Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and 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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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, 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."

"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."

"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"

"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."

"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"

"Seek out opportunities to frame the building using the nature around the park. Keep your eyes open for sculptures and art installations as well!"

"The Watson's Mill is the only working museum in Ottawa and is a historic flour mill that still sells stone-ground, whole wheat flour. The place is also believed to be haunted by locals and open to general Public during summer- the highlight being the summer events held here every year. On other days, the history of the place invites visitors to see the old machinery and to have a meal at the Ma...Read more"

"Watson's Mill is one of the best-preserved examples of 19th century mill architecture and the only operating industrial heritage site within the City of Ottawa. It is designated as part of historic Dickinson Square, at the heart of the Village of Manotick. Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A2 tel.: 613-692-MILL (6455) www.watsonsmill.com"

"The historic flour mill located in the village of Manotick is a picturesque building — great for photos in the fall and summer months. Watson’s Mill offers building tours where you can even purchase the flour they produce.Photo: Sofia Donato"

"Ottawa’s Laurier House National Historic Site was home to two Canadian prime ministers: Sir Wilfrid Laurier (Canada’s first French Canadian prime minister) and William Lyon Mackenzie King (Canada’s longest-serving prime minister) who served for 22 years. Take a “behind-the-scenes white-glove-tour” where visitors don gloves and inspect artifacts that aren’t on display, such as antique crystal wine glasses with exquisite gold leaf decorations. Laurier House National Historic Site is at 335 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa."

"This National Historic Site is located in the Sandy Hill district of Ottawa. Once the private home of two past Canadian Prime Ministers, the home is now a museum, open to the public for guided tours and interpretive learning. The home is filled with period décor and authentic artifacts pertaining to the two leaders and their families."

"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."

"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."

"A not so secret but beloved by locals lookout point to get the most stunning views of Parliament and the Ottawa river. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Soulayma A (@soul.ayma) on Oct 19, 2018 at 5:28pm PDT"

"Why You Need To Go: While best known for their fall and Halloween activities, you can also head to this Orchard in the summer to pick strawberries."

"Dows Lake Pavilion has a beautiful location, jutting out into and overlooking the lake. This facility has a number of different restaurants, including an outdoor patio that is very popular in summer. The pavilion also looks out over the docks where it's possible to rent paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, or bikes."

"Giuliano Boselli and his mother Teresa opened this restaurant in 1970 to showcase the tastes of Parma, Northern Italy, in the Canadian capital. The friendly, warm and welcoming Italian way of living comes to life through the homey atmosphere at Mamma Teresa’s. Enjoy al fresco dining on the relaxing outdoor patio during the summer months."

"Generous servings, top-notch service, delicious food and wine. I have too many favorites here but the gnocchi in blue cheese sauce and..."

"Image Source Easily one of the best Ottawa nightclubs, the City At Night is a modern and sophisticated place where you can party till the late hours. The sleek and hip vibe of this place offers you with a great deal of enjoyment. Even though the club is not very spacious, the small corners offer a much more intimate atmosphere and experience to everyone around."

"City At Night is a modern night club in Ottawa where you can party till all night. This club isn’t very spacious however it presents a very intimate atmosphere for everyone who visits the club. The funky lights in the club set the mood right for a fun-filled party night."