Is Ottawa Worth Visiting In 2024? (Local’s Guide)

Q: Is Ottawa a Walkable City?

Ottawa is the 8th most walkable city in Canada . The downtown core and ByWard Market areas are some of the most walkable areas. Public transportation in these areas is well-connected, which makes it easy to get around on foot. For suburban and outskirt areas, you’ll most likely need to rent a car to get around.

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Absolutely! There’s so much to do in Canada’s capital city.

Does the thought of ice skating on the world’s largest outdoor rink excite you? How about eating your way through a bustling 1800s market? You can do all these and more in Ottawa!

I’m a Canadian living in Ottawa and love uncovering the unique things to do and interesting quirks throughout the city! I moved here in 2021 after visiting many times, because I loved it so much.

So in this post, I’ll share my favorite reasons Ottawa is worth visiting!

Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?

Yes, it’s worth visiting Ottawa at least once. It’s full of fun and exciting things to do, from visiting cool museums to going on hiking trails. It’s such an enjoyable city that after spending a month here with a friend, I decided to put down roots and make it my home base.

My golden retriever Theo smiling in front of the tulips at the Ottawa tulip festival. The tulips are red and yellow on a green field.

What Is Ottawa Famous For?

Ottawa is famous for being the political hub of Canada, the capital city of Canada, and home to the country’s government buildings. It’s also the Prime Minister’s official residence. Also, among all of Ottawa’s famous places, UNESCO World Heritage Site Rideau Canal stands out as one of the most famous landmarks.

Best Places To Visit in Ottawa

These are the best Ottawa city attractions I recommend checking out:

brown concrete building under cloudy sky during daytime. Ottawa parliament buildings — Photo by Benoit Debaix

1. Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill is where you’ll find all the Parliament Buildings and the Peace Tower landmark. The Gothic Revival-style buildings here are wonderful and make for an awesome photo op.

The Parliament Buildings are open to the public. You can take a free walking tour of Parliament Hill to learn more about the political side of Canada – it’s quite fascinating!

Most Ottawa city tours cover what to see in Ottawa in one day and include a stop at Parliament Hill.

A photo of the Rideau Canal locks that are world famous and a UNESCO heritage site

2. Rideau Canal

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a historic waterway that links Ottawa to Lake Ontario. Originally built for military purposes, it’s the only 19th-century canal operational today.

You can stroll along the canal and take in the pretty sights. The walkway is about 8km (4.9 mi) long and runs through downtown.

A Rideau Canal cruise is a fun idea too!

3. Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum is one of the top Ottawa sightseeing places.

The museum honors the lives of those who fought for the country. You can learn more about the war experience through the detailed exhibits of historical artifacts and military memorabilia. The trenches simulation is a memorable highlight here.

4. ByWard Market

ByWard Market is the oldest public market in Ottawa.

It was built as a farmer’s market in 1826, and today it’s a popular spot to pick up fresh homegrown produce and try some of the best local eats. This bustling area is also home to indie boutiques, art galleries, and artisanal stores.

Inside view of the Notre Dame basilica in Ottawa with its teal ceiling and bronze arches

5. Notre Dame Basilica

The Notre Dame Basilica is the city’s oldest and largest church.

It has a dreamy, ethereal feel thanks to its star-studded blue ceiling and glimmering silver steeples. If you’re lucky, you might see pipe organ practice performances when you’re there!

It’s located in the ByWard Market area, so you can visit these attractions together.

6. National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery is home to more than 42,000 works of art. You’ll find a diverse collection of Canadian, European, and indigenous artwork here.

The building is an architectural attraction in itself, with its gritty glass-and-granite setup. You’ll know you’re at the National Gallery when you see a giant (scary-ish) metal spider out front.

7. Canadian Museum of Nature

Nature is a big part of Canada’s identity. Canada is home to such unique wildlife, and seeing them up close at the Canadian Museum of Nature is really exciting.

You’ll also see cool exhibits on dinosaurs, live bugs, Arctic animals, and more in the seven galleries here.

8. Aviation And Space Museum

The Aviation and Space Museum is a unique space hosting over 130 aircraft and spacecraft exhibits.

I was skeptical at first, as I don’t have a particular interest in aviation, but I had a lot of fun visiting the museum! The exhibits are interactive, and you can see cool old-timey planes up close.

