Ottawa Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Ottawa
Perched on the banks of the Ottawa River, the Canadian capital has story that began long before Parliament’s iconic Gothic towers pierced the skyline. For thousands of years, this land was home to the Algonquin Anishinaabe people, whose traditional territory stretched along the river’s length. The word “Ottawa” itself comes from adawe, meaning “to trade,” a nod to the waterway’s ancient role as a lifeline for commerce and cultural exchange. Canoes once glided past these shores carrying furs, food, and stories – long before European boots ever touched them.
By the early 1800s, the British saw the river not only as a trade artery but as a strategic link in protecting their new colony. After the War of 1812, concerns about potential American incursions prompted the construction of the Rideau Canal – today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but originally designed as a military supply route. In 1826, a small settlement called Bytown (named after Colonel John By, who oversaw the construction of the canal) began to grow around the project. Its lumber industry boomed, sending timber downriver around the world, and the once-quiet port transformed into a bustling frontier town – complete with the lively (and sometimes rowdy) ByWard Market.
In 1857, Queen Victoria settled a heated rivalry between Toronto, Montreal, Kingston, and Quebec City by picking Bytown (soon renamed Ottawa) as the capital of the Province of Canada. Her choice seemed unexpected at the time: it was smaller, relatively remote, and perched near the border of Ontario and Quebec. But those very qualities – central location, bilingual culture and distance from hostile shores, made it ideal for a young country determined to unify and protect itself.
The decades that followed saw Ottawa evolve into the beating heart of Canadian politics. Parliament Hill became its symbolic center, and was rebuilt in grand Gothic Revival style after a devastating fire in 1916. Yet the city never lost its connection to the outdoors – green spaces, waterways, and cycling paths weave through its neighborhoods, while winter transforms the Rideau Canal into the world’s largest skating rink. Ottawa is also known for its thriving tech sector (earning the nickname “Silicon Valley North”) and its vibrant festival scene, from the floral explosion of the Canadian Tulip Festival to the frosty spectacle of Winterlude.
Famous figures like Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Nobel Peace Prize-winner Lester B. Pearson, and even hockey legend Daniel Alfredsson have all left their mark here. But Ottawa’s charm lies just as much in its markets, museums, and the hum of life along its riverside promenades.
This self-guided walking tour invites you to follow those threads of history, culture, and charm – through grand boulevards, historic landmarks, and tucked-away corners where the capital’s true spirit quietly shines.
By the early 1800s, the British saw the river not only as a trade artery but as a strategic link in protecting their new colony. After the War of 1812, concerns about potential American incursions prompted the construction of the Rideau Canal – today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but originally designed as a military supply route. In 1826, a small settlement called Bytown (named after Colonel John By, who oversaw the construction of the canal) began to grow around the project. Its lumber industry boomed, sending timber downriver around the world, and the once-quiet port transformed into a bustling frontier town – complete with the lively (and sometimes rowdy) ByWard Market.
In 1857, Queen Victoria settled a heated rivalry between Toronto, Montreal, Kingston, and Quebec City by picking Bytown (soon renamed Ottawa) as the capital of the Province of Canada. Her choice seemed unexpected at the time: it was smaller, relatively remote, and perched near the border of Ontario and Quebec. But those very qualities – central location, bilingual culture and distance from hostile shores, made it ideal for a young country determined to unify and protect itself.
The decades that followed saw Ottawa evolve into the beating heart of Canadian politics. Parliament Hill became its symbolic center, and was rebuilt in grand Gothic Revival style after a devastating fire in 1916. Yet the city never lost its connection to the outdoors – green spaces, waterways, and cycling paths weave through its neighborhoods, while winter transforms the Rideau Canal into the world’s largest skating rink. Ottawa is also known for its thriving tech sector (earning the nickname “Silicon Valley North”) and its vibrant festival scene, from the floral explosion of the Canadian Tulip Festival to the frosty spectacle of Winterlude.
Famous figures like Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Nobel Peace Prize-winner Lester B. Pearson, and even hockey legend Daniel Alfredsson have all left their mark here. But Ottawa’s charm lies just as much in its markets, museums, and the hum of life along its riverside promenades.
