The Ottawa guide by AM

Ann
The Ottawa guide by AM

Lieux emblématiques

Always try to take the bus when you are visiting Ottawa. Parking is expensive and hard to find, specially during the week-ends. Walking down the Rideau Canal can be an amazing activity with your family or your partner during your stay in the Capital of Canada. During the summer, you can jog, take pictures and during winter, you can skate and eat a delicious beaver-tail.
215 locals recommend
Rideau Canal
215 locals recommend
Always try to take the bus when you are visiting Ottawa. Parking is expensive and hard to find, specially during the week-ends. Walking down the Rideau Canal can be an amazing activity with your family or your partner during your stay in the Capital of Canada. During the summer, you can jog, take pictures and during winter, you can skate and eat a delicious beaver-tail.
Canada's national natural history museum offers world-class galleries in a handsome heritage "Castle". Marvel at dinosaurs and other ancient reptiles in the Fossil Gallery. See grizzlies and other wild animals up close in beautiful dioramas in the Mammal Gallery. Observe hundreds of specimens in the Bird Gallery. See a real blue whale skeleton in the Water Gallery. Be dazzled by over a thousand gorgeous minerals and rocks in the Earth Gallery. Learn about Canada's North in the Canada Goose Arctic Gallery. Peer at an eye-popping assortment of creepy crawlies in Nature Live. Enjoy an action-packed 3D movie. Take advantage of numerous hands-on activities. Don't miss the special, travelling exhibitions. A superb destination for visitors of all ages!
468 locals recommend
Canadian Museum of Nature
240 McLeod St
468 locals recommend
Canada's national natural history museum offers world-class galleries in a handsome heritage "Castle". Marvel at dinosaurs and other ancient reptiles in the Fossil Gallery. See grizzlies and other wild animals up close in beautiful dioramas in the Mammal Gallery. Observe hundreds of specimens in the Bird Gallery. See a real blue whale skeleton in the Water Gallery. Be dazzled by over a thousand gorgeous minerals and rocks in the Earth Gallery. Learn about Canada's North in the Canada Goose Arctic Gallery. Peer at an eye-popping assortment of creepy crawlies in Nature Live. Enjoy an action-packed 3D movie. Take advantage of numerous hands-on activities. Don't miss the special, travelling exhibitions. A superb destination for visitors of all ages!
The National Gallery of Canada, located in the capital city of Ottawa, Ontario, is Canada's premier art gallery. The Gallery is now housed in a glass and granite building on Sussex Drive with a notable view of the Canadian Parliament buildings on Parliament Hill.
552 locals recommend
National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Dr
552 locals recommend
The National Gallery of Canada, located in the capital city of Ottawa, Ontario, is Canada's premier art gallery. The Gallery is now housed in a glass and granite building on Sussex Drive with a notable view of the Canadian Parliament buildings on Parliament Hill.
The Canadian War Museum is Canada's national museum of military history. Located in Ottawa, Ontario, the museum covers all facets of Canada's military past, from the first recorded instances of death by armed violence in Canadian history several hundred years ago to the country's most recent involvement in conflicts
395 locals recommend
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Pl
395 locals recommend
The Canadian War Museum is Canada's national museum of military history. Located in Ottawa, Ontario, the museum covers all facets of Canada's military past, from the first recorded instances of death by armed violence in Canadian history several hundred years ago to the country's most recent involvement in conflicts
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is Canada's national aviation history museum. The museum is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, at the Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport.
99 locals recommend
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
11 Aviation Pkwy
99 locals recommend
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is Canada's national aviation history museum. The museum is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, at the Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport.
The Canadian Museum of History is Canada's national museum of human history. It is located in the Hull area of Gatineau, Quebec, directly across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario.
545 locals recommend
Canadian Museum of History
100 Rue Laurier
545 locals recommend
The Canadian Museum of History is Canada's national museum of human history. It is located in the Hull area of Gatineau, Quebec, directly across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario.
Parliament Hill, colloquially known as The Hill, is an area of Crown land on the southern banks of the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Its Gothic revival suite of buildings is the home of the Parliament of Canada and has architectural elements of national symbolic importance.
891 locals recommend
Parliament Hill
Wellington Street
891 locals recommend
Parliament Hill, colloquially known as The Hill, is an area of Crown land on the southern banks of the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Its Gothic revival suite of buildings is the home of the Parliament of Canada and has architectural elements of national symbolic importance.
The Canada Science and Technology Museum is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on St. Laurent Boulevard, to the south of the Queensway.
123 locals recommend
Canada Science and Technology Museum
1867 St. Laurent Blvd
123 locals recommend
The Canada Science and Technology Museum is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on St. Laurent Boulevard, to the south of the Queensway.

