Ottawa Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Ottawa tours and things to do in Canada’s capital: stand before the Gothic Parliament Hill, cruise the UNESCO Rideau Canal, explore world-class national museums, sample the flavours of the ByWard Market and escape to the trails of Gatineau Park. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Ottawa by interest
Whatever brings you to Ottawa — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Parliament Hill
Nation’s seat.
ExploreCity sightseeing
Capital highlights.
ExploreRideau Canal
UNESCO waterway.
ExploreMuseums
World-class collections.
ExploreFood & market
ByWard flavours.
ExploreGatineau Park
Forest & lakes.
ExploreWalking tours
On foot.
ExploreOttawa highlights
Parliament & canal.
ExploreTop attractions in Ottawa
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Parliament Hill
Nation’s seat.
City Sightseeing
Capital highlights.
Rideau Canal
UNESCO waterway.
Museums
World-class.
ByWard Market
Food & flavours.
Gatineau Park
Forest & lakes.
Walking Tours
On foot.
Ottawa
Canada’s capital.
City awayParliament Hill
Nation’s seat.
City awayCity Sightseeing
Capital highlights.
City awayRideau Canal
UNESCO waterway.
City awayMuseums
World-class.
City awayByWard Market
Food & flavours.
30 min awayGatineau Park
Forest & lakes.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Ottawa visitor asks before booking.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Warm and lively — peak season.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Crisp days and glorious fall colours.
Spring (Apr–May)
Mild, with the famous tulip festival.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Cold and snowy — skate the canal.
For the canal cruise
May to October, when boats run.
Best overall
Summer and autumn for warm, colourful days.
One day
Parliament and a canal cruise.
Two days
Add the museums and the market.
Three+ days
Add Gatineau Park and day trips.
For history
Parliament Hill and the museums.
For the canal
A Rideau Canal cruise or skate.
For nature
A day in Gatineau Park.
On foot
The centre and market are easily walked.
By O-Train
A light-rail line crosses the city.
Tours
City and amphibus tours cover the sights.
By boat
Cruises run along the Rideau Canal.
Where to stay
Stay near Parliament or the ByWard Market.
Canadian dollar
Canada uses the dollar; cards widely taken.
Parliament
Book ahead for free guided tours.
Canal cruise
Choose a sunset cruise for the views.
Museums
Allow a half day for the big museums.
ByWard Market
Try a BeaverTail pastry.
Winter skating
Skate the canal in the cold months.
Combos
Some tours pair the city with a cruise.
Parliament tours
Free tours fill up — book ahead.
Canal cruises
Cruises fill up in summer — reserve early.
Food tours
Small market tours fill up — book ahead.
Gatineau trips
Park tours fill up — reserve early.
Walking tours
Popular walks fill up — book ahead.
Festivals
Tulip festival and Canada Day are busiest.
Parliament tour
Around €30–50 for a Parliament area tour.
City tour
About €33–60 for a city sightseeing tour.
Canal cruise
Roughly €33–50 for a Rideau Canal cruise.
Food tour
Around €23–50 for a ByWard Market tour.
Gatineau trip
About €75+ for a Gatineau Park tour.
How to save
Join group tours to save over private ones.
Ottawa through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Tulips.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Mild.
- Best for
- Cruises & sun.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Fall colours.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great.
- Best for
- Canal skating.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cold.