What to do in Ottawa

Activities, attractions and tours

Major\'s Hill Park featuring a church or cathedral and snow
Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa which includes snow, ice skating and a bridge
Rideau Canal featuring a river or creek, a city and a bridge

Ottawa Tourist Attractions & Activities

Next stop: Ottawa! You’re about to set a course in a different direction. Always up for inventive ways to get your kicks and expand your horizons, you’re prepared to investigate a new destination from top to bottom. Reserve your activities today, and the only thing left to do is pack your bags and prepare to have fun, because Expedia Australia makes it simple to book loads of things to do.

  • The things to do in Ottawa are not only topnotch, but they won’t cost an arm and a leg. We have 49 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just AU$12. Get your favourite adventures on Expedia Australia for a great price, and you'll still have money for a dream hotel or luxurious dinner while you’re in town.
  • Ottawa is a favourite among thrill seekers. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next holiday to the areato check out local hot spots and find the top activities. The top activities can grab the interest of even seasoned globetrotters, and that includes savvy visitors like you. Our activities includes an impressive range of historically based tours and excitement. With Private Limousine: Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) that makes getting to where you need to go a piece of cake, there are loads of opportunities to choose from when you consider all the options available here at Expedia Australia.

It takes an expert itinerary to make the most of a trip to Ottawa, particularly when you long to schedule in trips to museums and outdoor activities. And we know you don't plan to sleep all day—you're ready to get out and have an adventure. You're anxious to sign up for the best activities around, and a quiet day exploring local neighbourhoods is an adventure all its own. Our activities are the best way to organise your holiday. Book professionally guided tours on Expedia Australia, and you’ll never need a map.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Ottawa

Tours & day trips

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What to do in Ottawa


Discover the most popular places to visit in Ottawa

Explore areas of Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica featuring a city, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Downtown Ottawa

5/5(20 area reviews)

Discover art, delve into history and savor natural beauty in the heart of Canada’s national capital, a delightful blend of old and new.

Downtown Ottawa
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Kanata

Kanata is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Canadian Tire Centre and Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre while you're in town.

Kanata
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Nepean

Nepean is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Nepean Sportsplex and Bayshore Shopping Centre while in the area.

Nepean
Canada Aviation and Space Museum featuring interior views and aircraft

Gloucester

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Gloucester. Top attractions like Place D'Orleans Shopping Center and Rideau Canal are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Blair Station or Cyrville Station to see more of the city.

Gloucester
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Orleans

Orleans is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Place D'Orleans Shopping Center and Princess Louise Falls.

Orleans
Byward Market featuring street scenes, a city and markets

ByWard Market

A noteworthy feature of ByWard Market is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

ByWard Market

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Ottawa

Frequently asked questions

Is Ottawa worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Ottawa is visit Canadian Museum of History. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Ottawa?
Kick your day off with a visit to Canadian Museum of History and Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Then, explore other parts of Ottawa for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ottawa?
Canadian Museum of History is one of the top tourist attractions in Ottawa and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Ottawa?
Three days in Ottawa is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travellers book for two days on average. Canadian Museum of History, Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Canadian Museum of Nature are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Gatineau.
Is Ottawa a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Ottawa. Several attractions, like Canadian Museum of History and Canadian Museum of Nature, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Ottawa's neighbourhoods, Downtown Ottawa is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Byward Market - Parliament Hill is 0.97 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Ottawa with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all ages, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Ottawa with kids.

What to do in Ottawa for adults?
Funhaven Entertainment Centre and Parliament Hill are just two of the things to do in Ottawa. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Ottawa?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Ottawa is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Major's Hill Park is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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