August 10th, 2025 | Community
Things to Do in Ottawa
If you’re new to Ottawa, you might be wondering about things to do in Ottawa for fun. Even long-term residents often discover exciting new activities they never knew existed.
The long list of adventures comes with the territory when living in or visiting a big city. In this post, we’ll highlight a few of the coolest and best things to do in Ottawa.
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Ottawa Sightseeing at Its Finest
Ottawa tourist attractions are a major draw to Canada’s capital, and it’s not hard to see why. There are way too many to name, but here are a few of our favourite places to see in Ottawa.
Parliament Hill is an essential Ottawa experience. Witness Canadian history in the making as you view the stunning Parliament Buildings along Wellington Street. If you get a chance, be sure to catch the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony every summer. The full parade occurs from Wednesday to Sunday, beginning at 10:00 am each morning at Cartier Square Drill Hall. The event is free to attend, and you can often beat the lineups by registering online ahead of time.
If you love architecture, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is an Ottawa must-see. Located on Sussex Drive, it is the largest and oldest church in the city. Its intricately designed stained-glass windows and splendid sanctuary will instill you with a sense of awe and wonder. The view is equally impressive from the outside, with twin spires rising an impressive 67 metres (220 feet) into the sky.
Ottawa is also home to countless museums, galleries, and other tourist attractions. The National War Memorial, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Fairmont Château Laurier are just a few examples that deserve to be on your to-do list.
This has been just a small glimpse at what to do in Ottawa. To get even more ideas about the joys of living here, check out the related reading below:
A Haven of Green Spaces
Some people can never get enough of fresh air and the great outdoors. Fortunately, there are a ton of gorgeous parks and green spaces waiting to welcome you. Here are just a few that are among the best places to visit in Ottawa:
Rideau Canal National Historic Site: This 200 km human-made waterway runs right through the city, and is the only remaining 19th-century slackwater canal that still operates. With breathtaking scenery and activities that include camping, cycling, and hiking, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven of natural beauty. You can get a history lesson while enjoying lush greenery all at once. In the winter, the canal turns into Canada’s longest natural skating rink. Skate to your heart’s content, with no boundaries in sight!
Central Experimental Farm: It’s hard to imagine an oasis like this exists just moments away from the bustling downtown core. Colourful gardens, sprawling fields, and a lush arboretum are free to visit, and you’ll even find plenty of free parking. You’ll also greet a few grazing farm animals along the way, so be sure to have your camera ready.
Mooney’s Bay Park: Ottawa has plenty of playgrounds, but few match the epic thrills that await at Mooney’s Bay Park. Located along the Rideau River, the area boasts a massive sandy beach where you can swim, have a picnic, or play beach volleyball. It’s the ultimate destination for summer fun, and it’s right in the heart of the city.
Major’s Hill Park: Ready for a view that will take your breath away? Come to one of Ottawa’s largest parks (next to Parliament Hill) and gaze upon the iconic buildings, the river, and wide open fields. The scenery is simply spectacular no matter what direction you’re facing.
Fun and Festive Ottawa Activities
You’ll find the calendar is packed with fun and unique things to do in Ottawa. You’ll discover an endless series of exciting one-time events and festivities. There are also numerous attractions in Ottawa to look forward to every season of every year, including these:
Winterlude: You and your family can now look forward to February, which typically brings the coldest days of winter. Magical ice sculptures and snow playgrounds transform the city at every turn. This is also a great time to grab your skates and head to the Rideau Canal Skateway.
Canadian Tulip Festival: Soon after the snow melts, you’ll have an explosion of tulips to welcome the warmer weather. Though plentiful throughout the city, this stunning display is concentrated in Commissioners Park.
Canada Day: What better place to be on Canada’s birthday than in the capital city? Massive celebrations on Parliament Hill and downtown include concerts and a host of family activities and entertainment. The dazzling display of fireworks is a fantastic way to end the evening.
Ottawa Bluesfest: Come celebrate the genre with one of Canada’s largest outdoor music festivals. Every July, you can dance and clap along to a diverse lineup of local and international artists.
Pumpkins After Dark: It’s time for all things spooky and festive! Canada’s largest Halloween festival at Wesley Clover Park conjures a never-ending array of carved pumpkins and ghostly features is the perfect way to bid farewell to summer and embrace the fall spirit.
Should you consider Ottawa as your next home? The posts below will give you some insight into our local real estate market:
- Questions to Ask When Buying a House
- How to Buy a Home in Ottawa
- Are Older Homes a Good Investment in Ottawa?
Things to Do in Downtown Ottawa
There are a ton of memorable and exhilarating things to do in Ottawa when it rains, when the sun is shining, when it’s cold, and when the mercury climbs.
When in doubt, just head to downtown, where dynamic entertainment, shopping, and dining await. A wide array of indoor activities means inclement weather will never get in the way of a good time.
Whether you’re exploring art at the Ottawa Art Gallery, browsing the shops at the CF Rideau Centre, or watching the latest performance at the National Art Centre, you can always stay comfortable and dry while creating a memory.
This post is just a sample of the endless ways to get out and enjoy the city. Ottawa’s rich culture and family-friendly environment make it the perfect place to live or visit, where you’ll always be engaged and welcomed.
Do you have more questions about Ottawa life or buying a home here? Reach out to our Ottawa real estate agents today at 613.829.7484 or email mail@chellteam.com. We are happy to help!
