1. Tour the historical ByWard Market
Ottawa’s ByWard Market is a perfect destination for entertainment, shopping and dining amongst more than 600 businesses including local farmers’ markets, artisan stands, boutiques, restaurants and nightlife. Outdoor markets feature fresh fruits and vegetables and locally made Canadian artisans. Every weekend in the summer, 50,000 people visit the ByWard Market to explore this uniquely Canadian historic shopping district.
2. Follow the UNESCO Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is Ottawa’s very own UNESCO World Heritage Site. This early 19th-century construction is a canal that winds through the heart of Ottawa then connects to the Ottawa River. The canal is enjoyed daily by local residents and tourists. In the warmer months, walking, rollerblading and bicycling is a beautiful way to enjoy the Rideau Canal. You can rent a canoe or kayak at Dow’s Lake for as low as $8. The year 2019 marks the 49th skating season on the canal as over 7 km of the canal is transformed into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink each winter. Skating on the canal is free and skate rentals are readily available.
3. Experience history at the Canadian War Museum
The Canadian War Museum is our national museum of military history and home to a collection of military vehicles including over 50 tanks. The Canadian War Museum showcases history back to 1880 with interactive exhibits which emphasize the human experience of war. Discover French and Iroquois turmoil from the 16th century all the way through the First and Second World Wars.
4. Fly with the butterflies at the Canadian Museum of Nature
The Canadian Museum of Nature resides in a castle-like building built in 1920 and much loved by Ottawa. The museum’s vision is to inspire understanding and respect for nature through providing evidence-based insight, inspiring visitor experiences and real engagement with nature’s past, present and future. This year, until April 22, enter a world of brilliant butterflies with the return of the Butterflies in Flight exhibit. Hundreds of live butterflies fly through a tropical environment for you to explore for just a $5 fee with your general admission ticket.
5. Submerse yourself in art at the National Gallery of Canada
Designed by Moshe Safdie, the National Gallery of Canada is home to over 40,000 artworks with pieces in many categories including contemporary, international, indigenous, avant-garde and beyond. The National Gallery of Canada is home to the most renowned collection of Canadian and European paintings, photography and drawings in the country. Visit the gallery situated in the heart of Ottawa within the ByWard Market surrounded by many or the national capital’s most treasured attractions.
6. Watch spring bloom at the Canadian Tulip Festival
As one of Canada’s most colourful and vibrant festivals, the Canadian Tulip Festival has been celebrating the tulip flower since 1953. The tulip is our international symbol of friendship and peace and the festival attracts more than 650,000 people from around the globe to celebrate this symbolism. During the Canadian Tulip Festival from May 10th to May 20th, celebrations of culture and history are trickle across the city at different areas such as Commissioner’s Park, Lansdowne Park, ByWard Market and The Garden Promenade.
7. Eat a BeaverTail
image from https://beavertails.com
The famously artisanal Canadian pastry the BeaverTail has been an iconic indulgence since 1978. With tons of flavour combinations, this hand-stretched whole-wheat pastry is both crispy and chewy simultaneously. With choices such as Cinnamon & Sugar, Killaloe Sunrise and Banana Chocolate, there’s a tasty option for everyone. Two of the most fun BeaverTail locations are George Street in the ByWard Market and the Rideau Canal Skateway during Winterlude.
8. Immerse yourself in performance at the National Arts Centre
The National Arts Centre (NAC) is Canada’s centre for the performing arts. The NAC features talent from Ottawa, from Canada and from all around the world. Experience the best in music, dance and theatre through a lineup of diverse productions all year round. The National Arts Centre is in collaboration with art organizations throughout Canada to curate a national stage of performance recognized on a global level.
9. Take an interactive tour of the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is home to the production of hand-crafted commemorative and collector coins, medals, medallions and gold bullion coins. Located in a beautiful historic building in central Ottawa, the Royal Canadian Mint is open 12 months a year. You can take 45-minute interactive guided tours to learn about the skill and precision required for coin design. The Royal Canadian Mint is also a very great place to find meaningful, interesting gifts. Guided tours are $8 for adults and just $4.50 for kids. Discounts are provided for larger group tours.
10. Rediscover Winter with Winterlude
Winterlude has been celebrating Canada’s northern climate and culture since 1979 with festival activities (mostly free) across the Ottawa-Gatineau region during the first three weekends of February each year. This year, from February 1st to February 18th, rediscover the joys of winter with awesome festivities such as the International Ice Carving Competition at Crystal Garden of the Confederation Park and the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau.
Did you like our Top 10 Things To Do in Ottawa article? Check out our other blogs here.
If you are seeking advice on buying a home in the Ottawa area, or have more questions for us, we are happy to provide you with helpful guidance and support. Email us at info@buyandsellottawa.ca or call us at 613-590-3036.