11 Things to Do in Ottawa

You’ll find Ottawa packed with affordable adventures, from free Parliament Hill tours and Peace Tower climbs to skating the world’s largest outdoor rink on Rideau Canal. Explore the Canadian Museum of History’s totem poles, browse ByWard Market‘s budget-friendly stalls, and discover the National Gallery’s impressive collections. Don’t miss the Canadian War Museum, Commissioners Park’s spring tulips, scenic Ottawa River cruises, and Gatineau Park‘s 170km of hiking trails. Continue below for detailed insider tips on maximizing your capital experience.

Tour Parliament Hill and Climb the Peace Tower

While Parliament Hill serves as Canada’s symbolic heart of democracy, you can explore this National Historic Site without spending a dime. Free guided tours showcase the Gothic Revival architecture of East Block, West Block, and Centre Block, plus the stunning 16-sided Library of Parliament with its white marble Queen Victoria statue from 1871.

You’ll need timed tickets from the Visitor Welcome Centre and government-issued photo ID for security screening.

Don’t miss climbing the Peace Tower, a First World War memorial housing a 53-bell carillon. The Memorial Chamber honors fallen Canadian service members, while the observation area offers panoramic views of Ottawa River and downtown. The tower is lit when Parliament is in session, serving as a visual indicator of legislative activity.

Tours last 20-60 minutes depending on parliamentary sessions. Budget at least two hours total for grounds and interior exploration.

Skate the Rideau Canal in Winter (or Paddle It in Summer)

After exploring Canada’s political center, you can experience Ottawa’s most iconic winter attraction just steps away. The Rideau Canal Skateway transforms into the world’s largest outdoor skating rink, stretching 7.8 kilometers with an ice surface equivalent to 90 Olympic hockey rinks.

Best of all, it’s completely free and open 24/7 during green-flag conditions.

The skating season typically runs from January through early March, though climate change has shortened recent seasons. You’ll need about 10-14 consecutive days of -15°C to -20°C weather to create safe ice conditions. The NCC is actively working with Carleton University researchers to study climate impacts and develop adaptation strategies to help sustain this beloved winter tradition.

Check the NCC’s flag system before visiting—green means safe skating, red means closed.

During summer months, you can paddle the same waterway by canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard through downtown Ottawa’s historic canal system.

Explore the Canadian Museum of History

Just across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, the Canadian Museum of History houses the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles and 15,000+ years of Canadian heritage in architect Douglas Cardinal’s striking curved building.

You’ll need 2-3 hours minimum to explore the 40,000-square-foot Canadian History Hall and Grand Hall’s impressive First Nations displays.

Adult tickets cost $16-30, so book ahead during peak times. The museum’s open 9:00-17:00 daily (until 19:00 Thursdays).

You can walk across interprovincial bridges from Ottawa in under five minutes, take public transit, or drive and pay for on-site parking. The museum also offers virtual tours that provide accessible, interactive experiences of Indigenous collections.

Don’t miss the Canadian Children’s Museum inside if you’re traveling with kids—it offers hands-on cultural exhibits perfect for young explorers.

Wander Through ByWard Market

Back in downtown Ottawa, ByWard Market beckons as Canada’s oldest and largest public market, where you’ll find over 600 independent businesses packed into a pedestrian-friendly grid just blocks from Parliament Hill. Founded in 1827, this historic district offers affordable browsing through open-air produce stalls selling seasonal fruits, vegetables, and local farm goods.

You’ll discover budget-friendly finds like Canadian-made crafts, Indigenous art, and local souvenirs at outdoor vendor stalls.

The central Market Building houses indoor food merchants selling fresh baked goods, meats, and cheeses—perfect for assembling an inexpensive picnic. Street performers add free entertainment as you wander the compact streets. Listen for the historic bell that still rings daily to mark opening hours, a tradition dating back to the 1800s.

Visit on weekends when foot traffic peaks at 50,000 visitors, creating an energetic atmosphere that costs nothing to enjoy.

Visit the National Gallery of Canada

Housing over 75,000 works spanning 5,000 years of art history, the National Gallery of Canada at 380 Sussex Drive offers one of the world’s premier art collections just steps from Parliament Hill. You’ll explore Canadian, Indigenous, European, and international art across multiple galleries showcasing everything from Group of Seven paintings to contemporary installations.

Plan 2-3 hours for your visit. The museum’s open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days, with extended Thursday hours until 8 p.m. Children 11 and under enter free, and Indigenous visitors receive complimentary admission. Don’t miss the reconstructed Rideau Street Chapel with its immersive soundscape.

Outside, photograph the iconic 30-foot bronze spider sculpture Maman, then head to nearby Kìwekì Point for spectacular Parliament Hill views. The building’s distinctive architecture features a stunning glass ceiling that provides panoramic views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River.

Experience the Changing of the Guard at Rideau Hall

After soaking in Canada’s artistic heritage, head north to Rideau Hall where the ceremonial traditions have shifted considerably for 2025. You won’t find the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony here anymore due to Canadian Armed Forces personnel constraints. Instead, the daily ceremonies now happen at Parliament Hill from 10:00 a.m., July 1 to August 20.

