Today, the city feels less like a political hub and more like a quiet, polite community where winter festivals and summer river walks define the rhythm of life rather than bureaucratic urgency. It is a place of sweeping green spaces and historic charm, inviting you to stroll along the Rideau Canal with no agenda other than to breathe in the crisp northern air and appreciate its understated elegance.
Do Ottawa the way locals do: start slow at Hog's Back Park, eat where the regulars do at JOEY Rideau, let the evening run long at Level One Game Pub.
Top things to do in Ottawa
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Parliament Hill
Grand, neo-Gothic complex hosting Canada's legislature, with artworks, lush grounds & tours.
Check tours & tickets2
Canadian Museum of Nature / Musée canadien de la nature
Natural history exhibits in a Scottish baronial-style building, with fossils, insects & dioramas.
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Canadian War Museum
Set in a modern building, this museum is dedicated to documenting Canadian military history.
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Canadian Museum of History
Museum chronicling Canadian culture & history, with an IMAX theater & separate children's museum.
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National Gallery of Canada
This spacious museum focused on Canadian art also has global artworks, 2 cafes & a seasonal lounge.
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Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Large musuem for aeronautical exhibits, including military & civilian aircraft, plus biplane rides.
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Canada Science and Technology Museum
Striking, modern museum with exhibits & programs devoted to Canadian science & technology.
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Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
Dating to the 19th century, this church features a colourful interior & skyline-dominating spires.
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Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Historic canal connecting the Ottawa River & Lake Ontario with ice skating & canoeing, plus trails.
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Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
Cold War museum in a massive underground bunker featuring military artifacts, exhibits & events.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
JOEY Rideau
Relaxed, contemporary dining spot with a broad menu featuring international & regional dishes.
Website12
Elgin Street Diner
Informal, always-open eatery serving diner classics, from breakfast & burgers to poutine & meatloaf.
Website13
LOCAL Public Eatery Lansdowne
Upscale pub fare, craft beer & kitschy cocktails served in an industrial space with games & a patio.
Website14
Chez Lucien
Comfortable tavern open late featuring hamburgers & other hearty comfort eats, plus craft beer.
15
Zak's Diner
An extensive menu with all-day breakfast, burgers & poutine is at this 24-hour Canadian diner.
Website16
Burger Factory
Website17
Mr. Fez Shawarma (Downtown)
Website18
The Whalesbone Elgin Street
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Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Haunted Walk of Ottawa
The spooky past of the city is covered in this guided walking tour aimed at groups.
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Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals - Ottawa
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Lady Dive Tours
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RentABike
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Toonie Tours Ottawa | Free Walking Tours, Private Tours, & more
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Scooteretti - Electric Bicycles
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Hog's Back Park
Celebrated park featuring impressive waterfalls & a dam, picnic areas, hiking trails & green space.
Website26
Mer Bleue Bog
This 1.2km looping interpretive boardwalk trail passes through the Mer Bleue Bog.
Website27
Britannia Park and Beach
Website28
Petrie Island Beach
Supervised public beach for swimming & water activities, plus a park with play & picnic areas.
Website29
Petrie Island Park
WebsiteAfter dark
30
Level One Game Pub
Besides hundreds of games to play, this comfy hangout offers espresso drinks, beer & varied snacks.
Website31
House of TARG
Website32
Lavender Grill
Website33
The Laff
Legendary watering hole dating from 1849 featuring live music, pub grub & a lively ambiance.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
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