2024 Ottawa Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

How to Travel in Canada: A Guide with Routes

Canada 🇨🇦 is a large country, so today I'm going to recommend a few travel routes, from Vancouver on the west coast to Toronto and Montreal in the east. Remember to save this post: · 1⃣️ Western Natural Scenery Route (10–12 days) 📍 Vancouver: Visit Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, and Granville Island. Spend 1–2 days here. 📍 Whistler (1.5 hours from Vancouver): Go skiing, mountain biking, or hiking. Spend 1–2 days here. 📍 Banff National Park: Fly from Vancouver to Calgary, then head to Banff National Park. Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and enjoy the hot springs in Banff. 📍 Jasper National Park: Travel from Banff to Jasper. Visit the Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. 📍 Icefields Parkway: A road connecting Banff and Jasper, known as one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the world. · 2⃣️ Eastern Cultural Exploration Route (7–10 days) 📍 Toronto: Visit the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and Royal Ontario Museum, or head to the Toronto Islands to enjoy the city views. You can also spend a day at Niagara Falls and take a boat tour. 📍 Ottawa: Canada's capital. Visit Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History, and ByWard Market. 📍 Montreal: A great place to experience French culture. The Old Town, Saint Joseph's Oratory, and Montreal Botanical Garden are must-see attractions. 📍 Quebec City: The only walled city in North America, with a long history and French atmosphere. The Old Town is perfect for photography. · 3⃣️ Aurora + Natural Scenery Route (5–7 days) 📍 Yellowknife: If you're interested in the aurora, fly from Vancouver or Calgary to Yellowknife. The aurora is most spectacular in autumn and winter. Spend 2–3 days here. 📍 Banff National Park: Fly from Yellowknife to Calgary, then head to Banff to enjoy the glaciers, lakes, and other natural scenery. 📍 Jasper National Park: Drive from Banff to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway. Visit the glaciers and beautiful waterfalls, then return to Calgary. · 4⃣️ Cross-Canada Road Trip (15–20 days) 📍 Vancouver to Calgary: Drive along the Trans-Canada Highway, passing through Jasper, Banff, and other places to explore the natural scenery of the west. 📍 Saskatchewan and Manitoba: Experience Canada's prairies and unique rural scenery. 📍 Ontario: Arrive in Toronto, visit Niagara Falls, then head east to Ottawa. 📍 Quebec: Explore Montreal and Quebec City, and experience French culture. 📍 Nova Scotia: If you have time, head from Quebec to Nova Scotia to visit Halifax and Cape Breton. · 🥰 Useful Tips 🔸 Book in advance: Especially during the summer tourist season and fall foliage season, book hotels and transportation in advance. 🔸 Car rental: Renting a car is a great option for natural scenery routes and interprovincial travel. 🔸 Outdoor gear: If you plan to do outdoor activities, bring waterproof and cold-weather gear.

🇨🇦 Autumn at Rideau Hall

#fallcolors #100WaysOfTravel When you see maple leaves and you will think of Autumn and maple leave will make you think of Canada. This is at Rideau Hall located at Ottawa. It is a place like our Parliament area and a national symbol for Government functions. It is surrounded by a park and there are many places to sit down and have lunch here in the cooling weather. This park is open daily to the public from 8am until sunset and you can also visit their Visitor Center which is open daily from May to October. There are guided tours too but you need to reserve early. #canada #liveyourdreams #takethattrip

Laurier House National Historic Site 1878

The Laurier House is a National Historic Site in Ottawa because it was built in 1878 and it was formerly the residence of two Canadian Prime Ministers, Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. This is if you are curious to know what were the private lives of these 2 Prime Ministers. You can take a look at what is inside the house. Also the place has the garage, now turned into a visitor center for those who want to visit the place. #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

Dunn's Famous Smoked Meat since 1927

I was so hungry, I dropped by Dunn's Famous Market Deli who served breakfast 24 hours a day. The environment inside was good and the feel was an old style resto in the movies when you get inside you sit down in one of the couches and a woman will go to your table and offer you what they have. The staff was very nice. The food was delicious because I ordered steak, eggs and toast with rice of course. Highly recommended. #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