This self-guided walking tour invites you to follow those threads of history, culture, and charm – through grand boulevards, historic landmarks, and tucked-away corners where the capital’s true spirit quietly shines.
How it works: Download the app "911±¬ÁĎÍř: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911±¬ÁĎÍř App
Ottawa Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Ottawa Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Canada » Ottawa (See other walking tours in Ottawa)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 10
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Canada » Ottawa (See other walking tours in Ottawa)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 10
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Parliament Hill and Buildings
- Office of the Prime Minister Building
- Sparks Street
- National War Memorial
- Rideau Canal National Historic Site
- Fairmont Château Laurier
- Major's Hill Park
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
- National Gallery of Canada
- ByWard Market
1) Parliament Hill and Buildings (must see)
If Ottawa had a crown, Parliament Hill would be the jewel right at its center – perched high above the Ottawa River, framed by manicured lawns, and crowned with spires straight out of a Gothic Revival fairy tale. This is the political heart of Canada, where history, architecture, and democracy all meet under one very photogenic roofline.
The Parliament Buildings are made up of three main sections: the East Block, West Block, and Centre Block. The star attraction, Centre Block, is home to the House of Commons, the Senate Chamber, Confederation Hall, and the Hall of Honor. Inside, you’ll find soaring cathedral ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and stained-glass windows that tell Canada’s story in color and light. And then there’s the Peace Tower – Ottawa’s most recognizable landmark, offering panoramic views that are well worth the elevator ride.
But Parliament Hill isn’t just about politics – it’s also an open-air gallery. Wander the grounds and you’ll meet a cast of bronze characters: prime ministers like Sir John A. Macdonald and Wilfrid Laurier, monarchs from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II, and even a chivalrous Sir Galahad. Don’t miss the Centennial Flame, the War of 1812 Monument, and the solemn Canadian Police Memorial.
Tip: Guided tours are free but in high demand – book in advance on the Parliament of Canada website. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself lingering longer than planned. Ottawa politics may be polite, but the view from here is downright captivating.
The Parliament Buildings are made up of three main sections: the East Block, West Block, and Centre Block. The star attraction, Centre Block, is home to the House of Commons, the Senate Chamber, Confederation Hall, and the Hall of Honor. Inside, you’ll find soaring cathedral ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and stained-glass windows that tell Canada’s story in color and light. And then there’s the Peace Tower – Ottawa’s most recognizable landmark, offering panoramic views that are well worth the elevator ride.
But Parliament Hill isn’t just about politics – it’s also an open-air gallery. Wander the grounds and you’ll meet a cast of bronze characters: prime ministers like Sir John A. Macdonald and Wilfrid Laurier, monarchs from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II, and even a chivalrous Sir Galahad. Don’t miss the Centennial Flame, the War of 1812 Monument, and the solemn Canadian Police Memorial.
Tip: Guided tours are free but in high demand – book in advance on the Parliament of Canada website. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself lingering longer than planned. Ottawa politics may be polite, but the view from here is downright captivating.
2) Office of the Prime Minister Building
Right across from Parliament Hill stands a sandstone landmark that quietly commands attention – the office that runs the country, though you’ll only glimpse it from the street. Formerly known as the Langevin Block, this handsome Second Empire-style building has been the nerve center of Canadian power since 1889. Designed by Chief Dominion Architect Thomas Fuller (also responsible for the original Parliament Buildings), it was the first federal structure built beyond the Hill’s precincts.
The sandstone came from New Brunswick, quarried from the Green and Fish site – chosen after a long back-and-forth between Fuller and the builder, and in part responsible for the building’s distinctive warm hue and elegant carvings.
These days, it houses the Prime Minister’s Office and the Privy Council Office where key decisions are quietly shaped. You can’t go inside, but that golden-hued façade, bridging history and modern governance, makes it a striking stop on any Ottawa walk.
The sandstone came from New Brunswick, quarried from the Green and Fish site – chosen after a long back-and-forth between Fuller and the builder, and in part responsible for the building’s distinctive warm hue and elegant carvings.