9. Royal Canadian Mint

Arriving on the grounds of the Royal Canadian Mint will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an episode of The Crown. It’s a regal Tudor-style building inspired by an English castle.

Take a tour here to see the process of coin-making. You can even see special-edition collector coins and precious metal bullion.

10. The Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum

The Diefenbunker is the best place to learn about Canada’s cold war history.

This national historic site was once the top-secret underground bunker to defend against nuclear attacks. It’s an intriguing look at how Canada was to be governed during a nuclear war. If you’re a history buff, this unique museum is a must-visit!

Fun Things To Do In Ottawa

A photo of the concrete spelled OTTAWA at the ByWard Market

11. Take a Picture with the Ottawa Sign

What’s a trip to Ottawa without an obligatory photo with the famous Ottawa sign?

Located in the Byward Market area, It’s one of the most popular places of interest in Ottawa, Canada. I suggest getting there bright and early to avoid the hordes of tourists and get a photobomb-free selfie.

12. Go Ice Skating on Rideau Canal in the Winter

Search for what to do in Ottawa, Ontario, and you’ll see this Canada bucket list activity pop up.

We Canadians love turning local ponds into ice-skating rinks, and nothing beats skating on the Rideau Canal every winter. It’s the world’s largest outdoor skating rink!

Here’s the complete guide on ice skating on Rideau Canal.

Ottawa river with a view of the cruise area and the zipline

13. Cruise the Ottawa River

Visiting Ottawa just doesn’t feel complete without a river cruise.

Take an Ottawa boat tour to enjoy a unique viewpoint as you cruise past downtown Ottawa attractions like Parliament Hill, the Royal Canadian Mint, and the National Gallery of Canada.

Besides the Ottawa River, you can also go on a cruise on the historic Rideau Canal.

14. Explore the Hiking Trails of Gatineau Park

If you’re looking for things to do around Ottawa area, check out Gatineau Park. It’s one of the best places in Ottawa to visit for a hike.

There are a lot of trails to choose from. If you want something easy and scenic, try the Pink Lake Trail! It’s a relatively flat, 4.8km hike through the woods.

15. Enjoy Freshly-Fried BeaverTails

Deep-fried dough pastry topped with your pick of toppings – what’s not to love?

This popular Canadian snack is named as such because the shape resembles a beaver’s tail. If you want something classic, top your BeaverTail with cinnamon and sugar. Go for the local-favorite Killaloe Sunrise, a cool mix of lemon and cinnamon (Sounds weird, but it works!).

Awesome Festivals To Attend In Ottawa

Red tulips in front of the Ottawa Notre Dame Basilica

16. Canadian Tulip Festival

The Canadian Tulip Festival occurs in spring every year, usually in May or early June.

This local-favorite springtime fest is around Commissioner’s Park, where you can see all the tulips in full bloom. There are also events across the city featuring family-friendly activities, live music, and all kinds of performances.

17. Canada Day

Canada Day is an annual national holiday on the first day of July.

The main event is in Parliament Hill and usually includes a free concert and fireworks display.

There are also plenty of food stalls selling yummy Canadian eats. Come in your best red-and-white gear!

18. Winterlude

Winterlude is Ottawa’s annual winter festival, held over three weekends in February.

It’s one of the most popular festivals in Ottawa, drawing in tourists for unique experiences like skating on the Rideau River.

Other highlights include ice-carving competitions, winter food markets, and more. The outdoor ice bars are super cool too!

19. Ottawa Poutine Fest

Ottawa is home to some pretty zany fests like this poutine-packed one!

If you’re a fan of Canada’s national dish, you’ll have more than 125 types of poutine to try at this food fest. Vegans and vegetarians are welcome too! Fun highlights include eating competitions, live music, street performances, and more.

Where To Stay in Ottawa

These are my Top 3 hotel picks in Ottawa to suit every budget:

Best Luxury Hotel In Ottawa: Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Best Mid-Range Hotel In Ottawa: Delta Hotels
Best Budget Hotel In Ottawa: Ottawa Jail Hostel

If you plan to swim during your stay, check out the best Ottawa hotels with pools!

