Discover Ottawa
Gatineau Park
A 361-square-kilometre conservation park just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Home to over 165 km of hiking trails, beaches, lakes, and the Mackenzie King Estate. Free to enter; parking fees apply at some lots in summer.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
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.
BATL Grounds Ottawa
IATF-affiliated axe throwing venue on Lancaster Road with digital scoring, archery, knife throwing, a licensed bar, and league play.
National War Memorial
Canada's national monument honouring those who have served and died in all conflicts, centred on a 16-metre granite arch with 22 bronze figures by sculptor Vernon March. Unveiled by King George VI in 1939, it includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (added 2000). Sentries stand guard daily from April to November.
Tanger Outlets Ottawa
Ottawa's only outlet mall with 75+ brand-name stores offering 25–65% off retail. Located in Kanata with free parking, open-air shopping, and dining options including Chick-fil-A.
ByWard Market
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.
Canadian Tire Centre
Ottawa's largest arena and home of the Ottawa Senators (NHL) and Ottawa Black Bears (NLL). Originally opened in 1996, the venue seats over 18,600 for hockey and up to 20,500 for concerts. Located in Kanata, about 15 minutes west of downtown via Highway 417.
Cheshire Cat
A pub set in a heritage stone schoolhouse in Carp, specializing in craft beer and local food — with live music on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Fairmont Château Laurier
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.
Elgin Street Diner
Ottawa's iconic 24-hour diner serving classic all-day breakfast in the heart of downtown since 1993.
Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
A four-storey underground bunker built in 1959 as Canada's emergency government headquarters during the Cold War. Now a National Historic Site, it offers self-guided tours, guided tours, and an escape room experience 75 feet below ground.
Mill Street Brewpub
A heritage brewpub inside the 1842 Thompson-Perkins Mill at LeBreton Flats — Ottawa's oldest surviving stone mill, with on-site-only specialty beers, brewery tours, and live music.