Tourist Attractions in Ottawa

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Ottawa

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Ottawa

Canada’s capital is considered one of the most interesting cities in the country, and in the whole of North America. There are 70 parks on its territory, so the streets, neighbourhoods and squares are drenched in greenery in summer, and in autumn they are dressed in stunning shades of yellow and purple. It so happens that Ottawa is located at the junction of the English and French provinces. That is why it was destined to become the capital.

Ottawa is a surprisingly calm and well-kept city with a measured rhythm of life. There are no industrial enterprises with smoking chimneys here, so it can boast a good ecology. It is interesting that in the XIX century the inhabitants of Montreal and Toronto considered Ottawa a boring and not worthy of attention town, but in the XX century the situation changed dramatically. Thanks to active development and financial injections, the city has turned into a modern and comfortable place to live.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Ottawa

Parliament Hill

 4.7/5

34447 reviews

An early 20th century neo-Gothic castle that is the seat of the Canadian government. It is built of grey granite and resembles the Palace of Westminster in a more modest way. The central structure of the building is the Peace Tower with a clock face, which was dedicated to the Canadians who died in the First World War. The architectural complex itself is called Parliament Hill. It includes a castle and a number of monuments in honour of famous people.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Rideau

 3.7/5

49 reviews

The canal was dug in 1832, making it the oldest man-made waterway in North America. It connects the cities of Kingston and Ottawa. The length of the canal is 202 kilometres and it is designed for the passage of rather bulky ships. In summer, tourist ships ply along the Rideau. In winter there is a huge skating rink about 8 kilometres long.

Open time

ByWard Market

 0/5

One of the oldest and largest markets in Canada. It is an entire shopping district located in the centre of the city. The plan of market rows was developed by military engineer D. Bye in 1826. In the nearly 200 years of its existence, Byward has grown considerably. The quarter grew with hotels, restaurants, and industrial enterprises. By the 19th century, it was already an important commercial and industrial district of Ottawa.

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica

 4.7/5

3151 reviews

The Gothic cathedral of Ottawa, called “Notre Dame” in the good French tradition. Until 1841, a wooden church stood on the site of the cathedral. It was demolished to make way for new construction. The main part of the cathedral was ready by 1846, the spires were erected 20 years later. Notre Dame is the oldest church in Ottawa. In 1990, the building was added to the list of National Monuments of Canada.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Canadian War Museum

 4.7/5

8166 reviews

The history of the museum began in 1880 with a small collection of military artefacts; it received official status only in 1942. Since 1967, the collection was located in the premises of the former State Archives, and since 2005 – in a new building, specially built for the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The exposition tells about the military history of Canada, as well as the world wars of the 20th century.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The National War Memorial

 4.7/5

3651 reviews

The monument was erected in 1939 in Confederation Square. In 1925, the authorities announced an international competition for the best design, in which all subjects of the British Empire could participate. The memorial was unveiled in the presence of monarch George VI. At first it was dedicated to Canadians who fell during the First World War, after 1982 it became a memorial for the victims of the Second World War and the Korean War.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

National Gallery of Canada

 4.7/5

8216 reviews

One of Canada’s premier art museums with a large collection of paintings, graphics, photography and sculpture. The main focus is on the work of Canadian artists. Works by artists from the United States and Europe are also represented. The gallery was founded in 1880 by Canadian Governor General Duke D. D. Campbell. Since 1988, the collection has been housed in a modern building designed by Israeli architect M. Safdie.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Canadian Museum of Nature

 4.7/5

11143 reviews

Natural History Museum, which opened in 1990. It houses an outstanding mineral collection of several thousand specimens and an impressive collection of precious stones. The museum exhibits ancient fossils of fossilised animals and plants. The herbarium with a huge number of plants (more than 500 thousand) deserves special attention.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

 4.7/5

5697 reviews

The collection is located on the grounds of a training airfield near an upscale neighbourhood in Ottawa called Rockliffe Park. It was organised on the basis of the Canadian Air Force in 1964. Various aircraft from rarities to modern models are represented here. The museum is often the organiser of exciting air shows, which gather quite a lot of spectators.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Canadian Museum of History

 4.6/5

11332 reviews

A major historical museum located across the river from Ottawa in the city of Gatineau. The bulk of the collection is exhibited in three departments: “Indigenous Hall”, “Grand Hall” and “Canada Hall”. Here, visitors are exposed to the history of Canada from ancient times to the present day. You can learn about the history of the country’s Indigenous people, the period of European colonisation, and important events of the Modern Age.

Open time

Bytown Museum

 4.5/5

386 reviews

The museum’s collection focuses on the history of Ottawa and the Rideau Canal. The museum was established in 1917 through the efforts of the Women’s Historical Society, which collected artefacts. Most of the exhibition consists of photographs, but there are also exhibits related to the laying of the canal. Since the mid-20th century, the museum has been housed in the former commissariat building, one of the first stone buildings in Ottawa.

