Tourism: where to store in Ottawa in winter?

Numerous stores and restaurants await you in the ByWard Market district and on Rideau Street.

Ontario: where to have fun and discover Ottawa?

If you want to enjoy the festivities and nightlife of downtown Ottawa, the ByWard Market district is the place to be.

Where to go for a couple's summer stroll in Ottawa?

The Rideau Canal is Ontario's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fine weather, you and your partner can walk or cycle the trails.

Why is Ottawa called Ottawa?

The name "Ottawa" is derived from the Algonquin word adawe, meaning "to trade".

Ottawa: Our Suggested Activities and Restaurants

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

Things to do The Rideau Canal Ottawa's big and small events

Where to eat? The secrets of the residents Top of the range

Where to sleep? Save with points

Ottawa - Things to do

The Rideau Canal

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

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 on a cruise from Dow’s Lake to the Ottawa River.

Manual locks still exist, linking the Ottawa River to the canal. The show is worth the detour! Stop by Parks Canada’s lock station to learn how the system works.

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

In summer, four beaches await you on the shores of the Ottawa and Rideau rivers.

Ottawa's big and small events

Here are the most popular activities throughout the year:

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

These events and activities are also available:

Admire the city by bike: from the Rideau Canal, to the National Gallery, to the Byward Market;
Visit the city by night, with a cruise and sound and light show;
Enjoy great beers in the heart of the city;
At Château Laurier: try the sunset restaurant La Terrasse 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.

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 overlooks a superb view of Ottawa and the ByWard Market;
The Grand Pizzeria and Bar. We go there for the wood-fired pizza and the beer and wine, which are discounted during market hours;
Sidedoor and its indoor Ceylonta terrace on West Somerset Street. It’s a restaurant that doesn’t look like much, but serves absolutely delicious Sri Lankan food.

Top of the range

Gourmets will surely appreciate these good addresses:

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

Finally, here are some other restaurant suggestions to suit all tastes:

For your spending in restaurants and bars, don’t forget to use one of these credit cards, which earn you 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 attractive 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.