Ottawa Attractions & Things to Do
Explore top attractions and things to do in Ottawa. Museums, galleries, landmarks, and more.
Canadian Museum of Nature
Canada's national natural history museum, housed in a landmark Victorian sandstone building. Features dinosaur fossils, a blue whale skeleton, the world's largest display of Canadian birds, and an Arctic gallery. Free Thursday evenings 5-8 PM for all.
Canadian War Museum
Canada's national museum of military history, featuring four chronological galleries, a massive vehicle hall, and the architecturally striking Memorial Hall. Free admission every Thursday 5-7 PM.
Canadian Museum of History
Canada's national museum of human history, located across the river in Gatineau with sweeping views of Parliament Hill. Features the Canadian History Hall, an immersive Canadian Children's Museum, and the Grand Hall with the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles. Free Thursday evenings 5-7 PM.
National Gallery of Canada
Canada's premier art museum, housed in a landmark Moshe Safdie glass-and-granite building on Sussex Drive. Home to the world's most comprehensive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, plus European masterworks and contemporary pieces — over 93,000 works in total. Free every Thursday evening 5–8 PM.
CF Rideau Centre
Ottawa's largest downtown shopping centre with 175+ stores on three levels, directly connected to the O-Train's Rideau Station. Features anchor stores Simons and Hudson's Bay, an 850-seat dining hall, and indoor walkways to the ByWard Market, Westin Ottawa, and Shaw Centre.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Canada's largest aviation collection with over 130 aircraft, the original Canadarm from Space Shuttle Endeavour, and the largest surviving piece of the Avro Arrow. Free admission daily from 4-5 PM.
Nordik Spa-Nature
North America's largest spa — 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa in Chelsea, QC with 7 outdoor thermal baths, 8 saunas, an infinity pool, and the Källa saltwater float pool.
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Canada's national science and technology museum, part of the Ingenium network. Features interactive galleries, a children's innovation zone, transportation exhibits, and hands-on demonstrations. Free daily admission 4-5 PM.
Parc Omega
A 2,200-acre drive-through wildlife park in Montebello, Quebec, about an hour east of Ottawa. Home to over 60 species of North American animals including wolves, bears, bison, elk, moose, and caribou. Open every day of the year.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Ottawa's oldest and most architecturally significant church, designated a National Historic Site in 1990. The Gothic Revival basilica features twin 54.5-metre spires, 17 stained glass windows by Guido Nincheri, 30 life-sized carved wooden figures, and a vaulted ceiling painted blue with gold stars. Free to visit.
BATL Grounds Ottawa
IATF-affiliated axe throwing venue on Lancaster Road with digital scoring, archery, knife throwing, a licensed bar, and league play.
National War Memorial
Canada's national monument honouring those who have served and died in all conflicts, centred on a 16-metre granite arch with 22 bronze figures by sculptor Vernon March. Unveiled by King George VI in 1939, it includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (added 2000). Sentries stand guard daily from April to November.
ByWard Market
One of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, established in 1826. Home to over 600 businesses including restaurants, boutiques, and a year-round indoor market with seasonal outdoor vendors.
Canadian Tire Centre
Ottawa's largest arena and home of the Ottawa Senators (NHL) and Ottawa Black Bears (NLL). Originally opened in 1996, the venue seats over 18,600 for hockey and up to 20,500 for concerts. Located in Kanata, about 15 minutes west of downtown via Highway 417.
Fairmont Château Laurier
One of Canada's most iconic hotels and a National Historic Site since 1981. The 1912 Châteauesque limestone building sits between Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal locks, with a lobby, restaurants, and public spaces open to all visitors.
Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
A four-storey underground bunker built in 1959 as Canada's emergency government headquarters during the Cold War. Now a National Historic Site, it offers self-guided tours, guided tours, and an escape room experience 75 feet below ground.
TD Place Stadium
Ottawa's historic outdoor stadium at Lansdowne Park, home to the Ottawa Redblacks (CFL), Atlético Ottawa (CPL), and Ottawa 67's (OHL). The 24,000-seat venue has hosted Grey Cups, FIFA Women's World Cup matches, and outdoor NHL games. Located in The Glebe on the Rideau Canal.
Level One Game Pub
Downtown game pub with 800+ board games and 300+ video games in a 150-year-old building, with discounted entry for kids under 12.
Cineplex Cinemas Ottawa
A 12-screen Cineplex theatre on Carling Avenue featuring UltraAVX and ScreenX. Originally opened in 1998 as Ottawa's first megaplex cinema, it continues to serve the west-central Ottawa community.
