Ottawa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Major\'s Hill Park featuring a church or cathedral and snow
Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa which includes snow, ice skating and a bridge
Rideau Canal featuring a river or creek, a city and a bridge

Ottawa Travel Guide Video

Listen to parliamentary debates, see a robotic arm used on the space shuttle and spend the night on the shoreline of a wooded lake in Canada’s diverse capital. 

Canada’s green capital contains many of the features that make its mother country great: rich natural landscapes, stately and colourful Gothic Revival structures and a robust tradition of arts and culture. Watch Canada’s parliament in action, sample the wide array of art and science museums and hike an extensive network of trails in beautiful Ottawa.

Upon arrival, head straight for the most prominent building in town: the Peace Tower. Climb up into the Victorian Gothic structure and gaze out over the forested landscape of the riverside city. The tower rises above Ottawa’s Parliament Buildings. Listen to parliamentary debates in the Centre Block and admire the ceilings covered in gold leaf. With stained-glass windows and a brilliant blue-and-gold nave, Notre Dame Basilica is another example of the city’s fine architecture.

You can’t experience Ottawa fully without visiting its world-class museums. The work of European masters and Canadian contemporary artists are on display at the National Gallery of Canada. See the masterpieces of Canada’s earliest residents at the Canadian Museum of Civilisation, which features thousands of artefacts. Modern history buffs should check out the Canadian War Museum and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, where you can get a helicopter tour of Ottawa’s skies. Opening hours can vary by season, so call ahead before visiting.

With snowy winters and temperate summers, Ottawa offers attractions in all seasons. During the winter, cross-country ski along the extensive trails of Gatineau Park and spend a cosy night in a yurt. In the summer, float along the Rideau Canal on a boat.

A small city with most of its attractions clustered in the centre, Ottawa is easy to get around on foot and by public transportation. The summer months from June through August bring the most visitors. The low season lasts from November through April. Regardless of the season, Ottawa is a gorgeous and exciting city with plenty to do and see.

Where to stay in Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica featuring a city, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Downtown Ottawa

5/5(20 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Ottawa. Check out top attractions like Rideau Centre and Byward Market Square, and jump on the metro at Rideau Station or uOttawa Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Ottawa
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Kanata

Kanata is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Canadian Tire Centre and Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre while you're in town.

Kanata
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Nepean

Nepean is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Nepean Sportsplex and Bayshore Shopping Centre while in the area.

Nepean
Ottawa featuring snow

Centretown

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Centretown. Top attractions like Elgin Street and Canadian Museum of Nature are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Centretown
Byward Market featuring street scenes, a city and markets

ByWard Market

A noteworthy feature of ByWard Market is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

ByWard Market
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Orleans

Orleans is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Place D'Orleans Shopping Center and Princess Louise Falls.

Orleans
Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
The price is NZ$292 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$292
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,607 reviews)
Cute but old rooms
"It was a great hotel, I just wish the room were nicer. I didn’t get the luxury feel in my room at all even tho it was EXPENSIVE. I could literally use the sink while on the toilet, water was dripping in the shower. That said, the employees were incredible !!"

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa

Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa

3.5 out of 5
2 Montcalm Street, Gatineau, QC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$161 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$161
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Gatineau. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Canadian War ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,069 reviews)
"The staff were friendly and welcoming. The entire place very clean and well-maintained. Great experience overall!""

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa
The Business Inn

The Business Inn

2.5 out of 5
180 MacLaren Street, Ottawa, ON
The price is NZ$183 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$183
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (7,669 reviews)
"It was lovely to be able to walk to most areas for the downtown experience. Staff were lovely and we enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

The Business Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,733 reviews)
"Great hotel and great location."

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Residence & Conference Centre - Ottawa West

Residence & Conference Centre - Ottawa West

2 out of 5
1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
Stay at this aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (1,653 reviews)
"Friendly staff, always willing to help. Loved the safe garden area and cool plces to sit. Very good price for basic, clean room and amenities. Great to have bus service at the front door for those who do have a car. Shopping area and restaurant close by was very useful. Room decor could have been ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Residence & Conference Centre - Ottawa West
Cartier Place Suite Hotel

Cartier Place Suite Hotel

3 out of 5
180 Cooper Street, Ottawa, ON
Book a stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,776 reviews)
"Just slightly off the beaten path, which makes it a quiet location while keeping the majority of downtown attractions within walking distance. Many dining and entertainment options within a few blocks. 😊😎"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Cartier Place Suite Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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