Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Ottawa

"Perched on top of a hill, overlooking a moat, and decorated with turrets – there’s a chance that Canada boasts one of the world’s prettiest Parliament buildings. So scenic, Parliament Hill is not just where decision-makers meet to create legislation, it’s also a cultural and community hub. Every morning during the summer months, you’ll witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony."

"Even if you have only one day in Ottawa, carve out some time to visit Parliament Hill. Home to some of the most fascinating heritage architecture in Canada, Parliament Hill is striking in its appearance. Set on the banks of the Ottawa River, the buildings are splashed with gaping archways and patina-splashed copper turrets."

"Parliament Hill is an impressive group of buildings that house Canada's government. Free tours are offered throughout the year and the Hill is also the setting for national celebrations, like Canada Day - a holiday when Ottawa really comes to life."

"Titled as a National Historic Site of Canada, this church is among the largest and oldest standing church in the nation’s capital. This epitome of Canadian religious art is a perfect place to drop in for moments of quiet prayer and meditation. From spellbinding painted walls and carved features, to finely done stained glass windows, dazzling indigo ceiling with shining stars, to hundreds of religious figurines, this church is truly magical in every way."

"Set in the place where the first Catholic chapel once stood, Notre-Dame Basilica is the oldest church in Ottawa that has survived for many centuries. In 1978, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Ottawa was officially marked as a historic building by the City Council. In 1832, a small wooden church, known as St. Jacques Church, was erected on the site."

"It’s definitely irresistible to have this Neoclassical/Gothic Revival church in your gallery. While it may look modest from the outside, once inside you will be treated to a cavalcade of elegant décor. View this post on Instagram"

"Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor-general of Canada is open to the public and can be explored by taking free guided tours. You must explore the phenomenal and royal heritage gardens. The guided tours take you through the opulent Staterooms, tastefully done ballroom – the Tent Room and even know more about the Governor-General."

"Built in 1838, the Rideau Hall is the official residence of the Canadian Monarch and the Governor General of Canada. Take a tour where the Governor welcomes dignitaries from all over the world. The royal furnishings and art work, the grand architecture and the gorgeously maintained grounds- all make the tour rather special."

"An Ottawa landmark that features Regency, Norman Revival and Florentine Renaissance Revival architecture, Rideau Hall is out to impress. Along with the marvellous art and noteworthy cabinetry that fills the interior plus the gorgeous grounds; Rideau Hall is unquestionably Instagram-worthy. View this post on Instagram"

"On the banks of the Rideau Canal at the mouth of the Ottawa River sits Major’s Hill Park. A downtown based urban green space, Major’s Hill Park is situated among several of the most notable buildings in Ottawa, including Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, the U.S. Embassy, and the Byward Market."

"Major’s Hill Park is a big name in Ottawa, known as the park by the Parliament Buildings. This calm green space is close to the ByWard market and many museums and galleries and offers some fantastic lookout spots where you can see the Ottawa River and the Ottawa Locks.Address: 25 Range Rd, OttawaWebsite"

"Seek out opportunities to frame the building using the nature around the park. Keep your eyes open for sculptures and art installations as well!"

"This one is located in Old Ottawa East on the shores of the Rideau river. What is special about this park is the Rideau River Nature Trail that connects Springhurst with Brantwood Park. The sights of the Rideau river from there are wonderful."

"Located in downtown Ottawa behind the beautiful National Gallery of Canada, Nepean Point is where you’ll want to go for spectacular panoramic photos of the Parliament Buildings, the Ottawa River and the Canadian Museum of History at any time of the day or night. This is a great vantage point from which you can see all that Ottawa has to offer."

"If you’d rather stay in the downtown core, you could take a walk through lovely Major’s Hill Park to Nepean Point, which is located just behind the National Gallery of Canada. Enjoy dramatic, 360-degree views of Ottawa and the Ottawa River."

"A not so secret but beloved by locals lookout point to get the most stunning views of Parliament and the Ottawa river. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Soulayma A (@soul.ayma) on Oct 19, 2018 at 5:28pm PDT"

"And great place for families and people of all ages, Lansdowne Park is located on the Queen Elizabeth Parkway side of the multi-use event and retail space called Lansdowne. Here you will find an accessible kids play space, a skate park, a water fountain, basketball courts, and lots of green space for a game of ultimate or for spreading a blanket and having a picnic. If you visit on a weekend, pop into the Aberdeen Pavilion and stock up on local produce at the year-round farmer's market.Photo: City of Ottawa"

"The Lansdowne Park hosts many shops and restaurants, a movie theatre and a stadium. There's so much activity to engage in guaranteeing that you will enjoy your visit to the park. The park is spacious and well manicured, and you can go biking on the canals or take a nature walk."

"Head to Lansdowne where you’ll find CRAFT Beer Market among many other great restaurants and businesses. CRAFT Beer Market offers tasty food as well as 100 craft beers on tap. Ask to try some of Ottawa’s quality craft beer options."

"Perhaps the most famous museum in Ottawa Canada, the Canadian War Museum* is known for being Canada’s national museum of military history museum, and one of the most respected museums in the world when it comes to understanding armed conflict. Galleries and exhibitions in the Canada War Museum showcase the military history of the country in personal, national, and international dimensions. This museum is a great place to visit in Ottawa to get a feel for very personal, inspiring, and touching stories."

"The Canada Science and Technology Museum examines technology and science from a distinctly Canadian lens—from medical developments to wearable technology. The museum also plays home to a children’s innovation zone with various kid-friendly activities as well as practical resources for parents (like a bottle-warming station and diaper-changing area)."

"The recently refurbished Canada Science and Technology Museum is a favourite for children to visit. It’s a popular spot during the summer months due to all the school groups, and the train ride outside is a particular favourite. The Crazy Kitchen is another favourite, and is one of the original experiences from when the museum first opened in 1967."