Trendy Ottawa

Have you ever considered a city trip to Canada's capital, Ottawa? In this article, we'll tell you why a visit to this charming city should be on your bucket list, and what attractions and experiences await you here.

Alongside Toronto and Vancouver, Canada's capital, Ottawa, also shines with exciting attractions and unique experiences, inviting you to explore and enjoy its many highlights. Here's what you absolutely shouldn't miss in this trendy city in Ontario.

Would you like a quick overview of Canada's capital? Here, we have gathered the key facts about Ottawa.

Thanks to good and regular connections via Paris, Canada's capital is only about eleven flight hours away from us. For instance, you can fly with Air France from Germany to France and then board your comfortable long-haul flight to Canada at Charles de Gaulle International Airport.

Air France offers you modern aircraft with a new economy cabin featuring comfortable seating, WiFi, a colorful selection of in-flight entertainment, as well as various meals and beverages. You'll truly feel like time flies. Start searching for suitable offers now.

Now we would like to introduce you to the attractions that Ottawa has in store for you. The handy map gives you a quick glance at all the highlights:

Located right by the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill is the unmistakable symbol of the city. The impressive buildings, dating back to the late 19th century, adorn the city skyline and are a fantastic photo opportunity. But they're not just beautiful to look at; this is where the Canadian Parliament meets. The Government Conference Centre can be visited on a free tour, which you can easily register for online in advance. During the summer months from July to September, the historic East Block is also open to visitors. Please note that the Centre Block will undergo extensive renovations over the next few years.

Other seasonal highlights at Parliament Hill include the changing of the guard, which takes place daily at 10 AM from June to the end of August, and the magical event Christmas Lights Across Canada, where buildings throughout downtown are illuminated with colorful lights.

Are you a fan of art, culture, and history? Then the various museums in Ottawa are a must for you! Throughout the city, galleries, exhibitions, and museums with different focuses can be found. Here are our top 3 favorites:

Among the most popular is the National Gallery of Canada, which is one of the most significant galleries of its kind in the country. For $20 (children up to eleven are free), you can visit the gallery, which features rotating exhibitions of works by Canadian and European artists, daily from 10 AM.

If you want to learn more about Canada's history, I recommend visiting the Canadian Museum of History and Civilization in Gatineau. For an admission fee of $22 (children $15), you can discover more about the culture of Indigenous peoples and the country's settlement up to today.

History continues at the Canadian War Museum. In this vast museum, you can learn about the military history of the First Nations - it's tough but very interesting material. If you are more interested in aviation history, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, where various aircraft models are presented, is certainly the right choice. Admission costs around $18 (children and youth up to 17 about $12).

If you feel like strolling, shopping, and savoring good food, you must head to the ByWard Market district. Whether you're looking for a nice souvenir, wanting to try the Canadian Beaver Tails, or just want to watch the people pass by on a sunny day from a café terrace, this trendy neighborhood in Ottawa has it all. In the evenings, you can also try Canadian craft beer in the bars or party the night away in the clubs.

One of Ottawa's most famous landmarks is the Rideau Canal, which has connected the city to Kingston on Lake Ontario for over 200 kilometers since the early 19th century. The canal, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular outing for both tourists and locals. On nice days, you can walk or bike here, and sightseeing boats offer relaxing tours year-round.

In winter, when the Rideau Canal freezes over, you wouldn't want to miss the chance to join the locals in renting skates and taking to the thick ice. A section over six kilometers long is available for ice skating, making the Rideau Canal the largest skating rink in the world. Pretty cool, right?

If you have time, consider attending a game of the Ottawa Senators during your visit. This NHL team plays in one of the best hockey nations in the world. The atmosphere in the arena is electric and let's be honest - where better to enjoy a league game than in Canada? There's both a women's and a men's team, so check which team has a home game during your visit.

Not only the Rideau Canal but also numerous green spaces and parks in Ottawa and its twin city Gatineau invite you to stroll and relax.

A particularly popular spot is Dow's Lake, located south of the city center, where the Canadian Tulip Festival takes place in May and the Winterlude Festival in February. You can also take a break in Major's Hill Park, located right in the city center. Bring some treats for a picnic and enjoy the view of Parliament and the glass structure of the National Gallery of Canada for a few moments before continuing your sightseeing.

From Major's Hill Park, it's just a short walk to Notre Dame Basilica, the oldest church in Ottawa. It dates back to the early 19th century and offers a charming sight with its silver towers from the outside. However, the church's ornate interior with its magnificent altar and colorful ceiling is particularly impressive.

During the winter months, you shouldn't miss the chance to visit the popular Ottawa Christmas Market to truly get into the festive spirit. It takes place every year at the beloved Aberdeen Plaza. There, you will find 45 cozy illuminated stalls with plenty of delicious snacks and drinks. The dates for the Christmas market in 2025 are yet to be announced.

If you are only in town in spring 2025, the Winterlude Festival is highly recommended. Every year, on three weekends in February (from January 31 to February 17, 2025), you can experience a colorful mix of events, activities, and adventures for the whole family. Strap on your skates and glide along the Rideau Canal or enjoy the fun at Snowflake Kingdom.

Christmas movies truly make the winter season cozy, right? Many of the films that air our screens every year were filmed in Ottawa or the province of Ontario. So, it's quite possible that you'll stroll past some movie sets during your city walk.

Overall, the city radiates a wonderful festive atmosphere in winter, accentuated by the cold weather and the lavish Christmas lights. We highly recommend visiting during the chilly season - it's delightful here!

Sightseeing makes you hungry, and what could be better than unwinding in a restaurant after a varied day while enjoying a delicious meal? To save you the search, we have compiled a selection of our favorite restaurants in Ottawa.

Canada's capital is colorful, versatile, and full of surprises. Therefore, you should definitely include Ottawa in your East Canada tour! Take a few days to enjoy the vibe of this big city, view the significant landmarks, and participate in the many festivals and events; you will not regret it!