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16 Activities That Will Make Your Weekend in Ottawa Extra Memorable
- Day 1: Downtown Ottawa Exploration
- Grab some breakfast at ByWard Market
- Discover the history behind Parliament Hill
- Walk or skate along the Rideau Canal National Historic Site
- Have lunch at JOEY Lansdowne
- Admire beautiful artworks at the National Gallery of Canada
- Shop for souvenirs and explore CF Rideau Centre
- Watch the sunset from Major’s Hill Park
- Indulge in fancy and delicious meals at Play Food & Wine
- Discover live music and amazing drinks at Elgin Street
- Day 2: Outdoor Adventure and Museum Gems in Ottawa
- Enjoy a hearty breakfast/brunch at Art-Is-In Bakery
- Explore and swim at Mooney's Bay Park and Beach
- Wind down and take stunning photos at Hog’s Back Park
- Feast on local and French food at Chez Lucien
- Chill by Dominion Arboretum
- Catch stunning sunsets from Rideau Falls Park
- Cap off the day at Riviera Ottawa
With Ottawa’s countless outdoor activities, must-try restaurants, interesting art museums, and massive shopping malls, it’s hard to enjoy all its offerings in a single weekend. However, it’s not impossible, and that’s what we aim to help you with here!
As a longtime resident of Ottawa, I’ve been trusted by my friends and family members visiting the city to help them create itineraries. These ranged from a couple of days to weeks, and even months!
So, if you’re looking for a memorable experience during your limited time, I’m your guy! Before booking your tickets, read on to see which of my handpicked activities you should include for the perfect weekend itinerary for your Ottawa trip!
Day 1: Downtown Ottawa Exploration
Grab some breakfast at ByWard Market
Media credit: ottawalist and bywardmarket
Address: 55 ByWard Market Square
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $
Of course, you have to start your day with some breakfast to make sure that you have all the energy you need for the rest of the tour. And there’s no better place to do this than in ByWard Market.
Getting breakfast here hits two birds with one stone, as the market itself is already among the must-visit attractions in Ottawa. Furthermore, you’ll find a vibrant street food scene that offers everything from waffles to Mexican burritos, fresh Danish pastries, etc.
This is also where you’ll find BeaverTails, an Ottawa staple that offers waffle-like pastries that take the shape of its name. You can either go for the sweet route or enjoy their savoury “Poutail,” which features Canada’s famous poutine on top of their beaver tail.
Pro tip:
You can also take this time to buy cool souvenirs like clothes, jewellery, artisanal goods, and more. The shops here also feature unique pens, notebooks, and antique books for those stationery lovers out there.
Discover the history behind Parliament Hill
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Address: 111 Wellington St
Contact details: +1 613-992-4793
Operating hours: 8:00 AM to one hour before sunset
Cost: Free
Any trip to Ottawa, regardless of the timeframe, wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Parliament Hill. It’s a symbol of the country, serving as the home to Canada’s federal government—plus, its beautiful Gothic Revival-style architecture is a spectacle in itself.
Visitors can enjoy Parliament Hill for free, and there are even free guided tours available that cover every crevice of the attraction. Canadian democracy takes centre stage here, and through these tours, visitors can better understand the political workings of the country.
We’ve got to admit, it’s nice to visit this place just to bask in the beautiful views of the national landmark as well as the ever-so-breathtaking Ottawa River. You can even pack your favourite snacks and a trusty blanket for a peaceful picnic with your loved ones!
Pro tip:
Book your guided tours in advance here, as the slots fill up quickly. We also recommend checking out their official website to see their upcoming events, like the changing of the guards, which occurs during the summer months at 10:00 AM daily.
Walk or skate along the Rideau Canal National Historic Site
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Contact details: +1 613-283-5170
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Depending on when you’re visiting, the Rideau Canal will look night and day, but still breathtaking nonetheless. For instance, the canal freezes over during winter and transforms into one of Canada’s most magical ice skating rinks!
However, visiting it at any other season is just as satisfying because of its stunning views of the river, the sunset/sunrise, and the Ottawa skyline. Moreover, it offers a designated pathway that pedestrians can use for cycling, jogging, or strolling.
