Ottawa walking tour & city guide

Parliament and the canal

Parliament Hill, with its gothic revival buildings and Peace Tower, overlooks the river. In summer, the changing of the guard takes place on the lawn. The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs through the city and freezes into the Rideau Canal Skateway in winter.

Museums and markets

The National Gallery of Canada, with its giant spider sculpture outside, and the Canadian Museum of History across the river are highlights. The ByWard Market is one of the oldest markets in Canada, full of food stalls, shops and patios.

A day in the capital

Start on Parliament Hill, where a free tour and the changing of the guard happen in summer. Walk down to the Rideau Canal locks, then along the canal path, which in winter becomes the world's largest skating rink.

The ByWard Market is a few minutes away, perfect for lunch and a BeaverTail pastry. Cross the bridge to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau for a view back at the Parliament buildings, or spend the afternoon at the National Gallery with its giant spider sculpture.

Good to know

Ottawa is compact and very walkable, and most of its national museums are close to each other. The city is officially bilingual, sitting on the border with Quebec.

Winterlude in February brings ice sculptures and skating on the canal. In May, the Canadian Tulip Festival fills the parks with flowers.