Regardless of the season, Canada’s Capital is a repository of remarkable attractions and engaging pursuits. From globally recognized historical sites to outdoor excursions and all that lies in between, here are our top essential experiences not to be overlooked during your stay in Ottawa:
Ottawa’s culinary landscape is flourishing, characterized by a vibrant community of chefs and various restaurants gaining recognition locally and internationally. To see many venues in a single excursion, reserve a dining tour in one of Ottawa’s distinguished neighborhoods—Ottawa Tasting Tours and Experience Food handle all the logistics for you. Alternatively, participate in a guided gourmet food tour with C’est Bon Ottawa to discover food shops, resutrants, and farmers’ markets.
Did You Know? Ottawa is fortunate to have several restaurants featured in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants for both 2023 and 2024. The culinary choices in Ottawa are limitless.
Ottawa hosts two casinos located within a 20-minute radius of the downtown area. Casino du Lac-Leamy is just 10 minutes from downtown, while the Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino is around 20 kilometers from downtown Gloucester, Ontario. Regardless of whether you are a novice or a high-stakes gambler, both casinos provide an extensive array of gaming choices. Novices will receive assistance from amiable dealers in learning the games, while seasoned players can locate tables with large minimums to pursue substantial winnings.
Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino features a huge library of 1,200 slot machines, something that you’d only be able to find at an online casino (see more examples on Gambling.com), electronic table games such as roulette and baccarat, as well as live dealer games including blackjack, craps, and roulette. Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino features a complete horse racing track outdoors for wagering on your preferred equines. It will also serve as the future location of Hard Rock Ottawa.
Casino du Lac-Leamy is the nearest casino to Downtown Ottawa; thus, it is an ideal destination for post-Ottawa Senators game activities. In addition to table games and slots, the casino offers exceptional live entertainment and various food selections. So, there’s no doubt that the time you spend here during your visit to the nation’s capital will be rewarding.
Did You Know? Casino du Lac-Leamy also has an on-site nightclub! That’s right, after some gaming action, visitors can drink and dance the night away – hopefully with some of those casino winnings!
The Rideau Canal is recognized by many as the largest naturally frozen skating rink in the world, measuring 7.8 kilometers in length. The Canal is, in fact, a year-round venue for outdoor recreation. During winter, one can partake in ice skating on the frozen river, maneuvering through downtown Ottawa. However, when the ice thaws and the weather becomes suitable for t-shirts, one can navigate those same waters in a voyageur canoe or relish them during a leisurely boat cruise.
If the canal’s water, frozen or not, isn’t for you, you can also explore it by walking, running, or cycling along its banks. Ensure you visit the Rideau Canal regardless of your time in the city.
Parliament Hill in Canada serves not only as the seat of government but also as a cultural and community center, featuring events in a remarkable environment. For instance, one can practice yoga on Parliament Hill.
Additionally, there are conventional activities like witnessing the Changing of the Guard or touring the House of Commons or the Senate of Canada, currently situated in the historic Ottawa train station, a few steps from Parliament Hill.
Did You Know? On summer Wednesdays at noon, hundreds of people converge on the hill, equipped with mats and yoga leggings, and raise their stretching game in front of the landmark structures.
The National Gallery of Canada is a contemporary architectural masterpiece. Constructed in the 1980s, the edifice features extensive glass usage and exhibits an angular design. The gallery originated in the 1880s, first located on Parliament Hill. The gallery predominantly emphasizes Canadian art while also featuring works from Europe and other regions of the Americas. The collection features artifacts from diverse historical periods, with Andy Warhol’s modern creations being particularly striking.
Did You Know? Benjamin West created The Death of General Wolfe, one of the most renowned artworks. Other painters featured are Titian, Hans Baldung, J.M.W. Turner, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and David Milne.
Distinctive Ottawa neighborhoods provide unparalleled shopping, dining, and nightlife experiences throughout the Capital. Ottawa’s diverse districts offer much local character, from the essential ByWard Market to the community-oriented Glebe and the fashionable Wellington West.
Acquire the skills to shop as a local, discover fresh produce and other regional delicacies at various farmers’ markets, locate your next favorite book at an independent bookstore, and select an ideal souvenir for a cherished individual.
The National Arts Centre, the foremost performing arts venue in the Capital, offers a comprehensive schedule of music, dance, and drama, along with renowned touring performances and productions.
In addition, Ottawa boasts a vibrant local theatre scene featuring the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa Little Theatre, La Nouvelle Scène, and the Gladstone.
Photo: Benoit Debaix, Unsplash
