Ottawa

Tourist Attractions in Ottawa

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Ottawa. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

22 Attractions
4.6 Average rating
10 Categories

About Ottawa

Ottawa blends grand politics with creative culture in Canada’s national capital, a city of shimmering waterways, stone Parliament Hill, and welcoming neighborhoods. Visitors can tour the iconic Parliament Buildings and witness the Changing of the Guard, glide along the historic Rideau Canal, or wander the lively ByWard Market, packed with eateries, boutiques, and street performers. Museums on the cultural mile—the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Canadian War Museum—offer world-class collections, while Gatineau Park just across the river invites hiking, biking, and fall foliage drives. Seasonal skating on the canal and vibrant winter festivals complete a diverse, all-seasons itinerary.

Top-22 Tourist Attractions in Ottawa

Parliament Hill — Historic site, rated 4.7/5 1
Historic site Historical Place

Parliament Hill

4.7 ★★★★★ 39,508 reviews

Parliament Hill is Ottawa’s dramatic seat of government, where the neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings rise above the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River. Visitors come for the architectural grandeur, the sweeping river views, and the chance to peek behind the scenes with guided tours of the chambers and the historic Peace Tower, which crowns the complex. By day you’ll hear the chimes and witness the changing of the guard in summer, while evenings showcase the light and sound displays. Expect well-marked paths, informative exhibits, and a powerful sense of Canada’s political fabric.

Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9, Canada
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Seating
Canadian War Museum — Museum, rated 4.8/5 2
Museum

Canadian War Museum

4.8 ★★★★★ 10,339 reviews

The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa offers a comprehensive panorama of Canada’s military history, from Indigenous conflicts and colonial wars through global battles and peacekeeping. Housed in a striking, sunlit building that blends modern architecture with a calm, reflective atmosphere, the museum presents immersive galleries, authentic artifacts, and evocative dioramas. Visitors can trace wartime decision making, witness personal stories, and explore the evolving meanings of war in Canadian society. Expect engaging interactive displays, thoughtful temporary exhibits, and a central location that makes a natural anchor for a day of sightseeing.

1 Vimy Pl, Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8, Canada
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Canadian Museum of Nature / Musée canadien de la nature — Museum, rated 4.7/5 3
Museum

Canadian Museum of Nature / Musée canadien de la nature

4.7 ★★★★★ 14,516 reviews

The Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa is a premier natural history museum that showcases Canada’s diverse natural heritage through immersive galleries, dazzling fossils, and interactive displays. Visitors can wander through dinosaur skeletons, ancient mammal fossils, sparkling minerals, and vibrant bird and mammal dioramas, while learning about ecosystems from arctic to tropical. With hundreds of thousands of specimens, dynamic temporary exhibitions, and striking architecture that blends historic halls with modern galleries, it’s a family-friendly destination where curious travelers can expect hands-on activities, expert-led tours, and time-stretching insights into Canada’s natural world.

240 McLeod St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1, Canada
Opening hours · Today: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Open now
  • Monday9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Canadian Museum of History — Museum, rated 4.6/5 5
Museum History Museum

Canadian Museum of History

4.6 ★★★★★ 14,160 reviews

The Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa is Canada's most visited cultural institution, housed in a striking curved building along the Ottawa River. Its galleries trace the country’s story from Indigenous cultures to modern Canada, through immersive dioramas, thoughtful exhibits, and interactive displays that engage visitors of all ages. Highlights include the Canadian History Hall and the Grand Hall, famous for its towering totem poles and sweeping cedar roof. Visitors can expect well-curated displays, dynamic temporary exhibitions, and a clear, engaging doorway to understanding Canada’s diverse past and vibrant present.

100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8, Canada
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica — Event venue, rated 4.8/5 6
Event venue Wedding VenueServiceChurchPlace Of Worship

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica

4.8 ★★★★★ 4,304 reviews

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica in Ottawa is a soaring Gothic Revival church on Sussex Drive that serves as both a working parish and a celebrated event venue. Inside, vaulted ceilings, intricate stonework, and luminous stained-glass windows create a serene, awe-inspiring atmosphere, while the grand pipe organ and sacred art set the tone for weddings, concerts, and ceremonial occasions. Visitors can join a Mass, take a guided tour to hear its history, or attend a recital that showcases Ottawa’s vibrant arts scene—an essential stop for culture lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.

385 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 1J9, Canada
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Open now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entrance Parking Restroom
The National War Memorial, rated 4.8/5 7

The National War Memorial

4.8 ★★★★★ 3,989 reviews

The National War Memorial in Ottawa is a soaring cenotaph and sculptural tribute to Canadians who gave their lives in wartime. Rising on Confederation Square beside Parliament Hill, it combines a monumental arch with bronze figures and a solemn, reflective setting that invites quiet contemplation. Visitors can watch ceremonies on Remembrance Day, explore the surrounding plaza, and glimpse the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the monument. It’s a powerful, accessible reminder of Canada’s military history and the costs of peace.

Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5A4, Canada
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Parking
Entrance
Canada Science and Technology Museum — Market, rated 4.5/5 8
Market MuseumClothing StoreStore

Canada Science and Technology Museum

4.5 ★★★★★ 8,937 reviews

The Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa is a dynamic, family‑friendly museum that explores Canada’s scientific and engineering heritage through interactive galleries and immersive exhibitions. Visitors can try hands‑on experiments, test robotics, explore space and digital technology, and watch live demonstrations that bring complex ideas to life. The museum’s diverse collection traces Canadian innovation from early mechanical devices to modern communications, while temporary exhibits spark curiosity and debate. Expect accessible, stroller‑friendly spaces, a café and shop, and plenty of photo-worthy moments as you wander through engaging, educational displays.

1867 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1G 5A3, Canada
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Major's Hill Park — Park, rated 4.8/5 9
Park City Park

Major's Hill Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 2,797 reviews

Major's Hill Park sits on a scenic overlook just west of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, offering sweeping views of the downtown core, the Rideau Canal, and the river. This historic green space once hosted governors-general’s residences and now serves as a beloved gathering spot for picnics, concerts, and seasonal festivals. Visitors can stroll along shaded paths, admire formal gardens, and watch ceremonial events from a prime vantage point on the hill. Easy to reach from the ByWard Market, the park rewards photographers and families with relaxing, evergreen city views.

Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z4, Canada
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking
Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum — Museum, rated 4.7/5 10
Museum Association Or OrganizationService

Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum

4.7 ★★★★★ 3,643 reviews

Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum is a remarkable visit in Ottawa, housed in a decommissioned four-storey underground bunker built at the height of nuclear anxiety. This massive concrete complex, designed to shelter federal leaders and essential staff, now invites visitors to step inside a vivid slice of history. Expect immersive exhibits on Cold War politics, civil defense, and daily life underground, plus preserved command centers, air-filtration systems, and decontamination chambers. Guided tours bring the story to life, revealing architectural ingenuity, historical context, and the era’s lasting impact on Canadian security and culture.

3929 Carp Rd, Ottawa, ON K0A 1L0, Canada
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Open now
  • MondayClosed
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Hog's Back Park — Park, rated 4.7/5 11
Park

Hog's Back Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 3,413 reviews

Hog's Back Park in Ottawa is a scenic riverside oasis along the Rideau Canal, home to the dramatic Hog’s Back Falls where the canal drops into a wide, cascading rush. The park offers grassy picnic areas, shaded paths, and viewpoints perfect for family outings, photography, and sunset views over the water. Expect easy trails, seasonal flora and birdlife, and proximity to canal locks and historic engineering that shaped Ottawa’s river trade. It’s a great calm counterpoint to city sightseeing and a refreshing outdoor escape. In all seasons, visitors can enjoy changing scenery.

600 Hog's Back Rd, Ottawa, ON K2C 0H9, Canada
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted
Entrance Parking
Dominion Arboretum — Garden, rated 4.8/5 12
Garden Botanical Garden

Dominion Arboretum

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,971 reviews

Dominion Arboretum is a historic, strolling-friendly collection of trees and shrubs in Ottawa, founded in 1889 as part of Canada's Central Experimental Farm. Its meandering lanes reveal hundreds of species—from towering oaks and maples to blooming lilacs and conifers—showcased across the seasonal palette. Visitors come for easy, scenic walks, birdwatching, and picnic spots, with interpretive signs that reveal planting history and tree provenance. In spring and fall the grounds glow with color, while summer mornings offer cool shade and a sense of quiet national heritage.

Arboretum, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking
Haunted Walk of Ottawa — Tour Agency, rated 4.7/5 13
Tour Agency Travel AgencyService

Haunted Walk of Ottawa

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,231 reviews

The Haunted Walk of Ottawa is a guided evening tour that leads visitors through Ottawa’s oldest streets to uncover the capital’s haunted history and urban legends. Expert storytellers in period costumes dramatize chilling encounters, unexplained sounds and tragic tales, weaving folklore with real historic sites around ByWard Market and downtown landmarks. Travelers can expect atmospheric lighting, suspenseful narratives and surprising twists as they stroll between centuries-old buildings and haunted corners. It’s a family-friendly but spine-tingling experience, fun for history buffs, night owls and anyone curious about Ottawa’s darker side.

46 1/2 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5K6, Canada
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Open now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Cards accepted
Ottawa Sign, ByWard Market, rated 4.6/5 14
Tourist attraction

Ottawa Sign, ByWard Market

4.6 ★★★★★ 2,737 reviews

The Ottawa Sign at ByWard Market is a towering neon landmark that greets visitors at the heart of Ottawa. This iconic nighttime photo spot overlooks the cobblestone lanes, reflecting the district’s lively dining and arts scene. Visitors can snap classic shots under the glowing letters, then explore nearby boutiques, cafes, and the historic Market buildings. The sign embodies Ottawa’s energy while serving as a handy orientation point in one of Canada's oldest neighborhoods. Expect friendly crowds, bright color, and a memorable gateway to Parliament Hill views later downtown.