However, don’t skip Rideau Hall entirely. You can still catch the impressive annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard on the forecourt (June 27 at 10:00 a.m. in 2025). This large-scale military parade offers spectacular pageantry without daily crowds.

The grounds remain open for free tours and programming, letting you explore where ceremonial guards traditionally protected the Governor General’s residence while experiencing Canada’s constitutional monarchy heritage. The ceremony first began on Parliament Hill in 1959 during Queen Elizabeth II’s historic visit to Canada.

Walk the Capital Pathway Network

While ceremonial traditions capture Ottawa’s formal heritage, the Capital Pathway Network reveals the city’s natural beauty through over 220 kilometers of interconnected trails that won’t cost you a cent. You’ll find mostly paved routes perfect for walking, connecting Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, and Gatineau Park.

Start with the Ottawa River Pathway for waterfront views, then explore the Rideau Canal Pathway circling Dow’s Lake. The network links parks, museums, and beaches through one of North America’s largest urban pathway systems.

Most users spend about 84 minutes per outing, with 72% starting from home. The National Capital Commission maintains these well-kept trails, making them accessible for strollers and mobility devices while offering 20-40 kilometer loop options for longer adventures. The Pathway patrol operates as a volunteer group promoting safety and courtesy across the network from Andrew Haydon Park to Petrie Island.

Discover the Canadian War Museum

From Ottawa’s peaceful pathways, you’ll find a profound contrast at the Canadian War Museum, where Canada’s military history unfolds through over 3 million artifacts spanning centuries of conflict. You’ll explore seven chronological zones featuring personal stories, letters, and medals that bring human experiences to the forefront.

The museum’s striking architecture symbolizes regeneration, with upper windows spelling “Lest we forget” in Morse code.

Don’t miss the Memorial Hall, where sunlight illuminates the Unknown Soldier’s headstone at 11 a.m. on Remembrance Day.

The Beaverbrook Collection showcases 14,000 war artworks documenting various conflicts.

Interactive displays and life-sized dioramas engage visitors of all ages.

With 500,000 annual visitors, you’ll experience both education and remembrance in this purpose-built facility at LeBreton Flats. The museum’s research facilities include the Hartland Molson Library, which provides extensive resources for military history scholars and enthusiasts.

Enjoy Commissioners Park During Tulip Festival

Each May, over 300,000 tulips transform Commissioners Park into Ottawa’s crown jewel during the world’s largest tulip festival. You’ll find tulip beds stretching 1 km around Dow’s Lake, showcasing 50+ color variations that create a photographer’s dream.

The festival’s core outdoor programming costs nothing, making it perfect for budget-conscious families.

Visit during the second week of May for peak blooms. Take OC Transpo or the Dow’s Lake O-Train Station since on-site parking isn’t available. If you’re driving, park at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum lot ($9.50) and walk 20 minutes through the Dominion Arboretum.

Arrive early morning to avoid crowds. You’ll enjoy food trucks, designated walking routes, and evening programming like lit gardens and movies in the park. The festival celebrates Dutch-Canadian friendship that originated during WWII when the Netherlands gifted tulip bulbs to Ottawa in gratitude.

Take an Ottawa River Cruise

Since organized tours have operated on the Ottawa River since 1952, you’ll find well-established cruise options that showcase the capital’s most iconic landmarks from a unique waterway perspective.

Most operators offer one-hour sightseeing cruises with bilingual commentary, highlighting over 50 focal points including Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History, and 24 Sussex Drive.

You’ll get unobstructed views of the Centre Block and Peace Tower that aren’t available from street level. The cruises also pass Rideau Falls and the UNESCO-listed canal locks at the river’s mouth.

Operators like Ottawa Boat Cruise provide daily departures from both Ottawa and Gatineau sides during the main season from late spring through early fall, making this an accessible and budget-friendly sightseeing option. From the river, you can see where the historic Rideau Canal begins its 202-kilometer journey to Kingston through 45 locks and numerous lakes.

Explore Gatineau Park’s Hiking Trails

Just 20 minutes north of downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park’s 170 kilometers of hiking trails offer some of the region’s best outdoor experiences without charging admission fees. You’ll find routes ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs across 361 square kilometers of Canadian Shield terrain.

For spectacular views, tackle the Wolf Trail’s 8.7-kilometer loop with its steep climbs and Ottawa Valley lookouts, or try the moderate Skyline Trail at 5.6 kilometers. Luskville Falls provides a tough 5.2-kilometer climb to panoramic views.

If you’re hiking with family, Pink Lake’s 2.3-kilometer loop showcases a unique meromictic lake with distinctive green waters. The boardwalk trail includes interpretive panels explaining the lake’s unusual chemistry.

The park also features the Trans Canada Trail, which spans 42 kilometers through the area and connects various scenic attractions including Meech Lake and the historic Mackenzie King Estate.

Most parking lots charge seasonal fees, but pedestrian access remains free year-round.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Ottawa offers incredible value for your travel dollar. Many top attractions like Parliament Hill tours and Rideau Canal skating won’t cost you anything. You can explore world-class museums, beautiful parks, and historic markets without breaking the bank. Pack comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather – you’ll be doing lots of outdoor exploring. Plan your visit during tulip season for the best free entertainment and photo opportunities.