Matthew & Ruth
Matthew & Ruth
Things to Do
Top 10 Attractions in Ottawa
1) Parliament Hill and Buildings
Three Gothic Revival-style buildings, located on a 170-foot bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, house the offices of the members of Parliament, the House of Commons and the Senate. Free guided tours delve into Canadian history and explain the workings of the political system.
2) Rideau Canal National Historic Site
One of the oldest landmarks in Ottawa, this canal is filled with boats in the summer and becomes the "World's Longest Skating Rink" in the winter.
3) Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
Ottawa’s immersive history destination. Descend into history, 75 feet underground. Immerse yourself in stories and artifacts from the past as you explore this impressive four-storey underground Cold War communications headquarters. Today, the Diefenbunker is a one-of-a-kind museum and national historic site offering award-winning experiences year-round. Explore this window into the past on your own, through a guided tour, or by challenging yourself to an escape room! Explore educational exhibitions, connect with Cold War history, and discover unforgettable experiences.
4) Canadian War Museum
The Canadian War Museum is more than a museum that is internationally renowned for its symbolic architecture; it is synonym for inspiring and touching stories. Canada's rich military history is showcased through personal stories, artwork, photographs and interactive presentations. Tour the extensive permanent exhibitions and expand your knowledge of the conflicts that shaped Canada, Canadians and the world, as well as the roll Canadians played in them.
5) National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada is committed to offering a welcoming and safe place for our visitors, employees and volunteers. Discover contemporary and historical artworks - including paintings, sculptures, photographs and multimedia installations - in this landmark site located near the vibrant ByWard Market area.
6) Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
This beautiful and ornate gothic-style cathedral is recognized by its twin spires.
7) Canadian Museum Of Nature
Let the wonders of nature inspire you at the Canadian Museum of Nature, housed in a beautiful heritage “castle” just blocks from Parliament Hill in Ottawa! Embark on a captivating exploration of the natural world, featuring dinosaurs, mammals, dazzling minerals, aquatic ecosystems, Canada’s Arctic, live bugs, and so much more! Enjoy hands-on activities for curious minds of all ages. Visit nature.ca to book your visit and learn more!
8) Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Located on a former military air base just 5 kilometres from the Prime Minister’s residence in Ottawa, the Museum focuses on aviation in Canada within an international context, from its beginnings in 1909 to the present day. As Canada’s contribution to aviation expanded to include aerospace technology, the Museum’s collection and mandate grew to include space flight. The Collection itself consists of more than 130 aircraft and artifacts (propellers, engines) from both civil and military service. It gives particular, but not exclusive, reference to Canadian achievements. The most extensive aviation collection in Canada, it is also considered one of the finest aviation museums in the world. Museum Highlights: Largest surviving piece of the famous Avro Arrow (its nose section); the original Canadarm used on the Endeavour space shuttle; Lancaster WWII bomber; Life in Orbit: The International Space Station exhibition.
9) Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint’s historic headquarters in Ottawa produces all of our collector coins, gold and silver bullion, and medals, medallions and tokens.
10) Hog's Back Falls
Beautiful 60-foot waterfall where the Rideau River and Rideau Canal part.
