Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ottawa

Ottawa is home to some of Canada's most historically significant and famous monuments, as well as must-see national museums, a vibrant culinary scene, and a plethora of bucket-list activities. Best of all, most sites in the downtown area are within a 20-minute walk of one another, making getting around a breeze. Ottawa, like any good capital city, is a location to learn about and experience Canada's history, but there's also room for some world-class urban and outdoor fun. Find out why the nation's capital is one of the greatest locations to visit in Canada by reading our list of the top attractions in Ottawa.

1.     Parliament Hill:

On the 50-meter-high Parliament Hill (Colline du Parlement) overlooking the Ottawa River, the Parliament Buildings, in all their Victorian Gothic sandstone glory, are quite a striking sight. The Parliamentary Library is a beautifully furnished octagon in the back of the building, opposite the entrance, that was spared from the 1916 fire. In the summer, personnel of the Canadian Mounted Police patrol the lovely grassed area in front of the Parliament buildings, dressed dashingly in scarlet jackets, Stetsons, riding breeches, and knee boots. The Changing of the Guard, with its regimental band and pipers, always draws crowds on summer mornings.

2.     Rideau Canal:

The Rideau Canal is well-known as the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink (at 7.8 kilometers long). The Canal, on the other hand, is a year-round outdoor entertainment destination. Yes, you may ice skate along the frozen river in the winter, floating your way through downtown Ottawa. When the ice melts and its t-shirt weather outdoors, you may paddle down the same waters in a voyageur canoe or rest on a calm boat trip. You can also walk, run, or cycle along the canal's banks to learn more about it. So, no matter when you're in town, make a pit stop along the Rideau Canal.

3.     Canadian War Museum:

The Canadian War Museum, which sits on the banks of the Ottawa River, is difficult to miss. The museum's distinctive structure is mostly flat, but one side rises 25 meters into the air, like a waving hand calling you over. You'll walk through exhibitions about Canada's role in battles throughout history once you're inside. The walls are lined with tanks, military vehicles, and weaponry, allowing you to observe and study the equipment used by generations of heroic soldiers on the battlefield. Over 330 works of art, as well as a variety of distinctive features, such as a towering window that frames Parliament Hill's Peace Tower, round out the experience and help explain the stories that moulded Canada into what it is today.

4.     National Gallery of Canada:

The National Gallery of Canada (Musée des Beaux-Arts du Canada), designed by Moshe Safdie, is an architectural wonder with prism-like glass towers that reflect the lines of the surrounding Parliament Buildings. Despite the contrast between the glass and the fake medieval Château Laurier, the attraction blends seamlessly into Ottawa's urban landscape. Galleries present aboriginal art, chronicle the development of Canadian art from religious works through the Group of Seven, examine European Impressionism, and host temporary exhibitions within one of North America's major art museums. The Inuit art rooms are located on the lower level, beneath the Great Hall, which is encased in glass.

5.     Canadian Museum of Nature:

Do you want to spend an afternoon studying dinosaur skeletons? Or spend a few hours learning about the variety of life that exists in our oceans and lakes? Are you intrigued about the origins of our planet? Or what about the lives of birds, insects, and bears? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Canadian Museum of Nature should be on your radar. In a handful of exhibitions, the museum tackles the entire natural world, leaving you wondering where the time went. And if you're looking for that one major lure, seeing the full skeleton of a blue whale—the world's largest animal—hanging over your head is hard to express.

6.     Canada Aviation and Space Museum:

Who hasn't imagined what it might be like to live in space at some point in their lives? You may take a little start toward addressing that question at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum. Learn about life aboard the International Space Station from astronauts who have spent time there, then try on a space helmet and climb inside the station. After you've fulfilled your childhood ambition, the museum's remaining exhibits include 130 various military and civilian aircrafts, as well as a real, full-motion flying simulator. Come experience everything about flying without having to worry about legroom.

7.     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 the Peace Tower (Tour de la Paix), Ottawa's highest point. The bells of the tower may be seen from the elevator, and there is a memorial area for Canadians who perished in WWI.

8.     ByWard Market Neighborhood:

Farmers and craft merchants have been coming to the ByWard Market for nearly two centuries to share the fruits (physical and figurative) of their labor. What used to be a basic market has evolved into a food, shopping, and entertainment destination. The market has over 260 stands, while the nearby neighborhood has over 500 enterprises. On any given visit, you might come across a wonderful brunch location, a quirky boutique full of gift ideas, or an up-and-coming local musician attracting a crowd. The ByWard Market Neighbourhood, located near Parliament Hill, is bustling with activity at all hours of the day and night. Make sure to pay a visit.

Above mentioned tourist attractions are all accessible from Ottawa Airport. You may simply reserve the transportation outside the terminal and visit the area. You can easily find affordable taxi services outside the airport. If you are a large number of people, then you can always request for Airport van service to have you dropped off at your destination after visiting these places.