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Ottawa
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Ottawa blends Canada's parliamentary heritage, national museums, riverside paths and bilingual culture with memorable architecture and seasonal outdoor life.

A Capital Shaped by Water and Government

Ottawa stands on the Ottawa River where Ontario faces Quebec, a setting that gives Canada’s capital both a national purpose and a spacious, outdoors-oriented character. Parliament Hill rises above the river, while the Rideau Canal cuts through the centre before widening into Dow’s Lake. Between these waterways are formal avenues, leafy neighbourhoods, museums, galleries and market streets that make the city easy to explore in distinct districts rather than as one continuous urban expanse. English and French coexist in public life, reflecting Ottawa’s position within a bilingual country and beside francophone Gatineau.
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National Collections and Civic Life

The capital’s cultural institutions are unusually substantial for a city of its size. The Canadian Museum of History, across the river in Gatineau, examines the country’s peoples and past, while the National Gallery of Canada, Canadian War Museum and Canadian Museum of Nature offer different perspectives on art, conflict and the natural world. The ByWard Market provides a more informal counterpoint, with restaurants, cafés, food stalls and independent shops around one of the city’s oldest commercial districts. Nearby Centretown and the Glebe add local restaurants, heritage streets and everyday city life.

Seasons in the Capital

Ottawa’s landscape changes dramatically through the year. In summer, the canal, river paths and parks fill with walkers and cyclists; in autumn, the Gatineau Hills provide an accessible backdrop of changing woodland; and in winter, the Rideau Canal becomes a celebrated skating route when conditions permit. The result is a capital where political history, national culture and outdoor recreation sit unusually close together, with the compact central area offering a strong introduction to Canada’s institutions and landscapes.

When is the best time to visit Ottawa?

Best: May–June, September · 21–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-658
February-345
March449
April1362
May (best)2189
June (best)27105
July3096
August29101
September (best)2286
October1481
November885
December-167

Getting to and around Ottawa

How to get there

Ottawa is served by Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, south of the central area, with onward transport by taxi, airport bus and road. VIA Rail Canada connects Ottawa with Montréal, Toronto and other points in the national rail network, although some journeys require connections. Intercity coach services and regional buses provide additional links with cities in Ontario and Quebec, while Highways 417 and 416 connect the capital with eastern Ontario and the wider provincial road system. The Ottawa River separates the city from Gatineau, and bridges provide road, cycling and pedestrian connections into Quebec. Check current airline, rail and coach schedules before travelling, as services and route patterns can change.

Transportation

The central districts, including Parliament Hill, Centretown, the ByWard Market and the Glebe, are practical to explore on foot, with extensive paths along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River. OC Transpo operates local buses and the O-Train light-rail system, which is useful for reaching districts beyond the core; routes and service levels vary, so current information is worth checking. Taxis and app-based car services are available, while cycling is particularly pleasant on the city’s separated paths and riverside routes. Winter affects walking and cycling conditions, and visitors should allow extra time for snow, ice and cold when crossing larger open spaces.

Best attractions in Ottawa

Ottawa’s principal sights cluster around the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill, where visitors can explore ceremonial spaces and view the capital’s distinctive river setting. The National Gallery of Canada combines Canadian and international art with a striking glass-and-granite building, while the Canadian Museum of Nature occupies a historic former museum building south of the core. Across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, the Canadian Museum of History presents Indigenous, social and political stories from a national perspective. The ByWard Market adds food stalls, cafés, public art and independent shops in a historic commercial quarter, and the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum offers a very different experience in the suburban west. Parks, canal paths and Dow’s Lake provide accessible outdoor sightseeing, while Gatineau Park, outside the city in Quebec, extends the capital’s possibilities into forested hills and lookouts.

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Best landmarks in Ottawa

Parliament Hill is Ottawa’s defining civic landmark, with the neo-Gothic Centre Block, East and West Blocks and the Peace Tower forming a carefully composed group above the Ottawa River; the Centre Block is currently undergoing long-term rehabilitation. The Château Laurier, beside the canal and Parliament, is a landmark railway hotel whose châteauesque silhouette reflects early twentieth-century national infrastructure. The Rideau Canal, a nineteenth-century engineering work and UNESCO World Heritage site, remains both a functioning waterway and a defining urban corridor. Further landmarks include the National War Memorial at Confederation Square, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica with its ornate interior, and the Alexandra Bridge, which connects Ottawa and Gatineau across the river. Together these structures express the capital’s linked histories of government, transport, religion, commemoration and public culture.

