Travel Ottawa Itinerary:8 days Must-do list in Ottawa

Day 1 | Morning

National Gallery of Canada

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Wed,Fri-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm;Open on Thu,10:00am-8:00pm

Ticket Price: 20 USD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada

Located in downtown Ottawa, the National Museum of Canadian Art is a historic art museum. The museum houses the most valuable works of art from Canada and Europe. Not only that, in addition to static paintings and artworks, there are also dynamic performances in the museum. For example, piano performance, orchestral performance, vocalist singing performance, etc., these are also a kind of art. There is also a library in the museum, so that tourists can consult some information about the art collection.

Day 1 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting National Gallery of Canada, don’t forget pay a visit to Canadian War Museum.

Canadian War Museum

Opening Hours: Open on Wed,Fri-Sun,10:00am-4:00pm;Open on Thu,10:00am-8:00pm;Closed on Mon-Tue

Ticket Price: 17 CAD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0M8, Canada

The Canadian War Museum is a larger local museum that collects war items and materials, and is one of the three most important war art collection venues in the world. Display of today's very advanced weapons, sound and light equipment, weapons from the early Indian defense warfare to the weapons, military uniforms of the First and Second World Wars, and physical display of the combat readiness of the three armies, as well as various types of fighter planes, tanks, bullets, needles Even the emergency medical equipment in the war zone uses sounds and images to make its display vivid and colorful. The architectural style of the museum is very distinctive. The overall building gradually rises to the east to form the shape of a ship's head, which resembles a mighty warship heading east. There are four main exhibition halls among the eight halls in the museum. World War II" exhibition hall. The two big screens show some real scenes of the European battlefield and the Asia-Pacific battlefield during World War II. On the wall of the exhibition hall are some pictures and historical materials. One of them is a Japanese soldier raising a sword and slashing at a prisoner of war who was kneeling on the ground, blindfolded and his hands tied; another picture is a group of Japanese soldiers holding hands. The bayonet lance was stabbing unarmed prisoners of war.

Day 1 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Fairmont Chateau Laurier is the best places.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

This historic hotel is located in Central Ottawa, adjacent to the Parliament Buildings and Rideau Canal. It features elegant dining options and spacious rooms with a flat-screen cable TV.The friendly staff is available 24/7 to assist with travel plans. Fairmont Chateau Laurier is 5 minutes’ walk to Major’s Hill Park and the Ottawa Convention Centre. Rideau Centre Mall is less than 100 metres away.Tea- and coffee-making facilities and a minibar are standard in every classically furnished room at Chateau Laurier Fairmont. All rooms include a work desk and windows that open to the outside. The en suite bathroom offers luxurious bathrobes.Dining options at the Fairmont include Zoé’s Lounge, a casual setting for afternoon tea or evening cocktails. Fine dining is available at Wilfrid’s Restaurant, which features views of Parliament.Free access to the on-site health club is provided to all guests. The club has an indoor pool and a modern fitness centre where machines are equipped with a personal flat-screen TV.

Day 2 | Morning

Royal Canadian Mint

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 8 CAD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 320 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G8, Canada

The headquarters of the Royal Canadian Mint (RoyalCanadianMint) occupies a historic building in downtown Ottawa. It was established in 1908 and provides a variety of coinage products and related services to customers around the world.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Canadian Museum of Nature.

Canadian Museum of Nature

Opening Hours: Open on Sun,11:00am-4:00pm;Open on Mon,Wed-Thu,10:00am-4:00pm;Open on Tue,11:00am-7:00pm

Ticket Price: 14.5 CAD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 240 McLeod St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1, Canada

The Canadian Museum of Natural History houses a wide variety of paleontological relics and fossils, which record the evolutionary process of creatures, and here you can get up close and personal with dinosaur specimens.

Day 2 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Soho Residences Lisgar is the best places.

Soho Residences Lisgar

Offering a seasonal outdoor pool and views of the city, SMR Lisgar Ottawa is a 100% smoke-free property located in downtown Ottawa. Ottawa Convention Centre is 1.5 km away.All units are air conditioned and include free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. There is also a kitchen, equipped with a dishwasher, oven and microwave. A toaster and coffee machine are also provided. There is a private bathroom with bath robes in every unit. The apartments are stocked with towels and linens.Guests at SMR Lisgar Ottawa have access to a communal patio with a barbecue.The Supreme Court of Canada is 1.2 km from SMR Lisgar Ottawa. The nearest airport is Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, 13.9 km from the accommodation.

Day 3 | Morning

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Ticket Price: 10 CAD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S Canada

In addition to tours, specially arranged activities and live demonstrations, the Canadian Agricultural Museum is the only agricultural museum in the capital located in the heart of the city.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Fri,Sun,10:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 13 CAD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 11 Aviation Pkwy, Ottawa, ON K1K 2X5, Canada

The Aviation Museum was established in 1964 and includes a main exhibition hall and a hangar. More than 120 planes are parked in the hangar, which is larger than the tarmac at Ottawa Airport. Travelers can get up close and personal with a variety of aircraft from pre-World War I to today, and some aircraft allow travelers to enter the fuselage or even the cockpit.