These days, it houses the Prime Minister’s Office and the Privy Council Office where key decisions are quietly shaped. You can’t go inside, but that golden-hued façade, bridging history and modern governance, makes it a striking stop on any Ottawa walk.
3) Sparks Street
Imagine a street born from a farmer’s handy shortcut through the woods – now a shady pedestrian artery pulsing at the heart of Ottawa. Sparks Street, named after Nicholas Sparks, one of the city’s first visionaries, started life as his own rustic lane. These days, it stretches from Elgin to Bronson with the busiest, pedestrian-only stretch from Elgin to Kent, lining up heritage storefronts, cafés, and (if you time it right) paparazzi-worthy Poutinefest or Buskerfest scenes.
Did you know? What started as a summer trial in 1960 became Canada’s first permanent pedestrian mall in 1967, still proud of its open-air promise.
Modern Sparks rocks a mix of old-world charm and curated chaos – public art installations, outdoor patios, and taverns springing to life under tall heritage façades.
Sparks isn’t perfect. Some say it’s a little too quiet post-work, and yes, there are empty storefronts and big institutional landlords. But don’t count it out; new revitalization plans are adding green spaces, weekend pop-ups, and events to keep things fresh all year long.
On a sunny afternoon, take your pick: grab a coffee, watch street performers skitter by, or simply window-shop with a fountain or sculpture keeping you company. Sparks Street may have its ups and downs, but it’s also a charming (if occasionally quirky) slice of Ottawa that, when it’s buzzing, feels like the city’s living room.
Did you know? What started as a summer trial in 1960 became Canada’s first permanent pedestrian mall in 1967, still proud of its open-air promise.
Modern Sparks rocks a mix of old-world charm and curated chaos – public art installations, outdoor patios, and taverns springing to life under tall heritage façades.
Sparks isn’t perfect. Some say it’s a little too quiet post-work, and yes, there are empty storefronts and big institutional landlords. But don’t count it out; new revitalization plans are adding green spaces, weekend pop-ups, and events to keep things fresh all year long.
On a sunny afternoon, take your pick: grab a coffee, watch street performers skitter by, or simply window-shop with a fountain or sculpture keeping you company. Sparks Street may have its ups and downs, but it’s also a charming (if occasionally quirky) slice of Ottawa that, when it’s buzzing, feels like the city’s living room.
4) National War Memorial
Nestled in the heart of Confederation Square, right across from Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial (aka "The Response") is much more than a granite arch with bronze soldiers. Designed by Vernon March and unveiled by King George VI in 1939, this striking monument honors Canadians who fell in WWI, with dedications expanded later to WWII, the Korean War, the Boer War, Afghanistan, and all conflicts past and future.
Carved from granite and topped with 22 larger-than-life bronze figures, the memorial depicts Canadian servicemen marching toward a future shaped by peace, while above them winged figures symbolize Peace and Freedom. In 2000, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added, housing the remains of an unidentified First World War soldier from near Vimy Ridge. Soil from every province, territory – and the soldier’s original site in France, was placed in the sarcophagus as a unifying symbol of remembrance.
Tip: Visit on November 11 for a particularly moving Remembrance Day ceremony where Canadians place poppies at the tomb, turning personal grief into a collective vow to honor their sacrifice. This monument is an emotional waypoint on the walking tour where stone, bronze, and ceremony echo Canada’s enduring gratitude.
Carved from granite and topped with 22 larger-than-life bronze figures, the memorial depicts Canadian servicemen marching toward a future shaped by peace, while above them winged figures symbolize Peace and Freedom. In 2000, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added, housing the remains of an unidentified First World War soldier from near Vimy Ridge. Soil from every province, territory – and the soldier’s original site in France, was placed in the sarcophagus as a unifying symbol of remembrance.
Tip: Visit on November 11 for a particularly moving Remembrance Day ceremony where Canadians place poppies at the tomb, turning personal grief into a collective vow to honor their sacrifice. This monument is an emotional waypoint on the walking tour where stone, bronze, and ceremony echo Canada’s enduring gratitude.
