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Canada Canada

Ottawa

The capital of Canada, spread along the south bank of the Ottawa River. As Ontario's second-largest city, it offers a blend of politics and history.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Ottawa
Gateway airport
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Best season
May–Oct
Time zone
America/St_Johns
Sights covered
64 places

Sights worth seeing

See all 64 →
National Gallery of Canada

Museums & galleries

National Gallery of Canada

This is the national art gallery in Ottawa, Canada, home to a wide range of artworks. It's well worth a visit if you're traveling in Ottawa.

Canadian Museum of History

Museums & galleries

Canadian Museum of History

This national museum covers Canadian history, culture, and anthropology, and is notable for its striking building designed by Douglas Cardinal. It offers a broad look at Canada's heritage.

Canadian Museum of Nature

Museums & galleries

Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is Canada's national natural history museum in Ottawa, with its galleries and programs housed in the Victoria Memorial Museum Building. Its administrative and research facilities are located separately in nearby Gatineau, Quebec.

Canadian War Museum

Museums & galleries

Canadian War Museum

This is Canada's national war museum in Ottawa, presenting the country's military history through a range of exhibits and memorial spaces. Located in a large building near the Ottawa River, it houses a wide array of artifacts and records to explore.

Rideau Hall

Castles & palaces

Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall is the official residence of Canada's Governor General and the monarch, set on spacious grounds on the outskirts of Ottawa. Visitors can tour the mansion, with its more than 170 rooms, along with its gardens.

Archdiocese of Gatineau

Temples & religious sites

Archdiocese of Gatineau

This is a Catholic archdiocese located in Gatineau, in Quebec, Canada. It serves as the metropolitan see overseeing the dioceses of Amos and Rouyn-Noranda.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Temples & religious sites

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

A Roman Catholic cathedral near Ottawa's Lowertown. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1990 in recognition of its historical significance, it's a wonderful place to admire fine cathedral architecture.

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Museums & galleries

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

This national museum showcases Canada's aviation history and is located on the grounds of Rockcliffe Airport in Ottawa. Visitors can explore a wide range of aircraft and space-related exhibits tracing the country's aviation heritage.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

-7° Jan
-7° Feb
-1° Mar
Apr
14° May
19° Jun
22° Jul
21° Aug
17° Sep
11° Oct
Nov
-3° Dec

Getting there

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Getting around the city

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Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.

Ottawa Tours & Experiences Booking

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Local data

Get an eSIM for Canada before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

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Where to stay

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