A Guide to Ottawa Tourism: Where to Stay and What to Do

Discover the best things to see and do in Ottawa. This guide will give you insider information on planning your trip, where to stay, what to eat and the top sights and activities. If you’ve never been to Ottawa before, it might feel a little daunting, but don’t worry; we’re here to help. From the best hotels to the hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists, this guide has everything you need to know about visiting this beautiful city. Ottawa tourism is exploding in 2022.

Whether it be for business or pleasure – there’s so many things to see and do in Ottawa! You may not think of Canada when you think of tourism, but after reading this article perhaps that will change. We go through some of the top places to stay and what to do in the wonderful city of Ottawa.

A Guide to Visiting Ottawa

As you can see from our guide, Ottawa is a city where there is something for everyone. Whether you’re travelling with friends, a family or on a romantic getaway, Ottawa has something to suit everyone’s needs. The city has many different areas, each with their own unique vibe. There are also many different types of accommodation in Ottawa to suit every budget. We will go into more detail about where to stay below, but whatever your needs, we’re sure you’ll find something that suits you in Ottawa.

As mentioned, Ottawa is a very beautiful city, and there are many things to see and do. The city’s architecture and the numerous parks are definitely the top things to see and do. Another top thing to do in Ottawa is to visit the museums. They have many museums in the city, which are definitely worth a visit. And lastly, if you’re planning on visiting during the winter, you will be able to experience the world’s largest skating rink. Despite being Canada’s capital city, Ottawa gets much less snow than other cities. However, during the winter season, the Rideau Canal Skateway is transformed into an enormous outdoor skating rink. The rink is 8km long and is the world’s largest outdoor skating rink.

Where to Stay in Ottawa

There are so many great places to stay in Ottawa, but we recommend staying in either the Byward Market neighbourhood or the Downtown area. The Byward Market neighbourhood is home to the city’s central market, and it is an area where you can really get a feel for Ottawa’s culture. The downtown area is where you’ll find most of the city’s major landmarks and attractions. Whether you want to stay in a hostel, a luxury hotel or somewhere in between, Ottawa has something for everyone.

There are also many great Airbnb options in Ottawa. If you’re travelling on a budget, stay near the Ottawa Central Station or downtown area. If you want to stay in a more central location, but don’t want to deal with the noise of being near a train station, there are some great hostels in Ottawa.

What to Do in Ottawa

Parliament Hill- This is a must-see attraction in Ottawa. The Parliament buildings are truly spectacular, and they are open to the public free of charge. There is also a very popular tour of Parliament Hill that goes behind the scenes. You can also see the changing of the guards here.

Rideau Canal Skateway- As mentioned above, the world’s largest skating rink is a must-visit attraction in Ottawa. Located in the city’s beautiful parks, the ice skating rink is open from December to the end of February.

Canadian Museum of Nature- This is the top natural history museum in Ottawa, and it is well worth a visit. There are so many different exhibits and activities for both children and adults to enjoy.

Ottawa Art Gallery- This is one of the top art galleries in Ottawa, and it is home to some beautiful pieces of artwork. If you are interested in art, this is a wonderful place to visit. – Ottawa Zoo- This is one of the top zoos in Ottawa, and it is a fun place for the whole family. There are lots of animals to see and interact with, and the zoo is also home to a water park.

Parks- Ottawa is home to a number of beautiful parks. There are so many things to do in these parks, from hiking to cycling to just sitting and enjoying nature.

Giant Canada Goose- If you are interested in seeing the largest Canada goose in the world, this is a must-see attraction in Ottawa. The Canada Goose is life-sized and made completely out of fibreglass.

Top Activities in Ottawa

Road Trip- One of the top things to do in Ottawa is to take a road trip to other nearby cities. For example, you could drive to Montreal, which is just a couple of hours away. If you don’t have a car, there is a company called Go Bus that offers guided road trips to Montreal, Toronto, and the East Coast.

Visit a Winery- If you are visiting during the wine season (September to October), a top thing to do in Ottawa is to visit a winery. There are a number of wineries in the area, and they make for a wonderful day trip.

Visit the Markets- There are a number of amazing markets in Ottawa, including the Central Market and the Byward Market. The Byward Market is a very popular place to visit in Ottawa, and it is full of interesting shops and markets.

Go on a Day Trip to Quebec City- Quebec City is just a few hours away from Ottawa, and it is definitely worth a visit. You can see so much in one day, and there are many different guided tours to choose from.

Visit a Brewery- There are also some great breweries in Ottawa, and they are a fun thing to do on a night out. There are many different types of breweries to choose from, so everyone should be able to find one they like.

Ottawa Sightseeing

As mentioned, the top three things to see and do in Ottawa are Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal Skateway and the Canadian Museum of Nature. However, you can also see some other great attractions in Ottawa.

Major’s Hill Park- This is a beautiful park in Ottawa that overlooks the river. The park is a great place to go for a walk and to enjoy the beauty of the city.

Ottawa Botanical Gardens- These are one of Ottawa’s most beautiful gardens, and they are a top attraction in the city. The gardens are the perfect place to go for a quiet walk or to spend a day with friends or family.

Byward Market- This is one of the top things to do in Ottawa, and it is a very interesting place to visit. The market is filled with lots of different shops and markets, making it a great place for souvenir shopping.

Rideau Canal- This is the top place to skate in Ottawa, and it is also a very beautiful sight to see. There are lots of different boat tours that pass through the canal, and it is a great place to go for a walk or jog.

Final Words

As you can see, Ottawa is a very beautiful city, and there are many things to see and do. The city’s architecture and the numerous parks are definitely the top things to see and do. Another top thing to do in Ottawa is to visit the museums. They have many museums in the city, which are definitely worth a visit. And lastly, if you’re planning on visiting during the winter, you will be able to experience the world’s largest skating rink. Despite being Canada’s capital city, Ottawa gets much less snow than other cities. However, during the winter season, the Rideau Canal Skateway is transformed into an enormous outdoor skating rink. The rink is 8km long and is the world’s largest outdoor skating rink.

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