Ottawa Tourist Attractions

Ottawa is home to many national museums, galleries, and performing arts centers, and is the headquarters of the federal government. It also has a large number of bilingual cultural attractions.

This Canadian metropolis also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including many outdoor activities.

Today, it has a thriving local economy and is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to get away on a quick weekend trip, do business, or get to know what the city can offer.

Whether visiting for a few days or in transit, getyourguide.com is where you should start looking for some of the best things to do and see when in Ottawa.

Here are some recommendations.

Ottawa: Canadian War Museum

The Ottawa Canadian War Museum is a museum located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada which commemorates the history of Canada's participation in wars and military conflicts.

Visit The Canadian War Museum, the national museum of military history, conveniently located west of Parliament Hill near downtown Ottawa. The museum is one of the world's most respected places for the study and understanding of armed conflict.

Explore at your own pace as you discover the rare and historically important artifacts, uniforms, vehicles, art, and memorabilia that make up the 3 million pieces in the collections. Each gallery highlights defining moments in Canada’s military history and how past events have shaped the nation.

Gatineau: Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History is a museum of human and national history in Gatineau, Canada.

The Museum is located five minutes from downtown Ottawa and Parliament Hill. Explore immersive galleries and learn about the outstanding achievements of First Peoples. The signature exhibition, the Canadian History Hall, reveals the events, personalities, and historical currents that have shaped Canada.

Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise

The Ottawa Rideau Canal Cruise is another way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Ottawa. The cruise begins at the Chateau Laurier, located in downtown Ottawa.

From there, guests will travel along the Rideau Canal, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cruise lasts for one hour and fifteen minutes and provides a unique perspective on the city of Ottawa.

On this trip, visitors will learn about 30 different sites that have marked the history of Ottawa, including the Trans-Canada Highway, Canadian Museum of Nature, Canal Ritz, Lansdowne Park, Bank Street Bridge, Commissioners Park, Dominion Arboretum, and many more.

Ottawa: Small-Group Half-Day City Sightseeing Tour

Ottawa is a beautiful city with plenty of activities and attractions to keep visitors busy. If you only have a half-day to sightsee in Ottawa, these are the places you should visit.

Ottawa has so much to see and do that it is hard to pack it all in one day.

This half-day tour allows you to visit some of the most popular attractions, historic buildings, and other least known attractions of the city.

After exploring these landmarks, take part in a 1.5-hour river cruise allowing you to catch a glimpse of over 55 must-see sites throughout the capital city.

Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

Ottawa River Cruises offer another way to see the beauty of Ottawa and its historic waterways. There are many different cruises to choose from, including sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, sunset cruises, and more.

The best way to see the sights of Ottawa is from the river. The cruise passes by Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal Locks, and many more.

There is also a live commentary on board to learn more about the history and culture of Ottawa.

There are two departure docks, one in Gatineau and another in Ottawa. Once boarded, sit back and relax as you cruise down the river.

Ottawa: Bilingual Guided Tour by Amphibious Bus

A great way to see all the highlights in Ottawa is on a guided tour by amphibious bus. These buses can drive on land or in water, so you'll get to see the best of both worlds.

The tour lasts for 1 hour, and it's an ideal way to learn about Ottawa's history and attractions.

Guests can visit some of the most famous landmarks in the city, including Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Rideau Canal. The bus also stops at several places tourists can get off and explore.

Climb aboard a unique vehicle that can travel on land and water and discover the historical attractions of Ottawa and the Ottawa River from different perspectives.