There are also providers that offer boat cruises along the canal, which allows for a more relaxing exploration. These cruises are quite informative as well, as the guide will help you learn more about Ottawa’s history, as well as how the canal connects the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a romantic date idea to try in Ottawa, we recommend visiting the Rideau Canal around summertime. During these warmer months, you and your partner can rent a kayak and enjoy a lovely cruise!
Have lunch at JOEY Lansdowne
Media credit: joeyrestaurants
Address: 825 Exhibition Way, Unit 103
Contact details: +1 613-695-5639
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Cost: $$
After exerting some energy in the morning, it’s best to refuel with delicious dishes from around the world at JOEY Lansdowne. This place offers an assortment of Western food with different twists inspired by other cuisines like Asian and Italian.
One of the perfect examples of this is their steak and sushi, which we never thought would go well together. But alas, the combination of the savoury slab of medium rare meat and the freshness of the salmon sushi roll proved to be delightful.
They also offer an assortment of burgers for those who don’t mind getting messy. You can pair these sandwiches, or any other dishes from their menu, with one of their hearty pastas, like their chicken parmesan and spaghetti pomodoro.
Pro tip:
While you’re here, you can cross the street to Ottawa Farmers’ Market to score some fresh produce and artisan products from local farmers at steal prices!
Admire beautiful artworks at the National Gallery of Canada
Media credit: natgallerycan
Address: 380 Sussex Dr
Contact details: +1 613-990-1985
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost:
- General admission:
- Adults: CAD17
- Senior (65 years and above): CAD15
- Students: CAD7
- Children (11 years and below): Free
- Family of 3 (2 adults, 1 youth): CAD37
- Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 youths): CAD37
- Thursdays after 5:00 PM: Free
After filling your bellies with amazing food, you can burn those calories away by exploring the National Gallery of Canada. This historical place of expression has been around since 1988 and holds over 70,000 artworks, and more are being added regularly!
Their exhibitions are constantly being changed, offering a spotlight for different artists from all over the world and a refreshing experience for visitors at the same time. These exhibitions include indigenous art collections, contemporary art, and more!
However, our favourite exhibition here is the international masterpieces, which consist of works from esteemed artists like Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and more. One of the most notable attractions in this exhibition is Picasso’s The Vollard Suite of Prints.
Pro tip:
If your schedule is flexible, you can visit this museum on Thursdays after 5:00 PM to enjoy free entrance rates for the entire family! Moreover, make sure to book your slots online to make sure you don’t run out of slots for your preferred dates.
Shop for souvenirs and explore CF Rideau Centre
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Address: 50 Rideau St.
Contact details: +1 613-236-6565
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $-$$$
Every trip to Downtown Ottawa wouldn’t be complete without a stopover at CF Rideau Centre, one of the city’s premier shopping malls. Consisting of three levels, this mall features hundreds of stores, offering everything from bags to clothes, gadgets, and sporting goods.
Consider this time to stock up on some authentic Canadian goods or go souvenir shopping if you haven’t yet. One of the best stores for this is Made in Canada Gifts, where you can score cute mugs and various arts and crafts that celebrate Ottawa and Canada, in general.
There are also cafes where you can chill in the afternoon before proceeding with the last leg of your day trip. You can also grab a quick bite at the mall’s dining hall, which features 850 seats and 16 premium brand eateries.
Pro tip:
Use their offers page on their official website as your cheat sheet to find the best deals and promotions on just about every product you’re looking for.
Watch the sunset from Major’s Hill Park
Media credit: sparkinordinary
Address: Mackenzie Ave, Downtown
Contact details: +1 800-465-1867
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
To be fair, it’s hard to choose one spot for sunset watching in Ottawa, but Major’s Hill Park is among the top ones. For starters, the park itself is breathtaking and offers a piece of serenity amid the otherwise busy nature of Downtown, Ottawa.
Moreover, the park offers a beautiful, unobstructed view of the Ottawa River, which becomes extra beautiful during the golden hour. The Alexandria Bridge is also visible from here, which is among the most marvellous feats of architecture in the city.
The park itself is beautiful and is worth exploring, as it’s filled with lush grass, lively flower beds filled with colourful tulips, and tall trees. Overall, it’s a great place to chill with your loved ones (including your pets) while waiting for the nightlife to come alive.
Pro tip:
You can also rent a bicycle and cruise through the designated trails across the park. Some of the most trusted bike rentals in the city include RentABike Ottawa and Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals.
