Ottawa Fun Things To Do in Ottawa Ontario In 2025
Tourist Attractions / by bkearns / 3 views / New
Ottawa Fun Things To Do in Ottawa Ontario In 2025
Discover the Best Ottawa Fun Things To Do in Ottawa Ontario In 2025. Ever stood in the middle of downtown Ottawa wondering “what now?” I’ve been there. Spent three years thinking Parliament Hill was the only attraction worth seeing, until I actually explored beyond the tourist traps.
I’m about to share my insider guide to fun things to do in Ottawa Ontario that’ll make even locals raise their eyebrows. No stuffy museum tours here (unless they’re actually cool—and some definitely are).
From hidden foodie haunts in the ByWard Market to secret paddle boarding spots along the Rideau Canal, I’ve tested everything personally. My friends now call me before Google when planning their Ottawa weekends.
But here’s what nobody tells you about Ottawa’s best attractions…
Parliament Hill
The Heart of Canadian Politics
Standing majestically on a limestone cliff overlooking the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill isn’t just a government complex – it’s the beating heart of Canadian democracy.
When you visit Ottawa and skip Parliament Hill, did you even really go to Ottawa? I don’t think so.
The iconic Centre Block with its soaring Peace Tower is basically Canada’s most famous selfie spot. The Gothic revival architecture makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a European fairytale, except it’s filled with politicians instead of princesses.
Free guided tours let you peek inside the Senate and House of Commons where all the political drama unfolds. Trust me, seeing where the Prime Minister gets grilled daily is way more interesting than it sounds.
Changing of the Guard
During summer mornings, catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Soldiers in those tall fuzzy bearskin hats perform a precisely choreographed routine that’s both impressive and slightly amusing. The tradition dates back to 1959, and the precision is something else.
Evening Light Show
If you’re visiting between July and September, stick around after sunset for the Northern Lights sound and light show. They project a stunning visual story across the Parliament Buildings’ façade that walks you through Canadian history. It’s completely free and honestly better than most paid attractions.
The grounds themselves are perfect for a picnic with killer views of the Ottawa River. In winter, Parliament Hill becomes the starting point for the world’s largest skating rink when the Rideau Canal freezes over.
National Cultural Attractions
Ever wandered through a glass palace filled with artistic treasures? That’s exactly what the National Gallery feels like. This architectural marvel houses Canada’s most impressive collection of art – we’re talking over 75,000 works from Canadian icons like the Group of Seven to international superstars like Van Gogh.
The giant spider sculpture outside (affectionately named “Maman”) is worth the trip alone. It’s absolutely massive and makes for the perfect Instagram moment. Kids either love it or are completely terrified – there’s no in-between.
Inside, you could easily spend hours roaming the bright, airy galleries. The Indigenous art section is particularly moving, showcasing centuries of incredible artistic traditions that too often get overlooked.
Canadian Museum of History
Just across the river in Gatineau, this museum is unmissable – and I mean that literally. The curved architecture makes it impossible to ignore from Parliament Hill.
The Grand Hall is mind-blowing with the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles set against floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Ottawa River. The way the light filters through those massive windows makes the whole experience feel almost spiritual.
Their Canadian History Hall walks you through 15,000 years of history in a way that’s actually engaging (not the boring stuff you dozed through in school). They’ve mastered the art of storytelling through artifacts, bringing Canada’s complex past to life.
Canadian War Museum
This isn’t your typical stuffy war museum. The building itself tells a story – the grass-covered roof symbolizes regrowth after conflict, and the entire structure points directly at Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.
Byward Market
A Vibrant Hub of Food and Culture
Ever wandered through a place that’s buzzing with energy from sunrise to well past sunset? That’s ByWard Market for you. One of North America’s oldest and largest public markets, this gem sits right in the heart of downtown Ottawa.
Foodies, you’re in for a treat. The market buildings house vendors selling everything from fresh produce to maple syrup that’ll make your pancakes sing. But the real magic happens when you stroll through the outdoor stalls where local farmers proudly display their harvests.
Hungry for something more substantial? The surrounding streets are packed with over 100 eateries. From cozy cafés perfect for people-watching to upscale restaurants where chefs work their magic with local ingredients, your taste buds won’t know what hit them.