Calypso Waterpark
Canada's largest waterpark, located 30 minutes east of Ottawa in Limoges. Features 35+ water slides, the country's largest wave pool, two lazy rivers, three kids' areas, and the Summit Tower — the tallest freestanding slide tower in Canada. Open mid-June to early September.
Landmark Cinemas 24 Kanata
Ottawa's largest movie theatre with 24 screens including IMAX, located in Kanata. Features recliner seating across all auditoriums for a premium moviegoing experience.
Scotiabank Theatre Ottawa
A 16-screen Cineplex theatre in Ottawa's east end featuring IMAX, 4DX, UltraAVX, D-BOX, and ScreenX. One of Ottawa's most feature-rich cinemas with a wide range of premium viewing formats.
LumberJaxe
Popular axe throwing hall near Little Italy with 1,000+ five-star reviews, local craft beer, league play, and wheelchair accessibility.
Landmark Cinemas 10 Orleans
A 10-screen multiplex in Orleans featuring all-digital auditoriums, reclining seats, and ScreenX format. The first Landmark Cinemas location to offer 100% digital projection.
Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne & VIP
A 10-screen Cineplex theatre at Lansdowne featuring VIP 19+ auditoriums with in-seat dining, UltraAVX with Dolby Atmos, and D-BOX motion seats. Ottawa's premier cinema for a luxury moviegoing experience.
LaserMaxx Ottawa
Ottawa's pro-level laser tag arena on St. Laurent Boulevard. Multi-level arena, multiple birthday packages, and private game options for teens.
House of TARG
Retro arcade and pinball bar on Bank Street with $0.25 classic games, 17+ pinball machines, and famous handmade pierogies. Family-friendly until 8pm on weekends.
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
A working farm in the heart of Ottawa, part of the Central Experimental Farm. Home to cows, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. Especially popular in spring when baby animals are born. Free daily admission 4-5 PM.
Bad Axe Throwing Ottawa
Ottawa axe throwing venue that hosts birthday parties for all ages with adult supervision. Groups of 6-70, coached sessions, and teen-friendly.
Bank of Canada Museum
A free, interactive museum exploring economics and monetary history. Home to the National Currency Collection with over 110,000 artifacts, plus hands-on exhibits including a rocket ship inflation simulator and a design-your-own banknote station.
Absolute Comedy
Ottawa's oldest dedicated stand-up comedy club in Little Italy, operating since 2004 with Pro-Am Wednesdays and headliner shows Thursday through Sunday.
Camp Fortune
A year-round outdoor adventure resort in Chelsea, Quebec, just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Home to 23 ski runs, a 1.5 km Peak to Peak zipline, a mountain pipe coaster, aerial park, and 20+ km of mountain biking trails.
Bonnechere Caves
A guided underground cave system near Eganville, Ontario, about 1.5 hours west of Ottawa. Formed over 500 million years ago on the floor of a tropical sea, the caves feature ancient fossils, stalactites, and unique rock formations. Tours run approximately one hour, departing every 20-30 minutes. Open Victoria Day weekend through Thanksgiving weekend.
Saunders Farm
A 100-acre award-winning family farm in Munster featuring the world's largest collection of hedge mazes, seasonal events including PumpkinFest, FrightFest, and A Country Christmas, plus summer activities and a spring tulip festival.
Crazy Bear Amusement
Family entertainment centre on Merivale Road with 120+ arcade games, a massive claw machine zone, VR experiences, and birthday party packages.
Peppermint Organic Spa + Medi Spa
Organic day spa and medi-spa in a heritage Manotick building with beamed ceilings, fireplaces, and a popular couples room — Google 4.8 with 1,183 reviews.
Kōena Spa
50,000 sq ft Nordic thermal spa just 5 minutes from downtown Ottawa in Aylmer with thermal baths, polar pool, 4 saunas, and massages starting at $115.
National Arts Centre
Canada's bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for the performing arts, featuring four performance venues, the NAC Orchestra, and the 1 Elgin restaurant with Rideau Canal views. A National Historic Site with Brutalist architecture and a striking 2017 glass addition by Diamond Schmitt Architects.
Ottawa Art Gallery
Ottawa's municipal art gallery, always free to visit. Features rotating exhibitions of Canadian, local, and international contemporary art. Open late Wednesday through Saturday until 9 PM. Located downtown near the Rideau Centre.
Den Den Claw
Japanese-style claw machine arcade in Chinatown with UFO catchers, gachapon, photo booth, and an artist alley. All ages welcome.
