From a construction hub where the Rideau Canal split off from the Ottawa River,
Ottawa expanded between 1820 and 1840. The canal project was overseen by British Colonel John
From 1779–1836, and the town was first called "Bytown" before being renamed Ottawa in 1854.
The first Canadian Parliament convened here after the Dominion of Canada was established in 1867;
the Parliament buildings were constructed in 1865 and are located high above the Ottawa
River. Ottawa has a vibrant cultural life that is complemented by all the attractions in Gatineau,
which is located in the province of Québec across the Ottawa River. Universities,
numerous research institutions, and globally renowned organizations like the National
Gallery and the National Arts Center, a venue for opera and concerts, have all contributed to this.
watch our list of 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ottawa to find out why the nation's capital is
one of the best places to visit in Canada. number 14, Dows Lake Pavilion,
The Dows Lake Pavilion is situated in a stunning area, jutting into and overlooking the lake.
This establishment features a variety of dining options, including an outside patio that is
particularly busy in the summer. The pavilion also overlooks the docks where paddleboats,
canoes, kayaks, and bicycles can be rented. The lake is a well-liked spot for fishing as well.
In the winter, you can hire sleds and skates, and the park holds Winterlude festival events.
During the Tulip Festival in the spring, it is decked with official tulip displays.
Number 13, Byward Market, The Byward Market has been a
vibrant part of Ottawa's bustling Lower Town to the north of the Rideau Canal since 1846.
In addition to the food businesses in the main market hall, fruit, flower, and vegetable stalls
line the streets during the summer. After being painstakingly renovated,
the entire area surrounding the market has been transformed into a neighborhood
featuring eateries and upscale shops. Number 12, Canadian Tulip Festival,
The tulips that Queen Juliana of the Netherlands gave to Ottawa in appreciation for the city's
hospitality during the Second World War blossom all across the city during the spring celebration,
signaling the end of winter. The venue of general celebrations is Commissioner's Park
and the canal banks in particular. Number 11, Royal Canadian Mint,
The Ottawa plant of the Royal Canadian Mint still produces exquisite medals,
collectible commemorative coins, and awards in precious metals even though
it no longer produces Canada's circulating currency. Among them are Olympic medals.
Particularly on weekdays when you can observe the artisans at work, the trip is intriguing.
Additionally, you'll get to hold a genuine gold ingot and witness one of the three
enormous gold loonies that are produced here. Since tour groups are typically
limited, reserving in advance is advised. Number 10, Canada Aviation and Space Museum,
The Canada Aircraft and Space Museum, situated near Rockcliffe Airport on the outskirts of town,
provides a detailed account of Canadian civil and military aviation.
Fighter planes from the Maiden and Second World Wars, as well as some of the seaplanes and other
aircraft that helped explore Canada's unexplored northern wilderness, are among the aircraft on
exhibit. Another is a copy of the Silver Dart, which made the country's first flight in 1909.
Number 9, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, A stunning Catholic basilica dedicated in 1846,
Notre Dame Cathedral is located across from the National Gallery.
It is renowned for its interior mahogany carvings by Philippe
Parizeau and Louis-Philippe Hébert's statues of the four apostles, prophets, and evangelists.
Stained glass windows are especially beautiful. The work of Montreal artist Guido Nincheri,
depicting scenes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary, was finished in a series of 17
windows between 1956 and 1061. The largest and oldest standing church in the nation's
capital is housed in this historic structure, which was started in 1841 and finished in 1880.
Number 8, Diefenbunker, Canada's Cold War Museum, The Canadian Cold War Museum is housed in
a sizable subterranean complex that is located outside of Ottawa and was built in
the early 1960s to safeguard crucial government operations in the event of a nuclear conflict.
As part of Project EASE, several subterranean shelters that were self-sufficient, shockproof,
and radiation-proof were constructed around Canada during the Cold
War (Experimental Army Signals Establishments). Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, who supported
their development, was given the moniker "Diefenbunker" by political skeptics.
The massive bunker is now home to an intriguing Cold War-themed museum.
