How to spend 3 days in Ottawa?

Canada’s capital, Ottawa, is an appealing city year-round. Sure, winter gets a bit chilly, but who cares when you’ve got world-class museums, authentic food, and the world’s largest ice rink?

Your itinerary will depend on the time of year you visit Ottawa. However, whatever the weather, there’s plenty to keep you busy in this picturesque and culture-rich capital.

Day 1

The seat of Canada's national government is located on historic Parliament Hill, which overlooks the Ottawa River. Every day throughout the summer, there is a free changing of the guard ceremony in the morning and an evening music and light extravaganza. The grounds include a lovely sculpture garden. It's only a few steps from Parliament Hill to the Rideau Canal, Ontario's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, which runs up through eight locks from the Ottawa River to snake its way through the city.

The canal freezes over in the winter, and you may skate on it! Rideau Hall, which houses the Governor General, is another stunning ancient structure with lovely gardens. You may discover the capital by road and canal on a hop-on, hop-off trip or opt for a brief overview with time for independent exploring.

Day 2

If you only visit one museum in Ottawa, make it the National Gallery of Canada. The museum's glass and pink granite building, designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, is a draw in and of itself. At the same time, you'll discover the country's most incredible collection of Canadian art. The other museums worth seeing are the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the Canadian War Museum, to mention a few. Allow time to visit Byward Market and try some of the city's unique and ethnically diversified food.

Day 3

The undulating hills of Gatineau Park are just a few minutes from Parliament Hill and across the Ottawa River in Gatineau. This natural wilderness is full of nature paths that loop around its woods, lakes, and lookouts and is famous for hiking, picnics, bicycling, and cross-country and downhill skiing in the winter. The park is free to enter and explore, and it is gorgeous in October when the leaves form a scene of warm, autumnal hues.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

All information entered on this form will be kept strictly confidential and subject to our privacy policy once received by us. Your transaction will be secured using SSL/TLS encryption.