Indulge in fancy and delicious meals at Play Food & Wine
Media credit: playfoodwine
Address: 1 York St.
Contact details: +1 613-667-9207
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday and Friday: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$$
Lastly, we recommend capping off your day with a fancy dinner at Play Food & Wine before heading back to your hotels. This place takes the expression “a feast for the eyes” to the next level by offering beautifully presented dishes that use freshly harvested ingredients.
They offer more than just looks, too, as we’ve never had a bad order here! If you want our advice, however, we recommend their crispy pork belly, which doesn’t shy away from fresh ingredients like mushrooms, carrots, and scapes.
We can’t leave out their grilled beef striploin as well, as it’s the main star of their menu. It’s not hard to see why either, as it features an amazing smoky flavour complemented by chilli, herb aioli and red eye jus.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting with a group, we recommend ordering their sourdough for sharing. They’re freshly baked daily and are served alongside delicious caramelised butter—plus, the restaurant donates to the food bank with every order from their “for the table” section.
Discover live music and amazing drinks at Elgin Street
Media credit: james.peltzer
Address: Elgin St., Downtown
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: $-$$
If you’re visiting with friends and you feel that the night is still young, you can go on an evening stroll on Elgin Street and discover countless charming finds. For starters, you’ll find tons of live music venues and comedy bars that will keep you laughing and jiving throughout the night.
Moreover, there are also bars that take the form of rooftop parties or charming pubs, but regardless of which you pick, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. The best part about these bars is that they often serve amazing bar chow with their cocktails and beers.
Speaking of food, you can also find late-night haunts that offer spectacular food that you can visit alternatively if you’re coming with kids. Among these is Elgin Street Diner, which is a classic neon-lit diner that offers comfort food 24/7.
Pro tip:
Check out Live! On Elgin if you’re looking to discover talented new acts in Ottawa. Moreover, we recommend checking out their schedule on their official website to see their upcoming events and artists.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventure and Museum Gems in Ottawa
Enjoy a hearty breakfast/brunch at Art-Is-In Bakery
Media credit: artisinbakery
Address: 250 City Centre Ave #112
Contact details: +1 613-695-1226
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
- Thursday and Friday: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Cost: $-$$
To start your exciting day, we recommend stopping by Art-Is-In Bakery for a hearty breakfast meal. It’s one of the top brunch spots in Ottawa, offering a wide variety of sweet pastries like chocolate croissants, walnut cookies, and raspberry scones.
However, we’re bigger fans of their savoury bread, among which is the subtly spicy cheddar jalapeno baguette. This place is also our go-to for restocking on sourdough, as they make them fresh by the day, and they’re the fluffiest we’ve tried in Ottawa.
Aside from their pastries, they also offer an array of breakfast staples that will help prepare you for the energetic day ahead! One of the most perfect examples of this is the brunch burger, which features two meaty patties, hollandaise sauce, eggs, and cheddar cheese!
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for something more unique to start your day with, we recommend getting Thai chicken. It features a unique marinade that differs from your typical fried chicken, and features flavourful ingredients like curry mayo, pickled green chillies, and peanuts.
Explore and swim at Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach
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Address: 2960 Riverside Dr.
Contact details: +1 613-580-2595
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost: Free
Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach is one of the few spots in Ottawa that truly offers an outdoor experience that’s filled with fun activities and beautiful views. For instance, locals love to swim here to cool down during the summer, when the water quality permits it, that is.
If you’re feeling competitive, you can also join in on a game of beach volleyball with some of the locals—don’t worry, they don’t bite! Kiddos can also enjoy their time here because the park also features a playground, consisting of slides, swings and more!
Mooney’s Bay Park is also one of the best places to take Instagram-worthy photos because of its natural scenic views, like its tall trees, grass fields and serene lake. Moreover, it offers a great view of the Ottawa skyline, which is especially beautiful to view during sunset.
Pro tip:
You can also bring your breakfast/brunch here, plus a trusty blanket, and arrange your own scenic picnic! This is a great alternative if you’re on a budget or if you prefer admiring natural views for your breakfast instead of the usual rustic interiors of cafes.
Wind down and take stunning photos at Hog’s Back Park
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Address: 600 Hog’s Back Rd
Contact details: +1 613-239-5000
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Located just 13 minutes away on foot from Mooney’s is Hog’s Back Park, and it’s a great spot to wind down after a fun-filled morning. This place offers stunning views of a breathtaking rapid waterfall, which you can admire and take photos of 24/7.