5) Rideau Canal National Historic Site (must see)
Picture this: a shimmering ribbon of water winding through the heart of the city, alive with summer paddleboards, cruise boats, and, come winter, buzzing with skaters gliding across its glassy surface. This is the Rideau Canal – a true clever multitasker: a UNESCO-listed engineering wonder, an atmospheric stage for each season, and the world’s largest skating rink by length.
Built between 1826 and 1832 as a strategic military supply route – just in case tensions flared with the United States, the canal was engineered to connect Ottawa to Kingston without relying on the vulnerable St. Lawrence River. Today, you can barely tell it was ever about defense. Instead, it whispers of leisurely cruises, historical tours, and serene afternoons spent watching locks rise and fall with surprisingly precise rhythm.
In summer, families stroll its stone-lined towpath, cyclists weave through leafy corridors, and boats drift beneath neat arched bridges. Head indoors to the lock-station visitor centers, which offer hands-on displays about 19th-century construction, interactive maps, and (bonus) refreshments with a view.
Then winter rolls in, and the canal pulls off its greatest trick: the center transforms into the Rideau Skateway, stretching close to 8 km between Downtown and Dows Lake. Lace up your skates, join the local buzz, maybe sip hot chocolate from a fire-pit stand, and feel like you’ve entered a snow-white postcard.
Why visit? Because it’s not just a canal, it’s a city-shaping waterway that doubles as a 24/7 stage for history, leisure, and community life.
Tip: Check the official Rideau Canal Skateway status before heading out – conditions change daily, and you’ll want the ice (or water) experience at its finest.
Built between 1826 and 1832 as a strategic military supply route – just in case tensions flared with the United States, the canal was engineered to connect Ottawa to Kingston without relying on the vulnerable St. Lawrence River. Today, you can barely tell it was ever about defense. Instead, it whispers of leisurely cruises, historical tours, and serene afternoons spent watching locks rise and fall with surprisingly precise rhythm.
In summer, families stroll its stone-lined towpath, cyclists weave through leafy corridors, and boats drift beneath neat arched bridges. Head indoors to the lock-station visitor centers, which offer hands-on displays about 19th-century construction, interactive maps, and (bonus) refreshments with a view.
Then winter rolls in, and the canal pulls off its greatest trick: the center transforms into the Rideau Skateway, stretching close to 8 km between Downtown and Dows Lake. Lace up your skates, join the local buzz, maybe sip hot chocolate from a fire-pit stand, and feel like you’ve entered a snow-white postcard.
Why visit? Because it’s not just a canal, it’s a city-shaping waterway that doubles as a 24/7 stage for history, leisure, and community life.
Tip: Check the official Rideau Canal Skateway status before heading out – conditions change daily, and you’ll want the ice (or water) experience at its finest.
6) Fairmont Château Laurier
Nestled on Rideau Street opposite Parliament Hill, the Fairmont Château Laurier towers like a fairy-tale castle in the heart of Ottawa. Commissioned by railroad magnate Charles Melville Hays in 1908, the hotel opened in 1912 but in a twist worthy of a novel, Hays perished aboard the Titanic en route to the grand opening. Fun fact: did you know the dining-room furniture he ordered for the hotel was packed on that same ill-fated ship—and went down with it?
Designed by Montreal’s Ross and MacFarlane, the Château Laurier flaunts the Châteauesque style – conical turrets, copper roofs, floral gables, and Indiana limestone facades inspired by France’s Loire Valley. Inside, lavish details unfold: Tiffany stained-glass windows, Belgian marble floors, hand-molded plaster ceilings, and an Adam Room echoing 18th-century elegance.
Over the decades, it has hosted royalty, wartime leaders, and icons – from Nelson Mandela to Princesses and Prime Ministers, earning the nickname “the third chamber of Parliament.” Sir Wilfrid Laurier himself opened the hotel in person after the tragic delay.
Legend has it that the ghost of Charles Melville Hays still wanders the halls, probably looking for his lost Titanic dinner reservation. Guests have also reported mysterious footsteps and sudden chills, perfect for those who enjoy a little spooky side with their luxury stay!
