What Is Ottawa?
Ottawa is the capital of Canada. It is the second-largest city in Ontario after Toronto and the fourth-largest city in Canada after Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary.
Canada's official languages are English and French. Although Ottawa is in Ontario, where English is predominantly spoken, it borders French-speaking Quebec, and both languages are used in everyday life.
The city is home to Parliament Hill, where Canada's Parliament Buildings stand, and the World Heritage Site Rideau Canal. It is a city where you can explore both the political center that symbolizes the capital and a historic waterway.
The article below introduces the sights, food, and transportation in Toronto, Ontario's largest city.
Tourist Attractions in Ottawa
Here are the recommended attractions in Ottawa, presented as a ranking.
October 3, 2026 We checked each attraction’s official information.
-
1.Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is the political center where Canada’s Parliament buildings stand. The Gothic Revival Parliament buildings and the Peace Tower, together with the legislative chambers, form a cityscape that symbolizes the capital.The article below introduces the architecture of the Parliament buildings and the highlights of the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.
Parliament Hill: Highlights, access status, tickets, and how to get thereWe explain the highlights of Parliament Hill, including the Centre Block, Peace Tower, West Block, and Centennial Flame, along with access status, visitor tickets, and how to get there, based on official information and local research as of 10 2026.michikusatravel.com -
2ndNational Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada is a museum in the heart of the capital where you can experience Canadian art and international works. It is easy to combine with Parliament Hill and ByWard Market, making it the centerpiece of a cultural itinerary in Ottawa.The article below introduces the National Gallery of Canada's collections, architecture, and outdoor works in detail.
National Gallery of Canada: Highlights, Opening Hours, Admission Fees and AccessDiscover the highlights of the National Gallery of Canada, including “Maman,” Canadian art, and contemporary art, as well as opening hours, admission fees, recommended visit duration, and access, based on official information and an on-site visit as of October 2026.michikusatravel.com -
3th placeCanadian Museum of History
The Canadian Museum of History is located across the river from Parliament Hill. Its exhibits tell the story of Canada and can be combined with the political sights of downtown Ottawa in a single day’s itinerary.See the article below for highlights of the Canadian Museum of History, opening hours, admission fees, and more.
Canadian Museum of History: Highlights, Opening Hours, Admission and Getting ThereWe introduce the history, architecture, views and exhibits of the Canadian Museum of History, along with its opening hours, admission fees and access, based on official information and on-site reporting as of October 2026.michikusatravel.com -
4thRideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is a historic UNESCO World Heritage canal extending from Ottawa to Kingston. In Ottawa, you can walk along the canal-side paths while viewing its historic locks.The article below introduces the sights to enjoy on foot around the Rideau Canal’s locks and waterfront.
Rideau Canal: Attractions, Opening Hours, Fees, and AccessThis guide covers highlights such as the Ottawa Lockstation on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rideau Canal, Plaza Bridge, and the pathway, as well as the lockstation’s operating hours and access, based on official information and on-site research as of October 2026.michikusatravel.com -
5thCanadian War Museum
Canada’s national museum presents the history of war and peace involving Canada through weapons, military uniforms, and testimonial materials. The LeBreton Gallery displays large military vehicles as well as collections of weapons and equipment.
Information about exhibitions on war and peace, the collection of large military vehicles, and visiting the museum is available on the official website below.
HomepageGo back in time and learn about Canada's war history through veteran stories, artifacts, and more at the Canadian W...www.warmuseum.ca -
6.ByWard Market
This historic market district in central Ottawa is spread across several blocks, with fresh-food stalls, restaurants, and shops. A bell installed during the market's expansion still remains in the market building, and locals and visitors continue to ring it each morning.
See the tourist guide below for attractions around ByWard Market and Rideau Street.
ByWard Market neighbourhood and Rideau StreetThe ByWard Market neighbourhood boasts many boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and bars making it a must-visit de...ottawatourism.ca -
7thNotre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Ottawa
Near the National Gallery of Canada, this is a worthwhile stop on a walk through downtown, where you can admire its eye-catching facade with twin towers topped by blue roofs. Inside, gilded decorations extending behind the altar, a high ceiling, and intricate details create a solemn atmosphere distinct from the exterior.The article below introduces the highlights and visitor information for Notre-Dame Cathedral in detail.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Ottawa: Highlights, Visiting Hours, Admission and AccessDiscover the neo-Gothic architecture, nave, and stained glass of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in Ottawa, along with visiting hours, admission, and access, based on official information and local reporting as of November 2026.michikusatravel.com -
8thDiefenbunker
A massive four-storey underground bunker built during the Cold War to protect the core of the government. In addition to communications rooms and operational facilities, it contains offices for government functions, accommodation areas, and a CBC broadcast studio.
