Top Attractions
RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest
One of the continent's most important music festivals hits the Capital in July, and has attracted acts from Van Morrison to the Black Eyed Peas.
Bytown Museum
For the complete story on the history and construction of the Rideau Canal, head to Bytown Museum, nestled by the Canal locks downtown.
ByWard Market
An historic farmers' market and shopping district by day, a favourite gathering place of restaurants and clubs by night.
Calypso Waterpark
State-of-the-art water rides, a huge wave pool, a river run, slides galore, a white water experience and Zoo Lagoon.
Canada Day
July 1st is Canada day, the country's biggest annual birthday bash on Parliament Hill and around downtown.
Canada Aviation and Space
Housing one of North America's finest collections of aircraft, The Canadian Aviation and Space Museum is a sight to behold.
Canadian Museum of Civilization
The incomparable CMC celebrates Canadian and world cultures, housing the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles in its beautiful Grand Hall.
Canadian Museum of Nature
Looking for Dinosaurs? Built inside a stunning stone castle, the Museum of Nature houses a mind-blowing collection of natural wonders.
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Massive locomotives, a kitchen that defies the laws of physics, and a look at the tech that shapes our world. A truly interactive experience for all ages.
Canadian Tulip Festival
Ottawa celebrates the return of warm weather as millions of tulips bloom in beds across the city. A photographer's dream.
Canadian War Museum
The Canadian War Museum pays tribute to the country's military past, and takes a moving look at the people and the equipment that fueled it.
Casino du Lac-Leamy
The Casino du Lac-Leamy welcomes visitors to exciting gaming, entertainment and dining.
Changing the Guard
This summertime ceremony takes place on Parliament Hill and is a sheer spectacle of pomp and pageantry.
Christmas Lights Across Canada
Early December through early January, landmark sites across Ottawa are aglow with thousands of Christmas lights.
Diefenbunker
This unique fallout shelter is Canada's Cold War Museum, and presents a look at a chilly time in international relations. Head underground.
Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park is 361 square kilometres of natural wilderness crisscrossed with cycling and nature trails, forest, lakes and lookouts.
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute is the only Canadian campus of this world renowned culinary training school – and includes a Bistro where anyone can sample the delights of exceptional French cuisine.
National Arts Centre
The National Arts Centre presents a full lineup of music, dance and theatre, plus popular touring acts and shows.
National Gallery of Canada
The stunning National Gallery of Canada presents the country's national art collection and outstanding international exhibitions throughout the year.
Ottawa Chamberfest
Some of the most intimate performances of the year in some of the City's most breathtaking churches and halls.
TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival
Starting at the end of June, some of the world's greatest jazz acts hit the capital for a mellow and grooving start to the summer.
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend
In May, Ottawa plays host to a massive gathering of runners from around the world for the Ottawa Marathon, in a truly spectacular celebration of sportsmanship.
Ottawa Senators NHL Hockey
The biggest players in the sport join us at Scotiabank Place for action-packed hockey with the Sens.
Parliament Hill
No visit to Ottawa is complete without a visit to the Hill, the seat of Canada's national government and the setting for year-round celebration and ceremony.
Rideau Hall
The stately home and gardens of the Governor General, the Queen's representative in Canada.
Rideau Canal
Ontario's first UNESCO World Heritage Site winds its way through the city, starting from the beautiful and historic locks at the Ottawa River.
Rideau Canal Skateway
An historic waterway spring through fall, the Ottawa portion of the Rideau Canal freezes over in winter to become the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink.
Royal Canadian Mint
Fancy holding a solid gold bar in your hands in front of a $1M stack of bullion? The Royal Canadian Mint is your ticket to the big money.
Sound and Light Show
The dramatic Sound and Light Show is a sight to behold, a dramatic and eye-popping experience telling Canada's history through the ages.
Winterlude
It all kicks off with Winterlude, North America's greatest winter festival, the first three weekends of February.