Guide des Quartiers

Best location to walk down the typical Ottawa neighborhood.
68 locals recommend
Westboro
68 locals recommend
Best location to walk down the typical Ottawa neighborhood.
ByWard Market is a buzzing hub of outdoor farmers’ market stalls and specialty food shops selling Canadian cheese and maple-infused chocolate. It’s also known for its colorful street art and hip stores filled with crafts and clothes by local designers. Surrounding eateries serve shawarma and BeaverTails (sweet fried pastries in the shape of a beaver’s tail). Nightlife encompasses rustic taverns and stylish gay bars.
585 locals recommend
ByWard Market
585 locals recommend
ByWard Market is a buzzing hub of outdoor farmers’ market stalls and specialty food shops selling Canadian cheese and maple-infused chocolate. It’s also known for its colorful street art and hip stores filled with crafts and clothes by local designers. Surrounding eateries serve shawarma and BeaverTails (sweet fried pastries in the shape of a beaver’s tail). Nightlife encompasses rustic taverns and stylish gay bars.

Fun stuff (Kids friendly)

Calypso Theme Waterpark is a waterpark located in Limoges, Ontario, Canada, about 35 kilometres east of Ottawa. The park is one of the most visited places in Canada. Get your bathing suit and go have fun in Calypso!
70 locals recommend
Calypso Theme Waterpark
2015 Calypso St
70 locals recommend
Calypso Theme Waterpark is a waterpark located in Limoges, Ontario, Canada, about 35 kilometres east of Ottawa. The park is one of the most visited places in Canada. Get your bathing suit and go have fun in Calypso!
Mooney's Bay Park is a public park in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on the Rideau River. Its main entrance is on Riverside Drive, opposite Ridgewood Avenue, but can also be accessed from Hog's Back Road. Mooney's Bay Park has a beach, picnic areas, a children's playground and is the site of the Terry Fox Stadium.
59 locals recommend
Mooney's Bay Park and Beach
2960 Riverside Dr.
59 locals recommend
Mooney's Bay Park is a public park in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on the Rideau River. Its main entrance is on Riverside Drive, opposite Ridgewood Avenue, but can also be accessed from Hog's Back Road. Mooney's Bay Park has a beach, picnic areas, a children's playground and is the site of the Terry Fox Stadium.