Day 3 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, The Century House Bed and Breakfast Ottawa is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

The Century House Bed and Breakfast Ottawa

The Century House Bed and Breakfast Ottawa features a complimentary daily breakfast and free WiFi throughout. The non-smoking property is within 15 minutes' walk from Parliament Hill. Fitted with hardwood floors, each room here will provide you with air conditioning and a mounted flat-screen TV. A private bathroom is included. Extras include a desk and bed linen. At The Century House Bed and Breakfast Ottawa you will find a snack bar. The property offers free parking. The bed and breakfast is 650 metres from Ottawa Convention Centre and 900 metres from Byward Market. Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is 15.5 km away.

Day 4 | Morning

Bytown Museum

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday:10:00-19:00;Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Ticket Price: 6.5 CAD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 1 Canal Ln, Ottawa, ON K1P 5P6, Canada

"Baicheng" is the old name of Ottawa. The Baicheng Museum is a stone building built at the entrance of the Ottawa River on the west bank of the Lido Canal. This building was first built in 1827. Outside the door of the Baicheng Museum, you can see a series of locks across the Lido Canal, commonly known as "Ottawa Locks". They are important installations in the Lido Canal project and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 4 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Bytown Museum, don’t forget pay a visit to Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum.

Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum

Opening Hours: Open on Sat-Sun,10:00am-4:30pm;Open on Mon-Fri,11:00am-4:00pm

Ticket Price: 14 CAD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 3911 Carp Rd, Ottawa, ON K0A 1L0, Canada

The predecessor of this museum was a secret underground nuclear bomb shelter. After the end of the Cold War, the bomb shelter became a museum. There are more than 500 rooms on both sides of the long and complex passage of the museum, like a huge underground palace.

Day 4 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, SOHO Residences Champagne is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

SOHO Residences Champagne

Within 15 minutes' walk from Dow's Lake, SMR Champagne Ottawa is 6 minutes' walk from the Little Italy district, boasting shops and restaurants. Free WiFi is provided at this 100% smoke-free property. Ottawa Convention Centre is 1.8 km from the property, while the Rideau Canal is 1.2 km away. Equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, the bright apartment is modernly furnished and overlooks the city. It offers an open-plan seating area, breakfast bar and a fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom enjoys a rainfall showerhead and Aveda amenities. Some units open out on to a balcony or terrace. Towels and bed linens are provided. Guests at SMR Champagne Ottawa have access to an on-site fitness Centre and also can arrange a private workout session with a personal trainer at an extra charge. A private cinema room is also available upon request with surcharge. Canadian War Museum is 2.2 km from SMR Champagne Ottawa. The nearest airport is Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, 9 km from the property.

Day 5 | Morning

Parliament Hill

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: 111 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario ON K1A, Canada

The Parliament Building on Capitol Hill is the symbol of Ottawa and even the whole of Canada. It is also the seat of the current Canadian government and Senate. The changing of the guard ceremony and light show that take place every day in summer add a sense of historical vicissitudes and an up-to-date vitality to this very famous landmark in Canada. The century-old flame that never goes out, the open plazas, the towering Peace Tower and lifelike sculptures, as well as the Capitol, which is open to the public, attracts tourists from all over the world all year round.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: the most significant and beautiful building in Ottawa, you can take a lot of pictures with joy and walk through Parliament Hill exploring different views of Ottawa and Hall

Trip.com User: Ottawa Capitol Hill. Big

Day 5 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Parliament Hill, you can head to Rideau Hall, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Rideau Hall

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-4:00pm

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: 1 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1, Canada

The Governor's Mansion is not only a place of honor to honor outstanding Canadian citizens and host world leaders, but also a tourist destination for tourists from all over the world. Since 1867, the Governor's Palace has been the place where successive Governors-General of Canada have worked and lived. Covering an area of 79 acres, with green grass, flowers and willows, beautiful and open to all seasons, the former Governor Wu Bingzhi (Arian Clarkson) was the first Chinese Canadian to live in the Governor's Mansion.

Day 5 | Evening

Don’t forget to book reStays Ottawa in advance, because all the tourists head to Rideau Hall love staying at it.

reStays Ottawa

Opened in 2021, the reStays Ottawa offers travelers a pleasant stay in Ottawa, whether for business or leisure purposes.

The hotel is conveniently located just 5km from Ottawa Train Station and 9km from Gatineau–Ottawa Executive Airport. Guests will find Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Oscar Peterson Statue and The Astrolabe Gallery just a short distance from the hotel.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings. This Ottawa hotel features parking on site.

There's never a dull moment at this hotel, our guests indicate that the facilities are excellent.

