Things to Do in Ottawa
This list covers 20 highly rated things to do in Ottawa, based on Google reviews as of October 2026. The places include museums, parks, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. The Byward Market, Parliament Hill area is the most common neighbourhood, appearing for nine entries. All places listed have a price level of '-', indicating no specific cost data, and all have a Google rating of 4.6 or higher from at least 500 reviews.
The Canadian Museum of Nature has 15,087 reviews and the Canadian Museum of History has 14,756. The ratings are consistently high, ranging from 4.6 to 4.8. This suggests a strong consensus among visitors on the quality of these Ottawa attractions. The list includes places from areas like LeBreton Flats, Centretown, and Riverside Park.
| # | Name | Area | Rating | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canadian War Museum | LeBreton Flats | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 10,785 | |
| 2 | Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica | Byward Market - Parliament Hill | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 4,532 | |
| 3 | Major's Hill Park | Byward Market - Parliament Hill | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 2,967 | |
| 4 | Parliament Hill | Byward Market - Parliament Hill | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 40,318 | |
| 5 | Canadian Museum of Nature / Musée canadien de la nature | Centretown | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 15,087 | |
| 6 | National Gallery of Canada | Byward Market - Parliament Hill | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 10,830 | |
| 7 | Canada Aviation and Space Museum | Ottawa | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 8,030 | |
| 8 | Rideau Canal National Historic Site | The Glebe | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 4,003 | |
| 9 | Hog's Back Park | Riverside Park | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 3,408 | |
| 10 | Canadian Children's Museum | District de Hull | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 2,505 | |
| 11 | Centennial Flame | Byward Market - Parliament Hill | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 1,915 | |
| 12 | Strathcona Park | Sandy Hill | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 1,867 | |
| 13 | Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa | Byward Market - Parliament Hill | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 1,573 | |
| 14 | Remic Rapids Park | Ottawa | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 1,341 | |
| 15 | Conroy Pit | Gloucester | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 1,336 | |
| 16 | Canadian Museum of History | District de Hull | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 14,756 | |
| 17 | Royal Canadian Mint | Byward Market - Parliament Hill | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 3,047 | |
| 18 | Commissioners Park | The Glebe | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 2,944 | |
| 19 | Ottawa Sign, ByWard Market | Byward Market - Parliament Hill | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 2,873 | |
| 20 | Vincent Massey Park | Riverside Park | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 2,194 |
Canadian War Museum
This war museum in LeBreton Flats has a 4.8 rating from 10,785 reviews. It is open daily, with extended hours until 7:00 PM on Thursdays. Reviewers often mention its tanks, military vehicles, and interactive exhibits.
Opening hours
- Sun 09:00-17:00
- Mon 09:00-17:00
- Tue 09:00-17:00
- Wed 09:00-17:00
- Thu 09:00-19:00
- Fri 09:00-17:00
- Sat 09:00-17:00
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica is a Catholic cathedral in the Byward Market - Parliament Hill area, rated 4.8 from 4,532 reviews. It is open every day, closing at 7:00 PM on Sundays and Saturdays. The site offers wheelchair accessible facilities.
Opening hours
- Sun 09:00-19:00
- Mon 09:00-18:00
- Tue 09:00-18:00
- Wed 09:00-18:00
- Thu 09:00-18:00
- Fri 09:00-18:00
- Sat 09:00-19:00
Major's Hill Park
Major's Hill Park is a city park in Byward Market - Parliament Hill, open 24 hours and rated 4.8 from 2,967 reviews. Reviewers often mention its view of parliament, tulips, and sunset views. It is suitable for picnics and has cycling lanes.
Opening hours
- Sun 00:00-24:00
- Mon 00:00-24:00
- Tue 00:00-24:00
- Wed 00:00-24:00
- Thu 00:00-24:00
- Fri 00:00-24:00
- Sat 00:00-24:00
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is a historical place in the Byward Market - Parliament Hill area. It has a 4.7 rating from 40,318 reviews. The listing recommends getting tickets ahead of time. It welcomes children and offers various parking options.
Canadian Museum of Nature / Musée canadien de la nature
The Canadian Museum of Nature in Centretown is a natural history museum with a 4.7 rating from 15,087 reviews. It is open Wednesday through Sunday, with extended hours on Thursdays. Reviewers often mention dinosaurs, bugs, and butterfly exhibits.
