- The city's location was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1857 to serve as the capital because it was situated on the border of Upper and Lower Canada and was less vulnerable to cross-border attacks than other major cities at the time.
- Ottawa holds the world record for the longest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway, which freezes naturally in winter to span 7.8 kilometres of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The ByWard Market is one of the oldest and largest public markets in Canada, having been established by Lieutenant-Colonel John By in 1826.
- Ottawa is officially bilingual, with the majority of signage and public services provided in both English and French to reflect its location and national status.
- The city contains the 'experimental farm' located within the downtown core, a rare national historic site used for agricultural research since 1886.
About Ottawa
Ottawa serves as Canada's capital, uniquely positioned at the confluence of the Ottawa, Gatineau, and Rideau rivers on the border of Ontario and Quebec. The city is defined by its strong governmental identity, anchoring national history at Parliament Hill and preserving heritage across world-class institutions like the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History. Natural spaces are deeply integrated into the urban fabric, with green corridors like Major's Hill Park providing clear views of the federal legislative district. It functions as a bilingual hub where formal federal architecture meets sprawling recreational areas like Mooney's Bay Park and Beach.
Highlights of Ottawa
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard held on the lawns of Canada's legislative center.
Museums
Explore extensive natural history collections including world-renowned galleries of dinosaur fossils.
Museums
Walk through grand architectural halls that house exhibits detailing the cultural evolution of the Canadian people.
Museums
Examine a vast collection of military artifacts housed in a building designed to reflect the raw landscape of the Canadian Shield.
Museums
View one of the most comprehensive collections of Canadian, Indigenous, and international art in the country.
Historical places
Observe the solemn architecture of this monument dedicated to the Canadians who served in global conflicts.
Parks
Visit during the spring to see thousands of tulips bloom across the park in a display gifted by the Dutch royal family.
Parks
Enjoy unobstructed views of the Parliament buildings and the Ottawa River from this centrally located park.
Top things to do in Ottawa
The 125 highest-rated places in Ottawa, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
Parliament Hill serves as the seat of the Parliament of Canada, housing the House of Commons and the Senate in a collect...
2
Museums
The Canadian Museum of Nature is housed in the historic Victoria Memorial Museum Building, a National Historic Site of C...
3
Museums
The Canadian Museum of History, located in Gatineau, is Canada's most-visited museum, focusing on human history and Indi...
4
Museums
The Canadian War Museum serves as Canada’s national museum of military history, housing a massive collection of artifact...
5
Museums
The National Gallery of Canada is home to one of the world's most extensive collections of Canadian and Indigenous art....
6
Venues
The Canadian Tire Centre is the primary multi-purpose indoor arena in Ottawa, serving as the home ice for the NHL's Otta...
7
Parks
Calypso Theme Waterpark is Canada's largest theme waterpark, spanning over 100 acres in Limoges, Ontario. The park featu...
8
Historical places
The National War Memorial, located at the intersection of Wellington and Elgin streets, serves as Canada's primary natio...
9
Venues
TD Place is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex situated within the Lansdowne Park development in Ottawa. T...
10
Parks
Jacques-Cartier Park is a primary urban waterfront park located in Gatineau, Quebec, managed by the National Capital Com...
11
Parks
Mooney's Bay Park and Beach is a major recreational hub located along the Rideau River in Ottawa. It features a supervis...
12
Museums
The Diefenbunker is a four-story, 100,000-square-foot underground facility designed in 1959 to protect the Canadian gove...
13
Parks
Andrew Haydon Park is a prominent 12-hectare riverfront green space situated along the Ottawa River in the Nepean distri...
14
Parks
Major's Hill Park is Ottawa’s oldest park, established in 1867 on the former site of the residence of Colonel John By. T...
15
Parks
Commissioners Park serves as the primary hub for the Canadian Tulip Festival, which takes place every May. The park feat...
16
Natural attractions
Mer Bleue Bog is a 3,500-hectare wetland ecosystem located within Ottawa’s Greenbelt, recognized as a Ramsar site of int...
17
Museums
The Canadian Children's Museum is housed within the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, featuring a 'global village'...
18
Parks
Confederation Park is a 2.6-hectare urban space located in downtown Ottawa, managed by the National Capital Commission....
19
Parks
The Dominion Arboretum is a 26-hectare botanical collection established in 1889 as part of the Central Experimental Farm...
20
Parks
Strathcona Park is a 5.6-hectare urban park located along the west bank of the Rideau River in Ottawa. It features matur...
21
Parks
Vincent Massey Park is a 34-hectare urban park located along the banks of the Rideau River in Ottawa, managed by the Nat...
22
Museums
The Bank of Canada Museum serves as the primary institution for exploring the Canadian economy, the role of central bank...
23
Temples
Masjid Ar-Rahmah is a prominent mosque located in the Hunt Club area of Ottawa, serving as a primary spiritual and commu...
24
Historical places
The Rideau Canal Ottawa Locks represent the northern terminus of a 202-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage site connecting O...
25
Museums
The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) serves as the primary visual arts institution in Ottawa, focusing on the historical and con...
26
Parks
Remic Rapids Park is a waterfront park located along the Ottawa River, famous for the balancing rock sculptures created...
27
Parks
Brewer Park is a major riverside recreational hub located on the banks of the Rideau River in Ottawa. It features extens...
28
Temples
Saint Patrick's Basilica is a historic Neo-Gothic church established in 1869, serving as a designated National Historic...
29
Museums
Watson's Mill is a functional 1860s industrial flour mill located in Manotick, Ontario, operating on the banks of the Ri...
30
Parks
The Ornamental Gardens are located within the Central Experimental Farm, a National Historic Site of Canada managed by A...
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Ottawa on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Ottawa
Late June to early September, as the weather is mild for outdoor activities and all national festivals and park facilities are fully operational.
3-4 days to explore the major national museums and the central riverside parks.
The city is served by the O-Train light rail transit system, extensive bus networks, and is highly walkable in the downtown core.
Stay in the ByWard Market or Centretown areas for proximity to major landmarks, museums, and high-density restaurant districts.
Mid-range; while free museum programming is often available on specific days, accommodation and dining costs are comparable to other major Canadian cities.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 125 curated attractions in and around Ottawa, ranked by traveller ratings.
Parliament Hill is the highest-rated place to visit in Ottawa right now.
The largest category is parks, with 44 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Toronto, Montreal, North Vancouver (city).
Explore more of Canada
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.