Ottawa, off the itinerary
Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and the ByWard Market usually top every visitor’s list when visiting Ottawa.
But spend a little time beyond these postcard attractions and you’ll find neighbourhood cafés, riverside patios, public art, cycling trails and cultural experiences that reveal a city far more creative than many first-time visitors expect.
Whether you have an hour over lunch or an evening after conference sessions, here are some things to do in Canada’s capital.
See the city on two wheels
Ottawa consistently ranks among Canada’s most bike-friendly cities, with hundreds of kilometres of scenic pathways connecting downtown to the Ottawa River, Rideau Canal and neighbouring parks. RentABike is one of several operators in the downtown core offering traditional and e-bike rentals, as well as fully customizable guided cycling tours.
Start your day with exceptional coffee
Sometimes the best discoveries are the simplest ones. Little Victories Coffee Roasters, just across from the National War Memorial, has become a favourite among locals for expertly crafted espresso drinks and house-made pastries. If you’re exploring beyond downtown, the Glebe location is another excellent excuse to wander one of Ottawa's most walkable neighbourhoods.
Pop into a gallery over lunch
Only steps from the Rogers Centre Ottawa, the Ottawa Art Gallery is an easy cultural detour between sessions. Unlike the nearby National Gallery of Canada, this municipal gallery shines a spotlight on local and regional artists, including works by Group of Seven member A.Y. Jackson. Even if you only have an hour, it's worth stopping in to take a look and grabbing coffee or tea at the gallery café.
Escape into nature without leaving the city
Few capital cities offer such easy access to nature. The Dominion Arboretum, located within the Central Experimental Farm National Historic Site, provides peaceful walking paths beneath mature trees just minutes from downtown. Or follow the Rideau Canal or Ottawa River pathways, where it's easy to forget you're in the middle of a G7 capital.
Get up close to an impressive urban waterfall
Just west of Parliament Hill, Chaudière Falls is one of the city's most impressive—and often overlooked—natural attractions. Sacred to Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years, the powerful falls are now surrounded by pedestrian walkways and viewing platforms that offer dramatic views of the Ottawa River. Interpretive signage and an interactive self-guided walking route explain the area's industrial heritage, including the historic hydroelectric generating stations that continue to produce renewable energy today.
Dine beyond the obvious
Ottawa’s dining scene extends well beyond Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market, with neighbourhood restaurants earning national attention for their creative use of Canadian ingredients. Neighbourhood restaurants such as Aiana, Fauna and North & Navy have earned national attention for seasonal menus that showcase Canadian ingredients.
Or swap the hotel bar for a beverage at an outdoor bistro. The National Capital Commission’s network of seasonal outdoor bistros and taverns are tucked in some of the city’s most scenic parks. Tavern on the Hill, Tavern by the Falls and Tavern at the Gallery are worth a visit if you have the time.
Take a walk on the darker side
Once the sun goes down, Ottawa's historic streets take on a different atmosphere. Haunted Walks Ottawa combines local history with tales of ghost sightings, unsolved mysteries and famous hauntings during guided evening walks through the downtown core. Even if you’re not a fan of ghosts and goblins, this tour will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s colourful past.
Extend your stay across the river
If your schedule allows, spend an extra day exploring nearby Chelsea and Gatineau Park, less than 30 minutes from downtown. The park offers hundreds of kilometres of hiking and cycling trails, scenic lookouts and lakes that feel remarkably removed from the city. Pair it with a visit to Nordik Spa-Nature, one of North America's largest Nordic spas, for an afternoon of thermal pools, saunas and forest views.
From cycling riverside and discovering local artists to unwinding at an outdoor bistro or exploring Ottawa’s haunted past, it doesn’t take much time to experience a side of the city many visitors never see.
Please share your own Ottawa area favourites in the comments below.
When she’s not reporting on health news for Canadian Healthcare Network, Toronto-based journalist Rosalind Stefanac enjoys exploring lesser-known spots as a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada. Thanks to long-time Ottawa local and Medical Post writer Kylie Taggart for her input.
