Discover the best things to do in Ottawa with our interactive spin wheel. From Rideau Canal skating to the National Gallery — spin and plan your Canadian capital visit.
Ottawa is Canada's capital and, per square foot, one of the most museum-rich cities in the world. The National Capital Region holds over 30 national museums and galleries, many of them free, including the National Gallery, the Canadian Museum of History, the Museum of Nature, the War Museum, and the Aviation and Space Museum. This concentration of national cultural institutions in a compact, walkable downtown makes Ottawa uniquely rewarding for visitors who want to understand Canada — its history, its art, its science, and its national character.
The city sits on the Ottawa River at the Ontario-Quebec border, with the historic Rideau Canal — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — running through the heart of downtown to the Rideau Lakes. In winter, this 7.8km stretch of canal freezes and is maintained by the National Capital Commission as the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink. In summer, it's a paddling and cycling route flanked by parkland. Parliament Hill, occupying a dramatic limestone bluff above the river, is surrounded by the stunning Gothic Revival buildings that house Canada's federal government, open to the public through free guided tours.
Not sure where to start? Let the wheel decide! Spin below to get a random activity suggestion from our curated list of the best things to do in Ottawa.
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*Can't decide? Just spin again! You can also explore this wheel on SpinQuest to save your quest and track your adventures.*
Skate the Rideau Canal — From mid-January through late February (conditions permitting), the Rideau Canal becomes a 7.8km skating rink — the largest in the world. Skate rentals, BeaverTails (a traditional Ottawa pastry), and hot chocolate stands dot the banks. Skating at night, under the lights, with the Parliament Buildings visible in the distance, is one of Canada's great winter experiences.
Visit Parliament Hill — Free guided tours of the House of Commons and Senate chambers are available year-round (reserve in advance at the Parliament website). The Peace Tower observation deck offers views over the Ottawa River and the Gatineau Hills. The Changing of the Guard ceremony on the front lawn runs daily in summer.
Explore the National Gallery of Canada — Designed by Moshe Safdie in 1988, the National Gallery's glass and granite building on Sussex Drive is itself a work of architecture. Inside: the world's most comprehensive collection of Canadian art, including a definitive Group of Seven gallery, plus major European works from the medieval period onward. The iconic giant spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois stands outside.
Eat at ByWard Market — Operating since 1826, ByWard Market is the oldest and most active farmers' market in Canada. The indoor/outdoor complex covers several blocks with stalls selling Ontario produce, Quebec cheese, artisan crafts, and prepared foods. BeaverTails — fried dough pastries dusted with cinnamon sugar — were invented here. The surrounding neighbourhood is Ottawa's restaurant and nightlife hub.
Tulip Festival in May — Every spring, more than a million tulips bloom across Ottawa in a display that has been running since 1953, when the Netherlands gifted bulbs to Canada in gratitude for sheltering the Dutch royal family during WWII and for liberating the Netherlands. Major Park, Commissioner's Park, and Dow's Lake are the primary display areas — free and spectacular.
Winter (January–February) for the Canal skating rink and Winterlude (the world-famous snow and ice festival). Spring (May) for the Tulip Festival. Summer (June–August) for Parliament tours, outdoor festivals, and the NCC's free cycling events. Fall (September–October) for the Gatineau Park foliage — stunning.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is 30 minutes from downtown, served by all major Canadian carriers plus several US routes. Via Rail trains connect Montreal (2 hours), Toronto (4.5 hours), and Kingston. The city is compact enough to explore largely on foot or by bus; OC Transpo and the O-Train light rail serve most attractions.
Ottawa's museums alone could fill a week, and the city's seasonal activities mean every visit is different. Use SpinQuest to track which museums you've visited, which festivals you've experienced, and plan return trips around seasonal highlights. Create your free account and discover that Ottawa rewards far more visits than most visitors expect.
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