Opening hours
- Sun 09:30-16:00
- Mon 09:30-16:00
- Wed 09:30-16:00
- Thu 09:30-20:00
- Fri 09:30-16:00
- Sat 09:30-17:00
National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada in Byward Market - Parliament Hill is an art gallery rated 4.7 from 10,830 reviews. It is open daily, with hours until 8:00 PM on Thursdays. Reviewers often mention its architecture and Canadian art collections.
Opening hours
- Sun 09:30-17:00
- Mon 09:30-17:00
- Tue 09:30-17:00
- Wed 09:30-17:00
- Thu 09:30-20:00
- Fri 09:30-17:00
- Sat 09:30-17:00
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa has a 4.7 rating from 8,030 reviews. It is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but is closed on Tuesdays. The museum has onsite services, live performances, and a restaurant.
Opening hours
- Sun 09:00-17:00
- Mon 09:00-17:00
- Wed 09:00-17:00
- Thu 09:00-17:00
- Fri 09:00-17:00
- Sat 09:00-17:00
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
The Rideau Canal National Historic Site in The Glebe is a historical landmark rated 4.7 from 4,003 reviews. Reviewers often mention walking, the locks, and it being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It welcomes children and has onsite services.
Hog's Back Park
Hog's Back Park in Riverside Park is a park rated 4.7 from 3,408 reviews and is open 24 hours. Reviewers often mention the falls, scenery, and picnics. It features trails, cycling lanes, and is suitable for picnics.
Opening hours
- Sun 00:00-24:00
- Mon 00:00-24:00
- Tue 00:00-24:00
- Wed 00:00-24:00
- Thu 00:00-24:00
- Fri 00:00-24:00
- Sat 00:00-24:00
Canadian Children's Museum
The Canadian Children's Museum in District de Hull has a 4.7 rating from 2,505 reviews. It is open daily, with hours until 7:00 PM on Thursdays. Reviewers often mention play areas, interactive exhibits, and costumes.
Opening hours
- Sun 09:00-17:00
- Mon 09:00-17:00
- Tue 09:00-17:00
- Wed 09:00-17:00
- Thu 09:00-19:00
- Fri 09:00-17:00
- Sat 09:00-17:00
Centennial Flame
The Centennial Flame is a monument in Byward Market - Parliament Hill, open 24 hours and rated 4.7 from 1,915 reviews. It welcomes children and has paid parking.
Opening hours
- Sun 00:00-24:00
- Mon 00:00-24:00
- Tue 00:00-24:00
- Wed 00:00-24:00
- Thu 00:00-24:00
- Fri 00:00-24:00
- Sat 00:00-24:00
Strathcona Park
Strathcona Park in Sandy Hill is a park rated 4.7 from 1,867 reviews, open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Reviewers often mention a small pool, a bridge, and the river. It has a playground, picnic tables, and cycling lanes.
Opening hours
- Sun 05:00-23:00
- Mon 05:00-23:00
- Tue 05:00-23:00
- Wed 05:00-23:00
- Thu 05:00-23:00
- Fri 05:00-23:00
- Sat 05:00-23:00
Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa
Rideau Canal, Locks 1-8 in Byward Market - Parliament Hill is a historical landmark with a 4.7 rating from 1,573 reviews. It is open daily, with hours until 7:00 PM on weekends. Reviewers often mention boats, walking, and sunset views.
Opening hours
- Sun 09:00-19:00
- Mon 09:00-18:00
- Tue 09:00-18:00
- Wed 09:00-18:00
- Thu 09:00-18:00
- Fri 09:00-19:00
- Sat 09:00-19:00
Remic Rapids Park
Remic Rapids Park in Ottawa is a park open 24 hours and rated 4.7 from 1,341 reviews. Reviewers often mention sunset views, relaxing atmosphere, and rock sculptures. It is suitable for picnics and has hiking trails.
Opening hours
- Sun 00:00-24:00
- Mon 00:00-24:00
- Tue 00:00-24:00
- Wed 00:00-24:00
- Thu 00:00-24:00
- Fri 00:00-24:00
- Sat 00:00-24:00
Conroy Pit
Conroy Pit in Gloucester is a park rated 4.7 from 1,336 reviews. Reviewers often mention trails and it being a dog park for walking and socialization. It has wheelchair accessible entrances and parking, and welcomes children.
Canadian Museum of History
The Canadian Museum of History in District de Hull has a 4.6 rating from 14,756 reviews. It is open daily, with extended hours on Thursdays. Reviewers often mention the Canadian Children's Museum, totem poles, and architecture.
