Canada’s capital city offers visitors an extraordinary blend of political grandeur, cultural sophistication, and natural beauty that rivals any royal destination.
Ottawa delivers a majestic experience through its Gothic architecture, world-class museums, and scenic waterways that have shaped Canadian history for nearly two centuries.
Ottawa offers a lot of royal moments; it’s little wonder the British monarchy toured the city. There’s Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, Rideau Canal, and the historic Château Laurier hotel. Let’s explore the exquisite locations in Ottawa every royal should experience, but also all the other top sights.
The UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal represents one of Ottawa’s most remarkable achievements, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. This 202-kilometer engineering marvel, completed in 1832, remains the world’s oldest continuously operating canal and North America’s best-preserved slackwater canal system.
The canal demonstrates exceptional historical significance as a military waterway that helped establish two distinct nations in North America. Visitors can witness 47 hand-operated locks at 24 stations, many still functioning with their original 19th-century mechanisms. The Ottawa Locks, connecting the canal to the Ottawa River, provide a fascinating demonstration of early engineering prowess.
During winter, the canal transforms into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink, while summer offers scenic boat cruises and waterside pathways perfect for cycling and walking.
The Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada.
Casino du Lac-Leamy: Entertainment Excellence
Located just five minutes from Parliament Hill in Gatineau, Casino du Lac-Leamy offers world-class gaming and entertainment in an elegant resort setting. The facility features nearly 2,000 slot machines, over 60 gaming tables including Texas Hold’em poker, and the unique Zone gaming experience with live hosts and interactive terminals.
Beyond gaming, the complex includes multiple restaurants and bars, the ALÉA nightclub overlooking the gaming floor, and the prestigious Théâtre du Casino hosting concerts and performances. The attached five-star Hilton Lac-Leamy provides luxury accommodations with spa services and indoor-outdoor pools. Alternatively, those interested in a quieter experience might explore options available through online casino platforms accessible in Ontario.
Summer visitors can experience Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy, featuring spectacular pyromusical fireworks displays over the Ottawa River every Wednesday and Saturday in the summer months. These internationally caliber shows combine music, fireworks, and cultural programming at the Canadian Museum of History grounds.
The Hilton hotel at Casino du Lac-Leamy in Ottawa, Canada.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier: Ottawa’s Castle
The magnificent Fairmont Chateau Laurier epitomizes Ottawa’s royal character, serving as a French Gothic revival masterpiece since 1912. This limestone castle with its distinctive turrets and masonry overlooks both the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill, earning its nickname as “Ottawa’s Castle”.
The luxury hotel features 426 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, many offering spectacular views of Parliament Hill and the canal. Guests enjoy world-class amenities including multiple dining venues, an Art Deco swimming pool, fitness facilities, and spa services. The hotel’s prime location places visitors within walking distance of major attractions, government buildings, and the ByWard Market.
The Chateau Laurier’s distinguished history includes hosting visiting dignitaries, heads of state, and serving as an unofficial government residence. Its architectural significance and central role in Ottawa’s development make it both a luxury accommodation and a living piece of Canadian heritage.
Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, Canada.
Parliament Hill: The Crown Jewel of Canadian Democracy
Parliament Hill stands as Ottawa’s most iconic landmark, featuring three magnificent Gothic Revival buildings perched dramatically on a bluff overlooking the Ottawa River. The centerpiece Centre Block houses Canada’s democratic institutions, crowned by the 98-meter Peace Tower that offers spectacular city views.
Visitors can explore Canada’s government through free guided tours of the Senate of Canada Building, housed in Ottawa’s former train station showcasing stunning Beaux-Arts architecture. The House of Commons tours at West Block provide insight into Canadian politics, while East Block offers seasonal glimpses into 1870s parliamentary life. All tours require advance reservations and government-issued photo identification.
The grounds themselves serve as a living museum, featuring monuments, landscaped gardens, and ceremonial spaces that host national celebrations including Canada Day festivities. During summer months, the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place, while winter brings the enchanting Christmas Lights Across Canada display.
Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada.
ByWard Market: Historic Heart of the Capital
Established in 1827 by Lieutenant-Colonel John By, the ByWard Market ranks as one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets. This vibrant four-block district houses over 600 businesses, making it the National Capital Region’s top tourist attraction.
The market operates year-round with both indoor heritage halls and seasonal outdoor vendors. From May to October, the area transforms into a bustling outdoor marketplace featuring local artisans, fresh produce, and culinary specialties. The summer months bring additional vibrancy with street performers, live music, and extended evening hours.