Tip: Pause in the lobby and admire the original Tiffany windows, then imagine the titanic twist that shaped this landmark forever.
Designed by Montreal’s Ross and MacFarlane, the Château Laurier flaunts the Châteauesque style – conical turrets, copper roofs, floral gables, and Indiana limestone facades inspired by France’s Loire Valley. Inside, lavish details unfold: Tiffany stained-glass windows, Belgian marble floors, hand-molded plaster ceilings, and an Adam Room echoing 18th-century elegance.
Over the decades, it has hosted royalty, wartime leaders, and icons – from Nelson Mandela to Princesses and Prime Ministers, earning the nickname “the third chamber of Parliament.” Sir Wilfrid Laurier himself opened the hotel in person after the tragic delay.
Legend has it that the ghost of Charles Melville Hays still wanders the halls, probably looking for his lost Titanic dinner reservation. Guests have also reported mysterious footsteps and sudden chills, perfect for those who enjoy a little spooky side with their luxury stay!
Tip: Pause in the lobby and admire the original Tiffany windows, then imagine the titanic twist that shaped this landmark forever.
7) Major's Hill Park (must see)
Major's Hill Park is one of Ottawa’s true downtown gems – a green oasis perched where the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River. This spot isn’t just about scenic beauty; it’s the heartbeat of many of the city’s liveliest events. Think Canada Day fireworks lighting up the sky, the colorful Tulip Festival each May, and the chilly fun of Winterlude every February. If there’s a celebration, chances are Major’s Hill Park is front and center.
The park’s name has an interesting backstory. It was first linked to Colonel John By, the engineer behind the Rideau Canal, who actually lived right here. After Major Daniel Bolton took over, the park was renamed in his honor back in 1832. Though Colonel By’s original house burned down in 1849, you can still spot its ruins if you know where to look – a little historical mystery right in the middle of the city!
Managed by the National Capital Commission, Major’s Hill Park is also a creative hotspot. Regularly, local artists set up their booths in “Artisans in the Park,” selling everything from paintings and pottery to jewelry and handcrafted clothing. During the Tulip Festival, the International Friendship Village pops up, celebrating countries like the Netherlands, Turkey, and Japan that have helped shape the tulip legacy in Ottawa. Food stalls and craft activities keep the energy buzzing, making it a perfect family-friendly spot.
When you want to catch a free daytime concert, enjoy ticketed evening shows, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere on one of the many benches, Major’s Hill Park has you covered. Its winding paths offer spectacular views of iconic landmarks like Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, and Sussex Drive - there are postcard-perfect spots at every turn. Oh, and don’t forget to grab some ice cream from the street vendors. It’s practically a park tradition.
The park’s name has an interesting backstory. It was first linked to Colonel John By, the engineer behind the Rideau Canal, who actually lived right here. After Major Daniel Bolton took over, the park was renamed in his honor back in 1832. Though Colonel By’s original house burned down in 1849, you can still spot its ruins if you know where to look – a little historical mystery right in the middle of the city!
Managed by the National Capital Commission, Major’s Hill Park is also a creative hotspot. Regularly, local artists set up their booths in “Artisans in the Park,” selling everything from paintings and pottery to jewelry and handcrafted clothing. During the Tulip Festival, the International Friendship Village pops up, celebrating countries like the Netherlands, Turkey, and Japan that have helped shape the tulip legacy in Ottawa. Food stalls and craft activities keep the energy buzzing, making it a perfect family-friendly spot.
When you want to catch a free daytime concert, enjoy ticketed evening shows, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere on one of the many benches, Major’s Hill Park has you covered. Its winding paths offer spectacular views of iconic landmarks like Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, and Sussex Drive - there are postcard-perfect spots at every turn. Oh, and don’t forget to grab some ice cream from the street vendors. It’s practically a park tradition.
8) Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica (must see)
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a true Ottawa treasure – a stunning blend of history, art, and faith right in the city’s heart. This basilica stands where Ottawa’s first Catholic chapel once welcomed parishioners back in the early 19th century, making it the oldest surviving church in the capital. Construction began in 1841, but here’s a fun twist: the original plan was a Neo-classical design, which got a major makeover mid-way when Father Telmon stepped in and switched things up to the now-iconic Neo-Gothic style. So, when you look closely, you’ll spot this unique architectural mashup – classical at the base and soaring Gothic elegance above.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a riot of color and detail that outshines the church’s more modest exterior. The stained glass windows flood the space with vibrant light, telling biblical stories in jewel-like hues. You’ll also find countless statues scattered throughout, with the gold-plated Madonna statue flanked by twin spires standing out as a shining star – literally and figuratively.
Did you know? The basilica has hosted some of Canada’s most significant moments, including the funerals of Governor General Georges Vanier and Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier, making it a place of deep national importance beyond its spiritual role.
Visitors can explore the basilica freely, and guided tours in English and French are available at no cost, perfect if you want to dig into the stories behind the art and architecture. Don’t miss the marble pillars, though: they’re actually wood cleverly painted to look like marble, a neat detail that’s easy to overlook but adds to the basilica’s charm.
Tip: Check the tour schedule online before you go to catch a guided tour and learn all the hidden stories and secrets tucked inside this magnificent basilica.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a riot of color and detail that outshines the church’s more modest exterior. The stained glass windows flood the space with vibrant light, telling biblical stories in jewel-like hues. You’ll also find countless statues scattered throughout, with the gold-plated Madonna statue flanked by twin spires standing out as a shining star – literally and figuratively.
Did you know? The basilica has hosted some of Canada’s most significant moments, including the funerals of Governor General Georges Vanier and Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier, making it a place of deep national importance beyond its spiritual role.
Visitors can explore the basilica freely, and guided tours in English and French are available at no cost, perfect if you want to dig into the stories behind the art and architecture. Don’t miss the marble pillars, though: they’re actually wood cleverly painted to look like marble, a neat detail that’s easy to overlook but adds to the basilica’s charm.
Tip: Check the tour schedule online before you go to catch a guided tour and learn all the hidden stories and secrets tucked inside this magnificent basilica.
9) National Gallery of Canada (must see)
National Gallery of Canada is much more than just a building, it’s a vibrant hub of art, culture, and Canadian identity right on the banks of the Ottawa River. Designed by the visionary Moshe Safdie and completed in 1988, its bold, glass-and-granite architecture instantly catches your eye. That iconic giant spider sculpture, named Maman, standing guard at the entrance, is hard to miss – a perfect icebreaker and a popular photo spot for visitors.
Inside, the gallery boasts one of the most impressive art collections in the country, showcasing everything from Indigenous arts to contemporary Canadian works, alongside celebrated European masterpieces. Did you know it holds one of the largest collections of Tom Thomson and Group of Seven paintings? These artists famously captured Canada’s wild landscapes in vibrant colors and brushstrokes that practically make the wilderness come alive on canvas.
Beyond Canadian art, you’ll find stunning works by international masters like Monet, Renoir, and Matisse. The gallery also hosts rotating exhibitions, keeping things fresh and exciting for repeat visitors.
For those who want to take a break, the gallery’s café offers delicious food and drinks with spectacular views of the Ottawa River, ideal for soaking in the city’s vibe while reflecting on what you’ve seen.
Pro tips: visit on Thursday evenings after 5 pm for free admission, so you can enjoy world-class art without reaching for your wallet. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Parliament Hill and beyond, a perfect spot for photos and a little art-inspired daydreaming.
Inside, the gallery boasts one of the most impressive art collections in the country, showcasing everything from Indigenous arts to contemporary Canadian works, alongside celebrated European masterpieces. Did you know it holds one of the largest collections of Tom Thomson and Group of Seven paintings? These artists famously captured Canada’s wild landscapes in vibrant colors and brushstrokes that practically make the wilderness come alive on canvas.
Beyond Canadian art, you’ll find stunning works by international masters like Monet, Renoir, and Matisse. The gallery also hosts rotating exhibitions, keeping things fresh and exciting for repeat visitors.
