Your first two days in Ottawa
A manageable route through the capital: Parliament, the Market, a museum and a little room to wander.
Read the guide : Ottawa in two days: a practical first-visit itineraryYour guide to Canada's capital
Make more
of Ottawa.
Find the right services in your Ottawa neighbourhood. From home service professionals to established local businesses, explore Ottawa Reviews’ guides to home improvements, shopping, dining and everyday services. Discover options in ByWard Market, the Glebe, Westboro, Nepean and Orléans, with practical comparisons to help you choose with confidence.
Find your next guide36 researched guides8 areas to explore
Where to eat in Ottawa: areas and budgets
Named dining starting points for a quick bite, an unhurried meal or a neighbourhood outing, based on published menus.
Read the guide : Where to eat in Ottawa: areas, budgets and dining stylesA city of neighbourhoods
Find your kind of Ottawa.
01 / OTTAWA
ByWard Market
Heritage housing and downtown routines
2014 · Suwannee.payne · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Cropped
02 / OTTAWA
Centretown
Central living and everyday convenience
2014 · Matti Blume · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cropped
03 / OTTAWA
The Glebe
Older homes, schools and canal life
2023 · AdoTang · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cropped
04 / OTTAWA
Hintonburg & Wellington West
Mixed housing and a walkable main street
2020 · Earl Andrew · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cropped
05 / OTTAWA
Westboro
Village errands and river access
2010 · P199 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Cropped
06 / OTTAWA
Old Ottawa South
Established streets between two waterways
2015 · shankar s. · CC BY 2.0 · Cropped
.jpg){kind=link}
07 / OTTAWA
Nepean
Suburban communities and practical connections
2019 · joanne clifford · CC BY 2.0 · Cropped
.jpg){kind=link}
08 / OTTAWA
Orléans
Eastern communities, schools and family routines
2024 · Ontariocarguy07 · CC0 1.0 · Cropped
Culture, seasons & a little spontaneity
All guides ↗
.jpg){kind=link}
Compare Ottawa museums for your visit
Match the subject to your group, then check booking, location and access before you go.
Read the guide : Ottawa museums compared: which fits your visit?
Ottawa by season: what to plan and check
Seasonal ideas with a backup plan, from spring walks to winter days when the canal may not be open.
Read the guide : Ottawa through the seasons: what to plan and what to check
Free and low-cost things to do in Ottawa
Free galleries, timed museum offers, Parliament tours and outdoor time, with the booking conditions that matter.
Read the guide : Free and low-cost Ottawa: a practical shortlistFor life in the capital
The everyday
decisions, too.
Useful questions, clear comparisons and sources you can follow when the next plan is closer to home.
01020304
Travel & shopping
Choose useful gear and understand the buying route before you commit.
Homes & vehicles
Practical questions for bigger purchases, renovation plans and everyday equipment.
Living & care
Find the right starting point for a family decision or a comfortable day together.
Business & professional
Compare software, signage and professional services for running an Ottawa business.
Read with the sources in view
Useful guidance should show its working.
Our guides link to the information behind changeable details, distinguish provider statements from analysis, and tell you what has not been tested.
Read our editorial approach ↗A little local context
Frequently asked questions about Ottawa
Six practical answers to help you get to know the capital, with Ottawa Reviews guides to help you plan your next step.
Where is Ottawa, and is it Canada's capital?
Ottawa is Canada's capital city, in eastern Ontario beside the Ottawa River. Gatineau, Quebec, is across the river. When planning a visit to both cities, check which side of the river your destination is on so you can choose the right route.
Read more: Explore Ottawa: sights and visitor guides
What is Ottawa best known for?
Ottawa is known for Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, national museums and the ByWard Market district. For a first visit, we suggest combining one major attraction with time in a nearby neighbourhood. Check tour reservations, opening hours and any seasonal closures before setting out.
Read more: Plan your first two days in Ottawa
What is the best time of year to visit Ottawa?
The best season depends on your plans. Spring brings tulips, summer suits patios and outdoor festivals, autumn offers colourful foliage, and winter brings cold-weather activities. For a first trip focused on walking and outdoor sightseeing, we suggest late spring through early autumn. Check the forecast and event dates before booking.
Read more: Ottawa by season: what to plan and check
Can you get around Ottawa without a car?
Yes. OC Transpo operates buses and the O-Train in Ottawa, while STO serves Gatineau. Walking, cycling and public transit can work well for a visit centred on downtown. For trips farther out, check connections and return service in advance using the transit agencies' trip planners.
Read more: Getting around Ottawa without a car
Which Ottawa neighbourhoods should I explore?
ByWard Market is a good starting point for restaurants, cafés and shops. The Glebe combines dining and shopping with green spaces, while Wellington West and Westboro offer more neighbourhood restaurants and boutiques. Choose an area that fits your interests and explore it at a comfortable pace.
Read more: Explore Ottawa neighbourhood guides
What are some free things to do in Ottawa?
Free options include Parliament visitor experiences, tours and grounds at Rideau Hall, and tours of the Supreme Court of Canada. Availability, reservations and entry arrangements differ by attraction, so check the official visitor information before going. A free tour can be a useful starting point for a day of exploring.
Read more: Free and low-cost things to do in Ottawa