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Things to do in Ottawa


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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 134 attractions in Ottawa

Ottawa Walking Tours is a company dedicated to letting our experienced, professional guides acquaint you with the history of our beautiful city. Our 2.5 hour guided walks are a must for visitors wanting to get a great overview of the city and learn more about the city’s history, colourful political characters and snap some outstanding photographs. Spend a couple of hours with us exploring our city's past and discovering how the modern city of Ottawa came to be. A must for visitors who want to feel the essence of the Canadian capital

Attraction type: Group tour/boat
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 134 attractions in Ottawa

One of the oldest landmarks in Ottawa, this canal is filled with boats in the summer and becomes the "World's Longest Skating Rink" in the winter.

Attraction type: Waterway; River; Lake; Trail; Historic site
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #3 of 134 attractions in Ottawa

The Canadian War Museum presents Canada's rich military history from earliest times to the present day, featuring the viewpoints of the people who lived it, both at home and on the world stage. Located in a spectacular new building in downtown Ottawa, the Museum is a must-see attraction.

Attraction type: History museum; Military museum
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #4 of 134 attractions in Ottawa
Attraction type: Tour
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #5 of 134 attractions in Ottawa

Three Gothic Revival-style buildings, located on a 170-foot bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, house the offices of the members of Parliament, the House of Commons and the Senate. Free guided tours delve into Canadian history and explain the workings of the political system.

Attraction type: Historic site; Historic walking area; Government building; Lookout
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #6 of 134 attractions in Ottawa

Dating back to 1880, this visual arts museum holds in trust a collection of European and Canadian paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and photos.

Attraction type: Art gallery; Art gallery; History museum
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #7 of 134 attractions in Ottawa

Both John A. MacDonald and Wilfrid Laurier resided here.

Attraction type: Historic home; History museum
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #8 of 134 attractions in Ottawa
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #9 of 134 attractions in Ottawa

Meet the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and their steeds up close through a tour of this specialized riding stable.

Attraction type: Horse-riding stable; Performance
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #10 of 134 attractions in Ottawa

Housing one of the finest collections of aircraft in the world, this museum traces aviation history and features over 115 actual planes and full-size replicas.

Attraction type: Speciality museum; Transport museum
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #11 of 134 attractions in Ottawa
Attraction type: Tour
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #12 of 134 attractions in Ottawa

This traditional farmers' market surrounds a two-floor building of boutiques and features some fine restaurants as well as numerous places to grab a snack or a glass of wine or beer.

Attraction type: Flea/street market; Speciality shop
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #13 of 134 attractions in Ottawa
Attraction type: Comedy club; Bar/club
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #14 of 134 attractions in Ottawa
Attraction type: Bar/club
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #15 of 134 attractions in Ottawa

Tall tower located in the front middle of the Center Block building of the Canadian Parliament.  Contains an observation deck, clock,  carillon and a war memorial hall.  Admission is by admission to...

Attraction type: Observation deck/tower
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #16 of 134 attractions in Ottawa

Lookout offering a beautiful view of the city and a commemorative statue of Canada's founder, Samuel de Champlain.

Attraction type: Lookout
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #17 of 134 attractions in Ottawa
Attraction type: Flea/street market
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #18 of 134 attractions in Ottawa
Attraction type: Tour
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #19 of 134 attractions in Ottawa

This modern visitor's center contains six interactive computers that will help you plan your stay in the city.

Attraction type: Tourist/visitor centre
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #20 of 134 attractions in Ottawa

The home of every Governor General since 1867, this elegant 19th-century mansion is open to the public for tours of the home and surrounding grounds, consisting of manicured gardens and recreational areas.

Attraction type: Historic home; Historic site; Landmark/point of interest; Government building; Garden
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