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THINGS TO SEE & DO

MUSEUMS

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National Gallery of Canada

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Museum of Nature

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Canadian War Museum

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Canadian Museum of History

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Parliament Hill

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Rideau Canal

Tip: Many museums in Ottawa are free on Thursdays after 5pm!​

 

If you want to get the most out of the city in the time you’re here, there are bike tours, bus tours, as well as walking tours! Ottawa Tourism is a great source for finding local adventures.

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Ottawa is a great city, with lots of activities and food options!

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Explore the Rideau Canal

 

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage site, right in the heart of Ottawa! In the winter, it’s the world’s longest skating rink, but in the warmer months, it’s visited by tourists and locals for its walking and cycling trails, as well as boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

 

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard rentals are available at Dow’s Lake.

 

Bikes and electric scooters are available for rent at various locations in the city.

 

Hike in Gatineau Park

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Gatineau Park is a federal park close to downtown Ottawa with hiking trails (all levels). Inside the grounds are the historic Meech Lake, Mackenzie King Estate, and Carbide Willson Ruins. 


Free shuttles are available from various spots in the city.

RESTAURANTS

The main neighbourhoods surrounding downtown for restaurants and shopping are Centretown (particularly Elgin Street and Bank Street), the Glebe, Byward Market, Hintonburg, and Wellington West.

 

Here are some of our favourite spots to eat!

 

Breakfast

  • Wilf & Ada’s (Centretown)

  • Elgin Street Diner – Open 24 hours! (Centretown) 

  • Yolks (The Glebe)

 

Casual

  • El Camino (ByWard Market and Centretown locations)

  • Rafa thinks Pizza Nerds has the best pizza in Ottawa, Heather prefers Pizzeria da Ramolo – you be the judge! (Both located in Centretown)

  • Heart & Crown (ByWard Market)

  • Clarendon Tavern (ByWard Market)

  • The Lieutenant’s Pump (Centretown)

  • Poutine: Smoke’s Poutinerie (ByWard Market) or The Great Canadian Poutinerie (Centretown)

  • Gooney’s (Centretown)

 

Night Out (*Most will require reservations)

  • Al’s Steakhouse – Heather & Rafa’s go-to celebration spot! (Centretown)

  • Mamma Teresa (Centretown)

  • The Whalesbone (Centretown)

  • Gezellig (Wellington West)

 

Coffee, Desserts, Treats, and Snacks

  • Beavertails – Classic Canadian treat! (ByWard Market) 

  • Arlington 5 (Centretown)

  • Little Victories (Various locations)

  • Happy Goat (Various locations)

  • Bread & Sons (Centretown)

  • Ichiban Bakery (The Glebe)

SHOPPING

PHARMACIES & HOSPITALS

  • Shopper’s Drug Mart (Various locations)

  • Rexall (Various locations)

  • The two closest hospitals to downtown are 

    • The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus (501 Smyth Rd)

    • The Ottawa Hospital - Civic Campus (1053 Carling Ave)

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