Mayfair Theatre
Ottawa's oldest continuously operating movie theatre, open since 1932. This single-screen heritage cinema on Bank Street features stunning Spanish Revival architecture and shows second-run and repertory films at affordable prices.
Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park
Ottawa's biggest indoor trampoline and adventure park in the east end. Birthday party packages include 2.5 hours of jumping, pizza, and a private party room.
Funhaven
Ottawa's largest indoor amusement centre featuring the city's only roller coaster, laser tag, escape rooms, VR attractions, bumper cars, a 100+ game arcade, and a dedicated toddler play area. No admission fee -- pay per activity with credits.
Ottawa Humane Society
Ottawa's main animal shelter on West Hunt Club Road, offering unique animal-themed PD Day camps where kids learn about animal welfare through tours, presentations, and hands-on sessions.
Altitude Gym Kanata
Kanata climbing gym with bouldering, auto-belay walls, a Ninja Warrior obstacle course, and an augmented-reality climbing wall. Birthday parties run 2¼ hours with pizza included.
ByTowne Cinema
A beloved single-screen repertory cinema on Rideau Street, showing independent, foreign, and art-house films since 1947. One of Ottawa's most cherished cultural institutions with 650 seats.
Cosmic Adventures
Ottawa's largest indoor playground on Ogilvie Road in the east end. Massive multi-level play structure, games room, private party rooms, and a toddler-friendly area.
Dow's Lake Pavilion
A waterfront pavilion on Dow's Lake offering boat rentals in summer, skate rentals in winter, and lakeside dining year-round. A key Tulip Festival site in spring and a gateway to the Rideau Canal Skateway in winter.
Sparks Street
Canada's first permanent pedestrian mall, established in 1967. The car-free promenade stretches four blocks between Elgin and Lyon streets, one block south of Parliament Hill. Features heritage buildings, restaurant patios, and summer festivals including the Ottawa International Buskerfest.
MacLaren's on Elgin
Elgin Street sports bar and pool hall with 25 tables, 30+ 4K TVs, and a full kitchen — on Sens Mile since 1997.
Putting Edge Ottawa
Nepean's glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf. 18 holes under blacklight, with birthday party packages that include a private room, host, and a birthday shoutout.
Au Naturel Spa at Brookstreet
Hotel spa at the Brookstreet in Kanata with 13 treatment rooms, access to an indoor saltwater pool, hot tub, sauna, and full-day spa packages up to $380.
Arbraska Laflèche
An adventure park in Val-des-Monts featuring the largest tourist cave on the Canadian Shield, aerial treetop courses, ziplines over a turquoise lake, and North America's largest outdoor trampolines. About 45 minutes from downtown Ottawa.
TailGators
Ottawa's largest pool hall with 43 tables, 8 ping pong tables, 6 foosball tables, a 23,000 sq ft sports bar, and a 22ft jumbo screen.
RA Centre
Multi-sport recreation centre on Riverside Drive with swimming, curling, bowling, and fitness. Offers drop-off PA Day camps for kids ages 4-12, one of Ottawa's best-organized single-day camp programs.
Merivale Bowling Centre
48-lane bowling centre on Merivale Road with glow-in-the-dark Rock 'n' Bowl, bumpers for kids, an arcade, and three affordable birthday party packages.
Yuk Yuk's Ottawa
Canada's largest comedy chain with an Ottawa location in the basement of Biagio's Italian Kitchen — Wednesday shows and Thursday-Saturday headliners.
Archery Games Ottawa
Combat archery tag in Alta Vista — dodgeball meets archery with foam-tipped arrows. Teen birthdays get 75 minutes of play plus a 45-minute party room.
Ciné-Starz St. Laurent Centre
A 5-screen discount cinema inside St. Laurent Shopping Centre, showing second-run films at budget-friendly prices. Originally opened in 1968, the location has a long history as one of Ottawa's neighbourhood cinemas.
The Orange Monkey Bar & Billiards
Ottawa's snooker destination since 1986 with 14 pool tables, 6 snooker tables, darts, Sunday all-you-can-play, and Canadian Snooker Championships hosted here.
Coyote Rock Gym
Ottawa's long-running indoor rock climbing gym with top rope, lead, bouldering, auto belays, and youth climbing programs. Family drop-in climbing welcome.
Cineplex Odeon Barrhaven
A 7-screen neighbourhood Cineplex theatre in Barrhaven, serving Ottawa's fast-growing southwest community with a convenient, family-friendly cinema experience.
