Must See Sights and Landmarks in Ottawa Area

"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"

"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."

"Visitors are invited explore the building, which is notable for its architecture and art collection as well as to learn about the operation of the Canadian judicial system from tour guides, all of whom are law students. Your guide will explain legal issues of public importance are dealt with by the Supreme Court of Canada. If Court is in session, you may be able to sit in on the hearing of an appeal."

"This intimidating structure strikes an intriguing architectural balance between its modern concrete shell and its traditional copper roof. Visitors can stroll around the scenic grounds, grand entrance hall and..."

"This institution is the highest judicial level in the country, hearing 40 to 75 cases per year. Decisions from the 9 judges are final. No appeal is possible."

"To learn more about the history, free walking tours are offered daily of the center and east blocks including Peace Tower which offers spectacular views. Tickets are required and can be picked up at the ticket office at 90 Wellington St.Tickets are limited, so arrive early as the english guided tours are typically fully booked within 1 to 2 hours of opening on weekends and holidays."

"Peace Tower is one of the most prominent buildings in Canada. It is an iconic image that can be recognized by anyone who has seen a Canadian $20 bill. Peace Tower can be found in the center of the Centre Block of Parliament on Parliament Hill."

"Just outside of downtown Ottawa sits the Central Experimental Farm, the research facility for Canada’s Department of Agriculture. The Farm also serves as an attraction, and it is open to the public throughout the year for various seasonal events. Major attractions on the farm include an arboretum, ornamental gardens, a wildlife garden, and heritage buildings and greenhouses."

"Ottawa has its very own stunning sunflower field that you need to capture for your Instagram feed. In late summer the Central Experimental Farm has a large sunflower field that makes the perfect backdrop for a selfie. Another favorite photo spot that you can use all year is at their Tropical Greenhouse which has a gorgeous white structure."

"In late summer the Central Experimental Farm has a large sunflower field that makes the perfect backdrop for a selfie. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1SZz9CFScn/?. utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet"

"Ottawa's favourite lounge, serving craft cocktails & New Canadian tapas. Located in the heart of Westboro, Trio Bistro & Lounge offers a great assortment of exclusive wines and craft cocktails, as well as a delicious food menu that you can enjoy on a patio with your friends or family. Chorizo sausage pizza, Korean fried chicken, coconut breaded tiger shrimp – trust us when we say you'll find everything you crave."

"Tourists do themselves a disservice if they limit their Ottawa experience to just downtown and the Byward Market. If you want to escape Ottawa's busy tourist zone and immerse in a more authentic neighbourhood, try Westboro, a mere 10-minute drive from Parliament Hill. This gentrified hipster urban village has a plethora of cute shops, galleries and restaurants, including the Trio Bistro & Lounge."

"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."

"One of my favourite places for an afternoon stroll is in the Dominion Arboretum. The arboretum is a beautiful oasis in the middle of Ottawa, about 10 minutes from the downtown. I like to park at the top and walk a 3.3k loop around the outer edge of the park, but you can also access the Arboretum beginning from Dow’s Lake or Carleton University at the locks."

"Established back in 1889, these 64-acres of rolling land showcases a large plant collection of 4000 species. The Dominion Arboretum is Canada’s oldest arboretum with 1000 tree species, several microclimates, and wonderful panoramic views.Address: Arboretum, OttawaWebsite"

"Just beyond, you can bike through the Dominion Arboretum and the Experimental Farm, where many species of trees colour the landscape. A jewel of nature near the city centre!"

"Find it: 114B Grange Ave. strawberryblondebakery.comThe low-down: If allergies have you avoiding these deep-fried treats, this spot serves up vegan, gluten-free and nut-free creations.The goods: Along with its selection of doughnuts they whip up, like Lemon Sugar and Mint Chocolate Chip, they also serve other desserts like cupcakes and cookies.What to order: There is no set menu as its always pumping out new creations, but some past flavours include Coconut Lime and the fruity Raspberry-filled Chocolate Covered doughnut."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Strawberry Blonde Bakery (@blondebaking) on Jan 20, 2019 at 6:44am PST"