Downtown Ottawa

Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica showing religious elements, a church or cathedral and a city
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa

Discover art, delve into history and savor natural beauty in the heart of Canada’s national capital, a delightful blend of old and new.

Where Québec meets Ontario and the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River lies the picturesque center of Downtown Ottawa. Explore the city’s ceremonial sites and memorials, engage with art and history or simply indulge in riverside relaxation.

Begin with a walk through Confederation Park, viewing its fountain and gardens as well as the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. Depending on the season, you might also join in public celebrations such as Winterlude, Canada Day or the Ottawa Jazz Festival.

Continue on to nearby Confederation Square, where the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pay tribute to the sacrifice of Canadians in war. Check the schedule for the adjacent National Arts Centre, a prestigious bilingual hub for ballet, theater and classical music. Stroll the grounds at Parliament Hill and climb the iconic Peace Tower for gorgeous views.

Heading north, cross the narrow Rideau Canal and appreciate this vital waterway. Follow its path by tour boat, bike in warmer months or join locals to celebrate wintertime with seasonal treats and ice-skating. Visit neighboring Bytown Museum, which tells Ottawa’s story since its humble origins as a lumber town and military depot. Shop at the modern CF Rideau Centre or purchase local foodstuffs at the historic, sprawling ByWard Market.

Stop at the Notre-Dame Cathedral to admire its spires and interior. Services are conducted in English, French or a combination. Tour the Royal Canadian Mint to appreciate its historic riverside premises and learn the technical process involved in making coins.

Finally, travel to the National Gallery of Canada, an elegant glass-and-granite structure whose large windows offer lovely outlooks onto Parliament Hill and the water. Explore collections of Canadian and international art, including significant works by First Peoples. Complete your visit with a trip to the gift shop and a meal at one of the gallery’s in-house cafés.

Downtown Ottawa can be explored on foot or by bus. Travel from the airport by car in about 20 minutes.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Ottawa

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
The price is P8,729 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
P8,729
P10,357 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
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! (2,538 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay! Great room with a view. Super friendly staff. Perfect location."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Lord Elgin Hotel
Lord Elgin Hotel
4 out of 5
100 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
The price is P7,431 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
P7,431
P8,817 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,426 reviews)
"Nice facilities, friendly and helpful staff-close To Many major attractions"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Lord Elgin Hotel
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
The price is P7,238 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
P7,238
P8,588 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
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! (4,658 reviews)
"Excellent for a family of four. Close to everything and very clean. A bit noisy though! Lots of street sounds even on the 11th floor."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Arc The Hotel
Arc The Hotel
4 out of 5
140 Slater St, Ottawa, ON
The price is P7,677 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P7,677
P9,521 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this boutique hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"It is just the right size to preserve the calm we appreciate"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Arc The Hotel
University of Ottawa Residence
University of Ottawa Residence
2 out of 5
90 University Private, Ottawa, ON
The price is P6,186 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
P6,186
P6,991 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Byward Market Square and Canadian Museum of ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (359 reviews)
"Good stay!"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

University of Ottawa Residence
ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT
ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT
4 out of 5
325 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P8,216 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P8,216
P9,748 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,731 reviews)
"We came from Montreal by car and stayed one night. Was very nice"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Ottawa

Byward Market featuring markets, outdoor eating and street scenes

ByWard Market

ByWard Market is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

ByWard Market
Parliament Hill showing night scenes, nightlife and performance art

Byward Market - Parliament Hill

If you're spending time in Byward Market - Parliament Hill, check out sights like Parliament Building or Parliament Hill and hop on the metro to see more the city at Rideau Station or Parliament Station.

Byward Market - Parliament Hill
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Sandy Hill

Shopping and restaurants are highlights of Sandy Hill. Make a stop by Rideau Centre or Rideau Canal while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at uOttawa Station to get around town.

Sandy Hill
Ottawa featuring snow

Centretown

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Centretown. You can visit top attractions like Elgin Street and Canadian Museum of Nature, and jump on the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Centretown
Canadian Museum of History which includes skyline and modern architecture

Hull

Hull is a destination visitors seek out for is interesting museums, casinos, and stunning river views. You might want to check out attractions like Canadian Museum of History or Casino du Lac Leamy while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Hull
Gatineau featuring tranquil scenes and snow

Downtown Gatineau

You'll enjoy the gardens and festivals in Downtown Gatineau. You might want to make time for a stop at Canadian Museum of History or Canadian Children's Museum.

Downtown Gatineau

Downtown Ottawa