Discover the best things to do in Ottawa
Ottawa has 20 recreation centres with drop-in public swim and lane swim sessions. No registration needed for most — just show up and swim. Here's how it works and where to go.
Where to find country music in Ottawa — honky-tonk saloons with mechanical bulls, free live country at neighbourhood bars, blues rooms that book country acts, and the arenas hosting touring country stars like Luke Bryan and Bailey Zimmerman.
The complete guide to gigs in Ottawa — arenas, blues rooms, jazz lounges, rock clubs, cafes, and country bars. Where to catch live music, concerts, and music shows every night of the week.
The ultimate guide to bachelorette party ideas in Ottawa — from pole dance classes and cocktail workshops to tiki boat cruises and drag brunch. 20+ ideas for every bride.
The best bowling alleys in Ottawa — five-pin classics, a brand-new ten-pin centre, retro pub-and-bowl spots, and Rock N Bowl nights. Where to bowl, what it costs, and what makes each venue different.
The best hotel bars and lounges in Ottawa — heritage castle lounges, the city's highest rooftop, live jazz in Kanata, boutique French bistros, and a gastropub inside a 19th-century building. All open to the public.
The complete guide to Ottawa nightlife in 2026 — the best neighborhoods after dark, where to drink and dance, late-night eats, rooftops, speakeasies, LGBTQ+ venues, and how to get home. Plus everything that's changed since Ottawa appointed its first Night Mayor.
Three go-kart tracks within driving distance of Ottawa — from a year-round indoor facility to a 1 km championship circuit. Prices, hours, and what to expect at each.
The best rock climbing in Ottawa — indoor bouldering gyms, full-service climbing gyms with lead routes, and outdoor crags at Calabogie and Gatineau Park. Where to climb, what it costs, and what you need to start.
The best easy hiking trails in Ottawa for beginners, families, and anyone wanting a short nature walk. Flat boardwalks, wheelchair-accessible trails, and shaded forest loops under 5km — all within 30 minutes of downtown.
Ottawa's best escape rooms — from a real Cold War bunker to kid-designed rooms and downtown bars. Prices, age limits, and which ones are family-friendly.
Ottawa's best art galleries — from the National Gallery of Canada to independent artist-run centres, Indigenous art, and private collections. Free and paid options across the city.
