Some Of The Best Things To Do In Ottawa?

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This blog is dedicated to people who have recently moved to Ottawa, or are about to! We tend to focus mostly on real estate matters and housework, but it would be useful to talk about the city itself, especially given spring is finally here! Ottawa is a unique city, with things to do for just about everybody, but what are the best?

1. Parliament Hill

This is not just a secured government building where our Prime Minister works every day, but also a popular tourist attraction! It’s a picturesque, iconic building that even locals enjoy visiting. It’s not only about the view outside and some of the events that take place here during the year, but there are also guided tours for you to see what exactly is in this building! The light festival and Canada Day are the biggest celebrations.

2. The ByWard Market

It is considered the heart of Ottawa, where most of the best restaurants and pubs are located. It’s a beautiful place, on a sunny, summer day because the patios are open and people enjoy eating outside. There is also the infamous Beavertails kiosk, the only one in the centre of Ottawa! The renovated Rideau Centre is located right next to it as well. If you are curious about the city’s nightlife, the market has some fun places that are open late, and it’s always busy!

3. Rideau Centre

As mentioned above, it has recently been renovated and new shops have opened. It’s an iconic place where many of the pedestrian indoor transits take place, and where many of the OC Transpo buses stop too. The other Ottawa malls are far away from the market, so people who live in the nearby neighbourhoods do their shopping here.

4. Rideau Canal

Both a beautiful attraction in the summer and winter! The largest ice skating rink in the cold, snowy months, and a beautiful passage of water to jog by in the warmer months. People from all over Quebec and Ontario visit Ottawa during the winter just to get their feet on this particular ice! There are also a couple of popular bridges that cross the canal, where you can take beautiful photos with the parliament in the background.

5. Museums

Ottawa is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the country. The National Gallery of Canada holds a world class collection of art displays and the Canadian Museum of Nature, allows you to learn about natural history and artifacts. If you are one of the cultural and curious mind, these places will feel like an intellectual paradise!

6. Notre Dame Cathedral

Alongside the museums, there is some beautiful architecture like this famous church. It is Ottawa’s oldest. The inside of the church is brightly painted and decorated with beautiful stained glass windows and statues of various religious figures.

7. Festivals

As mentioned in #1, we have the light festival, Canada Day, St. Patrick’s Day, as well as unique festivals like Bluesfest which also takes place every summer. There is also Winterlude for the February enthusiasts.

8. Outdoor activities

Ottawa has the beautiful Gatineau Park that makes for a breathtaking visit during the summer and fall, as well as rafting in the river during the summer.

If you are new to the city, I would like to wish you a very warm welcome, and I hope you enjoy what the city has to offer! Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries!