Discover Ottawa
Réserve faunique Papineau-Labelle
A 1,600 km² wildlife reserve about an hour north of Ottawa with 763 lakes, lake-to-lake canoe circuits, lakeside camping, and fully equipped cottages. Quebec's most southerly wildlife reserve and the closest to Ottawa. No daily access fee. Open late May to mid-September for camping.
Rideau Canal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter. Perfect for walks, cycling, and boating in summer.
Rideau Falls
Twin 11-metre waterfalls where the Rideau River drops into the Ottawa River, divided by the 12-acre Green Island. The falls gave the Rideau River its name — Samuel de Champlain thought they resembled a curtain (rideau in French). Free to visit year-round with walking paths, monuments, and river views.
Rideau River Provincial Park
The closest Ontario provincial park to downtown Ottawa, just 40 minutes south on the historic Rideau River. 186 campsites across two campgrounds, sandy beaches, canoe and kayak rentals, and a pet-friendly loop. Open May to October.
Run2Patty
Jamaican takeout counter in Nepean serving halal-certified patties, jerk chicken, and Caribbean comfort food at affordable prices.
Sea King Seafood Restaurant
Home to Ottawa's last traditional push-cart dim sum service. A Hong Kong-style Cantonese restaurant on Merivale Road serving classic dim sum straight from the cart.
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park
A two-lake park about 100 minutes southwest of Ottawa, known for excellent fishing — walleye, bass, pike, and trout across Sharbot Lake and Black Lake. 176 campsites across four campgrounds, a sandy beach, canoe rentals, and laundry facilities. Pet-friendly throughout. Open late May to mid-October.
Silver Lake Provincial Park
A quiet, smaller park on a clear lake about 90 minutes southwest of Ottawa. 146 campsites across three campgrounds, two sandy beaches, and canoe/kayak/SUP rentals. A hidden gem known for great swimming and a relaxed atmosphere. Open late May to mid-October.
Somewhere Dine Bar
A contemporary European dine bar in the ByWard Market with craft cocktails, oysters, and a dedicated late-night menu from midnight to 2am.
The Green Door Restaurant
Ottawa's longest-running vegetarian restaurant since 1988. A pay-by-weight buffet featuring organic, vegan, and gluten-free dishes from the hot bar, salad bar, and in-house bakery.
The Third
A Hintonburg neighbourhood pub in a renovated laundromat serving affordable brunch, lunch, and dinner. With nothing over $13 on the menu, The Third is one of Ottawa's best budget-friendly dining spots.
theUNDERGROUND
The basement-level house music room inside the 56 ByWard complex (alongside Berlin Nightclub and KRUSH Cocktail Bar). Resident DJs playing house, techno, and D&B.