Ottawa main attractions pretty much cluster in seven zones: along Rideau Canal, around Parliament Hill, around ByWard Market, Elgin Street, West on Wellington, Sussex North, and Gatineau (the other side of St. Lawrence River across Royal Alexandra Bridge). You can easily walk or bike to. In our two-night stay from Thursday, we only focus on Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, and Rideau Canal.
Travel Tips
- enjoy free museum every Thursday night
- reserve free Parliament guided tour early from Capital Information Kiosk across the Boulevard
- reserve Canadian Mint tour ticket early
- changing of the guard and Northern Lights Sound and Light Show are in summer only
Blue whale in Canadian Museum of Nature
On Thursday, you can enjoy a free night at museums. We went to Canadian Museum of Nature which is smaller than American Museum of Natural History in New York City but shows very good exhibitions. The museum is great for all ages. Kids enjoyed the museum, and I also spent time exploring detail.
Parliament from the back
Rideau Canal locks with Chateau Laurier
Parliament Hill overlooking St. Lawrence River is overwhelming in view and architecture. You can walk down hill to river side and have a nice walk back to Rideau Canal locks. Parliament guided tour is free and run with limited seats. Get your tour ticket at Capital Information Kiosk, first thing when you are there.
Gold bar in the Royal Canadian Mint
National Gallery of Canada
ByWard Market was a traditional market and now a more touristy area filling with shops and restaurants. We strides around but not too long because old market atmosphere no longer exists and there are not many local produces. Walking toward river are National Gallery of Canada and Peacekeeping Monument, a good outlook to Parliament Hill. Nearby the Royal Canadian Mint locates at a historic building and offers guided tours through the impressive facility to discover the skill that goes into precision coin design. Seats are limited and reserve a ticket early. If your trip schedule can not accommodate the tour, you should at least visit the gift shop which showcases beautiful collector and commemorative coins. You also have a chance to hold a gold bar worth more than CAD $650,000 in gift shop.
Foodland Ontario where I found an interesting maple-garlic spareribs recipe can give you ideas of authentic Ontario foods.
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