The Byward Market-Shopping Destination

I read before that The Byward Market is the number 1 tourist attraction in Ottawa. I think it is number 1 when it comes to shops and restaurants 😂. Lots of places to eat. Lots of choices of food. It is busy day and night. So, this is a hub for outdoor farmers' market stalls and has some specialty food shops that sells cheese and maple infused chocolate. There are lots of street art and also some hip stores. I saw one store "The Pour Store" I was smiling because i thought it is POOR. #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

The Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is just near the National Gallery of Canada. Constructed 1905-1908 to house a branch of the British Royal Mint. The main purpose of this building is to produce coins and medals using refinery foe gold produced by Canadian Mines. There are 2 options when you want to go inside: 1. FREE but you can only go to the Boutique or store and buy some unique coins or memorablias. 2. $10 FEE a guided tour about the history of The Canadian Mint and how coins were produced and developed as time goes by. I chose FREE 😂 . #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

The National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada looks totally different during the day. Also the weathere is not ao good. It was raining and it was very difficult to take pictures of the place. If you compare it with the night shots, it's not so dazzling. But what is important is the inside. Their are lots of awesome artworks that are ready to be explored. Just make sure you are ready to pay for the entrance fees because it is NOT free. #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

The Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa

If you want to know more about the people pf history of the Canadian People this is the place where yoh want to go and visit. It is not only about the people but also how the people were able to survive from time to time and also to know what cultures they have as Canadians. It is really good to know where it all started. #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

Canadian War Museum in Ottawa

The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa is just next to the National Holocust Monument. It has a unique design and it really looks like a big spaceship. The purpose of this National Museum is for Education on Canadian Military History. It gives details on how much of Canada's Military have reached when it comes to Military and the technology used during the war. Remember that there is a fee to get inside. #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

The National Holocaust Monument in Ottawa

The National Holocaust Monument is a holocaust memorial in Ottawa Canada. The design is a 14 meter high triangular contemplation that features a Flame of Remembrance. I actually researched about the holocaust because I also saw a holocaust memorial in downtown Toronto and it commemorates the 6 million men, women, and children murdered during the Holocaust and the other millions of victims. #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa

Library and Archives Canada is the federal institution, tasked with acquiring, preserving, and providing accessibility to the documentary heritage of Canada. The national archive and the library is the fifth largest library in the world. The LAC reports to the Parliament of Canada through the minister of Canadian Heritage. - this is based on what Wiki is saying. I have been to mang libraries and this on is so so huge. The building is super huge #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

The Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa

The Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa is the highest court of the judicial syatem of Canada. This is the last resort for all those who have complains, cases pr for those who are looking for justice. It hears appeals from the courts of appeal from all the provinces and territories, the federal court of appeal, and the Court of Martial Appeal Court of Canada. #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

The West Block-Western Departmental Building

One of the 3 Main Buildings at the Parliament Hill also called as the Western Departmental Building. It has housed the House of Commons Chamber, installed to accommodate the house while the Centre block is closed. It also houses offices of the pariamentarians, a house of the library of parliament. The building looks amazing with its Victorian High Gothic Style. The west block can be seen in the Canadian five-dollar bill. #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

Heroes! Ottawa's Firefighter Memorial

Just beside Ottawa's City Hall is Ottawa's Firefighter Memorial / Monument. The purpose of this monument is to remember the greatness or the sacrifice of the firefighters who save the lives of other people. There is even a saying from the bible posted there that "There is no Greater Love of Man than a Man who lays down his life for his friends. For me, they lay down their lives even if they don't know the person. #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

Notre Dame Basilica Ottawa - Historic Site

Just beside the National Art Gallery, you will not miss this place because it also looks amazingly stunning with the architectural structure of the building and how they projected the light. It was declared as one of the National Historic Sites because this is largest and oldest standing church in Ottawa. If you take a look at the interior when its open you will see stunning displays of Canadian reigous art. #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

Arts, Fashion and Theater District - Rideau

I was fortunate I was able to book a lodge that was just near downtown Ottawa. This area which we call Downtown Rideau is very famous because it is like the main street of the city where you have lots of establishements and big malls. You can see a lot of shops if you want to go shopping and also there arr restaurants that you can go and eat. The people around this area are also very nice when I was walking around. #tripblazers #urbanexplorer

The best country!

