Ottawa Things to Do

Here on Ottawa's Paliament Hill there are various statues of prominent Canadian statesmen(plus a couple of English queens). The most interesting, to me at any rate, is Barbera Paterson's relatively...

Not sure if this should fall under "Must see activity" or "Tourist Trap". I tend to think it's both. The Rideau Canal is one of Ottawa's top attractions and a lot of fun to skate on -- although it's...

The official opening, the Ice scultures at work, photos of the Kids enjoying Jacques Cartier PArk, Unesco Rideau Skateway, lots and lots of Photos for that unsual one, but my Flu Shot did not work, a...

In hidden away courtyards by Byward market are several lovely works of art. My first photo is of the Tin House (2003), which I find awesome. It is the facade of a house of tinsmith Honoré Foisy. He...

At the National Gallery of Canada is the world´s largest Canadian collection of art. What I didn´t know, but read up on later, is that 1.200 art works are distplayed on rotation, so that every time...

The Garden of the Provinces and Territories is such a beautiful park, with two lovely fountains, one of which is called The Great Lakes Fountain (Emil G. van der Meulen, 1962). It symbolyzes the Great...

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal starts (or ends) at the Ottawa River, between the East Block of the Parliament Buildings and the Chateau Laurier Hotel. It's a pleasant stroll in the...

There are several lovely view platforms by Ottawa river. There is one especially nice with ornate information signs on the history of the Ottawa river. I love sitting here with this great view of...

In early May of every year there's a Tulip Festival going on in Ottawa. There are usually many flower displays, a lot of activities (for kids and adults) and concerts. There's also a Flotilla on the...

Don't miss this ceremony that is held from late June to late August on Parliament Hill, no matter how the weather is. Get there early in order to have a good view as the ceremony gets underway at 10...

Rideau Hall is the residence of the Governor General of Canada, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston (2013). Rideau Hall has been the residence and workplace of the Governor Generals of...

Major's Hill Park is a lovely park in Ottawa. And I must compliment Ottawa's National capital commission on their great work in putting up elaborate information all over the city. It is especially...

The Ottawa Locks in Rideau Canal are a UNESCO World Heritage site. These beautiful locks with 8 locks (in flight) are located in the very center of Ottawa next to the Parliament buildings - connecting...

I went on a guided tour of the Centre Block of the Parliament building - they are free of charge. The Centre Block is where the Senate and the House of Commons are located. And the beautiful Library...

The Supreme Court of Canada was established in 1875. It is Canada´s highest court. There are guided tours, free of charge, of the Supreme Court of Canada. The guided tours are offered from early May...

Sparks Street is one of the most interesting streets in Ottawa. It is Canada´s first pedestrian mall, so to speak. It is right down-town and stretches for several streets "cutting into" it - like...

The Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica is Ottawa's oldest surviving church. I had somehow expected to see a bigger church, so I had dismissed this church as being an ordinary church, being used to the...

During the last week of June (Monday through Friday), one can get a chance to see the famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical Ride for free. This takes place at the RCMP stables located at...

There are so many lovely river and canal walks in Ottawa. One of them is the walk by the Ottawa River with a starting point from the War Museum. I love what they have done with this path by the...

There is a big spider in front of The National gallery in Ottawa - not for the arachnophobic like me. It carries a sack of marble eggs. I ventured under it and took a photo of its 26 marble eggs (see...

The National War Memorial (also known as The Response) stands in Confederation Square. The memorial, from grade to the tip of the surmounting statue's wings, is approximately 21.34 m (70ft). The...

What a great way to discover the city and learn about its darker history! Follow the lantern of your tour guide to Ottawa’s numerous haunted buildings, some of which are supposed to be among the most...

Take a boat tour of the Ottawa River. Beautiful little islands, charming cottages, nice vies of the Parliament hill and Chateau Laurier from the water. Get to know how some people live around this...

I have been to the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on two occasions, once for the extraordinary performance of the Phantom of the Opera and in May 2011 for a Rachmaninov´s Rhapsody orchestra. Both...

On our first morning in Ottawa, Sue and I struck out on foot for the short walk toward the impressive buildings on Parliament Hill. However, the first majestic sight that caught our eyes was the...