When people think of Canada, cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montréal often come to mind first—but it’s Ottawa that holds the title of the nation’s capital.
Tucked along the banks of the Ottawa River in eastern Ontario, this vibrant city blends political importance with cultural charm.
In this article, you’ll discover what makes Ottawa so special—from its historic landmarks and government buildings to its museums, festivals, and scenic beauty. Ottawa is more than just the capital—it’s a destination worth exploring.
What Is the Capital of Canada?
Canada’s capital is Ottawa. Yes, Ottawa. Not Toronto. Not Montreal. Not Vancouver.
But Ottawa. The capital. The seat of government. The center of power.
While it’s not one of the more popular Canadian cities, it is still a city you should not miss. It s the political hub of the country and — for that reason alone — worth a visit.
Ottawa may not be home to the skyscrapers of Toronto or the coastline of Vancouver, but it has its own unique charm.
It’s the political capital of Canada and boasts all the institutions to prove it.
It’s also host to several festivals celebrating Canadian heritage all year long.
Oh, and the city is beautifully located on the banks of the Ottawa River too!
How Ottawa Became the Capital?
Selecting Ottawa as its capital was picked in order to connect English- and French-speaking Canada and as a way of equaling out the two populations.
Straddling Ontario and Quebec, its central position helped in this unified decision.
Choosing Ottawa as the capital avoided favoritism between Toronto and Montreal, preventing biases and possible animosity.
The story of how Ottawa became the capital of Canada is fascinating. The key player in that story is Queen Victoria.
She chose Ottawa over all the other contenders in 1857 because of its strategic location and defensibility — two very important things at that time.
Also, it was nearly impossible (for invading forces) to get to Ottawa due to its location in a forest.
Her decision turned the city into the political center of the country.
Why Visit Ottawa?
More than just a political hub – though it is that too – Ottawa is a vibrant and friendly city.
With a mix of cultures and a city that feels unique to Canada, wandering here offers that warm Canadian-loving and welcome feeling.
It’s a nice change of pace from all the other crowded cities you’ll visit, one that’s peaceful yet still thrilling.
While it may not be as busy as, say, Toronto, there’s still no shortage of activities and attractions.
Experience Ottawa's museums, festivals, and streets, offering big city attractions without the overwhelming crowds and chaos.
Ottawa is a city where English and French mix effortlessly. As the capital of Canada, the city is emblematic of the country’s bilingualism.
When you walk around, you’ll hear people go from English to French and then back to English, and you’ll see all the signs in both languages.
It’s part of the city’s charm and is what makes Ottawa’s cultural scene so rich.
A lot of that probably has to do with the locals, who are reputedly a friendly bunch and help instantly make the city seem inviting. That friendliness is further heightened by Ottawa’s multiculturalism.
All over the city, from the neighborhoods to the festivals to the restaurants, there’s a sense of being in a diverse, inclusive place — somewhere where visitors can learn about new cultures and ways of life.
Whether you’re sitting in a hole-in-the-wall diner or wandering through an outdoor market, the mixture of languages and traditions makes the experience feel that much more special.
Top Things to Do in Ottawa
Ottawa is a city that blends political refinement with a splash of excitement.
Here are some of the most fun things to do to experience this unique mix.
Each will give you a little sense of the culture and history that makes Ottawa the city it is.
1. Visit Parliament Hill
For a crash course in Ottawa, Parliament Hill is your first stop.
It is more than just the seat of Canadian politics; it’s a historical masterpiece.
You can watch the ceremonial Changing of the Guard or explore the inside with a free tour.
Cost: Visiting Parliament Hill is free, but some tours might require advance booking.
Transport: Easily accessible by public transit; it’s a short walk from downtown.
Estimated Time Spent: Plan to spend around 2 to 3 hours.
Tips for Visiting: Arrive early during peak tourist season to secure a spot in the tour. Don’t miss the evening light show in the summer!