Instagram worthy

The Bank of Canada Museum, formerly known as Canada's Currency Museum, opened in 1980 on the ground floor of the Bank of Canada building in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
14 locals recommend
Bank of Canada Museum
30 Bank St
14 locals recommend
The Bank of Canada Museum, formerly known as Canada's Currency Museum, opened in 1980 on the ground floor of the Bank of Canada building in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
The Dominion Arboretum is located at the Central Experimental Farm of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Originally begun in 1889 the Arboretum covers about 26 hectares of rolling land between Prince of Wales Drive, Dow's Lake and the Rideau Canal.
41 locals recommend
Dominion Arboretum
Arboretum
41 locals recommend
The Dominion Arboretum is located at the Central Experimental Farm of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Originally begun in 1889 the Arboretum covers about 26 hectares of rolling land between Prince of Wales Drive, Dow's Lake and the Rideau Canal.
The Ottawa sign is a must-have photo for tourists and locals. You can find the sign on York Street, often surrounded by tourist. For the perfect shot post between the letters of Ottawa.
Ottawa Sign
6 York St
The Ottawa sign is a must-have photo for tourists and locals. You can find the sign on York Street, often surrounded by tourist. For the perfect shot post between the letters of Ottawa.
Lego people and an upside-down room, the Canada Science and Technology Museum is a fun photo spot in Ottawa! The newly renovated museum is entertaining for kids and adults, and you'll find photo opportunities too.
123 locals recommend
Canada Science and Technology Museum
1867 St. Laurent Blvd
123 locals recommend
Lego people and an upside-down room, the Canada Science and Technology Museum is a fun photo spot in Ottawa! The newly renovated museum is entertaining for kids and adults, and you'll find photo opportunities too.
Head to Laval Street in Gatineau for a colorful photo of the umbrella-covered street. You can find the umbrellas on the Gatineau Culture Trail, which is a 3km red line around some of the best sights and places to eat in Gatineau.
Laval Street
Laval Street
Head to Laval Street in Gatineau for a colorful photo of the umbrella-covered street. You can find the umbrellas on the Gatineau Culture Trail, which is a 3km red line around some of the best sights and places to eat in Gatineau.
For an eye-catching, dramatic room head to Rideau Hall. As part of the daily tours, you'll be able to take a picture of the red and white tent room which makes for the perfect Instagram picture. Another excellent photo spot is next to the ceremonial guards in their red uniform.
96 locals recommend
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Dr
96 locals recommend
For an eye-catching, dramatic room head to Rideau Hall. As part of the daily tours, you'll be able to take a picture of the red and white tent room which makes for the perfect Instagram picture. Another excellent photo spot is next to the ceremonial guards in their red uniform.
The Casino Lac Leamy is so Instagram worthy! The casino is constantly hosting fun theme nights where they have photobooths where you can take the best photos. They have done everything from cowboys to the swinging 50s, so make sure to plan ahead to see when the next theme night is so you can capture the fun on your Instagram feed.
199 locals recommend
Casino du Lac Leamy
1 Bd du Casino
199 locals recommend
The Casino Lac Leamy is so Instagram worthy! The casino is constantly hosting fun theme nights where they have photobooths where you can take the best photos. They have done everything from cowboys to the swinging 50s, so make sure to plan ahead to see when the next theme night is so you can capture the fun on your Instagram feed.
Add an inspirational message to your Instagram feed by visiting Preston Street. Here you will find the 'live your story' mural which makes for a beautiful cityscape Instagram photo.
Preston Street
Preston Street
Add an inspirational message to your Instagram feed by visiting Preston Street. Here you will find the 'live your story' mural which makes for a beautiful cityscape Instagram photo.
From beautiful art to a sophisticated cafe, Ottawa's newly renovated art gallery is the perfect spot to take Instagram photos. The Ottawa Art Gallery is free to visit, so you can easily visit the gallery to share pictures of your favorite artworks with your friends. Make sure to head to Jackson Cafe for a great photo spot, here you will find a stylish space with plenty of gold accents.
57 locals recommend
Ottawa Art Gallery
50 Mackenzie King Bridge
57 locals recommend
From beautiful art to a sophisticated cafe, Ottawa's newly renovated art gallery is the perfect spot to take Instagram photos. The Ottawa Art Gallery is free to visit, so you can easily visit the gallery to share pictures of your favorite artworks with your friends. Make sure to head to Jackson Cafe for a great photo spot, here you will find a stylish space with plenty of gold accents.
The oldest and largest church in Ottawa, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica needs to be photographed. Located on Sussex Street, the church is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture. Head inside to photograph the gold gilded altar, stained-glass windows, and beautiful vaulted ceiling.
56 locals recommend
Notre Dame Basilica
385 Sussex Dr
56 locals recommend
