Top 10 Places to Visit in Ottawa

The capital of Canada is Ottawa. Ottawa is situated in eastern Ontario. It is close to the Quebec border. Following a name change to Ottawa in 1855, the city is now home to the Canadian government as well as being a popular tourist destination that offers year-round entertainment and leisure activities. The following locations are hands-down the greatest places to visit when travelling to Ottawa for exciting things to do.

Its amenities, which include a children’s museum area and antiques, as well as biographies of well-known Canadian pioneers, make it a great destination for trips outside of Ottawa.

The list of Ottawa activities can be expanded to include a number of annual local festivals, such as the Ottawa Egyptian Festival, the Festival of India, the Nevan Fair, and the Carp Fair. These festivals are wonderful for families to enjoy together, and youngsters can engage in various activities and dress up in costumes to gain an understanding of many cultures.

The Parliament Buildings and Parliament Hill

Perched atop Parliament Hill (Colline du Parlement), which rises to a 50 meter height, the Parliament Buildings, in all its Victorian Gothic glory, are a most impressive sight. They were constructed here in 1866 at a safe distance from any possible American attack (the two nations had previously engaged in combat during the three-year War of 1812). The vistas far below, across the Ottawa River, are breathtaking.

The beautifully equipped octagon-shaped Parliamentary Library is located in the back of the building, across from the entrance, and was spared from the 1916 fire. A guided tour of the expansive historic Centre Block is available, and during a government session, the public is welcome to attend a question-and-answer period.

National Historic Site of the Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal spans 200 kilometres and is 1.6 meters deep. It links Kingston and Ottawa across Lake Ontario. This was made evident during the 1812 conflict with the United States.

The canal and locks are a busy waterway during the summer. Among the enjoyable activities in this area is cruising the Rideau Canal on one of the numerous tour boats that operate here. Even better, treat yourself to an unforgettable canal overnight trip.

However, as soon as it freezes over, the canal is used for skating and festivals. One of the best winter activities in Canada is definitely skating down this approximately eight-kilometre stretch of the Rideau Canal, which is known as the Rideau Canal Skateway.

Canadian War Museum

The impressively modern Canadian War Museum (Musée Canadien de la Guerre), situated beside the Ottawa River a comfortable 20-minute walk from Parliament Hill, does a wonderful job of educating visitors to Canada’s military history.

The struggle between the French and Iroquois tribes in the sixteenth century and Canada’s involvement in the First and Second World Wars are all included in the exhibits. Additionally, there are exhibits about the function of contemporary peacekeepers, a subject for which Canadian forces are well-known.

National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada is an ultra-modern architectural wonder created by Moshe Safdie, with glass towers that resemble prisms and mirror the lines of the neighbouring Parliament Buildings. The glass of the attraction stands out against the faux medieval Château Laurier, but it nevertheless blends in nicely with Ottawa’s lovely urban setting.

One of the biggest art museums in North America has galleries that showcase artwork by Native Americans chart the evolution of Canadian art from religious pieces to the Group of Seven, delve into European Impressionism, and host rotating shows. Under the Great Hall’s glass cover, on the lower level, are the chambers displaying Inuit art. Indigenous Peoples are admitted free of charge to this beautiful gallery.

Peace Tower

Views of Parliament Hill, the entire city, Gatineau, and the hills to the north may be seen from the observation deck atop the Peace Tower (Tour de la Paix), Ottawa’s highest point. You can see the bells of the tower while riding the elevator up, and there is a section dedicated to Canadians who lost their lives in World War I.

The tower, commonly known as the “Tower of Victory and Peace,” is free to enter, but you need to get a ticket in advance. For “first-come, first-served” tickets, visit the local tourist office at 90 Wellington West or check the official government website.

The Canadian Museum of Nature

In addition to guiding visitors through the world of dinosaurs and up to the current animal population, the Canadian Museum of Nature (Musée Canadien de la Nature) also has moving temporary displays.

Canada’s national museums originated from the national museum of natural sciences and history and its historic edifice, which was formerly the Victoria Memorial Museum. This castle-style structure’s construction was finished in 1910.

The National War Memorial

A dramatic bronze sculpture of World War I soldiers emerging from a granite arch is located at the foot of Canada’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the National War Memorial (Monument Commémoratif de Guerre). The years of conflicts in which the Canadian military has participated are displayed around the base of the statue, also known as “The Response.” 

Depending on the season, a short but serious Changing of the Guard ritual takes place here every day at hourly or half-hourly intervals. On Remembrance Day, the monument serves as the focal point of events. 

Diefenbunker

It is Canada’s Cold War Museum. It is definitely worth a visit. This is despite being a half-hour’s drive from downtown Ottawa. It is housed in a sizable subterranean complex in the tiny town of Carp. It is constructed as part of Project EASE (Experimental Army Signals Establishments). It has shock-resistant and radiation-proof subterranean bunkers. They were constructed across Canada during the Cold War. A visit here provides an intriguing look into these turbulent times globally.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Ottowa’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, a stunning Catholic church dedicated in 1846, is located across from the National Gallery. It is especially noteworthy for the statues of the four evangelists, prophets, and apostles by Louis-Philippe Hébert and the inside mahogany carvings by Philippe Parizeau. Make sure to visit here. 

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

The Canada aircraft and Space Museum is situated near Rockcliffe Airport. It tells the narrative of Canadian civil and military aircraft in detail. A visit to this place is highly recommended. This is despite being eight kilometers away and a bit too far to walk.

Documents Required for Traveling to Canada

 An Indian national needs the following paperwork in order to enter Canada:
 
A valid passport, 
A valid visa if needed, 
A completed declaration card, 
A ticket for the return or onward trip
Proof of sufficient financing, 
Proof of health coverage, 
Proof of immunization, 
An Intenational travel insurance policy

Other documentation, such as a letter from a sponsor, your employer, or your educational institution, can also be needed.
 
Verify the requirements for your specific trip before departing India. Further details are available on the Canadian government website.

How Do I Apply for a Canada Visa? 

The steps involved in submitting an online or offline application for a Canada visa from India are as follows:
 
Go to the official website of Canada and choose the visa type
Complete the application and affix the required files
Make sure to pay the application cost
Schedule a time to apply for a visa at a centre
Provide your fingerprint and image, if required

You can also apply offline using the below steps:

Collect the required documents
Schedule a time to apply for a visa at a centre
Forward your documentation and application to the Center for Visa Applications.

Conclusion

For many, Ottawa is a place of dreams. In the midst of all the excitement, you must remember to create a detailed travel itinerary. In order to secure your overseas trip, don’t forget to include travel insurance.

FAQs