For those who want to take a break, the gallery’s café offers delicious food and drinks with spectacular views of the Ottawa River, ideal for soaking in the city’s vibe while reflecting on what you’ve seen.
Pro tips: visit on Thursday evenings after 5 pm for free admission, so you can enjoy world-class art without reaching for your wallet. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Parliament Hill and beyond, a perfect spot for photos and a little art-inspired daydreaming.
10) ByWard Market (must see)
ByWard Market is Ottawa’s lively heart and soul, a place where history, culture, and just about everything edible meet in a perfect downtown mashup. Founded back in 1826 by Lt-Col. John By (yes, the same guy who masterminded the Rideau Canal), this market started as a practical spot where horse-drawn wagons unloaded fresh goods. Fun fact: Colonel By made sure the streets were wide enough for those wagons, so no one got stuck, a detail that still shapes the area today.
Fast forward almost two centuries, ByWard Market has transformed into a buzzing hotspot that attracts locals and tourists in droves. With over 260 stalls run by farmers and artisans, plus more than 500 businesses, this place is a shopper’s and foodie’s paradise. From fresh produce and handmade crafts to chic boutiques and lively bars, there’s something for everyone. And yes, street performers add that extra dash of flair – you might catch a magician, a musician, or even a juggler while wandering through.
Did you know ByWard was once a blue-collar neighborhood filled with hardworking lumbermen and canal workers? Today, it’s the city’s go-to place for nightclubs, gourmet restaurants, and yes, some seriously Instagrammable spots.
If you’re visiting, don’t miss the chance to try Ottawa’s iconic beaver tails (fried dough pastries topped with all kinds of sweet goodies). Be warned: they’re dangerously delicious and perfect for indulging your sweet tooth.
Tip: Aim for weekday mornings if you want to explore without bumping elbows, but if you love the buzz, summer weekends are where the real action happens.
Fast forward almost two centuries, ByWard Market has transformed into a buzzing hotspot that attracts locals and tourists in droves. With over 260 stalls run by farmers and artisans, plus more than 500 businesses, this place is a shopper’s and foodie’s paradise. From fresh produce and handmade crafts to chic boutiques and lively bars, there’s something for everyone. And yes, street performers add that extra dash of flair – you might catch a magician, a musician, or even a juggler while wandering through.
Did you know ByWard was once a blue-collar neighborhood filled with hardworking lumbermen and canal workers? Today, it’s the city’s go-to place for nightclubs, gourmet restaurants, and yes, some seriously Instagrammable spots.
If you’re visiting, don’t miss the chance to try Ottawa’s iconic beaver tails (fried dough pastries topped with all kinds of sweet goodies). Be warned: they’re dangerously delicious and perfect for indulging your sweet tooth.
Tip: Aim for weekday mornings if you want to explore without bumping elbows, but if you love the buzz, summer weekends are where the real action happens.
Walking Tours in Ottawa, Canada
Create Your Own Walk in Ottawa
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ottawa is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
The architecture of Ottawa – formalistic and functional, for the most part – is marked by the city's role as the national capital of Canada. As such, it represents a mix of styles, varying considerably based on the era of construction of any particular object, and reflects the nation's heritage and political significance.
Centermost among these structures is the Parliament... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Centermost among these structures is the Parliament... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Statues and Sculptures Walk
As a cultural city, Ottawa abounds in monuments and statues of various sorts. In fact, there are so many of them that the locals, accustomed to their presence, jokingly claim they hardly notice them at all. Still, these artistic creations serve as visual storytellers, sharing tales of courage, peacekeeping, and commemoration.
The Maman Statue, a prominent sculpture located outside the National... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
The Maman Statue, a prominent sculpture located outside the National... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Ottawa's Historical Churches Walking Tour
The city of Ottawa has a number of notable religious sites fit to spark interest in both ardent believers and those keen on ecclesiastical architecture. With most of the churches located in the downtown area or nearby, one can visit these locations without trouble.
The Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, a splendid Gothic Revival masterpiece, is a centerpiece of Ottawa's spiritual landscape.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, a splendid Gothic Revival masterpiece, is a centerpiece of Ottawa's spiritual landscape.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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