Open time

National Arts Centre

 4.6/5

1266 reviews

The centre is housed in a 1969 building built in the Brutalist style (one of the modernist movements). Its four venues host concerts, festivals, theatre performances, opera and ballet. The centre actively supports emerging artists, with a strong emphasis on educational programmes. In 2006, the building was included in the list of national monuments.

Open time

Fairmont Château Laurier

 4.4/5

5359 reviews

A city hotel and at the same time an interesting architectural monument. The building resembles a French chateau, which is why it was named “Chateau-Laurier”. The hotel was built in 1912 from Indian limestone. The interior is not inferior to the external appearance, it is made with special elegance. The halls are decorated with Tiffany stained glass windows and mouldings, which have been preserved since the beginning of the century.

Open time

Rideau Hall

 4.6/5

420 reviews

The residence of the Governor General of Canada and the seat of the British monarch during his visit to the country. Due to its secluded location, Rideau Hall is more like a private mansion than an official residence. The building was built in Victorian style in 1838 during the Edward VII era. It was intended for the industrialist T. Mackay and his family. The mansion did not achieve its current status until 1867.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Royal Canadian Mint

 4.5/5

2093 reviews

A working mint and museum located in the centre of Ottawa. Visitors can see not only an exhibition of coins and bullion, but also watch the fascinating minting process. A local shop sells collectibles made of precious metals. The mint now only produces commemorative money, as the main production moved to Winnipeg in 1976.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Supreme Court of Canada

 4.3/5

145 reviews

The Supreme Court sits in a mansion built in the Art Deco style with an obvious reference to the Victorian style. It was designed by E. Cormier. From the outside, the grey facade looks rather gloomy, especially against the background of the surrounding green lawns. Deprived of any decoration, the imposing walls are crowned by a sloping roof. On the edges of the grand staircase are statues of Justice and Truth.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

National Arts Centre

 4.6/5

1266 reviews

A sports arena for various types of competitions, built in Ottawa in 1996. The stadium is the home stadium for the NHL team Ottawa Senators. In addition to the playing surface, the complex includes a fitness centre, Hall of Fame and several restaurants. The arena has hosted Stanley Cup and World Cup of Hockey games. In addition to sporting events, the Canadien Thayer Centre can host musical concerts.

Open time

Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum

 4.7/5

2391 reviews

Nuclear shelters that were established during the Cold War in the 1960s at the behest of the national government. In total, about 50 shelters were built. The main reserve bunker is located 30 kilometres from Ottawa on the grounds of a military base. This four-storey shelter has now been turned into a museum, and visitors can see living testimony of the hysteria that took place in the country because of the threat of a nuclear strike.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Alexandra Bridge

 0/5

A metal bridge over the Ottawa River, built in 1901. Originally a railway bridge, it became a vehicular and pedestrian bridge after modernisation in the 1950s. The Alexandra Bridge connects Ottawa and Gatineau. It is an example of early 20th century industrial architecture. The structure stands on massive structures – brackets that can support very heavy weight.

Parc de la Gatineau

 4.7/5

314 reviews

The park covers a vast area of 360 kilometres². There are hundreds of kilometres of cycling routes and dozens of hiking trails. Fishing in the local lakes, canoeing, swimming, horse riding and other active activities are available. The park has a marble cave, beaches, a mountain, and the Mackenzie King Estate with picturesque gardens and cosy chalets.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Major's Hill Park

 4.8/5

2240 reviews

The park is located in central Ottawa on a hill at the confluence of the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River. In the first half of the 19th century, the green space was home to the homes of waterway builders. By 1938, the area had become a well-maintained city park. Thanks to its convenient location, Major’s Hill is often the site of city festivals.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Dominion Arboretum

 4.8/5

1678 reviews

A research centre and experimental farm practically in the heart of Ottawa. There is a botanical garden with 1700 species of plants, the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, a small petting zoo, a museum of agriculture, a farmer’s market and many other interesting facilities. Dominion came into existence in 1889. Today it occupies a vast area of 26 hectares.

Open time

Prince of Wales Falls

 4.7/5

208 reviews

Artificial waterfalls on the River Rideau, which is on the border with the canal of the same name. The Hogs Back used to be natural river rapids with a drop height of about 2 metres. The waterfalls were created as a result of the construction of the canal and the building of a dam. Despite its artificial origin, the stream looks quite natural and picturesque. It is especially noticeable in autumn in the frame of yellowing leaves.

Rideau Falls

 4.6/5

176 reviews

The water flows are located at the junction of the Rideau and Ottawa Rivers. The natural attraction is located near City Hall and the headquarters of the National Research Council. Due to the relatively weak power of the flow, in winter the waterfalls completely freeze and the water jets turn into bizarre figures of ice. It is a mesmerising sight, especially when viewed from the observation deck.

Beechwood Avenue

 0/5

A cemetery where Ottawa mayors, prominent Canadian politicians, and military and police officers are buried. The necropolis was established in 1873 in the suburbs on a small plot of land. As the settlement grew, the burial ground came within the city limits. Today, Beachwatch is the largest cemetery in the county. Many beautiful sculptures and headstones have been installed here, but overall the place has a modest and neat appearance.