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Top 15 Things to See and Do in Ottawa
Thinking of moving from Montreal to Ottawa? Like any good capital city, Ottawa is a place to learn and explore the history of the country and the world. But it also has a lot to offer in terms of world-class entertainment, both urban and domestic.
Visit Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is not only the seat of government for the country; it is also a cultural and community center with activities that take place in a truly incredible setting. For example, you can do yoga on Parliament Hill. During the summer, every Wednesday at noon, hundreds of people in yoga gear flood the hill with their placemats to sit and stretch in front of the iconic buildings.
Enjoy the Rideau Canal
Many people know that the Rideau Canal is the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink (4.8 miles long). But the chain is a year-round destination to visit if you want to have fun outdoors. Yes, in the winter, you can skate along a seemingly endless trail over the canal waters and still get to skate through downtown Ottawa with two blades strapped to your feet.
Try BeaverTail If you want a unique Canadian experience, you can’t help but try the local specialties. BeaverTails Canada, also known as BeaverTails, is a Canadian bakery chain known for marketing a dessert that bears the same name because, when fried and stretched by hand, it looks like a beaver tail.
Visit Casa Laurier
Located at 335 Laurier Avenue in Ottawa’s east end, Casa Laurier is a historic Victorian home that once served as the residence of two of Canada’s most popular prime ministers. Sir Wilfrid Laurier (for whom the building was named years later) and William Lyon Mackenzie King.
Tour of Olde Maple Lane Farm from Stanley
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm is popular for its natural beauty and serves as a venue for weddings, retreats and other group outings. It is located only 10 minutes from downtown Ottawa and includes a quarry, various log buildings and a wooden barn surrounded by huge maple trees.
Discover the Natural History Museum of Canada.
The museum essentially presents the entire natural world in a handful of exhibits that will leave you thinking about the time that has passed. And if you’re looking for a big attraction, it’s hard to describe how impressive it is to see the complete skeleton of a blue whale, the largest animal on the planet.
Visit the Canadian War Museum
Sitting on the banks of the Ottawa River, it is difficult to see the Canadian War Museum. The distinctive museum building is mostly flat, but it shoots 80 feet into the air from one side, like a waving hand. A vast collection of tanks, military vehicles, weapons and uniforms fill the walls, allowing us to see and experience the equipment used by generations of brave men and women on the battlefield. battle.
Experience the National Arts Centre
The National Arts Centre is one of Canada’s largest and most popular art exhibition venues, with over 600 presentations per year. Its four stages typically host popular touring shows, international talent and many of Canada’s top performers. Whether you are interested in dance, theater or music, you are sure to find a show that interests you, no matter when you go. So visit the center and enjoy a ballet tour, enjoy the house orchestra or attend a high quality English theater performance.
National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada attracts a lot of attention because of the 30 foot tall spider statue in front of the beautiful glass building. But once you get past your arachnophobia, the interior of the gallery is an incredible art institution. With nearly 40,000 works, it covers everything from Inuit sculpture to the latest contemporary art.
Stop at the Peace Tower
The Peace Tower functions as a bell and clock and is located in the central block of the parliamentary buildings. It is officially called Torre de la Victoria et de la Paz or Victory and Peace in French and appears on Canadian $50 bank bills. The roof is made of concrete and was covered with copper to give a greenish tint while the walls were made of sandstone.
Feel part of the War Memorial
The War Memorial, known as “The Response”, is located in the heart of Ottawa, in Confederate Square, within the Parliament Buildings and against the backdrop of the Gatineau Hills. It was dedicated in 1939 to commemorate Canada’s participation in the First World War and has since become a national icon representing the sacrifice of all Canadians during wartime.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
At the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, you can take a step toward answering that question. Hear what life is like on the International Space Station from the voices of the astronauts who live there and find out what it’s like to wear a space helmet and travel to the station. Once you’ve fulfilled your childhood dream, the rest of the museum offers 130 different military and civilian ships to explore, as well as a real flight simulator, complete with full motion.
The Byward Market area
For nearly two centuries, farmers and craft merchants have flocked to the ByWard Market to share the fruits (literal and metaphorical) of their labor. What was once a simple market has become the absolute center of food, shopping and entertainment. More than 260 jobs occupy the market itself, while more than 500 businesses have settled in the area around the market.
Canadian Museum of History
Although not technically in Ottawa, the Canadian Museum of History is minutes away, just across the Gatineau River. It is one of the oldest museums in the country since 1856 and also the most visited in Canada, with 1.2 million visitors per year. The museum, located in Gatineau, has 4 million pieces that trace the history of the country and the world 20,000 years ago.
Haunted Walks in Ottawa
This is not the typical walking tour. When you take a haunted walk in Ottawa, you’ll really test your mettle and see if you pass or fail, as these are different 90-minute walks that will take you to some of the haunted buildings in the city. This includes a prison turned youth hostel, where Canada’s last public hanging took place, and the historic Fairmont Chateau Laurier, where people gave information about randomly moving objects inside the rooms. Ghost stories, anecdotes from the city’s dark past and a little history are mixed together to provide a night of entertainment.
For information call Alex 514-569-4443
