Originally called Bytown after Lieutenant Colonel John By who engineered the Rideau Canal, Ottawa was renamed in 1855 after the Algonquin word “adawe”, meaning “to trade”, due to theOttawa River’s history as a transportation and trade route for First Nations.
Don’t be fooled by its government town reputation. Whether you’re into sightseeing, eating your heart out, or spending time in nature, there’s something for everyone in Canada’s capital. If you’re not in town for one of the dozens of festivals every year, like theCanadian Tulip Festival,Ottawa Bluesfest, orWinterlude, check out these must-see spots to make the most of your time in Ottawa.
上午8:30早餐面包和儿子和议会Hill
Put on your comfiest walking shoes and pack a water bottle for your adventure! Start your day atBread and Sons Bakeryto grab a legendary breakfast sandwich, made with poached eggs and Harvarti cheese on a freshly baked croissant. Get some more baked goodies before heading out to Gatineau Park for a morning hike.
Take a slight detour to make the obligatory stop atParliament Hillto see the iconic Peace Tower andCentennial Flamemonument commemorating Canada’s 100th anniversary of Confederation. The continuous water in the Centennial Flame’s fountain keeps it from freezing, even in Ottawa’s coldest months. As of 2021, it uses carbon-neutral biogas instead of natural gas.
10:00 am Short hike in Gatineau Park
If you’re visiting on a weekend, hop on one of the National Capital Commission’s (NCC’s) freeGatineau Parkshuttles from Pindigen Park atLebreton Flatsduring the summer and Fall Rhapsody, when the park is particularly picturesque with the fall colours. Gatineau Park, located across the Ottawa River in Québec, is the National Capital Region’s conservation park, the largest green space in the region, and the second most visited park in Canada.
Hop off the shuttle to visitPink Lake, one of the most popular sites in the park, to enjoy its three-season trail and accessible lookout. Despite its name, it’s actually turquoise due to its meromictic properties (the bottom and top layers of water never mix) and is named after the Pink family who settled on the land in 1826. This is the perfect place to stop for a snack and hydrate!
11:00 am Canadian Museum of History
Before heading back to Ottawa, take the shuttle to make a quick stop at theCanadian Museum of History, Canada’s most-visited museum. The Canadian History Hall is the largest and most comprehensive exhibition about Canadian history ever created, and the Grand Hall has the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles. Visit the permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Canadian Children’s Museum inside, or just enjoy the spectacular views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.
12:00 pm Sightseeing on the way to lunch
If the weather is nice, walk across theRoyal Alexandra Interprovincial Bridge(the Alexandra Bridge) to take in the sights and snap some photos at the scenic lookout.
For more photo opportunities, don’t miss theMaman, a bronze, stainless steel, and marble sculpture by artist Louise Bourgeois, located outside of theNational Gallery of Canada. The giant egg-carrying spider sculpture is among the world’s largest, measuring over 30 feet high and over 33 feet wide. Inspired by the artist’s own mother this sculpture is a nurturing and protective symbol of fertility, shelter, and home.
Across the street, you’ll findNotre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, built in the 19th-century, making it the oldest church still standing in Ottawa, and a designated National Historic Site of Canada.
1:00 pm Burgers and brews at The Laff
After a long morning of hiking and touring, kick back atChâteau Lafayette, also known as The Laff, a family-owned and locally-loved dive bar. It originally opened in 1849 as Grant’s Hotel. Today, it’s the oldest tavern and one of the oldest institutions in Ottawa, predating Confederation.
Order a farm-to-table cheeseburger using beef from Fusion Livestock, owned by the cousins of the owners of the Laff. Pair your meal with an imperial pint of their 1849 Ale, brewed exclusively for The Laff by localBig Rig Brewery, co-owned by formerOttawa Senators’ defenceman Chris Phillips and named after his on-ice nickname. Big Rig also gives their spent grain to feed the cattle at Fusion Livestock.
2:30 pm ByWard Market and the Rideau Canal
Now that you’re refueled, tour around the historicByWard Market, featuring local farmers’ markets and artisans, and over 600 independent businesses. The Byward Market was established by Lieutenant Colonel John By in 1826, making it one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets. It’s Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction, averaging 50,000 visitors per weekend in the summer months. Take a photo at the big, illuminated Ottawa sign and order a BeaverTail for dessert at the first everBeaverTailsstand.
What’s a trip to Ottawa without seeing the Rideau Canal? Whether walking, cycling, driving, or traveling by boat, it’s beautiful all year round. The canal is 202 kilometres long and links the Ottawa River at Ottawa with the Saint Lawrence River at Kingston. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a historic lock system operated by Parks Canada and is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. During the winter, it becomesRideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest skating rink.
Be sure to make time to head back to your accommodations to take a nap or freshen up.
7:00 pm Fancy fare at Riviera
On the pedestrian-onlySparks Street, you’ll findRiviera, an upscale fine-dining restaurant in a heritage bank building with a contemporary design, including a 70-foot-long brass bar. Featuring creative Canadian cuisine with European influences, dishes include beef tartare, mushroom toast, lobster spaghetti, and gnudi. Make reservations as soon as you can so you don’t miss out on one of the top places to eat in Ottawa.
9:00 pm After dinner drinks at Stolen Goods
Steps away from Riviera isStolen Goods Cocktail Bar, arguably the most unique cocktail bar in the city. With only 20 seats, reservations are a must. Your taste buds are sure to be tantalized by their sweet and savoury cocktails, crafted with garden-grown fruits and veggies and limited-time ingredients like apple crunch tea-infused local Vodkow Vodka byDairy Distillery, cricket tincture, red bean foam, and beef tallow. They also have pop-up menus with special themes like Canadian-Chinese takeaway. They have a limited food menu and the kitchen is open until 2:00 am if you’re feeling snackish.
10:30 pm Late-night eats from Shawarma Palace
Don’t call it a night without having a shawarma, an Ottawa staple and the most popular fast food in town. You won’t need to go far to find a shawarma shop and many are open late. Discover why Ottawa is named the shawarma capital of Canada atShawarma Palace’s original location on Rideau Street, open 365 days a year. Go big by getting a platter or stick with a tried-and-true sandwich wrap with a side of potatoes and toum (Lebanese garlic sauce).
Head back to your accommodations, give a good brushing (from all that garlic!), and get a good night’s rest knowing you had some of the best experiences Ottawa-Gatineau has to offer.
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