Shopping here isn’t your typical mall experience. Think unique boutiques, artisan shops, and galleries showcasing local talent. You might walk in planning to just browse, but good luck leaving empty-handed.
When night falls, ByWard transforms again. The bars and pubs fill up with locals and visitors, live music spills onto the streets, and the whole area pulses with nightlife.
Don’t miss the iconic BeaverTails pastry stand – these fried dough pastries topped with cinnamon and sugar are an Ottawa institution. And yes, they taste even better when you’re munching on one while people-watching in the market square.
Visiting in winter? The market doesn’t hibernate. It transforms into a magical snow-dusted wonderland with festive decorations and warm spots to duck into when the chill gets too much in our Ottawa Fun Things To Do in Ottawa Ontario In 2025.
Rideau Canal
History and Significance
The Rideau Canal isn’t just a pretty waterway – it’s a living piece of history that earned its UNESCO World Heritage status back in 2007. Built between 1826 and 1832 under Lieutenant Colonel John By, this 202-kilometer waterway was originally a military project to create a secure supply route between Montreal and Kingston following the War of 1812.
What makes the canal truly remarkable? It’s the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. The engineering feat involved creating 47 locks and 52 dams, most of which still operate using the original hand-cranked mechanisms from the 19th century. That’s right – modern tourists watch the same lock system that’s been working for nearly 200 years!
Seasonal Activities
The canal transforms completely with the seasons, offering two entirely different experiences.
Summer Boating and Cycling
During warmer months, rent a kayak or canoe and paddle through downtown Ottawa for a unique perspective of Parliament Hill. If boating isn’t your thing, the canal’s pathways offer over 200 kilometers of scenic cycling routes. Stop at the charming villages along the way like Merrickville (often called the “Jewel of the Rideau”) where historic buildings house artisan shops and cozy cafés.
Winter Skating
The real magic happens in winter when the canal freezes into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. Stretching 7.8 kilometers from downtown to Dow’s Lake, locals and visitors glide along while warming up with hot chocolate and munching on BeaverTails (fried dough pastries) from vendors along the ice. The annual Winterlude festival in February centers around these frozen waters, featuring ice sculptures, performances, and skating events.
The Outdoors – Adventure
Gatineau Park
Craving some wilderness without driving hours from the city? Gatineau Park is your answer.
Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, this massive 361-square-kilometer playground is basically Ottawa’s backyard. The park transforms completely with the seasons, offering something epic year-round.
In summer, tackle over 183 km of hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging all-day adventures. The King Mountain Trail gives you ridiculous panoramic views of the Ottawa Valley after just a moderate climb. Worth. Every. Step.
Mountain bikers get their fix on 90 km of trails, from gentle paths to technical routes that’ll test even experienced riders. Rent bikes at the visitor center if you didn’t bring your own.
When snow blankets the region, the park transforms into a cross-country skiing paradise with over 200 km of groomed trails. No equipment? No problem. Rentals are available right in the park in our Ottawa Fun Things To Do in Ottawa Ontario In 2025.
Whitewater Rafting
Want an adrenaline rush you’ll talk about for years? The Ottawa River is one of North America’s premier whitewater destinations.
Just an hour from the city, you can battle Class III-IV rapids with names like “Butcher’s Knife” and “The Garburator.” Terrifying? Maybe. Unforgettable? Absolutely.
Several outfitters offer half-day, full-day, or multi-day experiences for all skill levels. Complete beginners are welcome – guides handle the technical stuff while you hang on and scream (mostly from excitement, occasionally from fear).
Summer weekends book up fast, so reserve your spot early. The water’s warmest in July and August, which is nice when you inevitably get soaked.
Annual Festivals You Can’t Miss
Ottawa knows how to throw a party. Trust me, the festival scene here is next-level amazing.
Winterlude transforms the city into a frosty playground every February. Skating on the Rideau Canal is just the beginning. You’ll find incredible ice sculptures, snow slides, and hot chocolate stations everywhere. Locals grab BeaverTails (fried dough pastries) to keep warm while wandering through ice kingdoms.
When summer hits, Bluesfest takes over for two wild weeks in July. This isn’t just any music festival – it regularly pulls major headliners like Foo Fighters, Lady Gaga, and Pink. The vibes are immaculate with multiple stages and food vendors creating the perfect festival atmosphere.
The Canadian Tulip Festival in May is pure magic. Over a million tulips bloom across the city, turning parks into kaleidoscopes of color. The history behind it is pretty cool too – the Dutch royal family sent tulips as thanks for sheltering Princess Juliana during WWII.
Ottawa’s Canada Day celebration on July 1st? Epic doesn’t even cover it. Parliament Hill becomes ground zero for the biggest birthday bash in the country. Concerts, street performers, food, fireworks – the energy is unreal.
For film buffs, the Ottawa International Animation Festival in September showcases cutting-edge animation from around the world. Foodies should hit up Ribfest or Poutinefest for some serious comfort food indulgence.
Each festival has its own unique flavor, but they all share that special Ottawa hospitality that keeps visitors coming back year after year in our Ottawa Fun Things To Do in Ottawa Ontario In 2025.
Culinary Scene
ByWard Market – Ottawa’s Culinary Hub
Ottawa’s ByWard Market isn’t just a place to shop – it’s a full-on food lover’s paradise. This historic market district has been feeding the capital since 1826, and it’s still the beating heart of Ottawa’s food scene.
Wander through the market stalls and you’ll find everything from fresh local produce to artisanal cheeses that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. But the real magic happens when you venture into the surrounding blocks.
The market neighborhood is packed with over 100 restaurants and food spots, ranging from quick bites to fancy dining experiences. Want authentic poutine? Got it. Craving innovative farm-to-table? No problem. Need a craft cocktail with your meal? They’ve got you covered in our Ottawa Fun Things To Do in Ottawa Ontario In 2025.
Signature Ottawa Eats
You can’t visit Ottawa without trying a BeaverTail – that sweet, fried pastry treat that was born right here. The original BeaverTails stand in the market still draws lines of hungry visitors waiting for that cinnamon-sugar goodness.
For something savory, hit up one of the local pubs for a taste of Ottawa’s booming craft beer scene. Places like Lowertown Brewery or Heart & Crown pair local brews with elevated pub grub that’ll keep you coming back.
Hidden Culinary Gems
Beyond the market, neighborhoods like Hintonburg, Westboro, and Little Italy are becoming foodie destinations in their own right. These areas showcase Ottawa’s growing culinary diversity with everything from Vietnamese to Ethiopian cuisine.
The food truck scene has also exploded in recent years. During summer months, these mobile kitchens set up shop throughout the city, serving creative street food that rivals any brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Performing Arts
National Arts Centre
Ottawa’s cultural scene? It’s epic. And at the heart of it all stands the National Arts Centre (NAC). This place isn’t just a building—it’s where magic happens on stage.
Got a thing for classical music? The NAC Orchestra will blow you away. They’re world-class musicians who perform everything from Beethoven to brand new compositions that’ll make you feel things you didn’t know possible.
Theatre buff? The English and French Theatre series showcase both classics and cutting-edge productions. And don’t sleep on the Indigenous Theatre programming—it’s groundbreaking stuff that you won’t find anywhere else in our Ottawa Fun Things To Do in Ottawa Ontario In 2025.
Great Canadian Theatre Company
Locals call it GCTC, and it’s the spot for contemporary Canadian plays that tackle real issues. The intimate space puts you right in the action—sometimes just a few feet from the performers.
What makes this place special? They’re not afraid to push boundaries. One night you might be laughing your head off at a comedy, the next you could be questioning everything about society after a thought-provoking drama.
Ottawa Little Theatre
This community theater has been around since 1913—that’s over a century of storytelling! Don’t let the “little” fool you. The productions here pack a big punch, often featuring the city’s most passionate talent.
The best part? Tickets won’t break the bank, making this a perfect night out when you’re watching your budget but still want that live performance experience.
Concert Venues
From the historic Bronson Centre to the modern TD Place Arena, Ottawa’s got venues for every music taste. Catch indie bands at The 27 Club, rock shows at Babylon, or massive tours at the Canadian Tire Centre in our Ottawa Fun Things To Do in Ottawa Ontario In 2025.
