Ottawa: Our Suggested Activities and Restaurants

Canada: What to do in Ottawa | Activities and dining suggestions

Apr 21, 2024

Updated Aug 14, 2026

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Activities Experiences Canada: What to do in Ottawa | Activities and dining suggestions

To the point Here are some not-to-be-missed events, restaurants and activities in Ottawa, as well as secrets revealed by its residents.

Ottawa – Things to do

The Rideau Canal

A visit to the Rideau Canal is a must! This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can simply walk or cycle along its banks.

Canada: what to do in Ottawa | Activity and restaurant suggestions - rideau canal

In spring, crabapple and cherry trees bloom at the Dominion Arboretum, which runs along part of the canal near Dow’s Lake. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are available for hire.

In May, you’ll be thrilled by the spectacle of tulips in bloom along the canal during the Tulip Festival. The event takes place in the Parc des Commissaires.

You can also discover the beauty of the Rideau Canal during a cruise, from Dow’s Lake to the Ottawa River.

Canada: What to do in Ottawa | Activities and dining suggestions - Rideau Canal Ottawa

There are still manual locks, connecting the Ottawa River to the canal. The spectacle is worth the detour! Stop at the Parks Canada lock station: you’ll discover how this system works.

Did you know that you can camp at the lock stations along the canal? This activity is offered from mid-May until early October.

In fine weather, four beaches await you on the banks of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River.

Canada: What to do in Ottawa | Activities and dining suggestions - Petrie Island Beach Ottawa

Ottawa’s big and small events

Here are the most popular activities, all year round:

ByWard Market entertainment;
Tulip Festival (May);
Ottawa Marathon : (May);
Jazz Festival (June);
The Dragon Boat Festival (in June);
The Ottawa Indigenous Solstice Festival (in June);
July 1st festivities;
Blues Festival (July);
Chamberfest Festival (July and August);
Ottawa International Busker Festival (August);
Christmas lights;
Winterlude (February).

Canada: What to do in Ottawa | Activities and dining suggestions - Ottawa Tulips

These events and activities are also available:

Admire the city by bike: from the Rideau Canal, to the Museum of Fine Arts, passing through the ByWard Market;
Visit the city by night, with a cruise and sound and light show;
Enjoy good beers in the heart of the city;
At the Château Laurier: try La Terrasse restaurant at sunset and Zoe’s Lounge for its cocktails;
Treat yourself to a personalized guided tour of the city’s landmarks;
Farmers’ market: on Sundays, it’s the ideal place to stock up on farm-fresh produce;
Parliament Hill: relax with outdoor yoga during lunch hour, May to August;
Last but not least, treat yourself to a few scares at the Haunted Walk.

Canada: What to do in Ottawa | Activities and dining suggestions - Yoga on the Hill Ottawa.

Ottawa – Where to eat?

The secrets of the residents

Here are a few addresses to try out, with your eyes closed:

Di Rienzo’s Grocery. A small deli known to locals for making the best sandwiches in town. What’s more, prices are very affordable;
El Camino, for excellent Mexican food;
Boulangerie L’Art-is-in. For its pizzas, sourdough breads, burgers, pastries, and croissants that impress even the French;
Copper Spirits & Sights, the Andaz terrace. It offers a superb view of the city of Ottawa and the ByWard Market;
The Grand Pizzeria and Bar. We go there for wood-fired pizza, beer and wine, which are discounted during market hours;
Sidedoor and its indoor terrace Ceylonta on Somerset Street West. It’s an unassuming restaurant that serves absolutely delicious Sri Lankan food.

Canada: What to do in Ottawa | Activities and dining suggestions - Wood-fired pizza

High-end venues

Gourmets will surely appreciate these good addresses:

T.O.W.N. An intimate bistro with modern, tasty cuisine;
Two Six Ate. For creative dishes, as beautiful as they are delicious;
Fairouz Cafe. A great Lebanese restaurant;
Riviera. Excellent food, served in a century-old building;
Beckta Dining & Wine , very high-end. It is regularly on the list of the best restaurants in Canada.

Canada: What to do in Ottawa | Activities and dining suggestions - Beckta Dining and Wine

Finally, here are other restaurant suggestions for all tastes:

For your expenses in restaurants and bars, don’t forget to use one of these credit cards allowing you to earn 5 points per dollar spent:

Ottawa – Where to sleep?

Save With Points

There are several Marriott hotels in Ottawa. In Canada, Marriott Bonvoy is the most enticing loyalty program for free hotel nights. In fact, there are two Marriott Bonvoy credit cards issued by American Express, which allow you to accumulate numerous points in the blink of an eye.

The icing on the cake: you could stay five nights for the price of four, in the same hotel, using Marriott Bonvoy points!

To help you choose your hotel, here are our reviews:

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!

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Region

Canada, Ottawa