The Lookout Bar
Ottawa's premier LGBTQ+ bar since 1996 with free drag shows Friday and Saturday nights, karaoke, and multiple FACES Magazine
Swizzles Bar & Grill
Ottawa's self-proclaimed "Only Bias-Free Bar" — an LGBTQ+ community hub with karaoke, drag shows, comedy, live music, and charity events.
Rideau Hall
The official residence of the Governor General of Canada, set on 32 hectares of gardens, forests, and grounds in Rockcliffe. Free guided tours of the state rooms are available, and the grounds are open daily from 8 AM to sunset. Features a greenhouse, picnic area, playground, and winter skating rink.
Central Experimental Farm
A 427-hectare National Historic Site in the heart of Ottawa, home to ornamental gardens, a free tropical greenhouse, the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Active agricultural research farm since 1886 with year-round free access to grounds.
Holtz Spa
Ottawa's largest full-service day spa in a 1870s Victorian mansion in ByWard Market — 10,000 sq ft with massages, facials, salon, and restaurant.
Splitsville Kanata
26,000 sq ft bowling and arcade centre in Kanata with 18 lanes, modern arcade games, a full-service restaurant, and birthday party packages.
Cineplex Odeon South Keys
A 12-screen Cineplex theatre at South Keys on Bank Street, offering a classic neighbourhood cinema experience popular with families and south Ottawa moviegoers.
LIVE! on Elgin
Ottawa's premier small listening room on Elgin Street with nightly live performances, free Tuesday open mic, and a premium sound system.
Bubblesea Adventures
Nepean indoor playground with a gated toddler-only area, ball pits, slides, sand and Lego tables. Private party rooms and hosted birthday packages.
Third Avenue Spa
Boutique day spa in The Glebe since 1999 with G.M. Collin and Yon-Ka facials and traditional esthetics — Google 4.9 with 271 reviews.
UPPLIVA Nordic Spa
Urban Nordic spa in Hintonburg with cedar sauna, eucalyptus steam room, cold plunge, and holistic treatments — no need to drive to Chelsea.
Escape Manor Junior
Ottawa's only dedicated kids escape room venue in Barrhaven. Three difficulty tiers by age (6-8, 8-10, 10-12) and a $210 two-hour birthday party package.
Jazz@248
Ottawa's only dedicated jazz club with live jazz 6 nights a week, open jam sessions, and family stage sessions on weekends.
Laugh Lounge Comedy Club
New premium comedy club in ByWard Market (opened 2023-2024) with Thursday-Sunday pro stand-up shows and full food and drink service during performances.
Claw World
Japanese-style claw machine arcade inside St. Laurent Shopping Centre with token-based play and VIP membership options.
City at Night
Ottawa's premier EDM nightclub on Slater Street with laser shows, immersive lighting, and top local and international DJs.
Minnesota's Billiards Pub
Kanata's go-to pool hall with multiple tables, snooker, darts, pinball, and a full bar and food menu open daily until 2am.
Falcon Ridge Golf Club (Indoor)
A 4-bay TrackMan indoor facility at Falcon Ridge Golf Club in South Ottawa with leagues, lessons, and junior camps.
Stittsville's Vintage Market (Carp Road Flea Market)
A year-round Sunday flea market on Carp Road with indoor and outdoor vendors selling vintage goods, antiques, and retro finds. Free admission and parking. Home to Elizabeth's Barbie Museum.
The Bunker Indoor Golf
A TrackMan 4 indoor golf lounge in the Glebe (plus an East location) with Tour Pro lessons and a casual BYO-food policy.
The Wreck Room
Ottawa's original smash room with glow-in-the-dark axe throwing, Nerf gun battles, and a Vengeance Van mobile service for car smashing and flamethrower experiences.
Red Bird Live Music
80-seat premium listening room on Bank Street for folk, bluegrass, and singer-songwriter performances with Tuesday open stage and music lessons.
Supreme Court of Canada
Canada's highest court, housed in an Art Deco building designed by Ernest Cormier with a distinctive Château-style copper roof. Free guided tours take visitors through the marble lobby and the black-walnut-panelled main courtroom. Public hearings are also open to attend.
Silverwood's Golf and Lounge
A Kanata indoor golf lounge with 10 TrackMan 4 bays, a full restaurant and bar, lessons, and winter leagues.
Parliament Hill
Canada's seat of federal government and a National Historic Site, featuring the iconic Peace Tower, the Centennial Flame, and free guided tours of the West Block and Senate. Centre Block is closed for renovation until the early 2030s.
Playback Games Bar
19+ indoor lawn games bar on Bank Street with bocce, shuffleboard, cornhole, darts, and foosball plus a full bar and food menu.