The oldest and largest church in Ottawa, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica needs to be photographed. Located on Sussex Street, the church is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture. Head inside to photograph the gold gilded altar, stained-glass windows, and beautiful vaulted ceiling.
Located behind the National Gallery of Canada, Nepean Point is one of Ottawa's best lookouts. Situated on a hill next to the Ottawa River, here you can get dreamy sunset photos of the Parliament and the Canadian Museum of History.
35 locals recommend
Nepean Point
35 locals recommend
Located behind the National Gallery of Canada, Nepean Point is one of Ottawa's best lookouts. Situated on a hill next to the Ottawa River, here you can get dreamy sunset photos of the Parliament and the Canadian Museum of History.
This local hot spot has a leaf wall that local influencers love to photograph themselves next to. Head inside their Parkdale location to get the perfect Instagram pic of yourself enjoying a cup of coffee or their delicious soft-serve ice cream next to their tropical leaf wallpaper.
Morning Owl Coffeehouse + Parlour
229 Armstrong St
This local hot spot has a leaf wall that local influencers love to photograph themselves next to. Head inside their Parkdale location to get the perfect Instagram pic of yourself enjoying a cup of coffee or their delicious soft-serve ice cream next to their tropical leaf wallpaper.
For the perfect sunset shot head to the Remic Rapids. Located on the Ottawa River, here you can find astonishing balanced rock sculptures at the edge of the river. Instagrammers love to come here for sunset and capture the silhouettes of the rock sculptures against the brightly hued sky.
17 locals recommend
Remic Rapids Park
Kichi Zībī Mīkan
17 locals recommend
For the perfect sunset shot head to the Remic Rapids. Located on the Ottawa River, here you can find astonishing balanced rock sculptures at the edge of the river. Instagrammers love to come here for sunset and capture the silhouettes of the rock sculptures against the brightly hued sky.
Give your feed some major Southern California vibes at Banditos. The newly opened restaurant in the Glebe screams to be photographed - there is an outdoor patio swing chair, and there is a retro van on the patio where you can order cocktails!
Banditos
683 Bank St
Give your feed some major Southern California vibes at Banditos. The newly opened restaurant in the Glebe screams to be photographed - there is an outdoor patio swing chair, and there is a retro van on the patio where you can order cocktails!
Foreign Cinema was designed for Instagram. The stunning restaurant in the Byward Market is the perfect place to take photos with your friends. Between the heart wall, palm leaf wallpaper hallways or no request pls neon sign you won't have any shortage of epic backgrounds for your next group photo.
585 locals recommend
ByWard Market
585 locals recommend
Foreign Cinema was designed for Instagram. The stunning restaurant in the Byward Market is the perfect place to take photos with your friends. Between the heart wall, palm leaf wallpaper hallways or no request pls neon sign you won't have any shortage of epic backgrounds for your next group photo.
The newly renovated National Arts Centre needs to appear on your Instagram feed. For a glam selfie, head upstairs to the modern red chairs for the picture-perfect spot. At night make sure to snap a picture outside of the illuminated Kipnes Lantern.
346 locals recommend
National Arts Centre
1 Elgin St
346 locals recommend
The newly renovated National Arts Centre needs to appear on your Instagram feed. For a glam selfie, head upstairs to the modern red chairs for the picture-perfect spot. At night make sure to snap a picture outside of the illuminated Kipnes Lantern.
The Beach Shack is a hidden gem in Ottawa. The brightly colored cafe sells ice cream and slushies to help you cool down over the summer. Located at Mooney's Bay, you can photograph this cute spot for instant beach paradise vibes.
The Beach Shack Ottawa
2960 Riverside Dr.
The Beach Shack is a hidden gem in Ottawa. The brightly colored cafe sells ice cream and slushies to help you cool down over the summer. Located at Mooney's Bay, you can photograph this cute spot for instant beach paradise vibes.
Every Ottawa local needs a photo at the National Gallery of Canada in their Instagram feed. At the gallery, you'll find tons of great photo opportunities like Hold That Thought neon sign by multimedia artist Kelly Mark, or the giant 30-foot tall spider Maman by Louise Bourgeois.
552 locals recommend
National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Dr
552 locals recommend
Every Ottawa local needs a photo at the National Gallery of Canada in their Instagram feed. At the gallery, you'll find tons of great photo opportunities like Hold That Thought neon sign by multimedia artist Kelly Mark, or the giant 30-foot tall spider Maman by Louise Bourgeois.
The twin falls where the Ottawa River meets the Rideau River makes for an impressive Instagram photo for your feed. To best photograph the Rideau Falls you can head to the Rideau Falls Park. Another excellent photo spot is at the Tavern On The Falls, which is along Sussex Drive and has an outdoor patio overlooking the falls.
11 locals recommend
Rideau Falls Park and Green Island
50 Sussex Dr
11 locals recommend
The twin falls where the Ottawa River meets the Rideau River makes for an impressive Instagram photo for your feed. To best photograph the Rideau Falls you can head to the Rideau Falls Park. Another excellent photo spot is at the Tavern On The Falls, which is along Sussex Drive and has an outdoor patio overlooking the falls.