Or, if you’re looking for accommodation with an in-room hot tub? Check out the best Ottawa hotels with Jacuzzi in the room.

Getting Around in Ottawa

Downtown Ottawa is super walkable and has an efficient public transit system. You’ll probably use the buses more often than the subway, as the buses cover a wider area.

Single-ride tickets and day passes are both available, so you can choose which works best with your Ottawa Itinerary.

But, if you’re staying beyond the downtown area, it’s a good idea to rent a car in Ottawa.

Getting To Ottawa

These are the main ways to get to Ottawa:

Flight: You’ll most likely land at Ottawa International Airport. It’s a 20-minute drive to downtown. Check fares by Air Canada and other airlines here.
Train: You’ll arrive at Ottawa Train Station, which is in the heart of downtown Ottawa.
Drive: You can enjoy a pleasant drive to Ottawa, especially from nearby areas like Wakefield and Montreal.

PS. I always get asked, “Is Ottawa in Ontario?”. Yes, Ottawa is located in southeastern Ontario.

Is Ottawa Safe For Tourists?

Yes, Ottawa is generally a very safe city for tourists. This is the case for most of Canada.

That said, you should always take safety precautions, especially if you’re a solo female traveler like me. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid secluded areas, and keep your valuables out of sight.

FAQs

How Many Days Should I Spend in Ottawa?

Spend at least 3 days in Ottawa to get a good feel of the city. If you can do 7 days, that’s even better! Spend the first few days seeing Parliament Hill and the museums of Ottawa. Then spend the rest attending festivals, hiking, or skating on Rideau Canal.

Is It Better To Visit Ottawa or Montreal?

If you want a more relaxing and laid-back time, I recommend Ottawa. There are a lot of fun things to do, and you can explore these attractions and events at your own pace. But is Montreal worth visiting? Yes, if you like a fast-paced travel destination that’s bustling with activity 24/7.

Is Ottawa Better Than Toronto?

Ottawa is quieter and calmer compared to Toronto. It’s a better pick if you like quaint cities with a deep sense of history. Things move at a more relaxing pace here. But is Toronto worth visiting? If you like big-city destinations like New York, you’ll love the modern metropolis vibe of Toronto.

Should I Visit Ottawa or Quebec City?

You should visit Ottawa if you’re interested in exploring the political history of Canada. However, is Quebec worth visiting? Absolutely! Quebec City is a must-visit if you’re interested in French-Canadian culture, cuisine, and history. The Old Quebec area is a must-visit for historical spots and authentic local restaurants.

What Is So Great About Ottawa?

What’s so great about Ottawa is that it truly has something for everyone. It’s a beautiful city by day and night, with lots to offer depending on your interests. Whether you want to brush up on Canada’s political history, sample stellar wines, or zipline between provinces, you can do it all in Ottawa!

What Is the Best Month To Visit Ottawa?

The best months to visit Ottawa are between March and May during spring. The weather is beautiful, and you can check out the famous Tulip Festival. If budget is your main concern, Ottawa travel in winter is usually cheaper. Plus, you’ll get the chance to ice skate on Rideau Canal!

Is Ottawa a Walkable City?

Ottawa is the 8th most walkable city in Canada. The downtown core and ByWard Market areas are some of the most walkable areas. Public transportation in these areas is well-connected, which makes it easy to get around on foot. For suburban and outskirt areas, you’ll most likely need to rent a car to get around.

Wrap-Up: Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?

Is Ottawa worth visiting? Absolutely!

There’s so much to see and do in this bustling capital city, from the iconic Parliament Hill to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rideau Canal.

It’s also famous for its seasonal festivals! Skating the Rideau Canal in winter is a must. Locals and tourists love the springtime Tulip Festival, too.
Start planning your trip with my ultimate Ottawa activity guide!

Ottawa Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?

100% YES! — There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.

💧Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?

Yes – ish — While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle. (Read more)

🚙💨 Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?

Yes — Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.

📲 Do I need to know French in Ottawa?

Nope! — The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. (Read more)

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?

For Ottawa hotels, Booking is the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

✈️ What’s the best site to buy Ottawa flights?

For finding cheap Ottawa flights, I recommend Skyscanner. You can even set a price alert to find out when flights are on sale.

🎫 Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?

Likely Not — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.

📍 Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec. It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto. You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.