City Tours
Guided Tours
You haven’t really experienced Ottawa until you’ve taken a proper city tour. Sure, you could wander around on your own, but why miss out on all the juicy stories and hidden gems only locals know about?
The Parliament Hill guided tours are absolutely free (yes, free!) and give you incredible access to Canada’s political heart. The guides are surprisingly entertaining – not the boring history lecture you might expect. They’ll show you the Senate, House of Commons, and that gorgeous Library of Parliament that looks straight out of a Harry Potter movie.
Water-Based Explorations
Want to see Ottawa from a totally different angle? Hop on an Ottawa River cruise. The views of Parliament Hill from the water are jaw-dropping and perfect for those Instagram shots your friends will secretly envy.
For something more active, try the Rideau Canal boat tours. They’re especially magical in summer when the waterway is bustling with activity. You’ll glide under historic bridges while learning how this engineering marvel was built.
Specialty Tours
Food tours in the ByWard Market are a must for anyone who likes eating (so… everyone?). You’ll sample everything from BeaverTails pastries to local cheeses while strolling through one of North America’s oldest public markets.
Ghost tours after dark? Ottawa’s got some seriously spooky history. These walking tours through the downtown core will give you chills even on a warm summer night, with tales of political scandals, mysterious disappearances, and haunted buildings.
Neighbourhood – Shopping
ByWard Market and Downtown Shopping
Ottawa’s ByWard Market isn’t just a place to grab fresh produce (though you definitely should). It’s a shopper’s paradise packed with over 600 unique businesses including Rideau Centre Shopping Mall with over 100 Retail Stores.
Wander through the market stalls during the day, picking up everything from maple syrup to handcrafted jewelry. Then duck into the specialty shops scattered throughout the district. Looking for vintage vinyl? One-of-a-kind clothing? Quirky home décor? It’s all here.
What makes shopping here different is the mix of old and new. You’ll find stores housed in historic buildings right next to modern boutiques. And the best part? You can shop till you drop, then immediately refuel at one of the countless restaurants and cafes just steps away.
Glebe and Bank Street
The Glebe neighborhood is basically shopping heaven for anyone who hates cookie-cutter malls. Bank Street runs through its heart, lined with independent boutiques that’ll make your wallet beg for mercy.
Vintage clothing stores sit next to bookshops that smell like paper and possibility. Homeware stores display items you never knew you needed until this exact moment. And don’t miss the specialty food shops where you can drop way too much money on fancy olive oil (no regrets).
What’s cool about the Glebe is how the shopping scene shifts with the seasons. Summer brings sidewalk sales, while winter transforms the area with twinkling lights and holiday markets. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you.
Westboro Village
Hip. That’s the one-word description for Westboro Village’s shopping scene. This neighborhood has transformed from sleepy suburb to retail hotspot, with Richmond Road as its buzzing center.
Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for the concentration of sports shops selling everything from kayaks to climbing gear. But it’s the mix of high-end boutiques and sustainable shops that really gives Westboro its character. Looking for ethically-made fashion? Eco-friendly homewares? This is your spot.
Between shops, grab a coffee at one of the indie cafes or hit up a local brewery. Shopping in Westboro isn’t just about buying stuff—it’s about the whole vibe in our Ottawa Fun Things To Do in Ottawa Ontario In 2025.
Conclusion
Exploring Ottawa offers a wealth of experiences for every type of traveler. From the historic Parliament Hill to the vibrant ByWard Market, and from the UNESCO-designated Rideau Canal to the city’s thriving culinary scene, Canada’s capital blends cultural richness with outdoor adventure. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, festivals, and performing arts venues provide endless opportunities to connect with local culture throughout the year.
Plan your visit to Ottawa today and discover why this dynamic city captivates visitors from around the world. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, Ottawa welcomes you with open arms. Stay connected with the latest Ottawa Insider articles to uncover hidden gems and seasonal attractions that make each visit uniquely memorable in our Ottawa Fun Things To Do in Ottawa Ontario In 2025.
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