Popular Ottawa Attractions

Beckta

Charming setting in an old Victorian home. Very inventive, appealing menu relying on local Canadian produce, meat and game. Recommended by the New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and the local pres...

ByWard Market Square

Get lost in the hustle and bustle of the ByWard Market. From fruit stands and bakeries to artisans and fashion designers, this is a great spot to grab an iced coffee and window shop. Surrounding the c...

Canadian Museum of Nature

When traveling with dino fans, miss the Canadian Museum of Nature (known as the "Dino Castle" in many local households). Here are real dinosaur specimens, complemented by vivid diorama scenes with lif...

Canadian Tulip Festival

What started as a gift from the people of the Netherlands of 100,000 tulips is now close to a million ? of every variety and color imaginable. Come May, there is no better spot to walk along the river...

Canadian War Museum

Located just west of the Parliament Buildings and downtown Ottawa, the Canadian War Museum is an energy-efficient facility and a living memorial to Canada's proud military history-from the earliest da...

Canal Ritz

A welcoming restaurant with an Italian-style menu, set right on the Rideau Canal. In summer, request a seat on the outdoor terrace and enjoy the soothing sound of the water. In winter, request a seat ...

Eighteen

Modern, trendy ambiance with expensive but creative and delicious seafood and meat dishes focusing on seasonal, Canadian fare. Seafood from BC and meats from local farms. Interesting plates like esp...

Holt Renfrew

High-tail it to high fashion at Holt Renfrew's ? either on your own or with the help of an expert (and complimentary) personal shopper. Prestigious brands and innovative designers are featured here fo...

Ice Skating on the Rideau Canal

If winter is in full swing, a glide on the world's largest skating rink , stretching 7.8 km (4.8 miles) through downtown Ottawa, is a definite must. Dow's Lake Pavilion offers skate and sleigh rentals...

Laurier Historic House National Historic Site

Home to two of Canada's Prime Ministers, including the longest serving William Lyon Mackenzie King, who hosted famous visitors such as Winston Churchill, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Charles de Gaulle, ...

Le Café (at the National Arts Centre)

Watch the boats meander down the Rideau Canal while sipping on some chilled wine on Le Café's terrace. Found in the lower level of the National Arts Centre, Le Café's sleek styling and contemporary ...

Luxe Bistro

Part classy French bistro and part steakhouse, this restaurant is well situated and offers classic dishes using high quality produce and beef. Extensive menu, trans fat free oils, great reviews includ...

Major's Hill Park

Enjoy the views and take in the history of Ottawa on this short and easy walk through Ottawa's oldest park. named after Colonel By, the engineer responsible for the building of the Rideau Canal Start ...

Murray Street

One of Canada's best new restaurants, featuring the country's premium meat, game and produce; great charcuterie and pork products. Committed to fresh, local, seasonal, sustainable foods....

National Gallery of Canada

Canada's most important collection of visual art is found in this shimmering granite crystal palace, perched by the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill. Permanent collections feature Canadian and Europea...

Parliament

Inside these majestic buildings lie the heart of Canada's democratic system. Tour these Gothic Revival buildings, view Parliament in action (politicians or clowns - you decide!) and be awed by the hon...

Parliament Hill

A capital carved from the forest designed to meet the needs of the new Canadian Confederation, Ottawa was a canny choice made by Queen Victoria and her advisors. The important cities of the day: Fren...

Sweetgrass Aboriginal Bistro

Bistro celebrating the seasonal foods of North America's aboriginal peoples, following ancient hunting and gathering tradtions. Everything prepared in house and of course, sources are local. Unusual ...

The Black Tomato

Located inside a music store, this cafe in the Byward market in 19th century building plus patio, serving a wide variety of international dishes using fresh, seasonal vegetables. Quirky and might be a...