Top 5 Must visit places in Ottawa, Canada

The Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill is home to Canada’s federal government, where representatives from across Canada gather to make laws that affect the lives of every Canadian. It is also much more. A place to meet, a place to celebrate, and a place to visit. Parliament Hill is the symbolic heart of our nation. These imposing Victorian buildings were built in 1859-1876.

These buildings are built above the Ottawa river with provides the best backdrop to the Changing of the Guard ceremony and a magnificent Sound and Light show on a daily basis, along with seasonal events and displays like the stunning fireworks show on Canada Day (July 1).

The amazing museums of Ottawa

Ottawa is home to 7 National museums and all of these are the best free things to do in Ottawa. The National Gallery of Ottawa is home to extensive collections of indigenous art. All of the 7 national museums of Ottawa to add in your bucket list –

National Gallery of Canada

Canadian Museum of History

Canada Science and Technology Museum

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Canadian Museum of Nature

Canadian War Museum

The Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is one of the oldest continuously operated canals in North America, with 24 hand-operated lock stations. The Rideau system was listed as a Canadian Heritage River in 2000. The canal became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007.

Connecting the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario and spanning about 125 miles, this historic master piece is worth a visit in Ottawa. Built in 1832 the waterway is still a hub of activity. One of the must watch places in Ottawa. The place looks magical during winter.

The great outdoors of Ottawa

Ottawa has approximately 110 miles of paths and parks which is perfect for hiking, jogging and running. Ottawa is that kinda city which helps you to stay fit and also spoil you with its various fun stuff. If you are in Ottawa during winter, there are many skiing and adventure sports across the city.

some of the significant hiking trails in and around Ottawa are- Rideau Trail in Kingston – Ottawa; Gatineau Park in King Mountain; Outaouais Trail in Gatineau Park; Luskville Falls in Gatineau Park; Manitou Mountain Trail in Calabogie Peaks; Pinhey Forest Trails; Stony Swamp Trails etc.

Lower Town: La Basse-Ville

This historical French-Canadian heart of Ottawa is the oldest neighborhood of the city and worthy of all your time. A melting pot of cultures and languages, the area a combination of old and new. Take a walk through the old streets and parks with a trip to Byward Market to the north, which is the shopping district of the Capital.

This part of the town is like a breath of fresh air in whole cosmopolitan air of the city. surround by high glass buildings, the old town La Basse-Ville is a pipsqueak of the old school kid.

How to reach Ottawa?

By Plane – The Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International Airport (YOW) handles international flights from all destinations, including North America and Europe. It is located only five and a half miles from downtown Ottawa.

By Bus – Ottawa Central Station is located downtown on Catherine Street which is a hub for intercity travel to Montreal, Toronto, and Sudbury in the north.

By Train – Ottawa Station is located centrally at 200 Tremblay Road, with cross-country train service through Canada available from Via Rail. Intercity trains connected to Toronto and Montreal are available every day.

By car– Ottawa is about a four-hour drive east from Toronto along highway 401 and TransCanada Highway, then provincial highway 118. Highway 417 approaches from Montreal. You can even drive to Ottawa from Vermont and New York state.