6 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z6, Canada
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
Centennial Flame — Monument, rated 4.7/5 15
Monument

Centennial Flame

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,859 reviews

The Centennial Flame is a landmark monument on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, created to mark Canada’s 100th anniversary in 1967. Evolving from a single perpetual flame, it sits in a circular granite pedestal near the iconic Parliament Buildings, surrounded by a fountain and commemorative plaques that honor each province and territory added over the years. Visitors come to see the symbolic fire, read the inscriptions, and appreciate the setting with the Peace Tower in the background. It’s a quiet, historically rich spot ideal for photos, reflection, and easy access during a city stroll.

111 Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A4, Canada
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum — Museum, rated 4.5/5 16
Museum RanchFarmService

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,896 reviews

The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum in Ottawa is a hands-on heritage farm and museum that brings Canada’s agricultural history to life. Visitors explore interactive exhibits on food production, farming technology, and rural life while strolling through a real working farm with heritage livestock, crops, and vintage equipment. Expect live demonstrations such as milking and animal care, tactile gallery installations, and seasonal programs that engage kids and adults alike. With family-friendly activities year-round, the museum offers a charming window into Canada’s farming traditions, food evolution, and sustainable farming practices.

901 Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa, ON K2C 3K1, Canada
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Confederation Park — Park, rated 4.5/5 17
Park

Confederation Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,451 reviews

Confederation Park is a compact, leafy urban oasis in downtown Ottawa, nestled near Parliament Hill and the city’s government district. It’s a welcome pause from the bustle, offering shaded benches, grassy lawns, and meandering paths that invite a quick stroll or a relaxed picnic. The park’s central location makes it a convenient add-on for visitors exploring central Ottawa, with views toward historic streetscapes and nearby landmarks. Expect seasonal greenery, occasional public art and events, and a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere that brightens a day of sightseeing.

Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J2, Canada
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance
Bank of Canada Museum — Museum, rated 4.6/5 18
Museum

Bank of Canada Museum

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,902 reviews

The Bank of Canada Museum in Ottawa offers a fascinating glimpse into Canada’s money, monetary policy and economic history. Located in the nation’s capital, the attractively designed galleries guide visitors through interactive exhibits, historic currency, and the central bank’s pivotal role in shaping prices and prosperity. Travelers can expect hands-on displays, immersive simulations, coins and banknotes, and behind‑the‑scenes insights into where decisions about inflation and financial stability are made. It’s a concise, education‑focused stop for families, students, and travelers seeking a clearer picture of Canada’s economic story.

30 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5B9, Canada
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Restroom
Saunders Farm — Camp, rated 4.4/5 19
Camp Summer Camp OrganizerWedding VenueEvent VenueFarm

Saunders Farm

4.4 ★★★★★ 3,026 reviews

Saunders Farm is a historic, family-friendly farm just outside Ottawa that comes alive in autumn with a celebrated harvest experience. Visitors flock for a pumpkin patch, a twisting corn maze, hayrides, and charming farm animals, plus seasonal attractions like fall-themed displays and kid-friendly activities. The rustic barns and market offer homemade treats, farm-fresh produce, and crafted goods, making it a perfect day trip or weekend escape. Expect photo-worthy scenery, hands-on farm fun for children, and a nostalgic rural atmosphere that blends outdoor adventure with relaxed country hospitality.

7893 Bleeks Rd, Ottawa, ON K0A 3P0, Canada
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Open now
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Funhaven — Theme park, rated 4/5 21
Theme park Amusement CenterRoller CoasterEvent Venue

Funhaven

4 ★★★★★ 3,866 reviews

Funhaven is a family-friendly theme park in Ottawa that blends adrenaline and accessible thrills for all ages. Nestled in the city’s south end, it offers a compact, well-curated line-up of rides and attractions, from gentle spinner experiences for youngsters to more energetic options for teens and adults, plus engaging arcade games and interactive experiences. Visitors can expect clean, well-maintained grounds, friendly staff, and seasonal events that add extra appeal. It’s ideal for day trips or weekend excursions, delivering a convenient, affordable escape from city life with something for every budget.

1050 Baxter Rd, Ottawa, ON K2C 3P1, Canada
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Open now
  • Monday4:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday4:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday4:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday4:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Friday3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom
Fletcher Wildlife Garden — Garden, rated 4.7/5 22
Garden Wildlife RefugePark

Fletcher Wildlife Garden

4.7 ★★★★★ 609 reviews

Fletcher Wildlife Garden is a compact, urban nature reserve in Ottawa dedicated to showcasing local wildlife and native plants. Managed by volunteers, it threads a network of trails through meadow, shrubland and woodland, offering a peaceful escape right in the city. Visitors can expect good birdwatching, pollinator-friendly flora, and interpretive signs that explain habitat features and seasonal changes. It’s ideal for a short, self-guided stroll, a quiet picnic, or a quick nature fix between errands. Open during daylight, the garden invites families, photographers and nature lovers to observe Ottawa’s urban biodiversity up close.

near 865, Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa, ON K2C 3K1, Canada
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking