Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Ottawa

We've collected top 10 mentioned free attractions in Ottawa from other articles such as Ottawa Road Trips, Travel2Next, Travel Melodies.

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Ottawa

Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill
4.7 (29245 ratings)
Grand, neo-Gothic complex hosting Canada's legislature, with artworks, lush grounds & tours.
Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9, Canada
Historical placeSights & LandmarksGovernment Buildings
Mentioned by Canada Travel Specialists Blog
10 cultural attractions in Ottawa
"Perched on top of a hill, overlooking a moat, and decorated with turrets – there’s a chance that Canada boasts one of the world’s prettiest Parliament buildings. So scenic, Parliament Hill is not just where decision-makers meet to create legislation, it’s also a cultural and community hub. Every morning during the summer months, you’ll witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony."
Mentioned by Treksplorer
Best Things to Do in Ottawa: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in 2021
"Even if you have only one day in Ottawa, carve out some time to visit Parliament Hill. Home to some of the most fascinating heritage architecture in Canada, Parliament Hill is striking in its appearance. Set on the banks of the Ottawa River, the buildings are splashed with gaping archways and patina-splashed copper turrets."
Mentioned by TripSavvy
Don't Miss These Attractions in Canada's National Capital of Ottawa
"Parliament Hill is an impressive group of buildings that house Canada's government. Free tours are offered throughout the year and the Hill is also the setting for national celebrations, like Canada Day - a holiday when Ottawa really comes to life."
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
4.7 (2365 ratings)4.5 (1191 ratings)
Dating to the 19th century, this church features a colourful interior & skyline-dominating spires.
385 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 1J9, Canada
CathedralSights & LandmarksCatholic churchChurchWedding chapelSacred & Religious Sites
Mentioned by traveltriangle.com
11 Churches In Ottawa To Delve Into The Rich History Of Canada In 2021
"Titled as a National Historic Site of Canada, this church is among the largest and oldest standing church in the nation’s capital. This epitome of Canadian religious art is a perfect place to drop in for moments of quiet prayer and meditation. From spellbinding painted walls and carved features, to finely done stained glass windows, dazzling indigo ceiling with shining stars, to hundreds of religious figurines, this church is truly magical in every way."
Mentioned by GPSmyCity
City Walk: Historical Buildings Walking Tour, Ottawa, Canada
"Set in the place where the first Catholic chapel once stood, Notre-Dame Basilica is the oldest church in Ottawa that has survived for many centuries. In 1978, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Ottawa was officially marked as a historic building by the City Council. In 1832, a small wooden church, known as St. Jacques Church, was erected on the site."
Mentioned by C&C, Cedric Lizotte
INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN OTTAWA: 15 PHOTOGRAPHY DESTINATIONS
"It’s definitely irresistible to have this Neoclassical/Gothic Revival church in your gallery. While it may look modest from the outside, once inside you will be treated to a cavalcade of elegant décor. View this post on Instagram"
Rideau Hall
Rideau Hall
4.5 (311 ratings)4.5 (567 ratings)
This historic 1830s structure with landscaped grounds is the official home of the Governor General.
1 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1, Canada
Government officeSights & LandmarksGovernment BuildingsHistoric SitesGardensPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by Travel Melodies
Best Things to do in Ottawa with Kids
"Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor-general of Canada is open to the public and can be explored by taking free guided tours. You must explore the phenomenal and royal heritage gardens. The guided tours take you through the opulent Staterooms, tastefully done ballroom – the Tent Room and even know more about the Governor-General."
Mentioned by TripHobo
Cultural Attractions in Ottawa
"Built in 1838, the Rideau Hall is the official residence of the Canadian Monarch and the Governor General of Canada. Take a tour where the Governor welcomes dignitaries from all over the world. The royal furnishings and art work, the grand architecture and the gorgeously maintained grounds- all make the tour rather special."
Mentioned by C&C, Cedric Lizotte
INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN OTTAWA: 15 PHOTOGRAPHY DESTINATIONS
"An Ottawa landmark that features Regency, Norman Revival and Florentine Renaissance Revival architecture, Rideau Hall is out to impress. Along with the marvellous art and noteworthy cabinetry that fills the interior plus the gorgeous grounds; Rideau Hall is unquestionably Instagram-worthy. View this post on Instagram"
Major's Hill Park
Major's Hill Park
4.7 (1296 ratings)4.5 (306 ratings)
Leafy city park offers striking river views, walking paths, seasonal events & gardens.
Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 1G8, Canada
ParkNature & Parks
Mentioned by VacationIdea
25 Best Things to Do in Ottawa, Canada
"On the banks of the Rideau Canal at the mouth of the Ottawa River sits Major’s Hill Park. A downtown based urban green space, Major’s Hill Park is situated among several of the most notable buildings in Ottawa, including Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, the U.S. Embassy, and the Byward Market."
Mentioned by To Do Canada
25 Must Visit Nature Attractions and Nature Hotspots in and Around Ottawa
"Major’s Hill Park is a big name in Ottawa, known as the park by the Parliament Buildings. This calm green space is close to the ByWard market and many museums and galleries and offers some fantastic lookout spots where you can see the Ottawa River and the Ottawa Locks.Address: 25 Range Rd, OttawaWebsite"
Mentioned by GTA Photography Classes
Top 10 Shooting Locations in Ottawa
"Seek out opportunities to frame the building using the nature around the park. Keep your eyes open for sculptures and art installations as well!"
Royal Canadian Mint
Royal Canadian Mint
4.5 (1471 ratings)4.5 (1073 ratings)
Castle-like 1908 Mint headquarters with guided tours & world's biggest coin & gold bars on display.
320 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G8, Canada
MuseumSights & LandmarksCoin dealerGovernment BuildingsPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Springhurst Park
Springhurst Park
Ottawa, ON, Canada
Park
Mentioned by Ottawa is not boring
14 great waterfront parks in Ottawa to enjoy the city
"This one is located in Old Ottawa East on the shores of the Rideau river. What is special about this park is the Rideau River Nature Trail that connects Springhurst with Brantwood Park. The sights of the Rideau river from there are wonderful."
Millennium Water Park
Millennium Water Park
4.7 (195 ratings)
358-500 Millennium Blvd, Orléans, ON K4A 4X3, Canada
Water parkPark
Fitzroy Provincial Park
Fitzroy Provincial Park
4.5 (884 ratings)
Wooded park with campgrounds, boating, swimming beaches & hiking trails, plus centennial trees.
5201 Canon Smith Dr, Fitzroy Harbour, ON K0A 1X0, Canada
Park
Nepean Point
Nepean Point
4.6 (124 ratings)4.5 (106 ratings)
Riverfront park on a cliff, popular for its views of Parliament Hill, plus sunset vistas.
National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Scenic spotSights & LandmarksLookouts
Mentioned by Ottawa Tourism
Where to Capture Iconic Photos of Ottawa
"Located in downtown Ottawa behind the beautiful National Gallery of Canada, Nepean Point is where you’ll want to go for spectacular panoramic photos of the Parliament Buildings, the Ottawa River and the Canadian Museum of History at any time of the day or night. This is a great vantage point from which you can see all that Ottawa has to offer."
Mentioned by Ottawa 3 days itinerary
Getaway to Ottawa this Fall: An Itinerary
"If you’d rather stay in the downtown core, you could take a walk through lovely Major’s Hill Park to Nepean Point, which is located just behind the National Gallery of Canada. Enjoy dramatic, 360-degree views of Ottawa and the Ottawa River."
Lansdowne Park
Lansdowne Park
4 (215 ratings)
Marché Way, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W7, Canada
ParkNature & Parks
Mentioned by Ottawa Life Magazine
BEST OF OTTAWA 2021: Beaches and parks
"And great place for families and people of all ages, Lansdowne Park is located on the Queen Elizabeth Parkway side of the multi-use event and retail space called Lansdowne. Here you will find an accessible kids play space, a skate park, a water fountain, basketball courts, and lots of green space for a game of ultimate or for spreading a blanket and having a picnic. If you visit on a weekend, pop into the Aberdeen Pavilion and stock up on local produce at the year-round farmer's market.Photo: City of Ottawa"
Mentioned by Hunter Chiropractic Wellness Centre
List Of The Best Parks and Museums You Can Find In Orleans Ontario
"The Lansdowne Park hosts many shops and restaurants, a movie theatre and a stadium. There's so much activity to engage in guaranteeing that you will enjoy your visit to the park. The park is spacious and well manicured, and you can go biking on the canals or take a nature walk."
Mentioned by Ottawa 3 days itinerary
Getaway to Ottawa this Fall: An Itinerary
"Head to Lansdowne where you’ll find CRAFT Beer Market among many other great restaurants and businesses. CRAFT Beer Market offers tasty food as well as 100 craft beers on tap. Ask to try some of Ottawa’s quality craft beer options."