2. Explore the Rideau Canal
No visit to Ottawa is complete without seeing the iconic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In summer, you can rent a kayak, while in winter, the canal transforms into a fantastic skating rink.
Cost: Access to the canal is free; boat rentals and ice skate rentals have varying costs.
Transport: Several bus routes lead to the canal.
Estimated Time Spent: A few hours, depending on how long you want to kayak or skate.
Tips for Visiting: Visit early to avoid crowds on the ice or water. In winter, warm up with hot chocolate from nearby vendors.
3. Discover Canadian Museums
Ottawa sure has some of the best museums in the entire country, from art to nature.
Explore Canada’s past and admire vast collections of art and artifacts.
Cost: Entrance fees vary depending on the museum but are often discounted on certain evenings.
Transport: All major museums are accessible by public transit.
Estimated Time Spent: Half a day to a full day if you plan to visit multiple museums.
Check the museums’ schedules for free admission days or special exhibitions.
4. Wander ByWard Market
For a taste of Ottawa’s local life, head to ByWard Market, one of Ottawa’s oldest and most famous neighborhood.
This market is a hotspot for foodies and shopaholics alike.
Enjoy local delicacies, browse unique shops, or hit the nightlife spots after dark.
Cost: Strolling is free, but how much you spend depends on shopping and dining choices.
Transport: Located in downtown Ottawa, it’s a short walk from most city center attractions.
Estimated Time Spent: Plan for a few hours to explore fully.
Tips for Visiting: Try the famous Beaver Tails pastry and visit during the day to see most market vendors open.
5. See the Tulip Festival (Spring)
Every year, Ottawa bursts into life during the wonderfully colorful Tulip Festival.
This festival is a vibrant display of friendship between Canada and the Netherlands, showcasing millions of tulips across the city.
Cost: Free to enjoy; some events charge an entry fee.
Transport: Walkable from downtown and accessible by public transit.
Estimated Time Spent: A couple of hours to half a day.
Tips for Visiting: Mid-May is peak bloom time. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera for endless photo opportunities.
Language and Culture
Ottawa is a city where English and French mix effortlessly. As the capital of Canada, the city is emblematic of the country’s bilingualism.
When you walk around, you’ll hear people go from English to French and then back to English, and you’ll see all the signs in both languages.
It’s part of the city’s charm and is what makes Ottawa’s cultural scene so rich.
A lot of that probably has to do with the locals, who are reputedly a friendly bunch and help instantly make the city seem inviting. That friendliness is further heightened by Ottawa’s multiculturalism.
All over the city, from the neighborhoods to the festivals to the restaurants, there’s a sense of being in a diverse, inclusive place — somewhere where visitors can learn about new cultures and ways of life.
Whether you’re sitting in a hole-in-the-wall diner or wandering through an outdoor market, the mixture of languages and traditions makes the experience feel that much more special.
What to Eat in Ottawa?
1. Try a Beaver Tail
Don't miss trying a Beaver Tail in Ottawa! These tasty, fried pastries resemble a beaver's tail and come with sweet toppings. Visit the original shop at By Ward Market.
Recommended Restaurant: Beaver Tails Ottawa, ByWard Market (69 George St, Ottawa, ON)
2. Indulge in Poutine
Poutine is Canada’s well-loved comfort meal, and Ottawa has some of the best.
Picture crispy fries covered in cheese curds and thick gravy.
Here, you’ll even find gourmet varieties, such as poutine with pulled pork or spicy jalapeños.
Recommended Restaurant: Elgin Street Diner on 374 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON.
3. Explore Diverse Cuisines
Thanks to its multicultural community, the food in Ottawa is fantastic.
Don’t miss the local favorite Lebanese shawarma, which consists of succulent meat in soft pita.
You can indulge in some fragrant Vietnamese pho or delicious Indian curry during your visit to the capital as well.
Recommended Restaurant: Fairouz (343 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON) for Lebanese cuisine; Pho Van Van (847 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON) for pho.
