Like many of the world’s best capital cities, Ottawa showcases national elegance in the form of museums, shops, architecture, and government and historical highlights. The city has a cultured but friendly vibe. The building’s height restrictions and multiple pedestrian-friendly areas have kept it human-scale and comfortable to navigate.
Located at the convergence of three major rivers in Northern Ontario, Ottawa has beautiful natural geography and an expanse of green space and waterways, including the Rideau Canal that runs through the city and is transformed into the longest skating route in the world. in winter.
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Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is an impressive group of buildings that house the government of Canada. Free tours are offered throughout the year and the Hill is also the scene of national celebrations, such as Canada Day, a public holiday when Ottawa really comes to life.
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Byward Market
The ByWard Market is an open-air market one block from Parliament Hill. This pedestrianized neighborhood in Ottawa offers a year-round farmers market, plus dozens of artisan vendors, charming boutiques, and restaurants.
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National Gallery of Canada
Art galleries and museums
4.6
The National Gallery of Canada is a large glass and granite structure that houses excellent Canadian and international artwork and hosts important seasonal exhibitions. Kids will love the giant bronze spider sculpture, Louise Bourgeois’s Maman , which greets visitors outside the gallery.
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Chateau Laurier
The Chateau Laurier is an Ottawa landmark located majestically in the heart of the city overlooking Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, the Congress Center and the Ottawa River. Originally one of the historic hotels on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Chateau Laurier features turrets and other architectural elements of a French castle.
Even if you don’t rent a room, go for tea, a real gala event and great excitement for the kids (they have pink ‘princess tea’ and other kid-friendly drinks). Alternatively, arrive early for the exquisite morning breakfast buffet.
Don’t miss Yousuf Karsh’s famous photographs on the first floor. Winston Churchill and Alfred Einstein are two of the people who posed for Karsh, who for years lived at the Chateau.
Today, the hotel runs under the name of the Fairmont Hotel.
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Canadian Museum of Civilization
The Canadian Museum of Civilization is located in Gatineau, Quebec, but only a five-minute drive from downtown Ottawa and visible from Parliament Hill. The museum houses the Canadian Postal Museum, the Canadian Children’s Museum and the IMAX theater. Another exhibit space is dedicated to the First Peoples of Canada, the history of Canada and its history makers.
The museum is spacious and architecturally intriguing. A great visit for families.
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Canadian War Museum
History Museums
4.5 4.5
Although the history of war may not be the first thing that visitors to this largely peace-loving nation might consider exploring, the Canadian War Museum is a fascinating journey through the personal, national and international dimensions of the Canadian military, as well as special exhibits on international weapons and armed forces. conflict. The museum’s collection includes medals, artwork, military artillery, and a CF-Voodoo jet fighter. These artifacts convey the experiences of women, men and children who lived through the conflicts that have shaped Canada, Canadians and the world.
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Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is a chain of lakes and waterways that winds 202 km from Kingston, at the head of Lake Ontario, to Ottawa, the capital of Canada. The canal is a World Heritage Site and in subzero weather it becomes the largest skating rink in the world.
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Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park, technically located in Quebec, is a protected green space about 15 minutes from Parliament Hill. Hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails, forests containing more than fifty species of trees, abundant wildlife, and numerous pristine lakes typical of the Canadian Shield Hills.
Campgrounds are available year-round and overnight stays in cabins and at the Wakefield Mill Inn & Spa. Check rates and read reviews for the Wakefield Mill Inn & Spa on TripAdvisor.
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The Royal Canadian Mint and Mint Museum
The Royal Canadian Mint and Currency Museum is housed in a historic building in downtown Ottawa. Here, artisan collectors and commemorative coins, gold bullion coins, medals and medallions are created and where the master tools are made to create the dies striking coin designs for both circulation and commemorative matters.
The museum is of interest, even if you’re not a fan of the coin and history, in large part because the history and stories of Canada are brought to life by well-trained and engaging tour guides.
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The Supreme Court of Canada
The Supreme Court of Canada is the highest court in the country. Visitors are invited to explore the building, which is notable for its architecture and art collection, as well as to learn about the workings of the Canadian judicial system from tour guides, all of whom are law students. Your guide will explain the legal matters of public importance that are handled by the Supreme Court of Canada. If the court is in session, you can attend the hearing on an appeal.
