Where to find the Best Free Things to do in Ottawa?

When visiting Ottawa, the capital of Canada, visitors quickly fall in love with the city – It’s beautiful, clean and full of history. As the fourth-largest city in Canada, it’s an ideal travel destination and one of the best cities in terms of free activities. From art galleries to outdoor adventure and breathtaking viewpoints, there’s no way to run out of things to do in Ottawa for free.

For starters, perhaps the most popular activity is touring around Parliament Hill. Located right downtown, Parliament Hill offers visitors beautiful views over the nearby rivers and buildings, all while learning more about the Canadian government. For the best experience, visitors can attend the daily summer concerts or take the light show in the evening, both are free and all-ages activities.

Those who enjoy arts and culture and don’t mind some rainfall, spring and winter usually come with Ottawa’s own Winterlude festival. This year, Winterlude runs from January 31 to February 17, offering different events and performances each day such as music concerts, ice-carving contests, snow slides and more.

Outdoor activities like biking and hiking are popular all year round in Ottawa. While guided tours can be expensive for large groups, the city offers bike and ski rentals so visitors can enjoy cycling and skiing the city and its beautiful areas by themselves. For an extra unique experience, head over to Gatineau Park to enjoy camping, fishing, and skiing – all while admiring the natural beauty of this protected park.

When it comes to city sightseeing, one famous spot is the Rideau Canal Skateway – a naturally frozen canal that extends over 7.8 kilometres between downtown Ottawa and Westboro Beach. Regardless of whether visitors want to skate or simply watch skaters enjoy themselves, people of all ages will be thrilled by this remarkable winter experience.

Those who love art galleries and museums also find plenty of free activities to do in Ottawa. From Centretown to Hintonburg, every part of Ottawa has free museums that offer a variety of collections (many are inventoried here). For example, at the National Gallery of Canada, viewers can admire world-renowned pieces of artwork that date back all the way to the sixteenth century.

Last but not least, when it comes to good food in Ottawa, there’s no end to what locals have to offer. From pies in the Ottawa Valley to poutine in the Byward Market district – local delicacies can be found in every corner of Ottawa. And with over 3200 restaurants across the city (often offering promotions or discounts), food lovers can make their way around by trying restaurant after restaurant.

In conclusion, Ottawa is one of those rare cities that provides free activities throughout its streets; from breathtaking landscapes to unique artsy experiences, from cheesy delights to exciting outdoor sports – there’s something for everyone no matter what their budget is. Whether visiting for a week or only for a day, a trip through Ottawa’s free experiences is worth a try!

An Insider’s Guide to Finding the Best Free Things to Do in Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, has a rich history and endless options for entertainment and food. It is a city that welcomes visitors with open arms and has numerous free things to do. Here is an insider’s guide to finding the best of them.

Explore the Parliament Hill and Peace Tower

The Parliament Hill and Peace Tower of Ottawa are the iconic structures that represent Canada’s political history. You can take a free guided tour of the main building, which is the center of Canadian democracy and heritage. The tour takes about 45 minutes and includes visiting the memorial chamber, Hall of Honour, Canadian Senate, and House of Commons.

Discover the ByWard Market

ByWard Market is the heart of Ottawa’s oldest neighborhood. It is a year-round marketplace with various stalls featuring locally grown produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts. Take a leisurely stroll through the markets, admire the goods and people, and indulge in some free entertainment like musicians and street performers.

Visit the Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum is a massive collection of war history showcased in various exhibits. Entry to the museum is free on Thursdays between 5 pm to 8 pm. The museum features interactive displays and boasts the largest indoor collection of military vehicles in Canada.

Explore the National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada is a visual representation of Canada’s national art heritage. Admission to the gallery is free on Thursdays between 5 pm to 8 pm, and it features interesting exhibits that display a vast collection of beautiful and thought-provoking pieces from Canadian, Indigenous, and International artists.

Wander through the Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a man-made waterway that skirts across various locations in Ottawa. It is a beautiful place to stroll around, gather with friends, and watch boats sail by. In the winter, the canal is flooded and becomes the world’s longest skating rink, a statistic recognized by The Guinness Book of World Records.

Take a stroll in the Experimental Farm

The Experimental Farm is a huge public space that houses a variety of farm animals and agricultural crops collected from different regions of Canada. It is an excellent place to explore for families with kids and has great walking trails too.

Check out the Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is a historic castle that displays impressive exhibits of wildlife found in Canada and around the world. Admission to the museum is free on Thursday evenings after 5 pm.

Discover local food joints and street eats

Ottawa, like any big city, has its fair share of dining options. Discover the city in its full glory by exploring the best local food joints and street eats that offer delicious and affordable fare. From poutine (a Canadian dish consisting of french fries and cheese curds topped with brown gravy) and smoked meat sandwiches to beavertails (a fried dough pastry) and shawarmas, there is something for everyone.

Explore local festivals and events

Ottawa is a city bustling with life, with plenty of annual festivals, outdoor events, and concerts. Check out outdoor concerts like West Music Fest and music and art festival CityFolk. The celebrated Winterlude is another well-known Ottawa event, which features outdoor ice-skating, snowboarding, and ice sculpting competitions.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Ottawa is the home of many gems that are off-the-beaten-path and are not widely known to tourists. Visit the experimental farm, take a walk to the rock garden at Central Experimental Farm, or explore Nepean Point, a lookout spot where Canadian River meets the Rideau Canal.

Final Thoughts

Ottawa has ample free things to do that can keep any traveler busy and entertained. From exploring the Parliament Hill and visiting national museums to discovering the vibrant ByWard Market and speciality food, Ottawa has something for every visitor. With this insider’s guide, visitors are equipped with recommendations and ideas to explore the city’s hidden treasures.