Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Canada's capital
Through its architecture, culture and food, Ottawa tells Canada’s story. This historic, dynamic, walkable capital city is home to a wealth of national landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods and exciting activities designed to create an unforgettable experience.
Renowned for its world-class museums – seven of the country’s nine national museums are located here – Ottawa welcomes visitors on an adventurous journey to explore its many other facets. To show visitors the amazing culture the city has to offer, more than 110 festivals, attractions, restaurants, tours, cafés and other points of interest in the city have been designated ‘Unofficial Museums’ by Ottawa Tourism, and given special museum status. In a city where culture is everything, everything is now a museum!
This summer, you can rediscover Canada’s ‘city of museums’ and explore Ottawa’s natural beauty, culinary traditions and urban escapes.
By Wendy Helfenbaum, Postmedia Content Works
All of the above
D
The Gatineau River
C
The Rideau River
B
The Ottawa River
A
All of the above
D
The Gatineau River
C
The Rideau River
B
The Ottawa River
A
Ottawa is surrounded by rivers.
Guess which ones:
Take advantage of the glorious summer weather
Begin your day by taking a stroll through Ottawa’s bustling ByWard Market– the ‘Unofficial Museum of Locavorism’. Established in 1826 by Lt-Col. John By – who decided to make George and York Streets extra wide for the horse-drawn carriages transporting fresh food to the market – it’s one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets and the perfect spot to grab a casual breakfast, pick up fixings for a picnic lunch along the city’s riverfront, or just wander through four blocks of specialty food shops, galleries, boutiques and cafés. The original kiosk of Ottawa’s famous BeaverTails pastries – the ‘Unofficial Museum of It’s Not What You Think’ –is here, too.
Just a few blocks away, located between the National Gallery of Canada and the Fairmont Château Laurier, you’ll find a lush urban oasis, Major’s Hill Park– the ‘Unofficial Museum of Flowerbeds’. Ottawa’s first park opened in 1826, and it’s an ideal spot to enjoy the natural beauty, blooming flowers and stately trees in the heart of the downtown core. It also offers one of the best vistas of the city: you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the Ottawa River, the Ottawa Locks on the Rideau Canal and the Parliament Buildings. It’s a prime front-row seat for Canada Day fireworks.
Up for a power walk instead? Get your heart pumping along the Rideau Canal – the ‘Unofficial Museum of Scenic Cardio’—which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A capital adventure:
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Did you know...
Ottawa boasts over 800km of multi-use pathways that take you to picturesque waterways, parks and attractions, as well as places to eat, drink and relax.
There are so many ways to appreciate the city’s historic splendour. Choose from several group or private guided tours – on foot, by bike or on a relaxing boat trip like the Rideau Canal Cruise – the ‘Unofficial Museum of Going with the Flow’ – to experience Ottawa’s historic sites.
A visit to Canada’s capital wouldn’t be complete without visiting its most treasured museums. At the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, you’ll learn about the country’s aerospace history and view more than 130 civil and military aircraft and artifacts. You can sit in a cockpit and try flight simulators. Later, you can soar above the clouds in helicopter or vintage 1930s biplane with Ottawa Aviation Adventures – the ‘Unofficial Museum of Messing Up Your Hair’ – which takes you on a memorable aerial tour of the city.
Soak up national and regional culture
Ottawa boasts many outdoor statues dedicated to Canadian history, including ‘Animals in War’, located in Confederation Park. This statue honouring the animals who served in the Canadian military is so lifelike that dogs often think it’s real.
Did you know...
One great way to spend an afternoon is at the ‘Unofficial Museum of Pinot Noir’ – KIN Vineyards, a 47-acre rural estate in the middle of the Ottawa Valley. This premium family estate winery features a distinct terroir along with private vineyard tours and outdoor tasting experiences where you can sip Ontario chardonnay and pinot noir. Stay to enjoy wood-fired pizza among the vines where you can take in the sunset and spectacular surroundings.
Don’t miss classic afternoon tea at the famed Fairmont Château Laurier restaurant Zoe’s – the ‘Unofficial Museum of Pinkies Up’. Named after Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s wife, Lady Zoe, service includes a choice of 35 specially curated teas and a tower of dainty finger sandwiches and delicious scones.
Three must-see festivals this summer:
Music and Beyond
A cultural festival that celebrates classical music’s link to visual art, poetry, drama, science and more.
Ottawa Jazz Festival
Catch renowned and up-and-coming artists across all genres of jazz under the stars in Confederation Park, the National Arts Centre and Marion Dewar Plaza.
Join 300,000 music fans to watch 200 acts on stages across the city at one of the largest festivals in the world.
RBC Bluesfest
Ottawa boasts the only bilingual, multidisciplinary performing arts centre in Canada. At the National Arts Centre, a fixture in the city since 1969, visitors experience dance, music and theatre year-round by emerging and renowned Canadian and international artists.
Each summer since 1994, Ottawa hosts the acclaimed Ottawa Chamberfest – the ‘Unofficial Museum of The Classical’ – one of the largest events of its kind in the world, starring local and international musicians playing everything from Bach to Beethoven.
To top off a perfect summer evening, take in The Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill - Northern Lights – the ‘Unofficial Museum of Canada, The Movie’. This state-of-the-art multimedia experience takes place on the front lawn of Parliament and is entirely free. With thrilling music and images projected against the backdrop of the Centre Block and Peace Tower, the show celebrates key milestones in Canadian history.
Enjoy incredible entertainment
Did you know...
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute is the only campus in North America. You can dine here or take interactive cooking classes.
Ottawa’s culinary and wine scene serves up something for every palette, from food trucks to fine dining. Tempt your taste buds with a decadent display at the ‘Unofficial Museum of Seafood Towers’ – Riviera. Located in the former Art Deco Imperial Bank of Canada, the restaurant features sumptuous Canadian cuisine infused with a Mediterranean twist, including lobster spaghetti, lamb cavatelli and roasted duck breast paired with kale, prunes and vermouth.
Savour delicious food and drink
The ‘Unofficial Museum of Oats and Scotch’ serves oatmeal by day and 75 different types of single malt scotch by night
Montgomery Scotch Lounge
The ‘Unofficial Museum of Giant Bird Cages’ – for cocktails like White Cockatoo and Fire Finch
Starling
The ‘Unofficial Museum of In Beer We Trust’ – for beers like Darkest Hour Dark Lager
Dominion City Brewing Co.
Enjoy cocktail hour at these three spots:
And if you need a pick-me-up while sightseeing, stop into the ‘Unofficial Museum of Latte Art’, Little Victories Coffee Roasters. Housed in a historic building downtown, this independent specialty coffee roaster offers delicious small-batch coffee.
ByWard Market
BeaverTails
National Gallery of Canada
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Rideau Canal Cruise
National Arts Centre
Ottawa Chamberfest
Northern Lights
Riviera
Zoe's
Little Victories Coffee Roasters
From day to night, there's no shortage of exciting 'Unofficial Museums' to visit in Ottawa this summer. Plan your next trip by visiting Ottawa Tourism.
