Ottawa

Eco-friendly travel guide to Ottawa advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Ottawa Skyline

Air quality: 4.25 / 5

Exploring by foot: 5 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 4 / 5

Public transportation: 4 / 5

Parks: 4 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4 2 / 5

Locals' English level: 4.15 / 5

Safety: 3.75/ 5

Accommodation: US$30 - $1,200

Budget per day: US$100 - $1,500

Responsible Travel

Ottawa is an undeniably cool place to be; it's somewhat chilly, nightlife-ready, family-friendly, lively, and petit. When you come to Ottawa, you'll see that this city doesn't fall short and it shouldn't be ignored, even though it could be an unlikely choice for many when one compares it to other larger cities in the country such as Montreal and Toronto. Situated southeast Ontario close to the Québec border, Ottawa is Canada's capital, and it's a city that fancy organizing and celebrating several festivals all through the year.

With fantastic snack joints, funky boutiques, state-of-the-art museums, and jaw-dropping architecture overflowing in the downtown area with all easy to explore on foot, Ottawa caters to the out-of-towner, and it appeals to many as a political and cultural hub. Ottawa is renowned for hosting the beautiful Gothic-style structures overlooking the Ottawa river; Parliament Hill, and it's a place where business and fun meet - being the capital city of Canada. Its city center is tucked with an incredulous amount of natural splendor and the city itself boasts internationally renowned museums, amidst its world-famous parliament and government buildings.

Ottawa is loved by many for its burgeoning food and festival scene and the influx of culture and it has grown to be a hotspot for young professionals, creatives, and startups; after having experienced a transformation from being a sleepy town for diplomats and civil service members.

Transportation. Transportation is not fussy in Ottawa and you should be able to get around after you've understood the city's transport means. The light rail system which consists of two lines; the O-Train, and the bus system in the city are operated by OC Transpo. Payment is by exact change or the Presto card. Children 5 and under can ride for free. On Wednesdays and Sundays (except Para Transpo), seniors can ride the OC Transpo system for free. However, take note that the cash fare for regular routes is $1.85 for children, $2.70 for seniors (65+), and $3.60 for adults and youths between the age of 13 to 64. You can use exact cash or Presto card to buy a pass from the bus driver. Two adults and four children who are not up to 11 years can share a day pass on weekends and holidays. And, this day pass is good for buses and the O-Train and, it costs just $10.50. Still, walking is an ideal approach to get around, especially the midtown territory which is pretty easy to explore given its signage and density.
Make researches. As you plan to go around and check out some of the finest attractions and places in the city, do well to make researches ahead. You'll be doing yourself a great good by listing the most well-known and vital places in Ottawa through making appropriate research and as well making an agenda of the considerable number of spots to visit before making a beeline for Ottawa. This is the right way to go in this city because researching well is one of the prime Ottawa travel tips and it could help you do more, get more things done, and Saturday organized as a responsible traveler. Driving around without GPS is similar to going around the city without legitimate information so, don't forget to do the needful as recommended.
Language. Most of the locals in this city communicate in English, even though the nation’s two authority dialects are French and English. Due to this, you shouldn't experience any difficulty while exploring most parts of the city. However, if you'll be going to the French-talking region of Quebec and taking your adventure over the Ottawa River to Gatineau, it's quite important that you fasten yourself up with some handful French expressions like merci (thank you), s'il-vous-plaît (please), and bonjour (hi) to show courtesy and greet people around you.
Put safety factor(s) into cognizance. Under no circumstances or conditions should you leave your bags or any other personal items unwatched. When you're in public places, make sure you keep an eye on personal things because this city has a high rate of pickpocket and this is one of the most challenging problems it's still struggling with. More so, no matter how tempting some offers may seem, it's best that you refuse them.
- Being conscious of safety doesn't mean you can't enjoy the city's nightlife. Ottawa has a stunning nightlife that's worthy to be experienced and even though it's advisable that you are cautious and conscious, this shouldn't throw away your opportunity to have a great time. You can enjoy exploring the remote areas of the city either at daytime or nighttime, there's a buzzing and vivacious atmosphere at the commonly central areas of the city, and when it's late at night or during the day, you'll find Ottawa's central streets to be safe and free for promenades.
Dress warm. If you're planning to move around the city, make sure you dress warmly. You can even bring a coat to feel safer. Canada is much colder compared to the United States of America and this is something you need to prepare for. In fact, the chances are high that you'll run into cold weather even if you visit the city during the summer months. So, if you don't want to shiver too much but enjoy your trip, dress warm, and a coat should suffice.
Attend local and festivals. Attending local events and festivals is a great way to show respect and express admiration for the city's local scene. From the world’s largest skating rink; the Rideau Canal Skateway to Ottawa Bluesfest; Canada's largest and North America's second-largest blues festival, Ottawa does host a wide variety of festivals and activities. One of the most notable festivals celebrated in the city is the July 1st Canada Day. During this occasion, there are many festivities which include busker performances and live music all across the city with thousands of travelers with fireworks.

Air Quality and Pollution

Ottawa is green and it's regarded to be one of the cities in Canada with the cleanest air. Ottawa suffers less smog compared to Toronto but the city's air quality tends to vary sometimes and it can be rated very poor, poor, moderate, good, or very good. Take for example, in the year 2012, the city experienced 29 days of moderate air quality while the other days were rated to be very good or good. Speaking of the climatic condition in Ottawa, the city features a very cold winter and a warm, humid summer; a semi-continental climate. However, winter in this city tends to be very severe, and if you know you can't withstand the cold, you might want to avoid visiting this city during this period, and re-schedule your trip. Temperature in this city is rarely below -13°F or above 88°F and it varies from 6°F to 80°F over the course of the year. Winters are mostly cloudy, snowy, and freezing while summers are long, warm, and partly cloudy.

Respect the Culture

You'll be presented with plentiful opportunities to experience the culture of this city whether you're embarking on an indigenous walking tour, watching the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony at Parliament Hill, or sipping your afternoon tea. The culture in Ottawa is largely influenced by its mother country; England, and this is the same for other cities in Canada. You can even commence your tour of the city at the Canadian Museum of History if you desire to have a more insightful grasp of how the present-day identity of the city was shaped by the country's earliest settlers. People from different parts of the world should feel calm and relaxed being in a city like this that's home to immigrants from many countries which include Ukraine, Germany, China, Italy, Portugal, and others.

Foreign guests have a cordial and amicable relationship to enjoy from the local folks here for Ottawa features unique customs, traditions, and culture as a modern city. Nevertheless, it's pertinent that, during your trip, you equip yourself with several rules of conduct and keep to them so as to be trouble-free and make your visit to the city even more pleasant. Ottawa has a couple of rules which you must adhere to and you'll get to know some of these rules once you step in so, do well to follow and respect them. Do not bargain at local markets and in shopping centers and don't show up late for appointments or meetings because Ottawa residents are rather accurate and punctual.

If you need help on something, feel free to ask anyone around but make sure you greet the person before addressing him/her or asking for help — etiquette is the ingredient of mutual understanding and successful communication, and it's the only condition you have to meet up with. Most of the locals in this city mainly speak English, even though English and French are Canada’s two official languages. So, if you'll be going to the restaurant to eat, speak English. But another thing you should know is that a proper tip is expected, even though these restaurants and bars will add a 13 percent tax on your total bill.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Ottawa has everything on offer to lure the traveler in you; from historic museums and ancient monuments to beautiful landscapes. It's entitled as UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a much-loved tourist destination, and it's regarded as the highest educated city in Canada. Ottawa used to be a popular trade route for transporting various natural resources and it makes for a popular tourist destination because of its many places to visit. Popularly known for its breathtaking Victorian architecture, the capital city of Ontario, Ottawa, has something for everyone to enjoy from beautiful natural landscapes to cultural pursuits. It boasts an array of sightseeing opportunities and attractions, and it's a great destination that shouldn't be overlooked because of its neighbors; Montreal and Toronto. Looking for the best places to visit in Ottawa? Here's our top 10 list!

Rideau Canal: It's one of the best places to visit in the city and it's also one of Ottawa's most popular attractions. You can boat and paddle through the water itself, bike, walk, or ride on the walkways that line the canal in warmer months. The canal serves as a year-round recreational attraction today and it used to serve the function of a military defense system as it dates back to 1832. From the Lake Ontario to the Ottawa River, it connects Ottawa to major nearby bodies of water and it twists through the downtown core of Ottawa as a long and historically significant waterway.
Parliament Hill and Buildings: Sitting on the edge of the Ottawa River in the core of central, downtown Ottawa, the expansive array of striking, neo-Gothic structures lure people from far and here. Playing host to the federal legislature of Canada, Ottawa’s Parliament Hill is a complex of buildings, and it's a delight for many. It features monuments, lush gardens, and visitors can enjoy going through the interior of the historical complex by obliging to one of the guided tours offered here. The buildings are open to the public, even though they function as the official government body. There are as well everyday performances of Changing of the Guard occurring here throughout the summer with a musical performance, demonstration of Canada’s authentic royal uniforms, and a marching routine - all at this elaborate and colorful event.
National Gallery of Canada: It's home to a series of permanent exhibits and rotating works and you'll as well find an overwhelming number of American and European works on site. From photographs and sculptures to modern and contemporary art, drawings, prints, and painting, it's famous for holding one of the most notable collections of Canadian art, and the gallery interior is a must-see for all art lovers. Named as one of the top 500 Canadian buildings by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in 2000, it's recognized for its contribution to Ottawa’s spectacular skyline, and its building also adds to its appeal for it's a massive construction of glass and granite. It's a prized collection located in downtown Ottawa and it's considered to be one of the premier art galleries in Canada.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum: There are films, demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and guided tours available on site here. It also contains a Space Shuttle Endeavor’s Canadarm. You'll find military crafts that flew during both World Wars and the Cold War and other primary attractions here are vintage bush planes from the 1920, the 30s, and 40s. From the present day to both World Wars and the beginning in the pioneer era, it demonstrates an extended period of Canadian aviation history with its collection and it's home to a vast array of military and civilian aircraft. It's situated at the Ottawa Rockcliffe Airport and it has a very expansive compound.
Canadian Museum of Nature: There are information and interactive opportunities and several displays and exhibits hosted at the galleries here. You can enjoy exploring live insects, aviary species, and marine life at one of its galleries and there are cougars, caribou, grizzly bears, moose, and many other significant well-known creatures in Canada displayed at the mammal gallery. You can view rocks and minerals that shape the planet at the Vale Earth Gallery which depicts geological forces, and in the Talisman Energy Fossil Gallery, you'll find demonstrations on dinosaurs, skeletons, and other permanent exhibits. On the calendar on its website, you'll get more information on its rotating exhibits and visiting. Through interpretive, educational tours, and interactive activities, it offers insight into a variety of topics and provides education for its guests. It's a museum of natural history based in Ottawa.
Major’s Hill Park: Throughout the year, it hosts numerous events, and it's famous for being home to Ottawa’s Canada Day celebrations. This park is a widely used space because of its picnic facilities, open grassland, carefully tended gardens, a series of historical interpretive panels, and paved walking paths. One of the special things about this park is that it's located amidst a number of the most notable buildings in the city which include the Byward Market, the U.S. Embassy, the National Gallery of Canada, and Parliament Hill. It's a downtown-based urban green space, it's at the mouth of the Ottawa River, and on the banks of the Rideau Canal.
Ottawa Art Gallery: There are community classes and educational programs hosted here. Both local and national artists are highlighted by the rotating and visiting exhibitions which are on display here. It features varying works which include modern pieces, sculptures, drawings, paintings, and it hosts a permanent collection of varying works. You can come here to view art and learn about the process the local artistic community took, the Gallery is open to the public. It has been functioning since 1988 and it was opened as a result of public attention and urging. The downtown-based Ottawa Art Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers in Ottawa.
Ottawa Farmers’ Market: There are seasonal produce updates and an ongoing calendar of events provided on the market's website. As a shopper, you can peruse the warm stalls. The Aberdeen Pavilion is another location in the Park the market moves to during the winter months. Featuring handmade goods, locally grown produce, and products, it's an outdoor, open-air market that begins in May and lasts throughout the warmer months. It's a year round staple in the Ottawa food-shopping scene and it's situated in Landsdowne Park.
Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo: On the Zoo’s online calendar, you'll find educational programs and rotating exhibits featuring additional animals advertised there. Scientific education, awareness, and animal advocacy are what its special programs are directed towards, and education programs are held on the grounds throughout the Zoo’s opening hours. From rattlesnakes and tarantulas to pythons, birds of prey, cobras, alligators, and lots more, there are more than 150 animals on display here. This zoo offers an in-depth look on the natural habitats and personal qualities of the creatures it houses with its exhibits. It's respected and recognized for having the nation's most diverse and sizable animal education outreach program as a zoo and animal rescue.
Peace Tower: If you'll be coming here, take note that tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and ticket numbers are limited. Tours of the Peace Tower are free of charge and this makes this place one of the best free places to visit in Ottawa. Offering unrivaled 360-degree views of the city at its observation deck, it also boasts an impressive sight from ground level. All thanks to its appearance on the national 20-dollar bill, it's one of the most widely recognizable symbols in Canada and its ornate stone carvings and a clock face on the structure also help in making it achieve this feat. The Peace Tower is a national landmark in its own right and it's at the center of the Canadian parliament buildings.

Rideau Canal and Château Laurier

Explore

This beautiful Canadian city of Ottawa gives visitors and locals an opportunity to grab some world-renowned urban and outdoor fun and it's a great place to learn and explore the history of Canada, just like every good capital city. Ottawa isn't any less compelling for visitors even though it's not as well-known as other cities in Canada. If you're enlivened by splendid historical architecture, this city has loads to excite you with. And, the museums in the city can give you answers to your questions about culture, arts, nature, science & technology, or Canadian military history.

The top tourist attractions in Ottawa are among the best in Canada. From strolling along the Rideau Canal and visiting the beautiful Parliament Hill to enjoying spectacular Ottawa River views and exploring some of the famous museums in the city such as the Ottawa Art Gallery, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the National Gallery, you can never be short of things to see or do in this beautiful city. Offering fun opportunities for both the young and old, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Royal Canadian Mint, Wild Bird Care Centre, and Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo are some of the best things to do in this city if you're with kids.

City Parks

Ottawa parks are a great place to be if you seek an outdoor space to enjoy recreational activities or an escape from the city's hustle and bustle:

Confederation Park: You can enjoy people watching here as there are benches surrounding the fountain and this makes the park a fine place for hanging out. The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument and the South African War Memorial are some of its many notable permanent features and it also features several seasonal activities. Every summer, it's one of the big hosts of the Ottawa International Jazz Festival and, much of Ottawa’s Canada Day celebrations take place here. It's also famous for the Winterlude ice sculptures. This park is one of the key venues for a variety of events and it's situated in the city’s downtown area.
Brewer Park: it boasts a well-loved community garden, a splash pad, and children’s play areas. It has a community-based outlook which did facilitate the improvement and addition of its facilities. Hockey games and skating are very common here and there's seasonal outdoor swimming occurring here at the impressive pool and arena area which is the centerpiece of the park. It's a popular area for students of nearby Carleton University and it's across on the north side of the Rideau River.
Andrew Haydon Park: Outdoor concerts can be enjoyed during the summer at the bandstand located in the park. The dog-friendly open spaces and lush biking trails give room for people to enjoy many recreational activities here. This park is a great hidden gem but it's often overlooked in favor of others. It's on the edge of the Ottawa River and it's another of the city’s riverside parks.
Major’s Hill Park: Throughout the year, it hosts numerous events, and it's famous for being home to Ottawa’s Canada Day celebrations. This park is a widely used space because of its picnic facilities, open grassland, carefully tended gardens, a series of historical interpretive panels, and paved walking paths. One of the special things about this park is that it's located amidst a number of the most notable buildings in the city which include the Byward Market, the U.S. Embassy, the National Gallery of Canada, and Parliament Hill. It's a downtown-based urban green space, it's at the mouth of the Ottawa River, and on the banks of the Rideau Canal.

The entrance to Confederation Par

National Parks

As of 2019, Canada boasts one National Urban Park, 10 National Park Reserves, and 38 National Parks. And, Ottawa is not too far from some of these parks.

Beaches

Beaches make for a cute date with bae or a family get together and they're as well perfect for a hangout day. Summer is a time to enjoy some snacks, read a book, play a game, and head to the beach. You can get to cool off in the water if you get too hot or perhaps, soak up the rays of sunshine. Beaches are sure ways to enjoy the summer weather and if you're craving some nice beach time in Ottawa, you can visit any of these ones in and around the city;

Constance Bay
Britannia Beach
Leamy Lake
Haliburton Lake South Bay Beach
Mooney's Bay
Parc du Lac-Beauchamp
Westboro Beach
Aylmer Marina
Petrie Island

Britannia Beach

Landmarks

Cropping up throughout the city is the massive supply of both historical and modern landmarks in Ottawa:

Rideau Hall: It's home to several portraits, many works of art, and it's the perfect place to host official functions. The area is surrounded by plenty of jogging and cycling routes and this makes it a great place to enjoy the urban outdoors. It features a couple of things that represent the history and political system in Canada and it's a unique place with lots of exciting places to explore. Almost 200,000 visitors tour this hall annually and, of course, there are guided tours available throughout the year for visitors. 27 buildings around the grounds and approximately 175 rooms make up the main building. It's the well-known official residence in the city's downtown area.
Laurier House: This place affords a free entry option for your convenience. Isn't that nice? It's home to small galleries highlighting the past news and stories of the future and recreations of its living spaces. Reading the contents of the multiple rooms on display here is very interesting and the building is well-maintained. There are distinct collections of impressive artifacts here and those who desire to understand key moments in Canada's past will be glad to be here because it's a fantastic place to get an idea of real Canadian history and there's a lot of information about the house given by the guides. It's situated in the downtown of Ottawa and it's a National Historic Site.
Parliament Hill and Buildings: Sitting on the edge of the Ottawa River in the core of central, downtown Ottawa, the expansive array of striking, neo-Gothic structures lure people from far and here. Playing host to the federal legislature of Canada, Ottawa’s Parliament Hill is a complex of buildings, and it's a delight for many. It features monuments, lush gardens, and visitors can enjoy going through the interior of the historical complex by obliging to one of the guided tours offered here. The buildings are open to the public, even though they function as the official government body. There are as well everyday performances of Changing of the Guard occurring here throughout the summer with a musical performance, demonstration of Canada’s authentic royal uniforms, and a marching routine.

Rideau Hall

Museums

Whether you desire to catch an introduction to the country’s diverse cultural history or see a family-friendly experience at a working farm, you'll find Ottawa‘s museums to be some of the best in the country. And, this isn't actually surprising, given that this is the country's capital.

Canadian Museum of History: It offers a unique perspective on history and provides its visitors an opportunity to watch selected films at its state-of-the-art IMAX theatre. The future of Canadian civilization, the present, the past, and an extensive 2000 years of history is what the exhibitions here cover. It focuses on the impressive cultural diversity in Canada and human history too. It's across the river from Ottawa's world-renowned Parliament Hill.
Canadian War Museum: It's popular for exposing the realities of war in a sympathetic yet pragmatic manner; sobering and often moving. It's an extensive chronology of the nation’s involvement in conflict.
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum: There are exhibits on farm science and technology that will interest many adults here and kids will take pleasure in petting the sheep and goats. This museum offers a true family-friendly experience and it's a place to get more knowledge and understanding about the history of food production in the country. It's housed around a full working farm.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum: It offers a true once in a lifetime experience as it offers flights in a vintage biplane; an opportunity for guests to get even closer to the action. You'll be awestruck by the excellent collection of military aircraft it boasts, especially if you happen to be a fanatic of early aviation and vintage planes. There are films, demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and guided tours available on site here. It also contains a Space Shuttle Endeavor’s Canadarm. You'll find military crafts that flew during both World Wars and the Cold War and other primary attractions here are vintage bush planes from the 1920, the 30s, and 40s. It's situated at the Ottawa Rockcliffe Airport and it has a very expansive compound.
Canadian Museum of Nature: It's renowned for its perfect combination of aspects of traditional and modern architectural features, and over the last few years, it has undergone extensive renovations. It's housed inside the Victoria Memorial Museum Building and the building itself is architecturally stunning. There are information and interactive opportunities and several displays and exhibits hosted at the galleries here. You can enjoy exploring live insects, aviary species, and marine life at one of its galleries and there are cougars, caribou, grizzly bears, moose, and many other significant well-known creatures in Canada displayed at the mammal gallery. On the calendar on its website, you'll get more information on its rotating exhibits and visiting. Through interpretive, educational tours, and interactive activities, it offers insight into a variety of topics and provides education for its guests. It's a museum of natural history based in Ottawa.

