Things to do in Ottawa
Activities, attractions and tours
Browse Ottawa activities by category
Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.
Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.
Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.
What to do in Ottawa
Popular places to visit
Parliament Hill
Spend a day enjoying the lively debates, artworks, library and Gothic Revival architecture of Canada’s political heart.
Byward Market Square
Fresh local produce, artisanal handicrafts and historic courtyards are some of the many features of Ottawa’s oldest and busiest market.
Carleton University
Enjoy the collegiate vibe at Carleton University during your stay in Ottawa. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Rideau Canal
This engineering and scenic marvel fills with pleasure craft in summer and transforms into the world’s longest naturally frozen skating rink in winter.
Canadian War Museum
The country’s museum of military history features collections of weapons and vehicles that cover hundreds of years of conflict.
Canadian Museum of History
Traverse 20,000 years of Canadian history in just one day at Ottawa’s treasure house of culture.
National Arts Centre
You can get tickets for a performance at National Arts Centre on your trip to Ottawa. Experience the acclaimed art scene or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.
Elgin Street
Take the family on an outing to Elgin Street during your trip to Ottawa. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Canadian Tire Centre
Catch an event at Canadian Tire Centre during your trip to Ottawa. Discover the top-notch restaurants and great live music in this family-friendly area.
Areas of Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa
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.
Kanata
Travelers come to Kanata for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Canadian Tire Centre and Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre while you're in town.
Nepean
Nepean is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Nepean Sportsplex or Bayshore Shopping Centre.
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.
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.
Orleans
Orleans is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Princess Louise Falls and Petrie Island Park.
