January 29th, 2026 | Community
Our Favourite Places to Visit in Ottawa
Did you know that Ottawa is one of Canada’s hottest tourist destinations? Canada’s capital city isn’t just a fantastic place to live, it’s also vibrant and full of attractions year-round, drawing 10 to 11 million visitors annually.
Ottawa sightseeing can include fascinating treks to national landmarks, world-class museums, and a trove of natural wonders. As residents, we are lucky that we can take in these breathtaking experiences any time. In this post, we’ll tell you all about a few of our favourite places to visit in Ottawa.
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Free Things to Do in Ottawa
Ottawa really is full of surprises. Here, the fun never ends, and often, it comes free of charge! Chances are, Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal are already high on your agenda, and the news is about to get even better.
You can visit anytime without making a slight dent in your wallet. However, that is just the beginning. Below are even more places to visit in Ottawa for free:
Explore nature: Ottawa’s Greenbelt is full of incredible parks, trails, wooded areas, and riverside getaways. Some favourites include Britannia Park, Eugène Martineau Park, and Brewer Park. Each has a children’s playground, hiking trails, and even a skating rink, making them a perfect way to spend time any day of the year.
Take a swim: There are several places in Ottawa where you can splash and cool off on a hot day, including the beach at Britannia Park. Westboro Beach and Mooney’s Bay Beach are also free to visit. The only thing you might have to pay for is a small fee for parking.
Explore one of many museums: Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) and the Bank of Canada Museum are always free admission, a fun way to learn and explore Ottawa’s history and art scene. In addition, you can always keep your eyes open for special events at Canada Science & Tech, which allows children under 17 to visit at no charge during specified hours.
There are so many things to love about Ottawa! Discover even more in the posts below:
Places to Visit in Ottawa With Family
Many of Ottawa’s tourist attractions will seem as though they were made with families in mind. Imagine taking the kids through the Canadian Science and Technology Museum. The innovation zone will keep the little ones entertained for hours.
They’ll test out their self-made cars, brave the wind tunnels, and literally climb the walls. Next, they’ll push their limits at the Crazy Kitchen, laughing and playing as they forget that they’re secretly learning about science and engineering.
Alternatively, you might take your young-at-heart parents to Parliament Hill to see the Peace Tower. This 92.2-metre architectural wonder is sure to inspire a sense of awe and a new appreciation for Canada.
For the thrillseeker, the Interzip should be high on the list. There’s an exhilarating rush as you soar 120 feet up, across the Ottawa River, right into Gatineau, QC at 50 km/hr! It’s a heart-racing journey that no one will ever forget.
Whatever your plans are, you will undoubtedly work up an appetite. Never fear, however, because there are many cool places to eat in Ottawa. In fact, Ottawa restaurants alone make the city worth a visit. With approximately 2,000 options, you can always find whatever you crave.
Ottawa is home to happy residents of all ages and walks of life, including many retirees. Should you consider downsizing in Canada’s capital? The Complete Guide to Downsizing in Ottawa can help you decide!
Ottawa in a Day
Since we are long-time residents, people often ask us what to see in Ottawa in one day. Unsurprisingly, it’s impossible to see or do it all. Those of us who have lived here our entire lives still have some Ottawa attractions on our to-do list.
That said, if you only have a single day, you’d want to make the absolute most of it. You might want to get a good night’s sleep to make an early start, because a thrilling adventure awaits.
A sample “Best places to visit in Ottawa” itinerary surely includes a visit to Parliament Hill. This one is non-negotiable. You simply cannot come to the nation’s capital and miss out on seeing the spectacular architecture of our iconic parliament buildings.
Take a tour of the Rideau Canal Lift Locks. In the summer, stop for a picnic lunch as you watch the boats floating along the Ottawa River. In the winter, skating on the canal is among our favourite pastimes. You can glide for miles on end!
To ensure you get your shopping in, be sure to visit the Byward Market. This is Ottawa’s one-stop destination for delectable cuisine and for finding that perfect gift or piece of artwork as a souvenir.
As evening approaches, you can get a spectacular view of the Ottawa skyline from Kìwekì Point (formerly Nepean Point) or the Alexandra Bridge.
This schedule is a lot in one day, but entirely doable, and checks off all of your Ottawa sightseeing, shopping, and historical boxes. The natural beauty is an added bonus thanks to Ottawa’s impressive array of parks and green spaces.
No matter how long you stay, there will always be more to see and do. We haven’t even begun to talk about all of the incredible neighbourhoods yet. That settles it. You’ll just have to move to Ottawa so you can keep creating unforgettable memories!
Do you want to know more about the exceptional lifestyle that awaits in Canada’s capital city? Our Ottawa real estate agents are happy to tell you all about it! You can reach out to us anytime at 613.829.7484 or email mail@chellteam.com with any questions you may have.
