Downtown Ottawa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica featuring a city, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa

Discover art, delve into history and savour natural beauty in the heart of Canada’s national capital, a delightful blend of old and new.

Where Québec meets Ontario and the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River lies the picturesque centre of Downtown Ottawa. Explore the city’s ceremonial sites and memorials, engage with art and history or simply indulge in riverside relaxation.

Begin with a walk through Confederation Park, viewing its fountain and gardens as well as the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. Depending on the season, you might also join in public celebrations such as Winterlude, Canada Day or the Ottawa Jazz Festival.

Continue on to nearby Confederation Square, where the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pay tribute to the sacrifice of Canadians in war. Check the schedule for the adjacent National Arts Centre, a prestigious bilingual hub for ballet, theatre and classical music. Stroll the grounds at Parliament Hill and climb the iconic Peace Tower for gorgeous views.

Heading north, cross the narrow Rideau Canal and appreciate this vital waterway. Follow its path by tour boat, bike in warmer months or join locals to celebrate wintertime with seasonal treats and ice-skating. Visit neighboring Bytown Museum, which tells Ottawa’s story since its humble origins as a lumber town and military depot. Shop at the modern CF Rideau Centre or purchase local foodstuffs at the historic, sprawling ByWard Market.

Stop at the Notre-Dame Cathedral to admire its spires and interior. Services are conducted in English, French or a combination. Tour the Royal Canadian Mint to appreciate its historic riverside premises and learn the technical process involved in making coins.

Finally, travel to the National Gallery of Canada, an elegant glass-and-granite structure whose large windows offer lovely outlooks onto Parliament Hill and the water. Explore collections of Canadian and international art, including significant works by First Peoples. Complete your visit with a trip to the gift shop and a meal at one of the gallery’s in-house cafés.

Downtown Ottawa can be explored on foot or by bus. Travel from the airport by car in about 20 minutes.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Ottawa Hotel Deals

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
The price is AU$257 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$257
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,652 reviews)
"Stayed there a few times. Now that says it all. We had parliament view this time"

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Ottawa Marriott Hotel

Ottawa Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Kent St, Ottawa, ON
The price is AU$225 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$225
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,315 reviews)
"Reactive front desk, really close to everything in ottawa, good breakfast buffet , pool, etc. Just make sure when you book your stay because parking and breakfast is not includedin the Price if it is not written on your réservation."

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

Ottawa Marriott Hotel
Lord Elgin Hotel

Lord Elgin Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
The price is AU$276 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
AU$276
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,412 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel in a nice central location"

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2025

Lord Elgin Hotel
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,801 reviews)
"Great hotel made from converted apartments but the area around the hotel is a bit rough . They keep the doors locked though to safeguard their customers which was welcomed . I would stay again just because of the location"

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Rideau Apartments Downtown

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Rideau Apartments Downtown

3 out of 5
161 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON
The price is AU$190 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
AU$190
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,667 reviews)
"This is one of the best hotels I’ve been to. The l"

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Rideau Apartments Downtown
AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn

AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn

4 out of 5
201 RIDEAU STREET, OTTAWA, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$168 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
AU$168
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Byward Market Square and Rideau Canal ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (146 reviews)
"Good place to stay very welcoming"

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Ottawa

Byward Market featuring street scenes, a city and markets

ByWard Market

A noteworthy feature of ByWard Market is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

ByWard Market
Parliament Hill which includes night scenes, nightlife and performance art

Byward Market - Parliament Hill

If you're spending time in Byward Market - Parliament Hill, check out sights like Parliament Building or Parliament Hill and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Rideau Station or Parliament Station.

Byward Market - Parliament Hill
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Sandy Hill

Shopping and restaurants are highlights of Sandy Hill. Make a stop by Rideau Centre or Rideau Mall while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at uOttawa Station to get around town.

Sandy Hill
Ottawa featuring snow

Centretown

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Centretown. Top attractions like Elgin Street and Canadian Museum of Nature are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Centretown
Canadian Museum of History showing modern architecture and skyline

Hull

5/5(2 area reviews)

Hull is a destination visitors seek out for its interesting museums, casinos and stunning river views. You might want to check out attractions like Canadian Museum of History or Casino du Lac Leamy while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Hull
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Downtown Gatineau

You'll enjoy the gardens and festivals in Downtown Gatineau. You might want to make time for a stop at Canadian Museum of History or Canadian Children's Museum.

Downtown Gatineau

Downtown Ottawa Travel Guide

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