Number 7, National War Memorial, Canada's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
and the National War Memorial is at the base of a magnificent bronze sculpture of World
War I soldiers emerging from a granite arch. The years of conflicts in which the Canadian
military has participated are listed around the base of the statue, also known as "The Response."
Number 6, Canadian Museum of Nature, The Canadian Museum of Nature offers
moving temporary exhibitions and takes visitors on a journey from the time of
the dinosaurs to the current animal population. It is Canada's national natural sciences and
history museum, housed in a landmark structure formerly the Victoria Memorial Museum.
This castle-like structure's construction was finished in 1910.
Number 5, Peace Tower, Parliament Hill, the entire city,
the river, Gatineau, and the hills to the north are all visible from the observation
deck at the top of Ottawa's highest building, the Peace Tower. You can see the bells of the
tower while riding the elevator up, and there is a section dedicated to the Canadian soldiers who
lost their lives in World War One. Even though entrance to the tower,
popularly known as the "Tower of Victory and Peace," is free, you must first obtain a ticket.
Number 4, National Gallery of Canada, The National Gallery of Canada,
an ultra-modern building with prism-like glass towers that mimic the shapes of the surrounding
Parliament Buildings, was created by Moshe Safdie. The faux-medieval Château Laurier contrasts with
the glass, but the attraction nonetheless blends in well with Ottawa's urban landscape.
One of the largest art museums in North America is home to galleries that showcase indigenous art,
examine European Impressionism, follow the evolution of Canadian
art from religious works through the Group of Seven, and host temporary exhibitions.
The Inuit art galleries are located on the lower level, next to the Great Hall's glass enclosure.
It's free to enter this lovely gallery on Thursdays from 5 to 8 o'clock.
Number 3, Canadian War Museum, The stunningly contemporary
Canadian War Museum (Musée Canadien de la Guerre) is situated next to the Ottawa
River and chronicles Canada's military history. Everything from the conflict between the French
and Iroquois people in the sixteenth century to Canada's role in the First and Second World
Wars is covered in the exhibits. Some exhibits discuss the function of contemporary peacekeepers.
The history of well-known historical occurrences, such as the War of 1812, from the Canadian
perspective, will be very fascinating to US tourists. The collection of military vehicles
on display includes more than 50 tanks, jeeps, motorbikes, armored trucks, and even Hitler's
limousine. Some of the exhibits are interactive. On the property are a café and a gift shop.
Number 2, Rideau Canal, The Rideau Canal, which
is 200 kilometers long but just 1.6 meters deep, links Kingston on Lake Ontario with
Ottawa. Originally planned as a military route connecting Montréal and Lake Ontario—also known
as the Rideau Waterway—it served this purpose during the War of 1812 against the United States.
The canal and locks are a busy waterway in the summer. One of the many tour boats
that ride the water here is the Rideau Canal, which is a fun place to visit.
Even better, spend a lot of money on an overnight cruise down the canal.
But as soon as it freezes over, the canal transforms into a recreational space for
events and skating, which is one of the most popular winter activities in Ottawa.
One of the impressive structures on the canal banks is Château Laurier.
It was erected in 1912, despite having the appearance of a medieval castle and is a
perfect example of how major Canadian railroad firms added grand hotels all around the country.
Number 1, Parliament Hill, On the 50-meter-high Parliament
Hill, which overlooks the Ottawa River, the Parliament Buildings are quite a striking sight
in all their Victorian Gothic magnificence. The Parliamentary Library is a beautifully
decorated octagon that was unaffected by the 1916 fire and is located at the back of the structure,
across from the entrance. A guided tour of the enormous historic Centre Block is available,
and when the government is in session, anyone can attend a question period.
In the summer officers of the Canadian Mounted Police patrol the pleasant grassy
area in front of the Parliament buildings. They appear quite dapper in their Mountie
outfits, which consist of scarlet jackets, Stetsons, riding breeches, and knee boots.
With its military band and pipers, the Changing of the Guard draws crowds on summer mornings.
For a decent view, arrive at least 15 minutes before the ceremony, which starts at 9:50 am.
Ottawa's two most popular free activities are tours of Parliament and the Changing of the Guard.