Best & Cool Bars in Ottawa

The Great Canadian Cabin
The Great Canadian Cabin
2.9 (14 ratings)
Over-19 country bar offering a sizable dance floor, DJs & 2 patios, with ping pong & billiards.
95 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5T2, Canada
PubBar
Kinki Lounge Kitchen
Kinki Lounge Kitchen
3.6 (575 ratings)
Dimly lit exposed-brick venue for an Asian menu with sushi, plus DJs, cocktails & bottle service.
41 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada
LoungeBarJapanese restaurantLive music venueRestaurantSoul food restaurantSushi restaurant
Sidedoor
Sidedoor
4.4 (757 ratings)
Intimate modern stop for internationally inspired entrees, tapas & tacos, plus wine & patio seating.
18b York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5T5, Canada
RestaurantBar

Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Ottawa

Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
3.7 (130 ratings)
Canadian chain selling signature premium-blend coffee, plus light fare like pastries & panini.
450 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2K 1X7, Canada
Cafe
Grounded Kitchen, Coffee & Bar
Grounded Kitchen, Coffee & Bar
4.5 (350 ratings)
Unique, weekday-only spot for breakfast & lunch cafe food, plus bistro fare & a full bar at dinner.
100 Gloucester St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0A4, Canada
RestaurantCafeCoffee store
Equator Coffee NAC/CNA
Equator Coffee NAC/CNA
4.7 (228 ratings)
1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1, Canada
CafeCoffee shop

Best Museums in Ottawa

Canadian Museum of History
Canadian Museum of History
4.6 (8596 ratings)4.5 (2027 ratings)
Museum chronicling Canadian culture & history, with an IMAX theater & separate children's museum.
100 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M8, Canada
History museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Canadian War Museum
Canadian War Museum
4.7 (6098 ratings)4.5 (4260 ratings)
Set in a modern building, this museum is dedicated to documenting Canadian military history.
1 Vimy Pl, Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8, Canada
War museumMuseumsHistory MuseumsMilitary Museums
Mentioned by Anglo Pacific World Movers
What to do in Ottawa: 9 Best Museums in Ottawa, Canada
"Perhaps the most famous museum in Ottawa Canada, the Canadian War Museum* is known for being Canada’s national museum of military history museum, and one of the most respected museums in the world when it comes to understanding armed conflict. Galleries and exhibitions in the Canada War Museum showcase the military history of the country in personal, national, and international dimensions. This museum is a great place to visit in Ottawa to get a feel for very personal, inspiring, and touching stories."
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Canada Science and Technology Museum
4.5 (5665 ratings)4 (394 ratings)
Striking, modern museum with exhibits & programs devoted to Canadian science & technology.
1867 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1G 5A3, Canada
Science museumMuseumsBoutiqueTechnology museumSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by TripSavvy
The 11 Best Museums in Ottawa
"The Canada Science and Technology Museum examines technology and science from a distinctly Canadian lens—from medical developments to wearable technology. The museum also plays home to a children’s innovation zone with various kid-friendly activities as well as practical resources for parents (like a bottle-warming station and diaper-changing area)."
Mentioned by Lonely Planet
Ottawa with kids: top attractions for tykes in Canada's capital city
"The recently refurbished Canada Science and Technology Museum is a favourite for children to visit. It’s a popular spot during the summer months due to all the school groups, and the train ride outside is a particular favourite. The Crazy Kitchen is another favourite, and is one of the original experiences from when the museum first opened in 1967."

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Ottawa

4.5 (180 reviews)
SOHO Residences Champagne
Hotel
$180 /night
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Beautiful 1 BDR Apt #G Hull/Ott by Amazing Property Rentals
Hotel
$120 /night
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4.9 (100 reviews)
Auberge Tom B&B
Hotel
$271 /night
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