City: Ottawa
Top Things to do in Ottawa
Top Restaurants in Ottawa
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Ottawa, Canada
Canada's capital is a compact, clean, cleverly planned center of culture and politics and a destination for every season. Start downtown at the architecturally stunning National Gallery of Canada, and don't miss the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Rideau Canal offers boating in the summer and turns into the world’s largest skating rink when frozen in the winter. Gatineau Park attracts cyclists and walkers, while Byward Market blends old and new Ottawa.
Restaurants in Ottawa
1. Morris Island Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By LidaS993 - Ottawa, Canada
Nice variety of trails, some good for wheelchair or stroller. Peaceful and pretty even in November with all the leaves fallen. The smell of fall leaves was great. The moss and tree trunks were beautiful. Lots of Canada Geese and ducks in the waters. Glad we went
2. Stray Dog Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Orléans' first ever microbrewery, the Stray Dog Brewing Company is more than just beer; we represent the spirit of adventure and the courage to pursue the passions that enrich our lives. Come into our taproom and enjoy great award-winning craft beer. While we don't have food on-site, we encourage you to bring in your favourite meal, or if you are new to the area, let us recommend one of our local picks. Use our Skip the Dishes app or use your own! We are also a recognized dog-friendly business, so feel free to bring your furry friend with you. All dogs must be leashed at all times for the safety and enjoyment of our fellow customers and other dogs. Whether it's an intimate concert, comedy show, private event or just an excuse to hang with friends, we've got your good vibes covered.
Reviewed By rfitzgerald59 - Ottawa, Canada
I believe the only Orleans brewery, which is heads and tails above others. Avery successful business with incredible beers, absolutely worth a visit. I will visit again.
3. KIN Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Beautiful wines and beautiful views from our Tasting Room Patio. We focus on growing premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as our Understory Red (Marechal Foch) and White (Vidal Blanc) and our Dark Horse (Marquette & Frontenac). Come stroll through our vineyard then relax on our patio. We love visitors! Hope to see you soon.
Reviewed By SilverBull8t - Ottawa, Canada
I am not sure if they did this before. This summer, every Friday night KIN invites a food truck - new one every week - to feed guests at a reasonable price while they enjoy a delightful glass of wine from the winery. The decor is picturesque and the event is COVID-safe. It’s all outside, chairs are well distanced and there’s plenty of space. We tasted the great food of Foodie Lu: pulled pork mac’n cheese, antipasto platter and crostini trio accompanied with a Rosé. We enjoyed ourselves and we will go back. For anybody visiting from out of town or even for staycationers, it is worth the trip to Carp!
4. Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,259 reviews
One of the oldest landmarks in Ottawa, this canal is filled with boats in the summer and becomes the "World's Longest Skating Rink" in the winter.
Reviewed By kailenav - Vancouver Island, Canada
The canal is definitely a must see when you visit Ottawa. Best time to enjoy would be may - September when the canal is filled and boat tours are open, as well as in February during Winterlude. You can skate the entire canal weather permitting. If you are a cyclist, runner, or have a dog, there are lovely paths on either side of the canal that you can travel along. Even driving next to it - it’s so beautiful.
5. Rideau Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 609 reviews
Rideau Hall is the official residence and workplace of every governor general since 1867. This national historic site, situated in an idyllic 79-acre urban oasis, is located only a few minutes from downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.
Reviewed By H317SFjasonr - Kitchener, Canada
Great tour with Rebecca, shared lot’s of great information about the history of the Hall, history of our Governor Generals, and honours/awards celebrated at this historic sight for Canadians.
6. Parliament Hill and Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,514 reviews
Three Gothic Revival-style buildings, located on a 170-foot bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, house the offices of the members of Parliament, the House of Commons and the Senate. Free guided tours delve into Canadian history and explain the workings of the political system.
Reviewed By ephesians5 - Toronto, Canada
There is much to see inside and around Parliament Hill, especially during summer time. At 10:00 am is the Change of the GuardsCeremony. There are free tours for the Parliament building (Centre Block and East block tours), which require to line up fro tickets for a set time. The Parliament Hill building is Gothic Revival housing a beautiful library at the back of the building. This is the only room that survived the Parliament fire. The surrounding area around the Parliament Hill Buildings have many statues and offers a beautiful view of Ottawa National Gallery, the Cathedral, and the Canada Museum of History across the river, to mention a few sights. Ottawa is very green, clean and easy to walk. In the evening, the Northern Lights- Sound and Light Show presents the narrated Canadian History in English and French, projecting the lights and images on to the Parliament building. It was preceded by fireworks. The show was spectacular, very high quality images, well told history at a good pace. It was quite emotional at the end when people stands and sing the national anthem! This show will end on Labour Day. Bring a blanket or portable chair. There is free parking at Metcalfe street and Albert Street on the weekends, but it fills quickly, especially for the evening light show. A good paid parking is at the National Arts Centre.
7. Hog's Back Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 468 reviews
Beautiful 60-foot waterfall where the Rideau River and Rideau Canal part.
Reviewed By T6002SQsarahw - Ottawa, Canada
Located right across the road from Mooney's Bay, Hog's Back Falls are a wonderful place to visit no matter the season. They are even more impressive in the spring when the water levels are higher. The formation is unique and in summer/fall/winter you can clearly see the rock that gives the falls their name. It's harder to spot in the spring due to the high water levels. There are paved walking trails on on the parking lot side of the falls and there's a shorter, paved path to an observation area on the other side. A wide pedestrian bridge allows visitors to cross safely over the falls. There is also a paved path that goes under the road and allows you to connect to Mooney's Bay beach. The Rideau Canal is also nearby, just on the other side of the river. The park at the falls is small but well kept with many mature trees. Washroom facilities are available in the summer months and I think there's a canteen as well. Hog's Back Falls are just one of Ottawa's many examples of spectacular nature nestled in the middle of an urban area.
8. Major's Hill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
This pretty park is located near several museums, churches and the Ottawa River.
Reviewed By FarAway752596
Amazing park very well maintained, with beautiful views to the river, islands, bridges and a very nice tavern. A space just to relax, walk, take pictures and enjoy!
9. Nepean Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Lookout offering a beautiful view of the city and a commemorative statue of Canada's founder, Samuel de Champlain.
Reviewed By BeyondPrague - Brno, Czech Republic
I was directed to Napean Point by the people working in the tourist information centre across the street from the Parliament buildings. I was quite disappointed to see that the front of the Parliament was heavily obstructed by construction equipment that will be part of a 10 to15 year upgrade to the structure. Happily, the back of Parliament was still reasonably unobstructed at the time I visited the city and Napean Point was a great place to see it from. Beyond the view of Parliament, the entire panorama of the Ottawa River with Ottawa on one side and Gatineau on the other is quite something to take in from this vantage point. Definitely reccommended!
10. Notre Dame Basilica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,340 reviews
This beautiful and ornate gothic-style cathedral is recognized by its twin spires.
Reviewed By michaelrG7733SL - Wagga Wagga, Australia
Not being religious we still wanted to see Notre Dame and were not disappointed. The building is old and spectacular and reverential. We were lucky in that the Basilica was hosting a female choir at the time so we had the pleasure of exploring the marvelous stained glass windows and ornate columns whilst listening to their pleasant singing. There was a queue to get in and we had to wait 20 minutes to get in but it was well worth it.
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