Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a beautiful city where historical, majestic architecture harmonizes perfectly with abundant nature. Beyond being a political and cultural hub, its major appeal lies in the seasonal activities it offers, from strolls along the canal in summer to enjoying the world’s largest skating rink in winter.
For this guide, we’ve carefully selected five ‘absolutely must-visit tourist attractions’ to ensure every traveler, whether on a short trip or a long stay, can fully immerse themselves in Ottawa’s unique atmosphere. We’ll cover everything from classic historic buildings to local ways to enjoy the city, and even some deeper, often-overlooked highlights.
Parliament of Canada
📍 Address: Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9 Canada
Standing atop Parliament Hill in the heart of Ottawa, this is the symbol of Canadian politics. The grand Neo-Gothic buildings immediately immerse you in a sense of history the moment you step onto the grounds. Although currently undergoing extensive renovations, its stunning exterior beauty remains undiminished and is well worth a visit.
When exploring the grounds, don’t miss the ‘Centennial Flame,’ located directly in front of the Centre Block. Lit in 1967 to commemorate Canada’s 100th anniversary, this flame, combined with the surrounding fountain, creates a tranquil and meditative space. Photographing the flame against a winter snowscape or the Parliament building bathed in soft light just after sunset offers travelers superb photo opportunities.
Locals also recommend visiting ‘twice—once during the day and once at night’ to experience its different moods. In summer evenings, a magnificent projection mapping light show is held on the Parliament building’s facade, offering a dynamic way to learn about Canadian history through visuals and music. Combine it with a daytime stroll through the beautiful green spaces to enjoy its varied expressions throughout the day.
Rideau Canal
📍 Address: Rideau Canal, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Connecting Canada’s capital Ottawa to the historic city of Kingston on Lake Ontario, this 202 km-long waterway is North America’s oldest continuously operating canal. It was designated Ontario’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and still retains a strong 19th-century charm, with locks manually operated to this day.
The canal’s greatest appeal lies in its diverse activities across different seasons. From spring to autumn, popular waterside activities include leisurely cruises along the waterway or paddling a rented kayak, offering a serene escape from the urban hustle. In autumn, the canal banks are enveloped in vibrant fall foliage, making the walking paths a perfect spot to encounter squirrels.
When winter arrives, the canal magically transforms into the ‘world’s largest natural ice skating rink.’ The sight of people from all over the world cheering as they skate along the 7.8 km stretch of ice is an iconic winter tradition in Ottawa. A quintessential local experience is to enjoy a ‘BeaverTails,’ Canada’s famous flat fried dough pastry, during your skate. Famous hotels like the Fairmont Château Laurier are concentrated along the canal, making it easily accessible for travelers.
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
📍 Address: 385 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 1J9 Canada
Located near the ByWard Market, this is Ottawa’s oldest and largest Catholic church. Its Gothic exterior, with two silver spires, is eye-catching from the surrounding streets and stands as one of the city’s landmarks.
Stepping inside, where admission is free, you’ll be overwhelmed by a majestic atmosphere, surrounded by towering arched ceilings, intricate wood carvings, and breathtakingly beautiful stained-glass windows. While smaller in scale compared to Montreal’s Notre Dame Basilica, its charm lies in being less crowded with tourists, allowing for a peaceful and serene experience. If you’re lucky, you might even witness the powerful sounds of the pipe organ resonating through the space.
It’s a perfect spot to quietly reflect when you’re tired from walking around, but it is also a sacred place where locals offer sincere prayers. When moving around during your visit, walk quietly, and when taking photos, do so discreetly (e.g., while seated) to show consideration and respect for those around you.
National Gallery of Canada
📍 Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4 Canada
This is Canada’s premier art museum, captivating visitors with its modern and innovative all-glass architecture. Inside, abundant natural light streams in, and as you ascend the ramps, you can enjoy views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill as a borrowed landscape, making the space itself feel like a work of art.
Boasting a world-class collection, the museum allows you to explore a wide range of genres, from Indigenous art that unpacks Canadian history, to Impressionist masters like Monet and Van Gogh, and contemporary artists such as Andy Warhol. A definite must-see when visiting the museum is the colossal bronze spider sculpture, ‘Maman,’ prominently situated in the main plaza. This masterpiece by French sculptor Louise Bourgeois reveals marble eggs nestled beneath its belly when viewed from underneath.
A welcome tip for travelers: ‘admission is free’ on Thursdays after 5 PM (pre-booking online is recommended due to capacity limits). If you get hungry, consider trying the broccoli and goat cheese soup at the first-floor cafeteria or enjoying a glass of wine at the tapas bar in the Great Hall. The museum shop offers a wide selection of affordable, stylish accessories and unique goods, perfect for finding a special souvenir.
Royal Canadian Mint
📍 Address: 320 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G8 Canada
This is the Royal Canadian Mint, responsible for producing Canada’s circulating currency, the globally renowned Maple Leaf gold coins, and intricate commemorative coins. Far from being just a formal institution, it’s highly regarded by travelers as an in-depth tourist spot where you can witness the artisans’ advanced techniques up close.
The Mint offers approximately 45-minute guided tours (in English and French), allowing visitors to observe actual coin casting machinery and the manufacturing process from a glass-enclosed viewing area. Knowledgeable and humorous guides explain the history of Canadian currency and the stories behind its designs. However, these tours are extremely popular and often sell out several days in advance, so it’s an absolute rule to ‘book online at least a week beforehand.’
While photography is strictly prohibited during the tour, it is allowed in the adjoining boutique (gift shop). The shop features beautiful commemorative medals and uniquely designed coins that will appeal even to non-collectors. Although gold bars for investment purposes may have limited stock, it’s an excellent place to find special, unique-to-Canada souvenirs that you can’t buy anywhere else.
Local Tips for Enjoying Ottawa to the Fullest
Ottawa’s main tourist attractions are relatively compactly located in the downtown area, making it quite possible to explore on foot. However, museums and galleries often have extensive exhibits, so the trick to lasting enjoyment is not to pack too much into one day, but to plan a relaxed schedule with breaks at cafes.
Furthermore, Ottawa’s climate experiences significant temperature swings between summer and winter, with winter activities (January to March) predominantly taking place in sub-zero temperatures. When enjoying skating on the Rideau Canal, ensure you have thorough cold weather protection (a thick jacket, gloves, and a knit hat) and make good use of the temporary warming huts set up along the canal.
Ottawa is a city where history, grand nature, and sophisticated art intersect. We hope you use the spots introduced here as a guide to enjoy your own special Canadian stay.