One of Canada’s most beautiful architectural features, the Parliament of Canada building is a must see. Located in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, the building features breathtaking architecture, sculpture, and art. During the day take a guided tour or explore on your own. Be sure to experience the wonder of the Parliament illuminated at night. #momentsmission #thanksgiving#mapletrees#luxuryhotel#hiking#christmasmarket#aurora#skiing#islandtravel#halloween2021#themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches#infinitypool#deserts#camping#culturalattractions#naturalwonders#seafoodfeast#romanticrestaurant#bestislandtraveltowns#hipsterbookstore#museumquest#beautifulsunsets#themeparks#loveflowers#café#historicculture#parachute#scubadiving#paragliding

Canada’s Parliament

Parliament Hill is where Canada’s parliament, house of commons and senate are located. This is a must see in Ottawa. They resemble to British monuments and a combination of other gothic architecture. Being in an open park offers the possibility for great pictures and paying attention to the buildings. Located just next to the river makes it a magnificent place to see sunset and going for a walk. Around the Parliament Hill you will also see many statues and monuments connected to war and noble Canadians. Just next to the main parliament building, you have the chance of being in a balcony that offers views of the Gatineau and some other old buildings, such as the Confederation one. The only drawback for photo lovers may be that there is construction but they need to be maintained.

Di Rienzo

If only every supermarket had a Di Rienzo's-style sandwich counter. This neighborhood institution bills itself as having "the best sandwiches in Ottawa," and it most certainly does. The key is to keep things simple: Simple Italian subs with mortadella, prosciutto, and other ingredients are slightly Canadianized (havarti being one of the cheeses of choice), and served at low, low costs, with a small number of hot and more fancy selections. Younger sandwich vendors nearby may be more "innovative," but they can't claim to be classics since they stuff their bread with Doritos or pierogies. #urbanexplorer #summervacation

Meat Press

Chef-owner Étienne Cuerrier is a charcuterie expert: With a sizable curing operation, he transforms locally sourced meats into blood sausage, terrine, and more at Meat Press, nestled away on a side street in west-end Hintonburg. Meat Press' lunch sandwiches (prepared with smoked meats or charcuterie) are hugely popular and ideal for taking home.

Heartbreakers Pizza

This fashionable pizza and natural wine place, which opened just days before pandemic lockdowns, serves pizzas made with quality local ingredients as well as wings sprinkled in honey, chili, mint, and basil. Pizza toppings like baby turnips, pineapples, and jalapeos will perplex any Italian grandfather, but that's probably a good thing. Yes, they come with a garlic dipping sauce.

Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner

This "not-so-greasy spoon" diner, named after the couch it's named after, serves brunch so delicious that it's worth getting out early and taking it home. Traditional brunch fare such as eggs benedict and waffles are served, but with a twist. Take, for example, air-fried chicken on challah and jerk chicken on cornbread bennys.

CF Rideau Centre, Ottawa

CF Rideau Centre attracts over 20 million visitors a year. This complex consists of over 180 retailers, Westin Hotel, a rooftop park, and Shaw Centre. Centrally located in the heart of downtown and open seven days a week, including most holidays, Rideau Centre is the go-to mall for your favourite stores all year round. It’s food options won’t disappoint either, with an 850-seat dining hall and 16 premium eateries, you’re bound to find a delicious meal for any occasion. I highly recommend this mall to families and friends to spend the weekend! 😊 #summervacation#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

