Spending the perfect weekend in Ottawa isn’t difficult. As Canada’s capital, there is plenty to do, no matter what the season. If I’m being honest, I would almost (almost) prefer travelling in the winter months if it weren’t so damn cold.
This small city packs a lot of punch. It also holds a soft spot in my heart. It’s the city I went to school in and lived in for some time after. As a government first town, the city typically shuts down around 4 pm. While I haven’t been to Washington, D.C., I would imagine the two cities are very similar. A lot of the attractions focus on the government.
If you’re looking to spend the perfect weekend in Ottawa I would highly recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons. Not only will it be cheaper for you to travel to, you’ll also get to experience the city in full swing. During the summer the city basically shuts down unless it’s a tourist attraction. The students are gone and many government workers are seeking solace in cottage country.
So how should you be spending your weekend in Ottawa? Read on to find out!
| What to do |
Heading to the city for a weekend means you’re slightly limited on time. You could easily fill up 5 days worth of activities but if you’re looking to hit just the highlights, then this itinerary is for you:
Parliament Hill
What would a trip to Ottawa be without visiting Parliament Hill? It used to be one of my favourite spots to frequent because you can just sit outside on the grass overlooking the city, enjoying the people wandering by. On the hill, you’ll also find the centennial flame. The flame was constructed for Canada’s 100th anniversary in 1967 and has rarely gone out since.
Of course, you can also take a tour inside of the Parliament buildings. I’ve heard since the shooting in 2014 the security has gotten much tighter in the area.
If you’re looking for the perfect Instagram shot though, make sure to wander around the building where you can get an amazing shot of the canal and the province of Quebec on the other side.
Byward market
No trip to Ottawa would be complete without a visit to the infamous Byward market. The market is actually a building made up of interior and exterior vendors. However, the area around the market is often also referred to as the Byward Market.
The neighbourhood is Ottawa’s hotspot and as close to a ‘downtown’ as you’ll get. Filled with a number of restaurants and local shops it’s a great spot for an afternoon of wandering. If you’re into the ‘party’ scene, this is also where you’ll find the most popular bars and clubs.
Rideau Canal
One of the most famous canals in Canada, if not the world, the Rideau canal holds a special place in my heart. I used to go for runs along the banks in the warm weather and in the winter I would skate all along the length of it to and from class. In the winter, the canal turns into one of the longest outdoor skating rinks in the world. It’s truly incredible.
National Gallery of Canada
I’ll be honest, I’ve never actually gone inside the building but I love walking around the area. Here you’ll find the giant spider sculpture, also known as Maman. Situated slightly above the rest of the city, here you will find a great view of Ottawa.
In the spring you will also find many of the tulips from Ottawa’s Tulip festival here. That might sound a bit lame but I was actually pleasantly surprised when I visited last. Some of the manipulation and different colours the incorporate with the tulips is pretty incredible.
National War Museum
This is going to sound weird but the war museum in Ottawa is one of my favourite museums. There are tons of various artefacts from various points in Canadian war history. The reason I loved it so much is that there is a large focus on World War One and Two artefacts. I have this strange fixation with those two periods of time.
It’s a bit out of the city to try and get to but well worth the trek. Nothing in Ottawa is ever really too far and the war museum is relatively easy to get to via transit.
Canadian Museum of Nature
Okay I know you’re probably sick of reading about museums but seriously this one was really cool. Located in the heart of the city, the exterior of the building is really quite interesting as well. It looks like an incredibly old building but has had modern updates as part of it’s renovation back in 2010.
It is definitely worth wandering around and spending an afternoon. It’s also the perfect place to go with kids. They have a lot of interactive exhibits and tons of different species to keep them entertained for half a day.
The Glebe
I have a soft spot for the Glebe as I lived and worked there for a year. This small strip in Ottawa is home to some amazing boutique shops, family-owned restaurants and now the football stadium. It’s changed quite a bit since I’ve lived there but it’s still something worth checking out.
There’s not much more to do than enjoy a lunch or dinner along the strip and walk up and down. It’s walkable from Parliament hill (about 15-20 minutes) and very close to the Rideau canal.
Dow’s Lake
If you keep walking south from the Glebe you will eventually hit Dow’s Lake. This larger body of water turns into a larger ice rink in the winter and a spot for kayaking or canoeing in the summer.
Located right near Carleton University, it’s a great spot to wander around for the afternoon. There’s a boathouse that you can eat it although I’ve never personally eaten there so I can’t vouch for it!
Canadian Tulip Festival
Last but not least is the Canadian Tulip Festival. Obviously, this doesn’t happen year round but if you don’t plan on visiting in the winter, make sure to try and get there for this festival. The whole city is overcome by beautiful tulips in all sorts of different colours.
The gardeners even try to make some beautiful and unique designs out of them. It’s as close to feeling like you’re in Amsterdam in the springtime as you’ll get in Canada!
Booking.com
| Where to stay |
Chateau Laurier ($$$)
I’ve always wanted to stay at the Chateau Laurier but sadly have never been given the chance yet! Well, mostly I can’t afford it yet but a girl can dream! Like all other Fairmont hotels in Canada, the Chateau Laurier is as beautiful and elegant on the outside as it is on the inside. One of the focal points for downtown Ottawa, the Chateau is walking distance to the Byward Market, Parliament Hill and Bank Street (the major street that runs through Ottawa).
Les Suites ($$)
My parents always used to stay at Les Suites when they would come to visit me at school. It may not look like much from the outside, the hotel rooms are quite large and all come with fully equipped kitchens. They are located within walking distance of Bank Street and Parliament Hill
Radisson Hotel Parliament Hotel ($)
This hotel is also perfectly located as the name suggests, near Parliament Hill. In terms of location, you get a good bang for your buck. There’s a fitness centre and parking available as well if needed.
If hotels aren’t your thing, there are plenty of Airbnb’s around as well!
There you have it, the best spots to hit on your weekend in Ottawa!
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