What Are the Best Things to Do in Ottawa?

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is a metropolitan area with a variety of exciting attractions to explore. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, foodie, or just want to get away from it all, there is something for everyone in this scenic city. Here we give you an overview of the best activities and things to do in Ottawa.

Explore History at the Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History is Canada’s national museum and a must-see for any visitor to Ottawa. Spanning over 20,000 square metres (65,600 square feet), the museum offers rich and educational exhibits covering everything from the country’s First Nations population to modern cultural development. Visitors can also catch a movie at the IMAX theatre, explore the various archaeological activities in the park, and take a trip back in time in the Grand Hall of Transition.

Discover Nature at the Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a historic waterway connecting Ottawa to Kingston on Lake Ontario. The canal is a popular destination for outdoor activities including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, and cycling. It is also the site of many annual events such as Winterlude, where you can enjoy skating and snowshoeing on the frozen canal. During the warm months, a cruise aboard a tour boat is a great way to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Admire Art at The National Gallery of Canada

Located in downtown Ottawa and just steps away from Parliament Hill, The National Gallery of Canada is Canada’s premier art museum. Highlights include the Canadian Collection which features over 7500 works by Canadian artists, as well as international artwork from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The museum also houses a theatre and interactive exhibits and provides special tours, workshops and other programs that enable visitors to gain deeper insights into Canada’s artistic heritage.

Taste the Local Cuisine

Ottawa is brimming with local cuisine for foodies to explore. Try shawarma at King Shawarmas & Steakhouse on Bank Street, visit Aulait Patisserie & Café for desserts inspired by French culinary traditions, or enjoy Korean fusion at Miga Korean BBQ & Sushi. For a more unique experience, consider booking a food tour with Edible Excursions and allow their knowledgeable guides take you around to some of the best places to eat in the city.

Have Fun at Mooney’s Bay Park

Mooney’s Bay Park is a great option for visitors with an active lifestyle or those looking for fun family outings. The park offers a swimming beach and lots of open green space for picnics or tossing around a Frisbee. There are also numerous playgrounds for young children and wide open fields for those looking to play some sports. Mooney’s Bay Park also has a bicycle path that takes riders on a scenic tour of the area and is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Ottawa.

Shop til You Drop at Byward Market

No trip to Ottawa would be complete without a visit to Byward Market. Located in downtown Ottawa, this vibrant neighbourhood fills up on weekends with vendors selling fresh produce, unique trinkets and handmade crafts. Byward Market also has some great restaurants and pubs to visit after you have finished your bargain hunting. Be sure to check out Carls Corner for iconic Canadian souvenirs like maple syrup!

Ottawa Epic Bar Crawl By Let’s Roam

Ottawa offers many ways to explore its nightlife scene—including bars, pubs and clubs—but one of the most popular attractions is Let’s Roam’s Epic Bar Crawl through Ottawa’s downtown area. This exclusive experience puts you in charge as you master your own pub-crawling adventure! Your personal guide will help you find great bars with massive drink selections, fascinatingly themed pubs with eccentric culinary delights, exciting dance clubs that provide ever-evolving soundtracks and so much more! With an Ottawa Epic Bar Crawl By Let’s Roam your sure to have an amazing night out! If you’re feeling adventurous and looking for some fun during your visit to Ottawa, get in touch with Let’s Roam now to plan your night out!

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of incredible attractions and activities in Ottawa—from admiring art at the Canadian Museum of History to tasting local cuisine at restaurants around town—to make your visit truly memorable. Make sure that you don’t miss out on Ottawa Epic Bar Crawl By Let’s Roam, where you can explore Ottawa’s nightlife like never before! So whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, outdoor fun or a wild night out on the town, Ottawa has something for everyone!