Oat Couture Oatmeal Cafe is a dreamy cafe on Bank Street that has adorable swinging chairs. Visit this chill shop to enjoy a cup of coffee to try their delicious oatmeal for breakfast. While at Oat Couture Oatmeal Cafe make sure to take a selfie of you relaxing in their hanging chairs.
Oat Couture Oatmeal Cafe
1154 Bank St
Oat Couture Oatmeal Cafe is a dreamy cafe on Bank Street that has adorable swinging chairs. Visit this chill shop to enjoy a cup of coffee to try their delicious oatmeal for breakfast. While at Oat Couture Oatmeal Cafe make sure to take a selfie of you relaxing in their hanging chairs.
Copper Spirits and Sights on the rooftop of the Andaz hotel in the Byward Market is one of the best Instagram spots in Ottawa. The rooftop patio provides a spectacular lookout of the city. Before you leave the hotel make sure to visit the massive marble wall by the hotel's lobby which makes an excellent backdrop for all your selfies.
44 locals recommend
Andaz Ottawa Byward Market - a concept by Hyatt
325 Dalhousie St
44 locals recommend
Copper Spirits and Sights on the rooftop of the Andaz hotel in the Byward Market is one of the best Instagram spots in Ottawa. The rooftop patio provides a spectacular lookout of the city. Before you leave the hotel make sure to visit the massive marble wall by the hotel's lobby which makes an excellent backdrop for all your selfies.
Located in the alleyway between Lost Marbles and Little Victories Coffee on Bank Street you can a brightly colored street art. The alley is painted with several Russian nesting dolls, with some of them wearing aviator goggles and sunglasses. This spot makes a fantastic backdrop for taking selfies.
Glebe Avenue
Glebe Avenue
Located in the alleyway between Lost Marbles and Little Victories Coffee on Bank Street you can a brightly colored street art. The alley is painted with several Russian nesting dolls, with some of them wearing aviator goggles and sunglasses. This spot makes a fantastic backdrop for taking selfies.
Little Joe Berry knows how to design sweets that you want to share on Instagram. The vegan bakery in Hintonburg is always offering new amazing desserts such as their unicorn or narwhal sundae, black soft serve ice cream cones, or ice cream filled watermelon slices.
16 locals recommend
Little Jo Berry's Bakery
1305 Wellington St. W
16 locals recommend
Little Joe Berry knows how to design sweets that you want to share on Instagram. The vegan bakery in Hintonburg is always offering new amazing desserts such as their unicorn or narwhal sundae, black soft serve ice cream cones, or ice cream filled watermelon slices.
Ottawa has its very own stunning sunflower field that you need to capture for your Instagram feed. In late summer the Central Experimental Farm has a large sunflower field that makes the perfect backdrop for a selfie. Another favorite photo spot that you can use all year is at their Tropical Greenhouse which has a gorgeous white structure.
43 locals recommend
Central Experimental Farm
960 Carling Ave
43 locals recommend
Ottawa has its very own stunning sunflower field that you need to capture for your Instagram feed. In late summer the Central Experimental Farm has a large sunflower field that makes the perfect backdrop for a selfie. Another favorite photo spot that you can use all year is at their Tropical Greenhouse which has a gorgeous white structure.
When in the Byward Market you need to visit Quelque Chose Patisserie to see their Ottawa sign! Chances are by now you've posted pictures of the Ottawa sign in the Byward Market, but Quelque Chose Patisserie has their own amazing Ottawa version made out of macarons. For the perfect shot, take a photograph of your dessert in front of the sign.
Quelque Chose Macarons & Coffee
70 George St
When in the Byward Market you need to visit Quelque Chose Patisserie to see their Ottawa sign! Chances are by now you've posted pictures of the Ottawa sign in the Byward Market, but Quelque Chose Patisserie has their own amazing Ottawa version made out of macarons. For the perfect shot, take a photograph of your dessert in front of the sign.
Ottawa's own castle, the Fairmount Chateau Laurier is the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos. No matter if you photograph the majestic exterior or the opulent interior filled with gold detailing and chandeliers the Chateau Laurier is a must Instagram location in Ottawa.
89 locals recommend
Fairmont Château Laurier
1 Rideau St
89 locals recommend
Ottawa's own castle, the Fairmount Chateau Laurier is the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos. No matter if you photograph the majestic exterior or the opulent interior filled with gold detailing and chandeliers the Chateau Laurier is a must Instagram location in Ottawa.
The ultimate relaxation experience Nestled in the picturesque village of Old Chelsea in the Outaouais on the outskirts of Gatineau Park, Nordik Spa-Nature positions itself as the largest spa in North America. This relaxation and wellness centre is mainly focused on thermotherapy and relaxation techniques from Scandinavian countries. It offers a multisensory experience in a natural setting and is aimed at contributing to the health and well-being of its guests.
312 locals recommend
Nordik Spa-Nature | Chelsea
16 Chemin Nordik
312 locals recommend
The ultimate relaxation experience Nestled in the picturesque village of Old Chelsea in the Outaouais on the outskirts of Gatineau Park, Nordik Spa-Nature positions itself as the largest spa in North America. This relaxation and wellness centre is mainly focused on thermotherapy and relaxation techniques from Scandinavian countries. It offers a multisensory experience in a natural setting and is aimed at contributing to the health and well-being of its guests.