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Explore Ottawa on the map

Plan your Ottawa trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Ottawa

Best restaurants in Ottawa

Ottawa’s food scene reflects its position between Ontario and Quebec, its bilingual public culture and its substantial immigrant communities. French-Canadian influences appear in dishes such as poutine and tourtière, while bakeries, cafés and modern restaurants interpret regional ingredients in contemporary ways. The ByWard Market remains a useful area for casual eating, food stalls and early-evening meals, while Elgin Street, Centretown, the Glebe, Chinatown and Hintonburg offer a broader spread of independent restaurants. Local menus may feature Ontario produce, maple, freshwater fish and craft beer alongside cuisines from around the world. Québec-style bagels, pâté chinois and seasonal comfort food are part of the wider regional vocabulary, though Ottawa’s dining identity is more diverse than any single speciality. Farmers’ markets and rotating food events add a seasonal dimension without replacing the city’s year-round restaurant culture.

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Best bars in Ottawa

Ottawa’s evenings range from relaxed pub and wine-bar gatherings to live music, theatre and occasional late-night clubbing, with activity concentrated in the central districts rather than spread across a vast nightlife scene. Elgin Street, the ByWard Market and the Glebe have long been associated with bars and restaurants, while Hintonburg and Wellington West provide a more neighbourhood-oriented mix of breweries, cocktail rooms and music venues. The National Arts Centre presents theatre, dance and concerts near Parliament Hill, and smaller venues host touring bands, comedy and local performances. Seasonal festivals and outdoor events can alter the city’s evening rhythm, particularly in summer. Nightlife is shaped by Ontario licensing rules and can vary considerably by venue and day, so visitors should check current arrangements rather than assume that every district remains busy late into the night.

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Best nightclubs in Ottawa

Ottawa’s evenings range from relaxed pub and wine-bar gatherings to live music, theatre and occasional late-night clubbing, with activity concentrated in the central districts rather than spread across a vast nightlife scene. Elgin Street, the ByWard Market and the Glebe have long been associated with bars and restaurants, while Hintonburg and Wellington West provide a more neighbourhood-oriented mix of breweries, cocktail rooms and music venues. The National Arts Centre presents theatre, dance and concerts near Parliament Hill, and smaller venues host touring bands, comedy and local performances. Seasonal festivals and outdoor events can alter the city’s evening rhythm, particularly in summer. Nightlife is shaped by Ontario licensing rules and can vary considerably by venue and day, so visitors should check current arrangements rather than assume that every district remains busy late into the night.

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Best shops in Ottawa

Shopping in Ottawa ranges from the historic ByWard Market to independent neighbourhood streets and modern retail centres. The market area has stalls, food vendors, souvenir shops and small retailers, although its character shifts between daytime commerce and evening dining. Sparks Street, a pedestrian street near Parliament, is convenient for browsing in the central district, while the Glebe’s Bank Street, Wellington West and Hintonburg offer boutiques, bookshops, design stores and locally oriented businesses. Rideau Centre provides a large indoor shopping environment close to the market and major hotels. Distinctive purchases may include maple products, Canadian-made food and drink, Indigenous art and craftwork bought from reputable sources, and regionally produced goods. Visitors should distinguish authentic locally made items from generic souvenirs and ask about provenance when purchasing Indigenous art or heritage-inspired products.

