Ottawa Travel Guide – Attractions & Tours

Featured Lists

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Ottawa Essentials

Ottawa’s landscape is defined by the neo-Gothic spires of Parliament Hill and the historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This collection features the city's most significant cultural institutions, including the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum. Highlights include the bustling ByWard Market, the ornate Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, and the official residence at Rideau Hall. From the natural history exhibits at the Museum of Nature to the architectural grandeur of the Fairmont Château Laurier, these landmarks represent Canada’s political and cultural heart.

13 places

Skeezix1000 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Editor's Choice

Ottawa’s historic core is defined by the Gothic Revival architecture of Parliament Hill, featuring the Centre Block and the ornate Library of Parliament. The UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal connects the city's past at the Bytown Museum to the scenic grounds of the Central Experimental Farm. National institutions like the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum offer deep dives into national identity, while the Fairmont Château Laurier and Rideau Hall showcase the city’s grand heritage and political significance.

14 places

Wladyslaw / CC BY 3.0

Museums & Art Centers

Ottawa’s collection of national museums spans the history of Canada, from its natural origins to its military achievements. The Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau showcases indigenous cultures and postmodern architecture, while the Canadian War Museum details the nation's military legacy. Natural history comes alive at the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the National Arts Centre serves as a hub for performing arts along the Rideau Canal. Specialized sites like the Bytown Museum and Billings Estate explore local heritage, while the Bank of Canada Museum focuses on economic history.

8 places

Sergiu Dumitriu / CC BY-SA 3.0

Historic Churches

Ottawa’s skyline is defined by its historic religious architecture, ranging from the twin silver spires of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica to the Gothic Revival elegance of Christ Church Cathedral. This collection highlights the city's diverse heritage, featuring the oldest congregations in the capital, such as St. Paul's Eastern United Church and St. Patrick's Basilica. These sites showcase intricate craftsmanship, including vibrant stained glass and ornate woodwork, representing Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, and United Church traditions across neighborhoods like Lower Town and the Glebe.

7 places

Maurizio Tripodi / CC BY-SA 4.0

Parks & Gardens

Ottawa’s green spaces range from the ceremonial Confederation Square to the historic grounds of Rideau Hall, the Governor General's residence. Major’s Hill Park and Confederation Park provide central retreats with views of the Rideau Canal, while Nepean Point offers panoramic river vistas. The collection includes the Dominion Arboretum’s extensive tree species and the symbolic Garden of the Provinces and Territories. Further from the core, Jacques Cartier Park and Strathcona Park offer scenic waterfront paths, and Chaudière Falls showcases the city’s impressive natural cascades.

11 places