Your guide to Ottawa
Ottawa highlights
Take to the water
The Rideau Canal was created in the 19th century as a military defence. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great way to travel during a summer trip to Ottawa. Explore it by canoe, kayak or paddle board. In winter, the canal transforms into a giant skating rink. Prefer to keep your feet dry? The paths along the Ottawa River offer scenic walking, cycling and rollerblading.
Grab a treat
Byward Market has been a bustling heart of commerce since it was built for the canal workers in 1826. Today its outdoor stalls and indoor boutiques stretch four blocks. Gourmet food is the big draw here, from pies from Quebec and award-winning cheeses to the deep-fried ‘BeaverTail’ pastries that originated here.
Where to stay
There are plenty of places to pass a quiet night in downtown’s business district, where the hotels encompass everything from industrial-chic and modern boutiques to the imposing Scottish facade of the Lord Elgin Hotel. For a livelier atmosphere, head across the canal. The offerings around Byward Market include the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a grand railway hotel that feels like a castle both inside and out.
Ottawa: Know before you go
| Language | English, French |
|---|---|
| Currency | Canadian dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT) |
| High season | June - August |
| Low season | January - February |
Things to do in Ottawa
Take in the culture
Ottawa houses some of Canada’s most prestigious museums, from political and natural history to space and aviation. One standout is the National Gallery of Canada, with its vast Indigenous art collection. Regional artists are celebrated at the Ottawa Art Gallery, as well as in the many private galleries in the Westboro neighbourhood. For an outdoor experience, the French-language Vanier Museopark has its own maple forest.
Nightlife
Elgin Street attracts large crowds at its centrally located pubs and clubs. Craft beer is popular in the city’s traditional taverns in the Heart of Orleans district. You’ll also find wine cellars in former bank vaults and cocktail bars in rooftop lounges. To the south, The Glebe offers a laid-back neighbourhood vibe with trivia nights and local live bands.
Places to eat
There’s a booming international food scene in this cosmopolitan city, including 200 shawarma restaurants and a heck of a lot of great pho. You can order dim sum any time of day in the city’s Chinatown and authentic gelato in Little Italy, not to mention a host of French-inspired cuisine. Hip wine bars offer small plate menus alongside their biodynamic and natural pours.
FAQs about visiting Ottawa
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