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Ottawa essentials

Currency and Payment
Canada’s currency is the Canadian dollar, abbreviated CAD or commonly written as $. Canadian banknotes are polymer, and coins include the one-dollar loonie and two-dollar toonie. Credit and debit cards, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in hotels, museums, restaurants, shops and transport-related services, although small vendors and some market stalls may prefer or require cash. ATMs are readily available in central districts and shopping areas; international card issuers may apply their own foreign-exchange or withdrawal fees. Prices generally exclude sales tax, and restaurant bills commonly involve a discretionary tip, so the final amount may be higher than the displayed price.
Safety
Ottawa is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary urban precautions remain appropriate. Keep valuables secure in crowded market areas, on public transport and at large events, and avoid leaving possessions visible in unattended vehicles. The central area is active by day, while quieter streets and trails can feel isolated after dark; use well-lit routes and licensed or reputable transport when returning late. Winter brings genuine hazards from ice, snow and extreme cold, so suitable footwear and layered clothing matter. On waterways and trails, observe posted warnings, stay within marked areas and take changing weather seriously, particularly around the Ottawa River and exposed parkland.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 in Canada for police, fire or ambulance emergencies, and state clearly that you are in Ottawa, Ontario. Operators can provide assistance in English or French; explain the location, nature of the emergency and any immediate danger. For urgent medical care, ambulance crews or emergency departments provide the appropriate response, while pharmacies and walk-in clinics may help with less serious concerns. Travel insurance is advisable because visitors can face substantial healthcare charges. Keep your accommodation address and any relevant medication information accessible, and remember that severe winter weather, flooding or other disruptions may affect roads and public transport.
Do's and Don'ts
Queue patiently, respect personal space and allow passengers to leave buses and trains before boarding. In restaurants, tipping is customary for satisfactory table service, although the amount is discretionary and should reflect the service received. Avoid touching objects in museums, memorials or historic interiors, and follow photography restrictions where displayed. Parliament Hill and national memorials are working or commemorative spaces rather than ordinary public squares, so behave quietly and observe security instructions. Canada’s bilingual context makes a greeting in either English or French welcome, while respectful recognition of Algonquin Anishinaabe heritage is appropriate when discussing the region’s history.
Local Tips
The central area is easiest to understand by linking Parliament Hill, the canal, the ByWard Market and the National Gallery through a series of short walks. The Glebe and Hintonburg offer a more neighbourhood-focused view of Ottawa, with independent shops and restaurants beyond the ceremonial core. Cross into Gatineau for the Canadian Museum of History and river views back towards Parliament, remembering that it is in Quebec rather than Ontario. In warmer months, follow the multi-use paths beside the canal and river; in colder months, check local conditions before relying on skating or trail access. Museum visits can provide useful context during poor weather.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBonjour[bon-zhoor]
GoodbyeAu revoir[oh ruh-vwah]
YesOui[wee]
NoNon[nohn]
Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien[seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
Thank youMerci[mehr-see]
Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé[ex-kew-zay mwah/day-zoh-lay]
How are you?Comment ça va?[kom-mohn sah vah]
Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?[byen. ay twah]
Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?[par-lay voo ahn-glay]
I don't understandJe ne comprends pas[zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh muh-noo, seel voo pleh]
I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande[zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
Cheers!Santé![sahn-tay]
I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aidez-moi![ay-day mwah]
Go away!Allez-vous en![ah-lay voo zahn]
Call the Police!Appelez la police![ah-peh-lay lah po-lees]
Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin![ah-peh-lay uh may-sahn]
I'm lostJe suis perdu[zhuh swee pair-doo]
I'm illJe suis malade[zhuh swee mah-lahd]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...[zhuh voo-dray zah-shey...]
I'm just lookingJe regarde juste[zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
How much is it?Combien ça coûte?[kohn-byen sah koot]
That's too expensiveC'est trop cher[say troh shair]
Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?[poo-vey voo bay-say luh pree]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?[kel uh-ruh ay-tee]
It's one o'clockIl est une heure[eel ay oon uh-ruh]
Half past (10)Dix heures et demie[dees uh-ruh ay duh-mee]
MorningMatin[mah-tan]
AfternoonAprès-midi[ah-preh-mee-dee]
EveningSoir[swah]
YesterdayHier[ee-yair]
TodayAujourd'hui[oh-zhoor-dwee]
TomorrowDemain[duh-mahn]
1Un[uhn]
2Deux[duh]
3Trois[trwah]
4Quatre[kat]
5Cinq[sank]
6Six[seece]
7Sept[set]
8Huit[wheat]
9Neuf[nuff]
10Dix[dees]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Où est le/la...?[oo ay luh/lah]
What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?[kel ay lad-res]
Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?[poo-vey voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?[kond ay luh proh-shan (bus)]
A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)[uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Ottawa

