Historic Sites in Ottawa

"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"

"Ottawa’s Laurier House National Historic Site was home to two Canadian prime ministers: Sir Wilfrid Laurier (Canada’s first French Canadian prime minister) and William Lyon Mackenzie King (Canada’s longest-serving prime minister) who served for 22 years. Take a “behind-the-scenes white-glove-tour” where visitors don gloves and inspect artifacts that aren’t on display, such as antique crystal wine glasses with exquisite gold leaf decorations. Laurier House National Historic Site is at 335 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa."

"This National Historic Site is located in the Sandy Hill district of Ottawa. Once the private home of two past Canadian Prime Ministers, the home is now a museum, open to the public for guided tours and interpretive learning. The home is filled with period décor and authentic artifacts pertaining to the two leaders and their families."

"The Watson's Mill is the only working museum in Ottawa and is a historic flour mill that still sells stone-ground, whole wheat flour. The place is also believed to be haunted by locals and open to general Public during summer- the highlight being the summer events held here every year. On other days, the history of the place invites visitors to see the old machinery and to have a meal at the Ma...Read more"

"Watson's Mill is one of the best-preserved examples of 19th century mill architecture and the only operating industrial heritage site within the City of Ottawa. It is designated as part of historic Dickinson Square, at the heart of the Village of Manotick. Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A2 tel.: 613-692-MILL (6455) www.watsonsmill.com"

"The historic flour mill located in the village of Manotick is a picturesque building — great for photos in the fall and summer months. Watson’s Mill offers building tours where you can even purchase the flour they produce.Photo: Sofia Donato"

"Perched on a rise next to the fairytale Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel, the neo-gothic Parliament of Canada overlooks the River Ottawa and neighbouring Québec and is one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. Sit in on question time at the Legislature, enjoy the sound and light show on the illuminated Parliament Hill or take a guided tour of Centre Block. Address: Parliament Hill, Parliament of Canada, Ottawa, K1A 0A9Telephone: +1 613 992 4793Opening times:"

"No visit to Ottawa would complete without at least one Instagram post of the iconic Parliament buildings!. Throughout the year there plenty of photo opportunities from fireworks at Canada Day, flowers at Tulip Festival, the Sounds and Light Show in the summer, or over the winter when the Parliament of Canada is lit up at Christmas."

"The Canadian Parliament was originally built between 1859 and 1878 in the Neogothic Style, similar to the Chateau Style. Inspired by French, English and Flemish architectural elements, its construction employed mostly wood. In 1916, a great fire ravaged the central building."

"This is another family favorite trail with historical ruins to discover!. The Carbide Willson Trail is an out and back style, 4.3km hike that takes you along Meech Lake and up to the remains of an old laboratory built by Thomas “Carbide” Willson, the inventor of Calcium Carbide. Kids can explore the ruins and marvel at the adjacent waterfalls, which together are a stunning sight!"

"Located on the eastern edge of beautiful Sandy Hill, Strathcona Park has a long history. The land was originally a swamp, and then it became the site of the Dominion Rifle Range before the Second Boer War, and then finally designated a park in 1904. The park features vast lawns, a beautiful fountain and ruin-like play structures.Photo: City of Ottawa"

"This beautiful park is in the Sandy Hill neighborhood on the shores of the Rideau River. It has paths, picnic tables, a children playground, a wading pool for kids, and a special play structure that looks something like an old Roman archeological site. There’s also a beautiful fountain at the top of the stairs."

"Strathcona Park is a green oasis by the west bank of the Rideau River. This respite has a unique play structure, mature trees, and trails to relax and enjoy the outdoors, also hosting theatre in the park during the summer.Address: 25 Range Rd, Ottawa"

"Established in 1980 at the corner of Sussex Drive and Murray Street. The Earl has cold clean draught, hot comfort food and one of the best patios in Ottawa. We are a stones throw from the National Art Gallery, The Royal Canadian Mint, The US Embassy, Majors Hill Park and The Alexandra Bridge to Quebec."

"Giuliano Boselli and his mother Teresa opened this restaurant in 1970 to showcase the tastes of Parma, Northern Italy, in the Canadian capital. The friendly, warm and welcoming Italian way of living comes to life through the homey atmosphere at Mamma Teresa’s. Enjoy al fresco dining on the relaxing outdoor patio during the summer months."

"Generous servings, top-notch service, delicious food and wine. I have too many favorites here but the gnocchi in blue cheese sauce and..."