Capital Sites and Canadian Heritage

As the country's Capital, Ottawa offers visitors a wealth of quintessentially Canadian experiences--impressive national sites greet visitors around every corner:

Parliament of Canada

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.

Supreme Court of Canada

The highest judicial court in the country, and the setting for some of the country's most landmark cases welcomes visitors to tour its hallowed halls and chambers.

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.

Changing the Guard

This summertime ceremony takes place on Parliament Hill and is a sheer spectacle of pomp and pageantry.

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.

Canada Day Celebrations

Ottawa throws the biggest July 1st party in the country. You haven't done Canada Day until you've done it in Ottawa.

Aboriginal Experiences

Begin where it all began, with Canada's first people, in a dramatic and moving showcase on Victoria Island, located in the middle of the Ottawa River.