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Ottawa
Ottawa

Ottawa Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Things to do & Itinerary | Trip.com | January 2026

About Ottawa

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Things to do in Ottawa

What to do

Looking for things to do in Ottawa? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
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Rideau Canal

Rideau Canal

4.4/5103 Review
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Boat tour
Thousand Islands

Thousand Islands

4.7/5132 Review
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Natural scenery
Boat tour
Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill

4.5/5253 Review
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Historic buildings
Night view
National Gallery of Canada

National Gallery of Canada

4.3/5119 Review
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Themed exhibition halls
ByWard Market

ByWard Market

4.7/533 Review
Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall

4.2/5111 Review
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Historic buildings
Canadian Museum of Nature

Canadian Museum of Nature

4.8/537 Review
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Museums
Royal Canadian Mint

Royal Canadian Mint

4.5/552 Review
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Museums
Centennial Flame

Centennial Flame

4.3/546 Review
Peace Tower

Peace Tower

4.5/543 Review

Where to stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Ottawa, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
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What to eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Ottawa dishes and foodie spots.
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Tavern on the Falls

Tavern on the Falls

4.3/56 Review
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Bars/Bistros
Avg. €22/person
The Manx Pub

The Manx Pub

4.3/56 Review
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Bars/Bistros
Avg. €16/person
Le Moulin de Provence

Le Moulin de Provence

4.5/511 Review
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Western-style
Avg. €6/person
The King Eddy

The King Eddy

4.3/54 Review
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Western-style
Avg. €7/person
Aulde Dubliner & Pour House

Aulde Dubliner & Pour House

4.5/55 Review
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Western-style
Avg. €11/person
Mekong

Mekong

4.8/55 Review
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Asian Cuisine
Avg. €23/person
Crust and Crate -Findlay Creek

Crust and Crate -Findlay Creek

4.4/55 Review
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Fast Food
Boston Pizza

Boston Pizza

4.0/51 Review
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Western-style
Avg. €11/person
Thai Lanna Cuisine

Thai Lanna Cuisine

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Asian Cuisine
Avg. €11/person

Ottawa Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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From Mtl to Jaspé via Québec City

From Mtl to Jaspé via Québec City

LottaKuosisto
LottaKuosisto
How to Travel in Canada: A Guide with Routes

How to Travel in Canada: A Guide with Routes

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SolarEclipse2212
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[Fantastic Church] A highlight of Montreal's beautiful cathedral
notredame

[Fantastic Church] A highlight of Montreal's beautiful cathedral

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Ko Kawagoe
2
🌧️Little Niagara Creek Trail Guide
The trail entrance is located in the center of the island and is easy to find. Although named a waterfall, "Niagara" is actually a hidden stream in the forest, but it has the atmosphere of a miniature rainforest—the stream is lined with swaying trees and dense moss, making every step feel like stepping into a North American jungle. Walking along this trail, you can hear birdsong and the sound of water in the distance, creating a truly secluded and tranquil atmosphere for taking photos.

🌧️Little Niagara Creek Trail Guide The trail entrance is located in the center of the island and is easy to find. Although named a waterfall, "Niagara" is actually a hidden stream in the forest, but it has the atmosphere of a miniature rainforest—the stream is lined with swaying trees and dense moss, making every step feel like stepping into a North American jungle. Walking along this trail, you can hear birdsong and the sound of water in the distance, creating a truly secluded and tranquil atmosphere for taking photos.

Chen Travel
Chen Travel
A trip to Ottawa isn't complete without experiencing one of the most iconic winter activities – ice skating on the Rideau Canal, one of the world's longest canals! Every winter, this canal, which winds through the city center, transforms into a giant ice rink, turning the cityscape into a snow-covered fairytale. The riverbanks are a picturesque winter wonderland. Even on rainy days, the experience is unique: snowscapes, bridges, wooden cabins, and the flow of people combine to create Ottawa's distinctive winter charm.

🌨️ Rideau Canal: A Winter Fairytale in the City
The Rideau Canal runs through downtown Ottawa. As a World Heritage Site, whether you're ice skating or strolling, you can appreciate the fusion of modern architecture and Western historical sites. Besides the wide ice rink, there are also many sheltered cabins where you can rest. The snow under the bridges reflects the shadows of the trees along the canal banks, creating a vibrant winter scene. It's recommended to check the weather forecast before you go, as rainy days are a concern.

A trip to Ottawa isn't complete without experiencing one of the most iconic winter activities – ice skating on the Rideau Canal, one of the world's longest canals! Every winter, this canal, which winds through the city center, transforms into a giant ice rink, turning the cityscape into a snow-covered fairytale. The riverbanks are a picturesque winter wonderland. Even on rainy days, the experience is unique: snowscapes, bridges, wooden cabins, and the flow of people combine to create Ottawa's distinctive winter charm. 🌨️ Rideau Canal: A Winter Fairytale in the City The Rideau Canal runs through downtown Ottawa. As a World Heritage Site, whether you're ice skating or strolling, you can appreciate the fusion of modern architecture and Western historical sites. Besides the wide ice rink, there are also many sheltered cabins where you can rest. The snow under the bridges reflects the shadows of the trees along the canal banks, creating a vibrant winter scene. It's recommended to check the weather forecast before you go, as rainy days are a concern.

