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Fun Things to do in Ottawa
Ontario
city guide
Nestled in the heart of Canada, Ottawa is a capital city that exudes a small town charm, offering a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Once dubbed as the "city that fun forgot," Ottawa has since shed that reputation to reveal a vibrant and lively destination that caters to a wide range of interests.
While the city maintains its bureaucratic facade, visitors will discover a dynamic and diverse landscape filled with numerous festivals, a burgeoning restaurant scene, picturesque green spaces, cozy hotels, and an array of unique indie shops. As the capital of Canada, Ottawa boasts an impressive array of world-class cultural attractions and distinctive museums that showcase the country's rich heritage and diverse identity.
In Ottawa, there is no shortage of activities to experience, whether you're a history buff, a food enthusiast, or an outdoor adventurer. From skating along the iconic Rideau Canal in the winter to strolling through the enchanting Tulip Festival in the spring, the city offers unforgettable experiences throughout the year. Regardless of the season or weather conditions (which can vary from extreme cold to sunny warmth), Ottawa is a city that never fails to captivate and entertain.
For those looking to explore Ottawa to the fullest, here are some of the best activities to consider:
1. Visit the Parliament Hill: Witness the iconic Gothic Revival architecture and attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
2. Explore the ByWard Market: Indulge in a culinary adventure at this bustling market filled with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and diverse dining options.
3. Discover the National Gallery of Canada: Immerse yourself in a world of art and culture at this renowned institution featuring Canadian and international works.
4. Experience the Canadian Museum of History: Delve into the country's past and heritage at this museum located across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec.
5. Enjoy outdoor adventures at Gatineau Park: Hike, cycle, or ski in this expansive natural playground located just a short drive from downtown Ottawa.
To stay updated on the latest events, attractions, and insider tips in Ottawa, consider following these social media accounts:
- Instagram: @ottawatourism
- Twitter: @Ottawa_Tourism
- Facebook: Ottawa Tourism
For in-depth guides and recommendations on things to do in the city, check out publications such as Ottawa Magazine and Apt613, which offer insights into the vibrant culture and entertainment scene in Ottawa.
With its unique blend of history, culture
Best time to go
The best time to visit Ottawa is between March and May, when temperatures begin to rise and the city starts to bloom. This is also when some of the capital's favorite special events including the beloved Tulip Festival take place.
Fun city facts and activities
- A capital city with a small town feel, its hard to believe that Ottawa was ever known as the city that fun forgot. Beyond its bureaucratic facade, this government town is home to myriad festivals, a growing restaurant scene, beautiful green spaces, comfortable hotels and interesting indie shops. As Canadas capital, Ottawa also offers plenty of world-class cultural attractions and unique museums.
Some seasonal attractionslike skating along the Rideau Canal in the winter time or admiring the thousands of blooming bulbs during the springs Tulip Festivalare hard to miss (and you shouldnt!). But no matter the season or the weather (and there are some extremes here), the city is anything but boring, as proven by this list of awesome things to do in Ottawa.
Neighborhoods to explore
- The Glebe
Sandy Hill
Alta Vista
Westboro
New Edinburgh
Kanata
Dow's Lake
Orl̩ans
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- If poutine and BeaverTails are the main things that come to mind when you think of Ottawa food, then trust us youve got some culinary exploring to do! Luckily, the local food scene has grown exponentially in recent years, giving rise to upscale casual eateries, chef-run restaurants and speciality shops focusing on everything from ice cream to charcuterie.
It would be easy to stick to one neighbourhood: theres a row of great restaurants along Wellington West in Hintonburg, and plenty to choose from in Little Italy. Great things are popping up just east of downtown and you cant miss the gems just across the Ottawa River in Qu̩bec. Youll find a diverse array of cuisines (at diverse price points) across the capital city, which means that traveling to eat at the best restaurants in Ottawa will help you explore local sights and things to do that you should have on your bucket list.