Day 6 | Morning

Rideau Canal

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON, Canada

The ancient Rideau Canal was built between 1826 and 1832, with a total length of 202 kilometers, of which 7.8 kilometers passed through the city center of Ottawa. The Rideau Canal is an important contributor to Ottawa's selection as the capital of Canada, and is also a world-renowned UNESCO. Organization of World Heritage Sites. In summer, canoe along the canals and enjoy the beautiful city views; in winter, put on ice skates and enjoy the world's largest outdoor ice skating rink!

Day 6 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Rideau Canal, you can head to Peace Tower, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Peace Tower

Opening Hours: Open from 8:30am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A2, Canada

The Peace Tower is the tallest building in the Capitol. There is a 4.88-meter four-sided clock and a 53-bell bell in the tower, which is played regularly. The war memorial under the Peace Tower, the exquisite stained window is not inferior to the European church. There is a book in the memorial hall that records the name of every soldier who died for the country. It is said that a special staff member will turn the book every day so that each name can be seen by the world.

Day 6 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Novotel Ottawa City Centre is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Novotel Ottawa City Centre

Situated in downtown Ottawa, just 5 minutes' walk from the fashionable Byward Market district, Novotel Ottawa offers an indoor pool and free WiFi. Novotel Ottawa is 1.1 km from The National Gallery of Canada and only 10 minutes' walk from Parliament Hill.
Each modernly furnished guest room features a 26' flat-screen LCD TV, a large ergonomic work area and tea/coffee making facilities. Bathrooms include a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
Located on site, The Albion Rooms restaurant uses locally sourced produce to create an ever changing menu. The bar is stocked with local craft beers, a selection of wines and a number of house made cocktails.Guests at Novotel Ottawa will find a hot tub to relax in. There is a 24-hour fitness centre. Underground parking is available with a surcharge.

Day 7 | Morning

Major's Hill Park

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Behind the Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8S7, Canada

Located at the confluence of the Lido Canal and the Ottawa River in Ottawa City, Mayor's Hill Park has a wide view and is opposite the Parliament Buildings. The park is shady with trees and many lawns, which is a good place for viewing and walking. Climb to the top of the hill where the monument is located for an expansive 360-degree view. Mayor's Hill Park is one of the main parks in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, and often hosts large-scale events, such as “Canada Day” celebrations.

Day 7 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Major's Hill Park, you can head to Centenial Flame, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Centenial Flame

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Hours

Location: 1 Wellington Street, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

The Unquenchable Fire is located in the center of the square in front of the Parliament Building. This is the eternal fire platform built to commemorate the centenary of the founding of Canada. It is called the "CentenialFlame" and has been burning since it was ignited on July 1, 1967. Up to now, and the principle of "water and fire are incompatible" does not apply here, because the "unquenchable fire" is burning vigorously on the water surface, and the water flowing from the fire is also warm all the year round. The flags of the Canadian states are engraved around the fire platform, and the date of the British characteristic changing of the guard ceremony when they joined the Commonwealth was recorded.

Day 7 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Le Germain Hotel Ottawa is the best places.

Le Germain Hotel Ottawa

Property Location With a stay at Le Germain Hotel Ottawa, you'll be centrally located in Ottawa, steps from Ottawa Art Gallery and Department of National Defense. This 4-star hotel is close to National Gallery of Canada and Parliament Hill. Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 115 guestrooms featuring minibars and LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available to keep you connected. Partially open bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and designer toiletries. Conveniences include phones, as well as laptop-compatible safes and desks. Amenities Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a 24-hour health club, or other amenities including complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. Dining Grab a bite to eat at Norca Restaurant & Bar, a restaurant which features a bar, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. This hotel has 4 meeting rooms and a reception room available for events.

Day 8 | Morning

ByWard

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Byward Market Area)

The ByWard neighborhood is the ByWardMarket area, a mature commercial area along the Ottawa River, which is very suitable for walking and leisure shopping. There are many restaurants and bars in the block. You can go to the MarketSquare in the middle to get a hand-painted map, study it and then stroll slowly. There is an Obama cookie in MarketSquare, because Obama once visited here and it tasted good. You can also try BeaverTails, which is a famous snack in Ottawa.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Dog Travellers: so much fun with many things to see and nightlife.

Day 8 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming ByWard, Gatineau Park next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Gatineau Park

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: 33 Scott Road, Chelsea, Quebec J9B 1R5

Gatineau National Park covers an area of more than 300 square kilometers and is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa. There are towering old trees in the park and wild animals walk through. In addition to the pure and small lakes, there are bicycles and hiking trails. The former residence of Canada's 10th Prime Minister is hidden here, and the beautiful English-French garden has become a favorite stop for tourists. In addition, you can also experience the Nordik Spa-Nature, which is not far from the park. This is the largest spa in North America. It uses the thermal therapy and relaxation techniques of the Nordic countries to allow you to surround yourself with nature. Enjoy physical and mental health and comfort in an environment.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.