Notable market highlights include the famous BeaverTails pastry stands, serving Canada’s iconic hand-stretched whole-wheat pastries with traditional toppings like cinnamon sugar and chocolate hazelnut. The district also features numerous restaurants, craft breweries, boutiques, and galleries representing local and international cultures.
ByWard Market in Ottawa, Canada.
National Gallery of Canada: Artistic Excellence
The National Gallery of Canada showcases the nation’s premier art collection within Moshe Safdie’s striking glass and granite architectural masterpiece. This world-class institution houses over 93,000 works spanning Canadian, Indigenous, European, American, and Asian art traditions.
The gallery’s permanent collection emphasizes Canadian artistic heritage while featuring renowned international works. Special exhibitions throughout 2025 highlight women artists including Nadia Myre, Skawennati, and Erica Rutherford. The gallery’s Indigenous and Canadian Galleries present comprehensive journeys through the nation’s cultural evolution from time immemorial to contemporary expressions.
Located near the vibrant ByWard Market, the gallery offers extended Thursday evening hours and provides educational programs, guided tours, and special events. The building itself, with its distinctive architecture and location, creates dramatic views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River.
Artwork at the facade of the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa.
Canadian Museum of History: Cultural Treasures
Directly across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, the Canadian Museum of History represents Canada’s most-visited museum with over 1.2 million annual visitors. Architect Douglas Cardinal’s stunning curved building reflects the Canadian landscape while housing the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles.
The museum’s comprehensive Canadian History Hall spans 20,000 years of human history, presenting diverse experiences and perspectives that shaped the nation. The First Peoples Hall celebrates Indigenous traditions and achievements, while temporary exhibitions explore global cultures and civilizations.
Families enjoy the interactive Canadian Children’s Museum, while the CINÉ+ theater presents spectacular 2D and 3D films on giant screens. The Grand Hall’s dramatic space, featuring massive totem poles and panoramic Parliament Hill views, creates an unforgettable cultural experience.
Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa, Canada.
Major’s Hill Park: Scenic Urban Oasis
Major’s Hill Park serves as Ottawa’s first official park, established in 1875 on grounds used for recreation since 1826. This 5-hectare green space provides some of Ottawa’s most spectacular viewpoints, showcasing the Ottawa Locks, Parliament Buildings, and Ottawa River valley.
The park features the remains of Colonel By’s residence from the canal construction era, along with interpretive panels explaining its historical significance. Header House, the last remaining section of the original greenhouse complex, now houses Tavern on the Hill, offering locally-sourced seasonal dining.
Throughout the year, Major’s Hill Park hosts major celebrations including Canada Day festivities with fireworks, and serves as a prime viewing location for the spring Tulip Festival. The park’s rolling lawns, mature trees, and winding pathways create a peaceful retreat between the National Gallery of Canada and Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
Major’s Hill Park in Ottawa, Canada.
Additional Ottawa Attractions
Canadian War Museum presents Canada’s military heritage through engaging exhibitions, interactive displays, and impressive architecture featuring symbolic elements. The museum’s collection spans from early conflicts to contemporary peacekeeping missions, housed in a building designed to reflect the costs of war and hopes for peace.
Royal Canadian Mint offers fascinating tours revealing coin-making processes, including opportunities to handle solid gold bars worth over $1 million. This historic building near ByWard Market produces collector coins, bullion, and commemorative pieces for Canada and international clients.
Canadian Museum of Nature showcases Canada’s natural heritage through innovative exhibitions, research programs, and the spectacular 2025 presentation of “The Man Who Planted Trees: An Immersive Tale”. The museum emphasizes conservation, species discovery, and Arctic research while engaging visitors with interactive programming.
Ottawa’s royal character emerges through its masterful blend of political significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty.
From the Gothic grandeur of Parliament Hill to the engineering marvel of the Rideau Canal, from world-class museums to historic markets, Canada’s capital provides visitors with truly regal experiences worthy of any crown city. The city’s compact downtown core allows easy walking access between attractions, while its location along the scenic Ottawa River creates dramatic backdrops for exploration and discovery.
Thinking about having royal moments roadtripping through Ontario? You may want to enjoy Ottawa.
It is important to have some tips at the back of your mind to ensure a hitch-free experience. Timing is essential. You can enjoy Ottawa in every season of the year, but the best experiences occur between late spring and early fall, similar to our guide on Québec, located just to the east of Ontario. It is also important to have the proper budget and at least give yourself a rough guide of your road trip.
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I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
View all posts I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
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