4. Farm-to-Table Dining
In Ottawa you can try dishes that feature the freshest of the local products.
Lots of the restaurants have a farm-to-table approach, utilizing cheeses from Quebec, and meats from farms in Ontario close by. It’s delicious to taste the local flavors.
Recommended Restaurant: Social (537 Sussex Dr. Ottawa)
5. Craft Beer & Local Cafés
When you’re city touristing gets too much, grab a beer and can relax for a bit. Drink a pint at one of the breweries.
Recommended Brewery: Dominion City Brewing Co. (15 Toronto St., Ottawa, ON) for craft beer.
6. Local Cafés
It's good to look for some comfortable cafés with their wonderful baked goods and good coffee.
Recommended Café: Little Victories Coffee Roasters (801 Bank St., Ottawa, ON) for coffee.
Best Time to Visit Ottawa
Spring
But the most iconic event during spring in Ottawa is the world-recognized Tulip Festival.
As snow melts, Ottawa blooms with millions of tulips, celebrating its special bond with the Netherlands and transforming parks into floral wonders.
Spring is here and there’s nothing quite like taking a long walk to witness the creations and colors of spring.
Recommended Activities: Take a walk through Commissioners Park to admire the tulips.
Guided walking tours showcasing the historical side of Ottawa and the flowers are available.
Enter photography competitions, which are frequently offered during the festival.
Summer
For those who love a balance of city life and outdoor activities, summer is the ideal time to visit. Ottawa offers a wide array of festivals and cultural events, making it a lively and fun place to be.
Thanks to the warmer weather, you can spend your days in the park, on river cruises, and taking in the bustling city. Summer is perfect for those who enjoy vibrant city life and outdoor fun.
Ottawa hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals, so there’s always something exciting happening.
The warm weather invites you to explore parks, enjoy river cruises, and dive into the city’s busy calendar.
Recommended Activities: Celebrate Canada Day on Parliament Hill, kayak the Ottawa River, picnic in a park, enjoy the Jazz Fest, and have fun.
Fall
In the fall, Ottawa become a stunning red, orange, and golden canvas.
The cool, fresh air and multicolor views make it a perfect destination for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Plus, it’s much quieter, too, so you won’t have to jostle with much of the crowds.
Recommended Activities: Hike in Gatineau Park on the other side of the Ottawa River for stunning vistas and photo opportunities.
Local orchards are open for apple picking, and you can find several autumn-themed activities within central Ottawa.
Don’t miss Fall Rhapsody where the leaves change to vibrant hues.
Winter
Ottawa becomes a winter wonderland in the winter.
The Rideau Canal freezes and becomes the world’s longest skating rink.
The city is decorated and beautiful, and it’s a really great time to visit. Get out there and explore with some hot chocolate!
Recommended Activities: Skate on the frozen Rideau Canal and eat beaver tails from vendors on the shore.
Attend Winter lude, Ottawa’s biggest winter festival with ice sculptures and snow playgrounds.
Duck into a museum if you get too chilly to learn about Canada while staying warm inside.
FAQ
1. Is Ottawa larger than Toronto or Vancouver?
No, Ottawa is smaller and less crowded than Toronto or Vancouver.
2. Which museums should I visit in Ottawa?
Consider the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada.
3. Is it easy to get around Ottawa without a car?
Yes, public transit is convenient for accessing most major attractions.
Conclusion
Ottawa is more than just a capital city — it’s a cool place with a lot going on.
Whether it’s exploring its historic beginning and bilingual identity, joining in one of its many cultural happenings, there’s a story to experience in every street and building.
From paddling the Rideau Canal for a couple of miles, eating a Beaver Tail pastry, to walking the grounds of the Tulip Festival, there are a lot of things to love about Ottawa. Don’t skip Ottawa on your next trip exploring Canada.
It’s a road of surprises, friendliness, and memories!