Things to Do in Ottawa
Plan your days in Ottawa, your way
A morning on Parliament Hill to see what the fuss is about.
An afternoon wandering ByWard Market's stalls and side streets.
A canal-side walk out to Dows Lake, paddleboats drifting past.
Dinner in the Glebe, easy and good.
Sunset from Nepean Point over the river.
One icon, one great meal, one neighborhood that surprises you, Ottawa balances all of it easily.
Top attractions and places to eat in Ottawa
Atelier
An acclaimed tasting-menu restaurant in Ottawa known for avant-garde, molecular gastronomy multi-course dinners. A destination for adventurous fine dining.
restaurant
Parliament Hill
The seat of Canada's federal government, featuring Gothic Revival parliamentary buildings and expansive grounds. A must-see landmark for its architecture, history, and views over the Ottawa River.
attraction · Free
Riviera Ottawa
An upscale restaurant known for refined dining and a striking interior housed in a former bank. A destination for a special-occasion meal.
restaurant
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
A UNESCO World Heritage waterway running through Ottawa, used for boating in summer and transforming into the world's largest skating rink in winter. A defining feature of the city enjoyed year-round.
attraction · Free
National Gallery of Canada
Canada's premier art museum, housing extensive collections of Canadian, Indigenous, and international art in a landmark glass-and-granite building. A must-see for art lovers.
gallery · C$22
Beckta Dining & Wine
An upscale contemporary restaurant in Ottawa known for seasonal Canadian cuisine and an extensive wine program. A destination for a special-occasion fine-dining evening.
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Aiana Restaurant
Aiana Restaurant is a curated Ottawa dining option selected for quality, local relevance, and proximity to visitor attractions.
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Canadian Museum of History
Canada's most-visited museum, located across the river in Gatineau, showcasing the country's human history and Indigenous cultures through extensive exhibits including the Grand Hall. A major draw for anyone interested in Canadian heritage.
attraction · C$25
Canadian War Museum
Canada's national museum of military history, presenting exhibits on the nation's conflicts from early wars to modern peacekeeping. A key destination for those interested in history and remembrance.
attraction · C$23
Fauna
A contemporary restaurant in Ottawa focused on seasonal and locally sourced dishes in a refined setting. Travelers go for an elevated dining experience.
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Canadian Museum of Nature / Musée canadien de la nature
A national natural history museum housed in a castle-like heritage building, featuring dinosaur fossils, wildlife dioramas, and mineral galleries. Popular with families and science enthusiasts.
attraction · C$26
Supply and Demand
A well-regarded restaurant known for fresh pasta and seafood in a lively dining room. A destination for a quality sit-down dinner.
restaurant
North & Navy
A well-regarded restaurant serving northern Italian cuisine and house-made pasta. Travelers come for an elevated Italian dining experience.
restaurant
ByWard Market District
A bustling historic market district filled with food stalls, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and nightlife. One of Ottawa's most popular areas for dining and browsing.
restaurant · Free
Stofa Restaurant
Stofa Restaurant is a curated Ottawa dining option selected for quality, local relevance, and proximity to visitor attractions.
restaurant