Things to Do in Ottawa
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See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ottawa.
Historical Toursfromper adult$133
Dinner and Show Ticketsfromper adult$71
Audio Guidesfromper adult$34
Helicopter Toursfromper adult$119
Street Art Tourfromper adult (price varies by group size)$8
Spring Breakfromper adult$63
Bike Toursfromper adult$44
Food & Drinkfromper adult$75
Historical Toursfromper adult$36
Duck Boat Toursfromper adult$34
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 travelers are saying
- mabellejeeMount Vernon, IL139 contributionsBook a tour to see how Canadian Parliament operates. Currently being held in West Block as they complete major renovations on Centre Block, Guide was informative. The newly created structure was beautiful and so many aspects to take in. For free, this tour was appreciated by all of my family. A win!Written March 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gardiner WVancouver, Canada446 contributionsWho knew? Comprehensive, thought provoking and very much "tell it like it was". Fascinating collections. Particularly liked the historical aspect of the museums offerings....tracing conflict from the earliest days...skirmishes amongst first nations peoples, to contact with European explorers and eventually settlers. And then of course Canada's participation in conflicts over the years...English vs French (the battles of these two great colonial empires), Canadian (comprising English, French and indigenous) with our big neighbour to the south. And then Canadian participation as the loyal British dominion in WW1 and WW2. A lot more history here than most Canadians realize. And if you are a military machinery fan, lots of tanks and armaments to gaze at. You really need 3 -4 hours to do the museum proud..or plan to come back another day. Underground parking ($13..pretty reasonable). The tours I had hoped for not available (staffing shortages) so check first by phone.Written December 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PookyCakeVictoria, Canada13,892 contributionsWhen visiting Ottawa, it is virtually impossible *not* to see Rideau Canal. If coming in from the airport, and heading downtown, your TAXI or Uber will drive alongside the canal for a few kilometers. Then, once downtown, it’s a major attraction near the Chateau Laurier thanks to the “Ottawa Locks” that bring boats safely down (or up) towards the Ottawa River, representing an elevation change of some 79 feet. In that regard, the Rideau Canal and their accompanying Locks represent a beautiful synthesis between human engineering, history, nature and, indeed, fun.
A National Historic Site of Canada since 1925, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, the Rideau Canal is 202 kilometers in length – connecting Ottawa and Kingston – and was opened in 1832. Designed by John By, the canal was originally built to function as a reliable communication center during a time when Britain and the United States actively fought for control of the area (think War of 1812); however, it was never used for military service. Instead, it later functioned as an important shipping route and then, in the modern day, as a beautiful pleasure cruise space.
In the current day, Rideau Canal is synonymous with Ottawa. As we were flying from Toronto, Air Canada showed a pretty nice propaganda photo of the canal as viewed across from the Senate of Canada Building and looking towards the Chateau Laurier. We made sure to mimic this photo ;)
We only strolled a couple kilometers along the canal because of a foot malady I was dealing with at the time, but I imagine cruising the length of Rideau Canal would be nothing short of magical. Maybe that will be a future bucket list item?Written December 15, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Stephanie H2 contributionsBring your walking shoes! There is so much to see! I was surprised by the sheer size of the building and number of displays
I could have easily spent the day, and returned again, but we were subject to a timeframe.
When you go, be sure not to miss the chapel- the sound is amazing.
Definitely wish I was closer so I could make this a regular part of my weekWritten March 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Carolann J13 contributionsI went with a Meetup Group on the guided tour. Our tour guide, Graham, was fun and entertaining. TBH, I wasn't expecting to like this much. I went because the group was going, not because I was particularly interested. It was really, really cool, and I am going to have to go back. The 2 hours was not enough to see it all.Written April 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BCNY100New York178 contributionsLovely and manageable museum with many exhibits. Great for kids who can read, a little less fun for those who can’t.
The Dino extinction movie is very scary for kids. The owl special exhibit was a big hitWritten February 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Bea703 contributionsIt is the capital’s oldest neo-Gothic basilica and largest church in Ottawa. It dates to 1841. You can visit it daily between services or book a guided tour.Written December 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Helen ELondon, UK59 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.
- CPJTNanoose Bay, Canada19 contributionsOur family off four, including two kids 12 and 16, enjoyed the 45-minute guided tour. It was fascinating to learn how advanced our coin-making technology is in Canada and how much we subcontract our services to other countries around the world. Our tour guide Zoe was fantastic and did an excellent job of explaining each step of the production process.
One tip... it's a good idea to book your tour in advance. We didn't and were surprised when we arrived and the next tour wasn't available for about three hours. Not a big deal, as there's lot of other stuff to see and do within walking distance, but better to know in advance.Written March 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Dimitris LSydney, Australia45,617 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.
- PookyCakeVictoria, Canada13,892 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, Australia45,617 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ottawa
- The top attractions to visit in Ottawa are:
- Parliament Hill and Buildings
- Canadian War Museum
- Rideau Canal National Historic Site
- Canadian Museum of Nature
- National Gallery of Canada
- The best outdoor activities in Ottawa according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Major's Hill Park
- Rideau Canal National Historic Site
- Hog's Back Falls
- Kichi Zībī Mīkan
- Humanics Sanctuary & Sculpture Park
- The most popular things to do in Ottawa with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all kid friendly things to do in Ottawa on Tripadvisor