Top 20 Best Things to Do in Ottawa
left-leaf
trip-best

Top 20 Best Things to Do in Ottawa

right-leaf
Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
2026 Global 100
2026 Global 100 image
Innovation Award
Innovation Award image
Contact Us
facebook icon
instagram icon
tiktok icon
󰴉
Theme filters
Theme filters
  • Rideau Canaltop_1
    4.4/5
    󰺂6.5
    Ottawa2.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoRecommended winter activities in Ottawa | Jan 2026-Mar 2026
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Ottawa
    Highlights:
    󱓊World-class outdoor ice rink
    󰋄Historic canal replaces St. Lawrence
  • Thousand Islandstop_2
    4.7/5
    󰺂6.2
    Leeds and Grenville United Counties>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Ottawa
    Highlights:
    󱓊5-language tours on cruise
    󱨜Over 1800 islands create unique lakescape
  • Parliament Hilltop_3
    4.5/5
    󰺂6.2
    Ottawa371m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Ottawa
    Highlights:
    󰀆Summer daily guard change ceremony
    󱓊Watch daily summer guard ceremony
  • National Gallery of Canada
    4
    4.3/5
    󰺂5.7
    Ottawa900m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoNational Gallery of Canada reopens | 2025
    Highlights:
    󱨜Canadian & European art treasures
    󱓊Piano & orchestral vocal performances
  • ByWard Market
    5
    4.7/5
    󰺂5.6
    Ottawa942m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Historic district market by Ottawa River
    󱨜Vibrant nightlife & fresh produce
    󱨠42% positive reviews
  • Rideau Hall
    6
    4.2/5
    󰺂5.4
    Ottawa2.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Ottawa
    Highlights:
    󱓊79-acre park with seasonal beauty
    󰋄Governor's Mansion tour experience
  • The National War Memorial
    7
    4.6/5
    󰺂5.1
    Ottawa311m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Join rallies at Federation Square
    Honoring Canadian martyrs' sacrifices
    󱨠36% positive reviews
  • Canadian Museum of Nature
    8
    4.8/5
    󰺂4.9
    Ottawa1.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Ottawa
    Highlights:
    󱨜Dinosaur fossils & ancient relics
    Victorian architecture & Canadian history
    󱨠33% positive reviews
  • Royal Canadian Mint
    9
    4.5/5
    󰺂4.8
    Ottawa1.1 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Pure gold maple leaf coin
    󰀆Make & take home coins
    󱨠26% positive reviews
  • Centennial Flame
    10
    4.3/5
    󰺂4.5
    Ottawa273m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Symbol of Canada's eternal flame
    Experience Canada's political history atmosphere
    󱨠46% positive reviews

Best things to do in Ottawa (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Ottawa? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Ottawa offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Ottawa

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Ottawa experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Rideau Canal

• Ottawa | 2.9 km from downtown

• : World-class outdoor ice rink,Historic canal replaces St. Lawrence

Thousand Islands

• Leeds and Grenville United Counties | >100 km from downtown

• : 5-language tours on cruise,Over 1800 islands create unique lakescape

Parliament Hill

• Ottawa | 371m from downtown

• : Summer daily guard change ceremony,Watch daily summer guard ceremony

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Ottawa

If you want to explore attractions just outside Ottawa, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Ottawa, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Ottawa special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Ottawa

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Ottawa

Ready to explore the best of Ottawa? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Ottawa?
These are all Best Things to Do in Ottawa:Rideau Canal, Thousand Islands, Parliament Hill, National Gallery of Canada, ByWard Market
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Ottawa?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Ottawa include:Rideau Canal:4.4, Thousand Islands:4.7, Parliament Hill:4.5, National Gallery of Canada:4.3, ByWard Market:4.7
At what locations in Ottawa can Best Things to Do in Ottawa be found?
The Best Things to Do in Ottawa are mainly located in:Rideau Canal:Ottawa, Thousand Islands:Leeds and Grenville United Counties, Parliament Hill:Ottawa, National Gallery of Canada:Ottawa, ByWard Market:Ottawa
󰴉