Opening hours
- Sun 09:00-17:00
- Mon 09:00-17:00
- Tue 09:00-17:00
- Wed 09:00-17:00
- Thu 09:00-19:00
- Fri 09:00-17:00
- Sat 09:00-17:00
Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint in Byward Market - Parliament Hill is a museum rated 4.6 from 3,047 reviews. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Reviewers often mention tour guides and the coin making process.
Opening hours
- Sun 10:00-17:00
- Tue 10:00-17:00
- Wed 10:00-17:00
- Thu 10:00-17:00
- Fri 10:00-17:00
- Sat 10:00-17:00
Commissioners Park
Commissioners Park in The Glebe is a park open 24 hours and rated 4.6 from 2,944 reviews. Reviewers often mention the Tulip Festival, tulips, and flowers. It is suitable for picnics and has cycling lanes and picnic tables.
Opening hours
- Sun 00:00-24:00
- Mon 00:00-24:00
- Tue 00:00-24:00
- Wed 00:00-24:00
- Thu 00:00-24:00
- Fri 00:00-24:00
- Sat 00:00-24:00
Ottawa Sign, ByWard Market
The Ottawa Sign in ByWard Market is a tourist attraction open 24 hours, rated 4.6 from 2,873 reviews. Reviewers often mention photo opportunities and it being crowded. It has onsite services and welcomes children.
Opening hours
- Sun 00:00-24:00
- Mon 00:00-24:00
- Tue 00:00-24:00
- Wed 00:00-24:00
- Thu 00:00-24:00
- Fri 00:00-24:00
- Sat 00:00-24:00
Vincent Massey Park
Vincent Massey Park in Riverside Park is a city park rated 4.6 from 2,194 reviews, open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Reviewers often mention BBQ, picnic tables, and the river. It allows grilling and has biking trails.
Opening hours
- Sun 07:00-22:00
- Mon 07:00-22:00
- Tue 07:00-22:00
- Wed 07:00-22:00
- Thu 07:00-22:00
- Fri 07:00-22:00
- Sat 07:00-22:00
Tips before you go
- Check hours before visiting, as many museums like the Canadian Museum of Nature are closed on Tuesdays, and the Royal Canadian Mint is closed on Mondays.
- Several parks like Major's Hill, Hog's Back, and Commissioners Park are open 24 hours, offering flexibility for visits.
- The Byward Market - Parliament Hill area has the highest concentration of listed attractions, making it efficient for planning a day out.
- For popular sites like Parliament Hill and the Royal Canadian Mint, the data recommends getting tickets ahead of time.
- Many locations, such as Vincent Massey Park and Hog's Back Park, are suitable for picnics and have related facilities.
- If visiting with dogs, Conroy Pit is specifically noted by reviewers as a dog park for walking and socialization.
How we made this list
This list was made using Google ratings and review counts as of October 22, 2026. A weighted rating was calculated so that places with very few reviews do not rank unfairly high. Only places with at least 500 Google reviews were considered for inclusion. Furthermore, only places that were listed as open, with available hours or features data, are featured here. The final selection of 20 places represents the top results from this process.
Questions about things to do in Ottawa
Which Ottawa attraction has the most reviews?
Parliament Hill has the highest number of reviews at 40,318, with a rating of 4.7. It is a historical place in the Byward Market - Parliament Hill area. The listing recommends getting tickets ahead of time for your visit. It also notes various parking options including free street parking and paid lots.
Are there any attractions open 24 hours?
Yes, several parks are open 24 hours. These include Major's Hill Park, Hog's Back Park, Commissioners Park, Remic Rapids Park, and the Centennial Flame monument. The Ottawa Sign tourist attraction is also open 24 hours. Always check the latest information before your visit.
What are good options for visiting with children?
The Canadian Children's Museum, with a 4.7 rating, is designed for kids. Reviewers often mention its play areas and interactive exhibits. Many other sites like Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and most parks also welcome children. The Canadian Museum of Nature also has exhibits reviewers mention for children, like dinosaurs and bugs.
Where can I see museums with extended evening hours?
The Canadian War Museum and Canadian Museum of History are open until 7:00 PM on Thursdays. The Canadian Museum of Nature is open until 8:00 PM on Thursdays. The National Gallery of Canada is open until 8:00 PM on Thursdays as well. The Canadian Children's Museum is also open until 7:00 PM on Thursdays.
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Ratings, review counts, prices and hours come from Google Maps listings as of 2026-10-22 and change over time. Call ahead or check the venue's own site before you go. Nobody pays to be on these lists.