To Do, To See, To Enjoy!
Festivals
Ottawa Neighborhoods at a Glance
Shopping in Ottawa
Our Hotel Selection
Itineraries
Getting There & Getting Around
Link to Ottawa Tourism

Activities

Changing the Guard
(seasonal, end of June - end of August)
Aboriginal Experiences
Boat ride on the Ottawa River or the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal
Haunted Walk
National Arts Centre
Rideau Carleton Raceway & Slots
Camp Fortune, hiking and Aerial Experience in summer, skiing in winter
Ottawa Senators Hockey Club

Points of Interest

Parliament Hill
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal Waterway and Locks
Mackenzie King Estate in Gatineau Park
Rideau Hall (Governor General’s Residence)
R.C.M.P. Musical Ride Centre

Monuments & Architecture

National War Memorial/Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (image)
Beechwood Cemetery
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
Statues of historical figures on Parliament Hill

Museums

National Gallery of Canada
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Canadian War Museum
Royal Canadian Mint
Canadian Museum of Nature
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
Canada Aviation Museum

Festivals

Ottawa has over 40 festivals and events that are sprinkled throughout the months to make the region a fun and exciting place to experience.

Some of the major festivals and activities include:

The Glebe Neighbourhood

The Glebe is one of Ottawa’s older communities, located geographically within the boundaries of the Queensway on the north, the canal on the east and south. It features many of the distinct aspects of the turn of the century village life: a central shopping district on Bank Street geared to the pedestrian and pleasant tree-lined streets throughout the community. Visit the wide variety of international specialty shops and quiet restaurants and cafés in the Glebe.

Westboro Village

Westboro boasts a thriving commercial district while still maintaining its village charm. Westboro Village has captured a unique niche with its one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques such as Ten Thousand Villages, a fair-trade artisan outlet run by volunteers. Cafés and restaurants pepper the area, each offering a different experience in dining. In the past decade, Westboro has evolved to become the sports store mecca of Ottawa. Anchored by Mountain Equipment Coop, Westboro Village features the largest selection of sports retailers in the city.

Somerset Heights (Chinatown)

The Asian influence can be felt throughout the shops and restaurants of Somerset Heights (referred to the locals as Chinatown). Somerset Heights (from Bay Street to Rochester) is a multicultural business district featuring restaurants and goods from around the world. It includes Ottawa’s Chinatown where visitors will find dozens of Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants as well as interesting markets selling Asian produce, crafts, and traditional potions and herbs. Like the explorers of old searching for a spice route to the Far East, residents and visitors alike can experience the thrill of discovery. In Somerset Heights, see how Asian culture has transpired in this neighbourhood!

Bank Street Promenade

Central to Parliament Hill and all major hotels, this traditional shopping and entertainment area stretches 15 city blocks and takes in hundreds of retailers. Bank Street’s special charm is its eclectic mix of one-of-a-kind stores, its vast and varied entertainment venues, and every flavour of restaurant.

Somerset Village

Somerset Village is a one-block area between Bank and O’Connor Streets and is a beautiful heritage district. It was one of the city’s first commercial areas and following that tradition. Here you will find some of the finest European-style outdoor cafés and restaurants, pubs, entertainment venues, and unique artisan and design studios.

Little Italy

Close by is Preston Street or “Little Italy”, first home of Ottawa's Italian population. Visitors to this street will notice that the street is also called Corso Italia, named in homage to its heritage. This vibrant area offers a variety of fine restaurants, gift stores and pasticcerias that will tempt anyone’s tastebuds! The area bustles with energy during the annual Italian Week Festival in June and La Vendemmia wine and food celebration in September.