Ottawa the Captial of Canada Parliament

This is a lot of the Capitol the whole of Ottawa. Regardless of the angle and where it is, you may notice the Capitol on the Capitol Hill, or the tower of peace. This is the symbol of Ottawa and even Canada. Of course, if you want to enter the Capitol, you need to make an appointment online in advance. The entire tour guide will guide you through the tour. Why do you say a lot? 1, If you come in the morning, you can see the changing ceremony of the Royal Guards in front of the Capitol. I was actually mistakenly hitting the day. I found the crowd gathered early in the past and I was lucky enough to see this practice ceremony. The team dressed in uniforms of soldiers is now step by step from my eyes. One team is an instrumental performance, and two teams are guards. Except for the conspicuous red color, I am very curious. Is it really hot to wear this hat in the summer? Still boldly guessing, there must be an ice bag in the hat to relieve the heat! 2. If you are coming in the summer evening, the Capitol will stage the Capitol Hill Sound and Light Show. I was watching a long film about Canadian history! Sound effects, lighting, and animation are all wonderful! Although the whole process... I will use French to speak French for a while, of course... I dont understand... At around 8:30, many people have already occupied the lawn. One more thing is that, at the end of the day, after admiring Canada, the national anthem rang, and then everyone sitting in it began to sing the national anthem with music, which is amazing!

Canada's most popular museum, you can also watch IMAX movies! The main purpose of the Canadian History Museum is to collect, research, preserve, and display a variety of objects that reflect the history of Canadians and the cultural diversity of their people. Although, the history of the country of Canada is itself a few hundred years. Although it is less than five thousand years of my great country, but the short history is very detailed in this museum. The scene restored many of Canada's buildings in primitive society, colonial times and modern times, and many scenes were built to let you be there, and you have to admire the humanized design and facilities of others! I was wondering before because Baidu searched out the Canadian Civilization Museum. Later, the Raiders said that the Canadian Museum of History, formerly known as the "Canadian Civilization Museum", was renamed in 2012, so some outdated materials and maps still use the previous names. I think the most shocking thing about this museum is the First Peoples Hall, a permanent exhibition that showcases the long history of Canadian Aboriginal people in North America for 20,000 years and an outstanding contribution to the country. There are a lot of things that Aboriginal people lived, used items, and tall totems. Here is 5:00-8 pm every Thursday, but free tickets to visit! And the ticket also contains an IMAX movie, is it amazing!

4 Days in Canada: A Must-See North American Adventure

First time in Canada? Don't miss this super useful 4-day itinerary! Explore Canada with ease and make your trip even more exciting! -------- 🎉 Itinerary Overview: Explore the Beauty of Canada 🌄 DAY 1: Algonquin Provincial Park Stroll through Algonquin and enjoy the natural beauty, tranquility, and grandeur of Canada. DAY 2: Parliament Hill -> Parliament Building -> Canadian War Museum -> Rideau Canal -> Stanleys Olde Maple Lane Farm Visit the political center, savor the historical charm, and experience the rural charm of Canada at the farm. DAY 3: Citadel of Quebec -> Old Quebec -> Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal -> Montmorency Falls -> Mount Royal Park -> Saint Joseph's Oratory Travel through the historic fortress, stroll through the old town streets, admire the grandeur of the cathedral and the beauty of the waterfall, and take in the views of Mount Royal Park. DAY 4: Old Port of Montreal -> Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal -> Habitat 67 -> Thousand Islands Experience the charm of the Old Port, revisit the cathedral, explore Habitat 67, and finally take a boat tour of the stunning Thousand Islands. -------- Travel Tips: 🍔 Food: Try local maple syrup products, a must-try! Seafood is also a must-try! 🚖 Airport Transportation: Book a pick-up service in advance or take public transportation for convenience and peace of mind! ❄️ December Weather: Cold and snowy, remember to bring a warm coat and non-slip shoes! 💳 Payment: Credit cards are widely used, but cash is more convenient for small purchases! 📸 Photography: Canada's scenery is beautiful, so get your camera ready to capture the memories! -------- Don't miss these beautiful sights and authentic food on your trip to Canada to make your trip even more memorable!

