The 10 Best Things to Do in Ottawa - 2024 (with Photos) | Tripadvisor
Things to do in Ottawa

Top Things to Do in Ottawa, Canada - Ottawa Must-See Attractions

Things to Do in Ottawa


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ottawa.

Top Attractions in Ottawa

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
1

Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.


Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*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.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.

What travellers are saying

  • Horace L
    Hamburg, Germany225 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Booked 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 28 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter L
    Taunton, UK179 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    First 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 27 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jud1952
    Nottingham, UK52 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We 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 water
    Written 21 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lorrainetSeattle
    Edison, WA197 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This 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 it
    Written 5 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michel A
    5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We 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 27 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hayley C
    London, Canada18 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    So 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 27 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DL
    Deerfield Beach, FL47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved this Cathedral. Wonderful interior with beautiful stained glass windows. I would love going to Mass every Sunday here.
    Written 3 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Helen E
    London, UK66 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous 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 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alex H
    Huddersfield, UK232 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating 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 locations
    Written 2 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PookyCake
    Victoria, Canada14,337 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Located 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 20 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dimitris L
    Sydney, Australia48,940 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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 15 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dimitris L
    Sydney, Australia48,940 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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 14 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
All Ottawa HotelsOttawa Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Ottawa
All things to do in Ottawa
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.