLDeerfield Beach, FL47 contributionsLoved this Cathedral. Wonderful interior with beautiful stained glass windows. I would love going to Mass every Sunday here.Written May 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Helen ELondon, UK66 contributionsFabulous museum that reviews Canada’s military and civil aviation history. Genuine Lancaster bomber. Also lots of of WW1 aircraft - very educational. Tons of interactive opportunities for kids— climb into the cockpit of a Soviet-era Mig, or a Tutor jet. For toddlers, lots of freedom and fun ride-on bikes. Small cafe. Clean bathrooms. Only downside: you have to pay for parking on top of your admission fee!Written March 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alex HHuddersfield, UK214 contributionsFascinating insight into the world of minting.
We went on a Sunday so the mint was not operating but the guides descriptions made the trip worthwhile nonetheless.
Something different that you may not experience in too many locationsWritten June 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PookyCakeVictoria, Canada14,337 contributionsLocated in Confederation Square, and unveiled in 1939 by King George VI, this beautiful monument made of bronze and granite was originally built to honour all those soldiers who lost their lives during the so-called Great War (World War I); however, with the passage of time, Canada’s National War Memorial – also called “The Response” – has come to symbolize and honour ALL Canadians who’ve served in conflicts since 1939 and, indeed, those who will serve in times of war in the years to come. In this regard, the National War Memorial is “timeless.” This timelessness forms the essence of the annual Remembrance Day celebrations, which are held each year on November 11: The Royal Canadian Legion, RCMP, Governor General, Prime Minister, Service Women and Men, and the public come together to pay their respects to those who’ve fallen in past and current wars.
As I mentioned in my earlier review of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I’m usually not big on war memorials, but this one just gets to me. It is, ironically, a solemn spot in the middle of bustling Ottawa for remembrance and reflection; and this is all beautifully captured by the National War Memorial, inclusive of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
When visiting Ottawa, make sure to patronize this site. It is at once beautiful, sad and powerful.Written November 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Dimitris LSydney, Australia48,940 contributionsThe Peace Tower is a bautifful building on Parliament Hill. It was originall built as a memorial to those who died in World War I. It is currently undergoing quite extensive renovations and is unfortunately closed to the public. However it's worth visiting and having a look from the outside, as it is an architectural marvel.Written October 15, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dimitris LSydney, Australia48,940 contributionsThe eight Ottawa locks, which are the largest single set of locks on the entire Rideau system, connect the channel of the Rideau Canal to the Ottawa River.
They are designed to raise and lower boats from one water level to another. They were built, along with a series of dams, to bypass rapids and waterfalls.
It takes at least one and a half hours to go through the locks.
On one side of the locks are Canada’s Parliament buildings and on the other is the architecturally magnificent building of the Chateau Laurier hotel. Not to be missed!Written October 14, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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