Room 104
19+ retro arcade bar in ByWard Market with classic games, air hockey, foosball, 100+ shots, and 1980s pop culture decor.
The 27 Club
The legendary Zaphod Beeblebrox reborn as The 27 Club — live music, DJ sets, and theme nights (Emo Night, tribute shows) in an industrial-design space on York Street.
TARGET Indoor Golf Ottawa
A 24/7 unmanned indoor golf facility with 8 bays on Queensdale Ave, featuring flat hourly rates and self-service access.
Ottawa Pinball Arcade
Canada's largest pinball arcade with 36+ machines from vintage classics to modern Stern titles, offering $1/game play and Family Funday Sundays.
NUVO Lounge 295
ByWard Market lounge club specializing in Afrobeats, Hip Hop, and Dancehall with VIP bottle service and monthly Comedy Culture Club stand-up nights.
Happy Fish Elgin
Elgin Street nightclub with green velvet interiors, vintage chandeliers, a hidden patio, and Thursday drink specials starting at $4.
Ottawa Family Cinema
A volunteer-run, not-for-profit cinema at the Rideau Community Hub showing family-friendly second-run films on Saturday afternoons. All proceeds are donated back to the community through the Family Movie Trust Fund.
Tumblers Gymnastics Centre
Orleans gymnastics centre with hosted kids birthday parties and Saturday Night Teen Parties — a rare teen-specific birthday option in Ottawa.
Berlin Nightclub
Three-venue nightclub complex in ByWard Market — Berlin (main floor), KRUSCH (cocktail bar), and theUNDERGROUND (house sub-genres) — carrying the Mercury Lounge legacy.
Birdie House
A 24/7 unmanned TrackMan iO indoor golf facility with 8 private bays next to the RA Centre.
City Gridwrks
Underground electronic music venue opened March 2026 on Rideau Street, run by the City at Night team in the former Mavericks space.
The Palace Restaurant & Lounge
Two-storey upscale nightclub and African cuisine restaurant on Dalhousie Street with ~500 capacity, state-of-the-art production, and VIP service.
Sky Lounge
ByWard Market's only convertible rooftop nightclub with sliding windows, York Street views, and electronic, hip-hop, and pop music.
Ottawa Gymnastics Centre
Long-running gymnastics facility in Westboro offering recreational and competitive programs, plus drop-off PD Day camps for ages 4-12 with gymnastics, trampoline, and games.
613flea
Ottawa's largest not-for-profit flea market at Lansdowne Park with 150+ vendors selling vintage clothing, antiques, handmade goods, and food. Free admission, twice monthly on Saturdays.
The Show
Ottawa's largest nightclub in the heart of ByWard Market, popular with university students for EDM, pop, and high-energy nights.
Ciné-Starz Orleans
A 6-screen second-run cinema in Orleans offering recent films at discount prices, with reclining seats, a full bar, and dine-in menu options.
GigSpace
Non-profit 50-seat listening room in Hintonburg with world-class acoustics, Monday jazz jams, and intimate performances.
Cultures Comedy Club
Ottawa's multicultural comedy club in ByWard Market with weekly Saturday shows in both English and French — founded 2023 with a BIPOC focus.
AMPED Golf Zone
A 3-bay GolfIn simulator facility at Amped Sports Lab in Gloucester, five minutes from the Ottawa airport.
Lansdowne
A mixed-use urban park in The Glebe featuring the historic Aberdeen Pavilion, TD Place stadium and arena, the Ottawa Farmers' Market, shops, restaurants, and public green spaces along the Rideau Canal.
MARKED — The Adventure Park
Outdoor adventure park in Carleton Place with laser tag, low-impact paintball, and an OCR obstacle course ranch. A top teen birthday pick, 30 minutes from Ottawa.
My Gym Ottawa
Children's fitness centre in Barrhaven for kids aged 6 weeks to 10 years. Private birthday parties with instructor-led games, music, and gymnastics activities.
Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
Ottawa's main airport — officially Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. One terminal, two concourses, direct flights across Canada, the US, and seasonal international destinations.
Tunney's Pasture
A 49-hectare federal government campus being transformed into a mixed-use neighborhood with parks, housing, and transit. Home to Tunney's Pasture LRT station on the Confederation Line.
Upper Canada Village
One of Canada's largest living-history museums, transporting visitors to an 1860s rural Ontario village with over 40 heritage buildings, costumed interpreters, working mills, and artisan demonstrations. About one hour south of Ottawa in Morrisburg.
VR Adventures Zone
Canada's largest VR gaming park with 60+ experiences including free-roam arena VR, escape rooms, and birthday party packages for ages 7+.