Overview
Ottawa is the great capital city of Canada, and the historical and cultural hub of Ontario. If you are after a holiday to Canada with striking architecture, museums, historical sites and national events and festivals then Ottawa is definitely the place for you.
Include Ottawa in your fly-drive of Ontario or couple it in a twin-centre city break holiday with Toronto to show you the unique differences between the largest and most popular city, and the charming historic capital. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Rideau Canal or visit Byward Market where you can shop, eat, and socialise at one of Canada's oldest and most iconic public markets. Stop by in the evening and watch the market transform while lively pubs and local entertainment come alive in the summertime warmth.
Whatever style of holiday you enjoy, whether it’s a city break filled with shopping and sightseeing, or perhaps filling your days with historical sites and museums, or perhaps you like to hop from restaurant to restaurant indulging in local delicacies and fine cuisine... whatever you enjoy, Ottawa has it all!
If you are travelling to Ontario over Canada Day (1st July) then the ultimate place to join in the celebrations is in the capital. Every year thousands of people flock to Ottawa on holiday
Enjoy Ottawa as a chic city break destination, hop between the great cities of the east on the VIA Rail train, or add it in as a cultural stop to your eastern self-drive.
Things to do
A good start would be at one of the most popular attractions that the city has to offer, at the Canadian War Museum. The museum presents the whole country’s military past and how it has shaped the country into how it is today. The exhibit gives an insight into the people who spent their days on the battlefield as well as those that were at home, and it is extremely interesting and entertaining for all.
The Rideau Canal is one of the most iconic features of the city as it is filled with canal boats in the summer, but transforms into the “World’s longest ice rink” in the winter months as it freezes over. This is certainly an incredible sight to see, as people literally skate to work along the canal! You can enjoy many cruises that take you along the canal which are perfect in the summer allowing you to see more of the city and from a different perspective.
Byward Market is worth a stop whether it’s during the day or at night. Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction, people say that the market is where the city was born. The premier destination for shopping, eating and drinking, it is the perfect atmosphere for couples and families alike.
If you find yourself in Ottawa for Canada Day (1st July every year) then you are in for a treat, as the whole city comes together to celebrate with fireworks, music, dancing and great food, celebrating the incredible country that Canada has become.
Visiting Ottawa also puts you in a great position to explore some more of the major cities close by. Take the VIA Rail train to Toronto, Canada’s most populous city, or head to French-Canadian Montreal or Quebec to indulge in a chic city break holiday experience.
Popular things to do in Ottawa
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Admission To Canadian Museum of History and War Museum
from £23pp
At Canada’s most visited museum, visitors discover the events, experiences, people and objects that have shaped the nation’s history. Marvel at the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles and explore the traditions and achievements of Canada’s First Peoples. Tour the many special and permanent exhibitions, be a kid again at the Children’s Museum and live the ultimate cinema experience at the IMAX® Theatre. The Canadian War Museum is more than a museum that is internationally renowned for its symbolic architecture; it is synonym for inspiring and touching stories.
Departures: Daily (Except Dec 25) -
Historical Highlights Walking Tour
from £54pp
This guided walk showcases a great overview of the city and its colourful history. Included are stops at Parliament Hill, The National War Memorial, Sparks Street, Major’s Hill Park, The Fairmont Chateau Laurier, The Bank of Canada, The Rideau Canal, The Prime Minister’s offices and ByWard Market.
Duration: 2 hours
Departures: Daily -
Ottawa Express
from £58pp
Starting downtown, this guided leisurely ride will travel on the Rideau Canal pathway, continuing to the Locks, the Fletcher Wild Life Garden and Arboreum, ending with a short visit in the Parliament area.
Duration: 2 hours
Departures: Daily between May 1 to Oct 31 -
Ottawa River Cruise
from £27pp
Float down the picturesque Rideau Canal and enjoy the majestic views of the Parliament Hill, Rideau Falls and many more sights along with interesting narrated commentary on the history of the cancel and the city.
Duration: 1.5 hour
Departures: May 15 to Oct 15
Holidays
Browse our amazing range of holidays in Ottawa
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Lord Elgin Hotel
from £72
The Lord Elgin is a grand and historic building within walking distance of all the city’s major attractions.
Rooms and suites are elegantly ...see more
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Westin Hotel
from £52
In a great central location overlooking Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, The Westin is a calm and luxurious haven away from the busy city.
Accommodation ...see more
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Delta Hotels By Marriott Ottawa City Centre
from £78
The Delta hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre is a contemporary, stylish hotel in a great location in the heart of the city, close to the excellent ...see more
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Fairmont Chateau Laurier
from £98
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier is a luxurious hotel in a fantastic location on the Rideau Canal, looking across to Parliament Hill.
The elegantly ...see more
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Albert at Bay Suite Hotel
from £85
The Albert at Bay enjoys a good central location, just a few minutes from Parliament Hill and great shopping and dining.
There are a variety ...see more
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Brookstreet Hotel
from £68
The Brookstreet Hotel is a modern hotel set in pretty grounds with excellent facilities and just a short drive into downtown Ottawa.
Rooms are ...see more
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Capital Hill & Suites
from £39
A great budget hotel, Capital Hotel offers a range of room options, in a fantastic location in downtown Ottawa.
Rooms and suites are spacious ...see more
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Carleton Suite Hotel
from £68
The Carleton Suite Hotel is a great all-suite hotel with an excellent central location within easy walking distance of many city attractions, restaurants ...see more
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Courtyard By Marriott Ottawa Downtown
from £64
The Courtyard by Marriott is a modern city hotel with a fantastic location right in the heart of Ottawa’s Byward Market.
Guest rooms are ...see more
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DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown
from £57
The Novotel Ottawa is a modern hotel with an excellent location close to some of Ottawa’s best shopping and dining.
Rooms are spacious ...see more
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Holiday Inn Ottawa Downtown – Parliament Hill
from £58
The Holiday Inn is a classic hotel with a good location in the heart of downtown Ottawa, close to attractions, shopping and dining.
Rooms are ...see more
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Metcalfe Hotel Ottawa
from £55
The Metcalfe Hotel is a delightful and luxurious boutique hotel in an excellent downtown location.
Rooms are modern and stylish with hardwood ...see more
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Ottawa City Break
from £1,134
Canada’s beautiful capital is full of history. A walk along the river will take you to stunning views of Parliament and many famous national landmarks ...see more