Chen Travel
Chen Travel
Ottawa 2-Day Winter Getaway | Rideau Canal Skateway Night Walk and City Stroll Guide

Ottawa transforms into a winter wonderland as soon as winter arrives! This trip focuses on winter activities in downtown Ottawa, with a special recommendation for the Rideau Canal Skateway—the world's longest skating canal, a true symbol of winter romance. Whether skating under the blue sky or taking a snow walk in front of the train station at night, Ottawa offers the purest winter travel experience!

🗓️ Itinerary

Day 1: Rideau Canal Skateway – Daytime Skating vs. Nighttime Snow Walk
In the morning, don a thick down jacket and waterproof snow boots, and head straight to the Rideau Canal Skateway. Although the weather is freezing, the conditions are perfect for skating! The blue sky paired with the sparkling white snow on the canal, and the various sizes of skates gathered here, creates an atmosphere like a winter carnival. The canal is open for skating depending on the weather (usually from mid-January to late February; please check the official website for announcements on the day). 📍Address: Rideau Canal Skateway, Ottawa, ON
Opening Hours: Subject to weather conditions, typically 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

A must-visit at Ottawa Train Station at night! It becomes incredibly romantic under the night sky! Couples stroll hand-in-hand through the snow, with the illuminated Western-style buildings in the background—a truly heartwarming sight. This is a must-capture angle for winter travelers, perfect for sharing a warm moment with friends and family, whether you're single or alone!

Day 2: City Culture and Snowscape Stroll
During the day, consider a cultural stroll through the city. We recommend the Western-style buildings around Parliament Hill and ByWard Market; the architecture is exquisite, and the snow-covered scenery is breathtaking.

Also, visit the Ottawa Arboretum (tree park), where you can take photos amidst the snow-covered natural landscape, breathe in the crisp, fresh air—it'll leave you feeling incredibly refreshed!

🎿 Snow

Ottawa 2-Day Winter Getaway | Rideau Canal Skateway Night Walk and City Stroll Guide Ottawa transforms into a winter wonderland as soon as winter arrives! This trip focuses on winter activities in downtown Ottawa, with a special recommendation for the Rideau Canal Skateway—the world's longest skating canal, a true symbol of winter romance. Whether skating under the blue sky or taking a snow walk in front of the train station at night, Ottawa offers the purest winter travel experience! 🗓️ Itinerary Day 1: Rideau Canal Skateway – Daytime Skating vs. Nighttime Snow Walk In the morning, don a thick down jacket and waterproof snow boots, and head straight to the Rideau Canal Skateway. Although the weather is freezing, the conditions are perfect for skating! The blue sky paired with the sparkling white snow on the canal, and the various sizes of skates gathered here, creates an atmosphere like a winter carnival. The canal is open for skating depending on the weather (usually from mid-January to late February; please check the official website for announcements on the day). 📍Address: Rideau Canal Skateway, Ottawa, ON Opening Hours: Subject to weather conditions, typically 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM A must-visit at Ottawa Train Station at night! It becomes incredibly romantic under the night sky! Couples stroll hand-in-hand through the snow, with the illuminated Western-style buildings in the background—a truly heartwarming sight. This is a must-capture angle for winter travelers, perfect for sharing a warm moment with friends and family, whether you're single or alone! Day 2: City Culture and Snowscape Stroll During the day, consider a cultural stroll through the city. We recommend the Western-style buildings around Parliament Hill and ByWard Market; the architecture is exquisite, and the snow-covered scenery is breathtaking. Also, visit the Ottawa Arboretum (tree park), where you can take photos amidst the snow-covered natural landscape, breathe in the crisp, fresh air—it'll leave you feeling incredibly refreshed! 🎿 Snow

Chen Travel
Chen Travel
Set off now! China has resumed travel permits to Canada

Set off now! China has resumed travel permits to Canada

Compass Europe
Compass Europe
Every winter in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, transforms into a winter wonderland during the snow season! This trip mainly focused on the Rideau Canal, Ottawa's longest natural skating rink in the world. Along the way, you can enjoy the thrill of skiing and witness the stunning snow-covered trees under a clear sky – perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. But that's not all! If you'd like a magical nighttime skating experience in the forest, consider the nearby Muskoka Arrowhead Skating Trail.

Every winter in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, transforms into a winter wonderland during the snow season! This trip mainly focused on the Rideau Canal, Ottawa's longest natural skating rink in the world. Along the way, you can enjoy the thrill of skiing and witness the stunning snow-covered trees under a clear sky – perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. But that's not all! If you'd like a magical nighttime skating experience in the forest, consider the nearby Muskoka Arrowhead Skating Trail.

Chen Travel
Chen Travel
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