Apart from the many things to do in Ottawa Ontario Canada, the city is an ideal base for day trips to the city of Ogdensburg in New York State and Burlington Vermont which is one of the most popular places to visit in Vermont (New England region).
Things to do in Ottawa Ontario Canada: Fun Outdoor Activities
Gatineau Park
One of the most popular places, nearby Ottawa Ontario Canada, where you can enjoy the beautiful Canadian outdoors and plenty of fun recreational activities is at the Gatineau Park, which is just 8 miles from the City Center.
Popular fun activities at the park include:
Bird watching
If you are a bird enthusiast, Gatineau Park is an ideal place where you can observe migrating hawks, as well as different types of wildlife such as bears and deer.
Hiking & Biking
The park is also home to natural trails and the famed Trans Canada Trail where you can enjoy hiking, jogging and biking.
Water Activities & Camping
*Lac Phillipe (a 40 minute drive from Ottawa) is a popular lake where you can camp out. The lake has lifeguards and it is popular with families.
*Meech Lake (30 minute drive from Ottawa) is a popular lake in the summer, especially amongst nudists.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Another popular place in the Ontario province where you can enjoy the great outdoors, as well as a myriad of fun family outdoor activities is at the Algonquin Park.
The park is home to hundreds of camping sites where you can tent out, miles of natural trails where you can enjoy hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.
The park is also home to a visitor center that also includes a video theater, a gift shop, and an outdoor observation deck.
Algonquin Park is around 125 miles away, and about a 90 minute drive northwest of Ottawa Ontario Canada.
Rideau Waterway Boat Tour
Taking a boat tour along the Rideau Waterway is one of the most popular things to do in Ottawa Ontario Canada for first time visitors.
Boat tours can be booked from the city center and they really offer an alternative way to learn about Ottawa’s landmarks and history.
Ice Skating
If you love ice skating, during the winter months a section of the Rideau Waterway becomes a long skating rink which makes it the longest ice rink in the world.
Things to do in Ottawa Ontario Canada: Places of Interest
Peace Tower
If you are interested in history, a visit to the Peace Tower is a must-add in your Ottawa itinerary. Apart from getting great views from the observation deck, Peace Tower is home the Hall of Remembrance which is a tribute to the country’s war dead.
Byward Market District
The Byward Market district, located in downtown Ottawa, is another popular point of interest where you can soak in both French and Irish heritage, and see the famed street performers the district is known for.
On the district, you can also see the Notre Dame Cathedral, which is one of the oldest catholic churches in Ottawa Ontario Canada.
Commissioners Park
Commissioners Park is another point of interest for history buffs. At the park, you can see the famed 'Man with Two Hats' statute which symbolizes Canada’s alliance and friendship with Holland.
Things to do in Ottawa Ontario Canada: Shopping
One of the most popular places to enjoy the shopping scene in Ottawa Ontario Canada is in the downtown area.
The downtown area is home to the popular Byward Market where you can shop for local produce and local art and craft.
The Rideau Street is another popular destination and it is here, where you can find The Bay department store and the popular Rideau Centre shopping mall, which is home to over one hundred department stores.
Things to do in Ottawa Ontario Canada: Nightlife & Entertainment
Exploring the city’s nightlife is one of the most popular things to do in Ottawa Ontario Canada.
The city is home to all kinds of pubs, bars and clubs to suit all tastes and pockets. Most nightclubs offer special weekly events featuring famed Dj’s so they're worth checking out.
At most nightclubs you can find different types of nights and most clubs play anything from hip-hop to rock music.
The downtown area is the hottest spot for finding great nightlife. Places such as the ByWard Market, Elgin Street, and Gatineau are just three of the most popular areas to find clubs and entertainment.
Things to do in Ottawa Ontario Canada: Events & Festivals
The Gatineau Loppet
The Gatineau Loppet, held in February, is one of the most popular cross-country ski race events where families and kids can take part in the fun.
Ottawa Winterlude Festival
The Ottawa Winterlude Festival is one of the most popular family winter events in the city, where the public compete in fun skating shows and snowmen sculptures competitions.
Parliament Hill Sound and Light Show
The Parliament Hill Sound and Light Show, held between July and September, is a fun summer event which tells the story of Canada through music, images and amazing lighting effects.
The Canadian Tulip Festival
The Canadian Tulip Festival, held in May in Ottawa, is one of the largest tulip festivals in the world, where you can see beautiful tulip beds.
Apart from tulip beds, at the festival visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment and cuisines that represent Ottawa’s ethnic diversity.
Ottawa Bluesfest
The Ottawa Bluesfest, held in July, is a popular music outdoor festival that brings together blues and rock musicians together.
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