Explore top attractions and things to do in Ottawa. Museums, galleries, landmarks, and more.
Found 181 places
Clear all
Canada's national natural history museum, housed in a landmark Victorian sandstone building. Features dinosaur fossils, a blue whale skeleton, the world's largest display of Canadian birds, and an Arctic gallery. Free general admission Thursday evenings 5-8 PM; tickets required.
Canada's national museum of military history, featuring four chronological galleries, the LeBreton vehicle hall and Memorial Hall. Thursday 5-7 PM admission is free; every visitor needs a timed ticket, including free visitors.
Canada's national museum of human history, located across the river in Gatineau with sweeping views of Parliament Hill. Features the Canadian History Hall, an immersive Canadian Children's Museum, and the Grand Hall with the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles. Free Thursday evenings 5-7 PM.
Canada's premier art museum, housed in a landmark Moshe Safdie glass-and-granite building on Sussex Drive. Home to the world's most comprehensive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, plus European masterworks and contemporary pieces — over 93,000 works in total. Free every Thursday evening 5–8 PM.
Ottawa's largest downtown shopping centre with 175+ stores on three levels, directly connected to the O-Train's Rideau Station. Features anchor stores Simons and Hudson's Bay, an 850-seat dining hall, and indoor walkways to the ByWard Market, Westin Ottawa, and Shaw Centre.
Canada's largest aviation collection with over 130 aircraft, the original Canadarm from Space Shuttle Endeavour, and the largest surviving piece of the Avro Arrow. Free admission from 4-5 PM on opening days; normally closed Tuesdays.
Nordik Spa Village Chelsea offers thermal baths, saunas and rest areas, with Källa saltwater flotation, massages and treatments available separately. Normally ages 16+, with reservations required.
Canada's national science and technology museum, part of the Ingenium network. Features interactive galleries, a children's innovation zone, transportation exhibits, and hands-on demonstrations. Free admission 4-5 PM on opening days; normally closed Mondays.
A 2,200-acre drive-through wildlife park in Montebello, Quebec, about an hour east of Ottawa. Home to over 60 species of North American animals including wolves, bears, bison, elk, moose, and caribou. Open every day of the year.
Loto-Québec casino in Gatineau with the connected Hilton Lac-Leamy hotel, theatre, dining, spa and pools. Casino and theatre access is for ages 18+; indoor and outdoor parking is free.
Ottawa's oldest and most architecturally significant church, designated a National Historic Site in 1990. The Gothic Revival basilica features twin 54.5-metre spires, 17 stained glass windows by Guido Nincheri, 30 life-sized carved wooden figures, and a vaulted ceiling painted blue with gold stars. Free to visit.
IATF-affiliated axe throwing venue on Lancaster Road with digital scoring, archery, knife throwing, a licensed bar, and league play.
Showing 12 of 181 places