Algonquin Anishinaabe Territory

The Ottawa Valley is the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe, whose communities used the river, lakes and forests for travel, trade and sustenance long before the emergence of the modern city. The Ottawa River formed a major inland route linking the Great Lakes with the northern waterways, and its name derives from the Outaouais, or Ottawa, people associated with regional trade networks. European mapping and commerce gradually altered these relationships, but the river corridor remained central to movement through the region. Contemporary Ottawa continues to exist on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory, an important context for understanding the capital’s landscape and public institutions.

The Creation of Bytown

Ottawa’s modern colonial history began with the construction of the Rideau Canal. Lieutenant-Colonel John By established a settlement on the river in 1826 to support the canal project, which was intended to provide a secure water route between the Ottawa River and Kingston on Lake Ontario. The community became known as Bytown and grew around Upper Town, near the canal and military works, and Lower Town, where Irish and French-Canadian workers, merchants and labourers established a busy neighbourhood. The canal opened in 1832, and Bytown developed from a construction settlement into a timber and commercial centre.

Timber, Trade and a New Name

During the nineteenth century, the Ottawa River supported a substantial timber industry. Sawmills, lumber yards and river transport brought wealth and workers to the settlement, while mills and industrial sites spread along the waterways. In 1855, Bytown was incorporated as the City of Ottawa, adopting the name associated with the river and its wider Indigenous history. The city’s population included English, Irish, Scottish and French-Canadian communities, and religious institutions, markets and businesses reflected this mixture. Timber remained important, but Ottawa’s future increasingly depended on administration and its position within the political geography of British North America.

Ottawa Becomes the Capital

Queen Victoria selected Ottawa as the capital of the Province of Canada in 1857, a decision influenced by its position between major English- and French-speaking communities, its defensible distance from the American border and its river and canal connections. When the Dominion of Canada was created in 1867, Ottawa became the national capital. Parliament Buildings rose on Barrack Hill in the Gothic Revival style, establishing the hilltop silhouette that remains central to the city’s identity. Federal departments, residences and diplomatic functions followed, transforming Ottawa from a regional timber town into an administrative capital.

Fire, Reconstruction and Civic Memory

The Centre Block of Parliament was severely damaged by fire in 1916, during the First World War. The Peace Tower and rebuilt Centre Block formed part of the reconstruction that followed, while the original parliamentary Gothic Revival character was retained. Ottawa’s public landscape also expanded through national memorials, government buildings and cultural institutions that expressed a growing sense of Canadian identity. The city’s role was not only administrative: it became a setting for commemorating military service, celebrating Confederation and presenting Canadian art, history and science to visitors from across the country.

A Planned National Capital

Twentieth-century Ottawa was reshaped by efforts to create a more coherent national capital. The 1950 plan associated with French urban planner Jacques Gréber proposed parks, parkways, separated traffic routes and a less industrial appearance for the central city. Some recommendations transformed the urban landscape, including the removal or relocation of railway infrastructure from central areas and the development of ceremonial approaches and green spaces. Post-war federal expansion brought new offices and cultural buildings, while the amalgamation of Ottawa with surrounding municipalities in 2001 created the present large municipal boundary, extending from the historic core into rural communities and farmland.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Ottawa

Discover Ottawa like never before with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, and more!

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences
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Evendo is your all-in-one travel guide to Ottawa. Explore the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences, all in one app.

  • History of Ottawa and travel essentials
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  • User-friendly navigation
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions
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Planning a trip to Ottawa? Look no further than Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide app. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo helps you make the most of your Ottawa experience. From the iconic Parliament Hill and the breathtaking Rideau Canal to the bustling ByWard Market and the historic Fairmont Château Laurier, Evendo offers detailed information on all the must-see attractions.

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With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences right from the app. Our 'Near Me' feature ensures you never miss out on nearby attractions, while curated local tips help you experience Ottawa like a true local. Plus, with rich information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, planning your trip has never been easier.

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