Information on the bunker’s exhibits and visits is available on the official website below.
Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War MuseumExperience Ottawa's immersive history destination. A former Cold War communications headquarters, now a one-of-a-ki...diefenbunker.ca -
9thCanadian Museum of Nature
Housed in a castle-like stone building, the museum displays dinosaur fossils, minerals, and Canada’s plants and animals. In the Water Gallery, you can view a real blue whale skeleton up close.
Visit the official website below for information on exhibitions about dinosaur fossils, minerals, and Canada’s plants and animals, as well as visitor information.
Canadian Museum of NatureHome page of nature.ca, the website of the Canadian Museum of Nature.nature.ca -
10th placeCanada Aviation and Space Museum
The museum displays real aircraft that tell the story of Canadian aviation history, from early aircraft and military planes to materials on space exploration. In the space section, you can see the first Canadarm and a full-scale engineering model of Alouette 1, Canada’s first artificial satellite.
Visit the official website below for aircraft and space-exploration exhibits, as well as visitor information.
HomeVisit the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Learn about Canada’s aviation history and modern space achievements in ...ingenium.ca -
11thNational War Memorial
The National War Memorial commemorates Canadians who died in wars, including the First World War. It preserves the memory of Canada’s wartime history.Information about the memorial’s origins and those it commemorates is available in the official guide below.
National War Memorial | Veterans Affairs Canadawww.veterans.gc.ca -
12thRideau Hall
The official residence of Canada’s governor general, with gardens and ceremonial spaces that are highlights of public tours. The gardens contain more than 150 commemorative trees planted by members of the royal family, heads of state visiting Canada, and others.
Information about public tours of the residence and visits to the gardens is available on the official website below.
Rideau Hall (Ottawa) | The Governor General of CanadaThis national historic site is an idyllic 79-acre urban oasis and it is located only a few minutes from downtown Ot...www.gg.ca -
13thRoyal Canadian Mint
Canada is one of the Commonwealth realms that has the British monarch, king or queen, as its head of state. The Royal Canadian Mint opened in 1908 as a branch of the Royal Mint in the United Kingdom and came under the control of the Canadian government in 1931.Information on the mint's facilities and tours is available on the official website below.
Canadian Coins, Gold, Silver & More | The Royal Canadian MintThe Royal Canadian Mint produces Canada's circulation and collector coins. Interested in starting your collection t...www.mint.ca -
14thFairmont Château Laurier
Fairmont Château Laurier is a château-style railway hotel built by the Grand Trunk Railway.On April 15, 1912, 10 days before the hotel's opening ceremony, Charles Melville Hays, president of the Grand Trunk Railway, died in the Titanic disaster.
Across Rideau Street, the hotel faces the federal government building, formerly Ottawa Union Station.Information on the building and accommodations as a railway hotel is available in the tourist guide below.
Fairmont Château LaurierSéjournez à l’hôtel Fairmont Château Laurier, l’un des sites historiques les plus connus d’Ottawa, qui surplombe la...ottawatourism.ca -
15thSupreme Court of Canada
This building houses Canada’s highest judicial institution, and visitors can view its imposing exterior and main courtroom. In the capital, Ottawa, it is a place to discover Canada’s judicial system and public architecture.
Information on tours of the building and main courtroom is available on the official website below.
Supreme Court of Canada | Cour suprême du Canadawww.scc-csc.gc.ca -
16thBytown Museum
This museum occupies a stone warehouse preserved beside the locks of the Rideau Canal and introduces the history of Bytown, Ottawa's predecessor. Its materials trace the canal's construction and the town's development.
Exhibits on the history of Bytown and the construction of the Rideau Canal, along with visitor information, are available on the official website below.
Bytown MuseumYour community museum in the heart of Ottawa.bytownmuseum.ca -
17thNational Arts Centre
Canada’s national performing arts institution presents music, theatre, dance, and more. In addition to attending performances, visitors can see the building along the Rideau Canal and its public interior spaces.
Information about music, theatre, and dance performances is available on the official website below.
National Arts Centre | Canada is our stagenac-cna.ca -
18.Canada Science and Technology Museum
This museum broadly covers the history of science and technology in Canada, including railways, communications, space, and industrial technology. Through large-scale real artifacts and interactive exhibits, visitors can learn how technology has transformed everyday life.
Exhibits on the history of science and technology in Canada and visitor information are available on the official website below.
HomeVisit the Canada Science and Technology Museum and experience Canada’s story of science and technology innovation. ...ingenium.ca -
19thCanada Agriculture and Food Museum
This museum introduces Canadian agriculture and food on a working farm where animals are raised. Through displays of livestock and farm machinery, you can learn about the connections from production to the table.
Visit the official website below for information on agriculture- and food-related exhibitions and facilities.
HomeIngenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation in Ottawa creates stand-out exhibitions, accessible, family-f...ingenium.ca -
20th placeAlexandra Bridge
It connects downtown Ottawa with Gatineau’s museum district on foot, allowing you to enjoy the capital’s scenery stretching along both banks of the river as part of the journey itself.The article below introduces views of the capital from Alexandra Bridge and highlights for exploring both riverbanks on foot.
Alexandra Bridge: attractions, opening hours, prices and accessLearn about the history of Alexandra Bridge, its cantilever structure, views along the Ottawa River, opening hours, admission, and access, based on official information as of October 2026 and on-site research.michikusatravel.com
See rankings from 21st place onward (1 item)
-
21stOttawa City Hall
Ottawa City Hall was designed by Japanese Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama. He also designed the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa and the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo.Information about Ottawa City Hall's facilities is available on the official website below.
https://ottawa.ca/en/city-hallottawa.ca
Food in Ottawa
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
Ottawa Specialties
- BeaverTails: a flat, stretched fried pastry shaped like a beaver's tail; the first shop opened at Ottawa's ByWard Market.
- Shawarma: shawarma, a Middle Eastern dish, is a popular quick meal in Ottawa.
- Poutine: an iconic Canadian dish of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
Ottawa Tourism highlights these Canadian foods and shawarma restaurants in the city.
Notable establishments in Ottawa
BeaverTails ByWard Market
This shop at ByWard Market serves BeaverTails, a flat, stretched fried pastry shaped like a beaver's tail. The first BeaverTails shop opened in this market district.
Information about the store is available on the official website below.
Shawarma Palace ByWard Market
A Lebanese shawarma restaurant in Sandy Hill, within walking distance east of ByWard Market. Dine-in and takeout are available.
Information about the store is available on the official website below.
Getting Around Ottawa
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
Rail
Ottawa Station is served by VIA Rail trains. Its address is 200 Tremblay Road, Ottawa, ON, K1G 3H5, Canada. Access to the platform is restricted starting 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Information on the location of Ottawa Station and train travel is available on VIA Rail’s official website.
O-Train and City Buses
To visit Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market, and other sights, combine OC Transpo's O-Train with regular bus services. Check OC Transpo's official information for the O-Train route map, stations, and bus connections.
Airport access
O-Train Line 4 connects South Keys Station with Airport Station at Ottawa International Airport. Check OC Transpo’s official information for the latest updates, including operating hours and replacement buses.
Suggested Ottawa Itinerary
Open the same route in Google Maps
Loading the map.
- ①Centennial Flame → ②Plaza BridgeCalculating the route in Google Maps
Start your journey at the Centennial Flame at the entrance to Parliament Hill. The nearest station is Parliament Station on the O-Train light rail. After visiting Parliament Hill, walk east for about 4 minutes to reach Plaza Bridge over the Rideau Canal. Take a stroll along the Rideau Canal.
- ②Plaza Bridge → ③National Gallery of CanadaCalculating the route in Google Maps
Cross Plaza Bridge and walk north for about 12 minutes to reach the National Gallery of Canada.Notre-Dame Cathedral 、Royal Canadian Mint are among the nearby attractions.
- ③National Gallery of Canada → ④Canadian Museum of HistoryCalculating the route in Google Maps
It is about a 24-minute walk from the National Gallery of Canada to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau. On the way, cross theAlexandra Bridge over the Ottawa River.
Ottawa Discoveries
Ottawaで偶然目にした光景や、ふと気になった風景などをご紹介します。
This is an office building in downtown Ottawa called “234 Laurier.”
This is a government building known as Centennial Towers.
This is a huge complex in the Hull district of central Gatineau. It is called “Place du Portage.”
The driver waved to us, as if in sync with the strawberry character.
A traffic light with 5 lights.
Manhole covers
The toilet bowl pattern represents the sewer system.
The fish design represents storm sewers. The storm sewers lead to the Rideau Canal, the Ottawa River, and other waterways.
The grates over storm drains are also decorated with fish patterns.
Emergency vehicles
This is an Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. It is the police version of the Ford Crown Victoria.
Railway Vehicles
This is a VIA Rail F40PH. The GM-EMD diesel-electric locomotive was stopped at Ottawa Station.