The capital city of Canada has a lot to offer for every kind of traveller, here are some of the must-visit places while you are in Ottawa like Rideau Canal, War Memorial, Aviation and Space Museum, National Gallery of Canada and much more.

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Rideau Canal

The canal is a UNESCO world heritage site and is 200 kilometers long. The canal links Kingston with Ottawa. The canal is a mesmerising sight to visit especially during winters when all the canal water is frozen and it is turned into a skating rink which attracts thousands of tourists. The canal is the world's biggest skating trail for enthusiasts. 

The canal was constructed between 1826-1832 to connect trade and supply between cities of Canada. 

To explore the canal you can canoe over its waters or relax on a cruise as it traverses the waters of the canal. If you don't want to step in the water, you can also walk, cycle, and run along the banks of the canal. 

Museums

War Museum

Located in a picturesque spot on the shores of Ottawa. The museum is home to leftover artifacts and ruins from wars Canadians have partaken in. The museum is a 5-minute walk from downtown Ottawa. The weapons and vehicles used by Canada in the World War 1 are on display here. The museum is not just about artifacts but also has a lot of information to offer to history enthusiasts and presentations with which visitors can interact. 

LOCATION - 1 VIMY PLACE
TIMINGS – 9:30 AM – 5 PM 

Aviation and Space Museum 

Home to over 100 aircrafts both military and civilian, if you are a lover of skies and flying this museum is the place to visit. The museum allows you to explore the history of aviation and aircraft in Canada. 
LOCATION - 11 PROM, AVIATION PKWY
TIMINGS – Currently closed. 

War Memorial 

The memorial was built to honour the Canadian Military Forces veterans and martyrs of the first world war. The cenotaph in the memorial stands for the twin ideals of freedom and peace. 

LOCATION – WELLINGTON ST
TIMINGS – OPEN 24 HOURS

Museum of Nature

After you visit Parliament Hill you can head here as your next stop as it is located at just a short distance from there. 

The museum is the best place to discover Canada's natural surroundings. The museum is filled with fossils, gemstones, skeletons of mammals, and minerals. You will be mesmerised by the 3D presentations and films in Canada here. Prepare to be spell-bound by the life-sized specimens of birds and mammals native to Canada that you can find here. 

LOCATION - 240 MCLEOD ST
TIMINGS - 9 AM – 6 PM

Parliament Hill

The building holds the Canadian government, but it is also viewed as a hub of culture by the Canadian community. The masterpiece building was built between the years 1859 to 1927. The site is composed of three blocks, east, west, and center. The gothic style of architecture of the location is highly impressive. The Peace Tower which gives you a 360-degree view of the entire area is a must-visit spot. The Hill also has a massive Parliament Library which visitors can explore. 

If you are a Yoga enthusiast head over to Parliament hill on a Wednesday as you will find many Yoga fans like you with their mats geared to practice Yoga. There is a light and sound show that tourists can watch on the history of Parliament Hill. 

LOCATION – WELLINGTON ST
TIMINGS – 8:30 AM – 6 PM

Byward Market

The market has been around for almost two centuries and is Canada’s oldest and largest market open to the public.  Farmers and craftsmen gather at the market to sell the products of their labour. This market with time has now become a center of not just shopping but also entertainment and food. The market consists of over 200 stands with more than 500 businesses living around the area selling their produce. 

The market is quite close to Parliament Hill and is brimming with activity at all times of the day.

National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery does not just old centuries-old masterpieces but also is an iconic building and site in itself. It was designed by Moshe Safdie.  The art dates back to the 15th to 17th century in the gallery. The architecture of the building is made of pink granite and glass. Inside the building complex, there are two courtyards. The Rideau Street Convent Chapel is wooden and is over 100 years old. 

As you walk into the gallery, unless you have arachnophobia, you will be received by a huge spider at the entrance. 

LOCATION - 380 SUSSEX DR
TIMINGS – 10 AM – 5 PM 

Gatineau Park

This is the place to get away from the hustle and the bustle of the city. The massive 90,000-acre park has many amenities, activities for everyone. Activities take place throughout the year at the park and there is something for everyone there. You can do anything ranging from hiking, cycling, walking, swimming, along with winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing. 

There are many scenic lookouts in the park, the best of the lookouts is The Champlain Lookout and you get a stunning view from Gatineau Hills 

LOCATION – 33 SCOTT ROAD
TIMINGS – 9 AM – 5 PM 

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is the largest and oldest church in Ottawa. The church was built in the 19th century in Gothic architecture style with Canadian religious art. The Basilica is made up of stained glass and huge arches and terraced galleries. Inscriptions from the bible are inscribed on the walls of the Basilica. 

LOCATION – 385 SUSSEX DR
TIMINGS – 9 AM to 6 PM

Stay

Fairmont Château Laurier is the most luxurious stay in Ottawa

A castle turned into a luxury hotel. The building is constructed with stained glass, roman columns, and a copper roof. 

Budget stay – Hampton Inn, Knights Inn, and Henia’s Inn

Luxury stay – Homewood Suites, Towneplace Suites, Westin Ottawa, and Andaz Ottawa. 

Food

BeaverTails is a must in the city as well as Poutine which is a French-Canadian dish of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. 

Atari is a quirky and fun restaurant where not just the décor and ambience of the place enthralls you but even the menu is highly inventive and fun. 

If you are craving middle-eastern cuisine in Canada then without a doubt Fairouz is the restaurant you should head to. 

If you want a break from the summer heat then I recommend getting a popsicle from Playa Del Popsical where they make homemade popsicles with natural ingredients with fruit. 

Petrie Island has two beaches in Ottawa where you can relax and rest. The Canadian Tulip Festival is famous throughout the world. 

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If you want to experience the great scenic beauty of Canada at its absolute best, there is simply no way to do it better than through Canada’s excellent long-distance train network. Learn about Canada’s Extraordinary Train Trips - What Can You Expect On The Way

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