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2 nights, 3 days

Ottawa 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Ottawa grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Distances are straight-line, so actual transit times will differ. Feel free to reorder the stops. · Updated August 15, 2026

The whole route at a glance

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors Lines are straight connections, not actual routes.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3

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1

DAY 1

Around National Gallery of Canada · Museums & galleries·Temples & religious sites

Directions in Google Maps
  1. Morning
    National Gallery of Canada

    Museums & galleries

    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.

  2. After lunch
    Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

    Temples & religious sites · 0.2 km from the previous stop

    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.

  3. Afternoon
    Peace Tower

    Views & landmarks · 0.6 km from the previous stop

    A bell and clock tower rising from the center of Canada's Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, and one of the country's most iconic landmarks. Its majestic look makes it a popular spot for photos.

  4. Evening
    Valiants Memorial

    Heritage & monuments · 0.4 km from the previous stop

    A memorial honoring 14 figures from Canadian military history, made up of fourteen life-size busts and statues. It was dedicated in 2006 in the presence of the Governor General.

2

DAY 2

Around Canadian Museum of History · Museums & galleries·Views & landmarks

Directions in Google Maps
  1. Morning
    Canadian Museum of History

    Museums & galleries

    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.

  2. After lunch
    Canadian Children's Museum

    Museums & galleries · 0.1 km from the previous stop

    A children's museum operated under the Canadian Museum of History, offering Canada's largest exhibition space for children under 14 and their guardians. Drawing around 500,000 visitors a year, it makes for a great experience for families traveling together.

  3. Afternoon
    Bank of Canada Museum

    Museums & galleries · 1 km from the previous stop

    This is a museum operated by the Bank of Canada in Ottawa. Formerly known as the Currency Museum, it has long explored the history of money and finance.

  4. Evening
    Chaudière Bridge

    Views & landmarks · 1.2 km from the previous stop

    This bridge crosses the Ottawa River, connecting Gatineau, Quebec, with Ottawa, Ontario, about 1 km west of Parliament Hill. Traces of the original bridge, first built in the 1820s, still remain, giving it historical significance.

3

DAY 3

Around Canadian Museum of Nature · Museums & galleries·Temples & religious sites

Directions in Google Maps
  1. Morning
    Canadian Museum of Nature

    Museums & galleries

    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.

  2. After lunch
    St. Patrick's Basilica, Ottawa

    Temples & religious sites · 1 km from the previous stop

    This Roman Catholic basilica on Nepean Street in downtown Ottawa is the city's oldest English-speaking parish church. It opens its doors for Doors Open Ottawa, making it worth a visit for anyone interested in architecture.

  3. Afternoon
    Confederation Square

    Parks & gardens · 0.9 km from the previous stop

    Confederation Square is a downtown Ottawa plaza built around the National War Memorial, forming one of Canada's most iconic commemorative spaces. Ranked just behind Parliament Hill as a top attraction, it's a great spot for a reflective walk through history.

  4. Evening
    Centretown

    Shopping & districts · 1.4 km from the previous stop

    Centretown is a neighborhood in downtown Ottawa, Canada, bordering the Rideau Canal. The name was once used to refer to all of Ottawa west of the canal.

Where to stay for this itinerary

Around National Gallery of Canada, the anchor of day one. Staying here keeps your first day's travel shortest.

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Tours & tickets for this itinerary

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