Canadian Museum of History

Eat

French food plays a starring role in the restaurant culture in the city and this is actually not surprising considering Ottawa's close proximity to Quebec which is a French-speaking province. From camera-wielding tourists to policy-making politicos, Ottawa caters to everyone, and it boasts a diverse and top-notch dining scene, pretty much like the U.S. capital. An international culinary school; the only Canadian campus of Le Cordon Bleu, calls this city home, and it's a fine place to sample French cuisine without breaking the bank. Nevertheless, there are several restaurants and cafeterias in the city from Japanese to American, and you'll find virtually all the cuisine you're used to in this city. Ottawa has a really cool eating culture.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Traditional local restaurants are plentiful in Ottawa, you can check out any of these:

Wild Wing Ottawa East
Wild Wing Kanata
Absinthe
Beckta Dining & Wine
Atelier
Pelican Seafood Market and Grill
Wild Wing Hog's Back

Vegetarian and Vegan

The vegetarian and vegan food scene is expanding rapidly in Ottawa!

Pure Kitchen - Elgin: There's vegan cheesecake for dessert and there are appetizers like buffalo cauliflower and dumplings. The menu offers poutine with vegan cheese or wraps, sandwiches, burgers, salads, acai bowls, fusion bowls, or curds. It has a juice bar and serves a large variety of meals. It was established in the year 2016 and it's part of a small group of vegetarian restaurants.
Feline Cafe: The cat lounge is open for reservations only and the grocery and gift shop are open to the public. Here, you can enjoy eating all-vegan food and drinks as you unwind with the company of feline friends that are up for adoption.
Little Jo Berry's: Friday night is pizza night. It has lunch sandwiches and savory lunch food and breakfast. It's been serving coffee drinks with almond milk options, soy, and coconut since it opened in March 2016 as a vegan bakery cafe.
Copper Branch: This outlet was established in the year 2018 and it has drinks, smoothies, waffles, and sweets available. Vegan poutine and nachos are some of the sides you'll find here amidst other plentiful sumptuous options like chili, bowls, sandwiches, burgers, and breakfast foods. It's famous for offering a massive menu of conveniently-served plant-based meals. It's a Canada-wide vegan restaurant franchise.

Street Food

The local food truck scene in Ottawa is underestimated and they've got a little bit of everything to spruce you up from seafood and pizzaz to falafel and burritos:

Rico Peru Food Truck
Angry Dragonz
Bonita's Cantina
Biagio's Pizza Trailer
Ad Mare Mobile Seafood
Ottawa Streat Gourmet
The Caribbean Cruiser
Trailer Pork Boys

Drink

Ottawa is popular for its beer scene and pubs and bars are scattered throughout the city.

Tap-water

The tap water in the city is safe to drink and it meets up with all Federal and Provincial standards.

Organic Cafés

The Green Door Restaurant & Bakery, Tulip, and Lone Star Texas Grill - St. Laurent are some of the best organic cafés and restaurants in the city.

Breweries

Ottawa is a town seemingly built on beer and to enjoy the very best, you can visit any of these breweries:

Bicycle Craft Brewery
Covered Bridge Brewing
Broadhead Brewing
Beyond the Pale
Tooth and Nail Brewing Company
Overflow Brewing Company
Dominion City Brewing
Orléans Brewing Co.

Activities

From fishing in the pristine waters of the Ottawa Valley and biking over rolling hills to hiking rugged woodlands, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Ottawa; whether you're a thrill seeker in search of your next adrenaline rush or you’re a city dweller looking for some fun. Ottawa is surrounded by incredible nature, full of green spaces, and it does have a strong connection to the outdoors.

Do yoga on Parliament Hill
Go pick some fresh strawberries at Shouldice Strawberry Farms
Take a jog up King Mountain Trail
Rent a canoe or kayak on Dow's Lake
Take a boat ride with Capital Cruises
Take a walk at Petrie Island or visit any one of Ottawa's Beaches
Whitewater raft or paddle down the Ottawa River at OWL Rafting
Head to Luskville Falls in the Gatineau Park
Discover Gatineau Park
Visit Éco-Odyssée and immerse yourself in nature
Take a nighttime walk at Alexandra Bridge
Explore the Mer Bleue Bog
Have a lovely picnic at Dominion Arboretum or any Ottawa Park
Bike, walk, or run down the Rideau Canal
Whitewater raft down the Ottawa River
Spot wildlife in Parc Omega and make some new furry friends
Take a summer stroll at Andrew Haydon Park
Visit Arbraska Laflèche and complete their many activities
Zipline at Camp Fortune's parks
Take a long bike ride or a lovely jog at Lac Leamy Park

Yoga and Retreats

You can trust any of these places for your yoga and retreats in Ottawa:

Ancient Wisdom Dr Yoga - Therapy and Retreats Ottawa
PranaShanti Yoga Centre
Body & Brain Healing Yoga & Tai Chi
Yoga with Martha
Pure Yoga Ottawa

Accommodation

Based on your convenience and budget, you can choose a suitable accommodation and everything is available in Ottawa from luxurious apartments to budgeted hotels.

