Find the best attractions in Downtown, Ottawa.
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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 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.
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.
Canada's national memorial honours those who have served Canada in uniform. Vernon March's granite and bronze monument was unveiled by King George VI in 1939; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added in 2000.
One of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, established in 1826. Home to over 600 businesses including restaurants, boutiques, and a year-round indoor market with seasonal outdoor vendors.
One of Canada's most iconic hotels and a National Historic Site since 1981. The 1912 Châteauesque limestone building sits between Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal locks, with a lobby, restaurants, and public spaces open to all visitors.
Downtown game pub with 800+ board games and 300+ video games in a 150-year-old building, with discounted entry for kids under 12.
Downtown escape room with 5 themed rooms (60-90 min), a full bar and lounge, party rooms, and birthday person plays free.
Temporarily closed as of October 23, 2026. The Bank of Canada Museum explores economics and monetary history with free regular admission; online learning resources remain available during the closure.
Ottawa's oldest dedicated stand-up comedy club in Little Italy, operating since 2004 with Pro-Am Wednesdays and headliner shows Thursday through Sunday.
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