Discover Ottawa
Mackenzie King Estate
NCC-managed 231-hectare heritage estate in Gatineau Park — country home of Canada's 10th Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. Federal heritage buildings, gardens, and ruins. Free admission.
Vincent Massey Park
A 28.9-hectare riverside park along the Rideau River, popular for picnics, barbecues, and family outings. Features sheltered picnic areas with electrical hook-ups, a playground, wading pool, and direct connection to the Capital Pathway cycling network.
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.
Confederation Park
A 2.6-hectare downtown park adjacent to the Rideau Canal, home to Winterlude's Crystal Garden with ice sculptures and winter activities. In summer, it hosts the Ottawa Jazz Festival. Features a historic fountain from London's Trafalgar Square and a 20-metre Kwakiutl totem pole.
The Grand Pizzeria & Bar
Neapolitan wood-fired pizzeria in ByWard Market with half-price pizza and $5 drinks during happy hour — one of the best food deals downtown.
Sona The Indian Kitchen
Modern Indian restaurant in south Ottawa with an extensive menu covering North and South Indian classics. Known for attentive service, trendy atmosphere, and convenient Hunt Club location with free parking.
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.
Petrie Island
A 291-hectare island with two Ottawa River beaches, over 7 km of nature trails, and Class 1 wetlands with 450+ plant species and 130+ bird species. Kayak rentals available in summer, ice fishing and cross-country skiing in winter.
Les Grillades
Authentic Lebanese restaurant in Nepean serving charcoal-grilled meats and traditional mezze, recognized as one of Ottawa's best halal Middle Eastern destinations.
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.
The Whalesbone
Premier oyster bar and sustainable seafood restaurant on Elgin Street. Known for fresh daily oysters and Executive Chef Michael Radford's expertly prepared fish.
The Manx Pub
Beloved subterranean pub on Elgin Street since 1993, featuring two dozen Ontario craft beer taps and globally inspired pub-grub menu.