Speaking of taking photos, make sure to pose by the bridge as well, where you’ll have the falls as your background. This bridge is also where you can leave a padlock with your and your loved ones’ names on it to forever commemorate your trip to the park (and Ottawa), in general.
Hog’s Back Park is also great for outdoor activities like jogging, walking and even cycling, as it features designated pathways. In fact, you can travel on foot or via bicycle from Hog’s Park to Mooney’s without heading onto the road.
Pro tip:
Visit during fall if you want to take the best photos at the park, as this is when beautiful orange leaves fill the grounds.
Feast on local and French food at Chez Lucien
Media credit: chezlucienottawa
Address: 137 Murray St
Contact details: +1 613-241-3533
Operating hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Cost: $$
After freshening up in your hotel, head out to feast on meaty burgers at Chez Lucien! It’s been around for more than 20 years, and you’ll understand why once you get a glimpse of their signature Chez Lucien burger.
This burger is as picture-perfect as one could be, featuring a neat stack of a beefy patty, some lettuce and tomatoes, cheese, bacon strips, and their secret sauce. Also, they’re served alongside a messy plate of fries, so you’ll be getting the best value for your money!
Speaking of fries, this is your chance to try Canada’s most famous poutine if you haven’t already! These skinny fries are topped off with a heaping serving of cheese chunks and homemade gravy, which perfectly captures the quintessential flavour of the dish.
Pro tip:
Before or after eating, you can also make a stopover at the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, since it’s only a 7-minute walk away from the restaurant.
Chill by Dominion Arboretum
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Address: Arboretum, Ottawa
Contact details: +1 613-759-1982
Operating hours (varies per season): 9:00 AM until sunset
Cost: Free
After refuelling your body with good food, you can drive to Dominion Arboretum and spend the rest of your afternoon there! Covering approximately 26 hectares, you won’t run out of things to see and do in this diverse biome.
For starters, you can hike the numerous trails present here and catch stunning views of towering trees, manmade lakes, and green grass as far as the eye can see. When the season is right, you can also spot some beautiful flowers like magnolia!
You can also explore the park using bicycles for a more laid-back exploration since there are designated bikeways. If you’re looking for a bit of a challenge, however, we recommend visiting during winter and trying snowshoeing!
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on commuting, you can take a bus going to Carling/Maple station. This will drop you off directly in front of the Dominion Arboretum.
Catch stunning sunsets from Rideau Falls Park
Media credit: ottawatourism
Address: 50 Sussex Dr
Contact details: +1 613-239-5000
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Rideau Falls Park is our top choice for your last stop in Ottawa because it offers some of the best sunset views in the city. It overlooks the ever-so-majestic Rideau Waterfalls, which flow beautifully into the Ottawa River.
This view is extra sweet come sundown when the golden hour starts to bleed into the water. It even makes the Ottawa skyline much more stunning, which we didn’t think was possible!
If you’re up for a bit more adventure, you can also rent a raft with your friends and cruise through the Ottawa River.
Pro tip:
If the Rideau Falls parking area is already filled, you can also check out nearby parkades like 111 Sussex Dr Parking at Green Island and Rockliffe Park.
Cap off the day at Riviera Ottawa
Media credit: dineriviera
Address: 62 Sparks St.
Contact details: +1 613-233-6262
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Monday and Wednesday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $$$
It’s only right that you end your weekend in one of the most esteemed restaurants in Ottawa, Riviera! From the get-go, you’ll immediately fall in love with its elegant exterior, as it was once a historical bank in Canada, which they affixed with a bright neon sign of the restaurant’s name.
The same elegance can be said of its interior, but this restaurant is more than just a looker! For instance, it’s one of the best places to get fresh seafood—case in point, their seafood tower, which consists of the ocean’s finest delicacies.
I’m more of a meat lover myself, so their dry-aged striploin steak is a go-to. They also offer burgers for your kiddos, or if you’re a picky eater yourself!
Pro tip:
If you find that the night is still young after your dinner, you can head down the street to D’Arcy McGee’s (granted that you’re with friends and not your kids). It offers an authentic Irish pub experience, complete with beer on tap, televised games, and live music!