Green Hotels

Here are some of the best green hotels in Ottawa:

Hilton Lac-Leamy
Brookstreet
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ottawa West Nepean
Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ottawa Kanata

Hostels and Guest Houses

Hostels and guest houses are great accommodation options to oblige to in Ottawa:

Ottawa Backpackers Inn
A Voyageur's Guest House
Henia's INN
Australis Guest House
Somerset guesthouse

Apartments

Ottawa has a wide range of neighborhoods and most of them are affordable. The booming Little Italy, New Edinburgh, and LeBreton Flats are your spots if you want a bit of green space and Downtown and Westboro are places to reckon with if you like the hustle and bustle of city life. More so, Airbnb options are available too.

Couchsurfing

In a city like Ottawa, you've got a great chance of finding a host for couchsurfing.

Camping

You can enjoy camping in Ottawa at any of these places;

Wesley Clover Parks Campground
Red Pine Camp
Maple Hill Park

How to Get There

Ottawa is about seven hours north of New York City, a four-hour drive east from Toronto, and a two-hour drive from downtown Montreal.

Air

Ottawa International Airport is a 20-minute drive from downtown Ottawa and it's the city's main airport.

Ottawa International Airport

Bus

Buses arrive at the Ottawa Central Station and the city is served from Toronto, Montreal, and several other cities in the country by Maheux, Ontario Northland, and Orléans Express.

Bus in Ottawa

Train

VIA Rail transports travelers to the Ottawa Train Station.

Hitchhiking

It's illegal to thumb a ride in Ontario.

Others

Ottawa is accessible by car and it's about 59 miles from the closest American border.

Moving Around

Although the city's public transit is quite reliable, Ottawa city center is very walkable, and easy to navigate. The best way to get around Ottawa is on foot.

Walk

You'll find the main nightlife venues, restaurant areas, and attractions in the city all within walking distance, and two feet will suffice for many of Ottawa's visitors.

Bicycle

Biking is an enjoyable activity in Ottawa and it's a great way to see Ottawa up close.

Electronic Vehicles

You should be able to pick up an electronic vehicle in Ottawa at a car rental company.

Public Bus

Throughout central Ottawa and into the suburbs, OC Transpo operates close to 200 bus routes. Depending on the route you take and whether or not it's an express, you can spend between $2 and $4 for a one-way ride.

Tram, Train and Subway

OC Transpo operates the city's O-Train, a light rail system, which consists of two lines.

Sustainable Shopping

Eco-friendly shops are plentiful in Ottawa and you should be able to shop sustainably at ease.

Food Markets

Some of the most popular food markets in the city are;

Ottawa Farmers’ Market
Byward Market
Parkdale Market
Westboro Farmers Market
Main Farmers’ Market

Flea Markets

CARP Hamfest and 613flea are some of the best flea markets in Ottawa.

Second Hand Stores

Second-hand stores are plentiful and easy to find in Ottawa;

Clothes Encounters Of A Second Time
Rikochet Resale
The Salvation Army Thrift Store
Value Village
The Clothes Secret

Eco-Fashion

You can trust any of these places for your ethical and eco-friendly fashion in Ottawa;

Mountain Equipment Co-op
Karma Wear
Arbour Environmental Shoppe
MEC

Recycling

Recyclables are picked up on alternating weeks and some of the recyclables that go in the city's blue bin include glass, metal, plastic, carton, and empty alcohol containers. However, take note that your blue bin should not weigh more than 15 kg when full.

Waste

Garbage is collected every two weeks in this city.

Work and Study Abroad

Ottawa takes pride in being Canada's most educated city and it's a very fine location for work and study abroad.

Exchange Student

The exchange student program is a common program run by almost all the universities in the city.

Au Pair

There are possibilities of finding opportunities as an au pair in Ottawa.

Volunteering

Looking for where to volunteer in Ottawa? Just go online and you'll see several opportunities you can get your hands on.