6-Day Tour of Canada and More

6-day tour of Canada and more, with beautiful scenery and unique culture! Come and explore this fascinating land with me! -------------------- 🏃Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Toronto Pearson Airport, enjoy 24-hour pick-up service 🛬, and then head to the hotel to rest. Day 2: Visit Kingston City Hall 🏛️ - Climb Parliament Hill for a view of the city - Visit the Canadian War Museum and History Museum 🏺 - Stroll through Old Montreal and feel the ancient charm - Admire the grandeur of Notre Dame Basilica. Day 3: Visit St. Joseph's Oratory 💒 - Tour the Olympic Park and relive the Olympic spirit 🏅 - Explore the Montreal Botanical Garden and Natural History Museum 🌿 - Visit Old Quebec City and experience the French style. Day 4: Enjoy the natural beauty of the Thousand Islands 🏞️ and the tranquility and beauty of nature. Day 5: Experience the stunning film at the Niagara Falls IMAX Theatre 🎥 - Climb the Skylon Tower for a view - Take a Niagara City Cruise 🛳️ - Get up close to the spectacular Niagara Falls. Day 6: Visit the Ontario Legislative Building 🏛️ - Stroll through the University of Toronto campus 🎓 - Visit Toronto's Chinatown for a taste of exotic culture - Climb the CN Tower for a panoramic view 🗼 - Explore Ripley's Aquarium of Canada 🐟 - Finally, visit the magnificent Casa Loma. -------------------- Travel essentials: 📜 First and foremost, documents, passport, visa are essential, and don't forget to bring your flight and hotel reservations, just in case you need them when you enter the country. 🔌 When traveling abroad, a plug adapter is a must. The voltage in Canada is 110-120V, so bring a good adapter and you won't have to worry about charging. Also, make sure you have chargers and power banks, so your phone and camera are always fully charged. 🧣 It's cold in Canada and other places in December, so bring a down jacket, thermal underwear, gloves, hat, and scarf. Also, bring comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking a lot while playing, so your feet will be comfortable. Oh, and if you're going to the snow, waterproof and non-slip boots are a must. -------------------- 🎉Experience the culture of many countries in one trip! The Canadian tour is over, and there is more excitement waiting for you to explore! 🌍

4-Day Canada Tour: A Complete Guide

First time in Canada? Don't miss this 4-day itinerary! This guide will take you on a tour of Canada's highlights. Save it now! -------- 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Algonquin Provincial Park Stroll through Algonquin Provincial Park and enjoy the beauty of nature.🌲 Day 2: Parliament Hill - Parliament Building - Canadian War Museum - Rideau Canal - Stanleys Olde Maple Lane Farm Explore the political center, soak up the historical atmosphere, and experience the fun of the farm.🏛️🌾 Day 3: Citadelle of Quebec - Old Quebec - Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal - Montmorency Falls - Mount Royal Park - Saint Joseph's Oratory Travel through history, experience the charm of the old city, and visit magnificent natural landscapes and religious buildings.🏰💒 Day 4: Old Port of Montreal - Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal - Habitat 67 - Thousand Islands Experience the charm of the port, revisit the beauty of the basilica, explore modern architectural wonders, and finally immerse yourself in the scenery of the Thousand Islands.🚢🏞️ -------- Must-see attractions: Old Quebec ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada - Opening hours: Open all day - Duration: 3-4 hours - Stroll through the 18th-century old town and feel the weight of North American history. Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: 110 Notre Dame Street W, Montreal, QC H2Y 1T1 - Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-16:30; Sat 9:00-16:00; Sun 12:30-16:00 - Duration: 1-2 hours - Visit the Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic basilica, with its magnificent interior decoration. Saint Joseph's Oratory ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Saint Josephs Oratory of Mount Royal 3800 Queen Mary Road Montréal (Quebec) Canada, H3V 1H6 - Opening hours: 6:30-21:00 - Duration: 1-2 hours - Experience the world's third-largest domed building, a popular pilgrimage site, and the unique charm of religious culture. -------- 🧳 Travel essentials: Canada travel checklist revealed! 📞 Bring a SIM card to stay connected. 🔌 Bring a plug adapter, as the voltage is different. 🪪 Bring all your documents, including your visa and passport. 👚🧣 Canada is cold in December, so bring warm clothes. 🔋 Bring a charger to keep your phone charged for photos. -------- Your Canada trip is waiting for you to explore. Pack your bags and start your dream trip to the North!

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦 📸

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a vibrant city known for its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural landmarks. Situated along the scenic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city boasts iconic structures such as Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial, and the Supreme Court of Canada. Ottawa is home to world-class museums like the National Gallery and Canadian Museum of History, as well as lush parks and outdoor spaces. The city’s multicultural atmosphere is reflected in its diverse festivals, while its charming neighborhoods offer a mix of modern and historic charm, making it a welcoming destination year-round. #europetrip