Top Things to Do in Ottawa on Your First Family Tour

Ottawa is a fantastic travel destination at any time of year due to the abundance of exciting events and activities that can be enjoyed year-round. Some of the best things to do and see in Canada’s capital are as follows:

Change of guard on Parliament Hill

See the structures on Parliament Hill first: Those interested in Canadian politics and history will benefit from seeing the country’s parliamentary buildings, such as the Senate and the House of Commons.

This ritual, known as the “Changing of the Guard,” takes place every day in the summer on Parliament Hill. Anyone curious about Canada’s military past or just keen on pomp and circumstance should go.

Artistic Galleries and Museums

If you’re curious about Canadian art, both historical and contemporary, or about art from other countries that have influenced Canadian artists, you just must visit the National Gallery of Canada. This has led to the city of Ottawa being home to some of the finest museums in the entire globe.

The Canadian Museum of Nature is excellent, and so is the Canadian War Museum. If you’re looking for something other than either of these two possibilities, you still have plenty of choices.

Visa applications to Canada are currently being accepted, making this the ideal time for citizens of Liechtenstein to visit the country and take in the many museums and galleries that call Ottawa home. They just need to get their Canada visa for Liechtenstein citizens.

Tour of the Rideau Canal & Boat Cruise

Anyone who likes ice skating should definitely check out the Rideau Canal, the world’s largest skating rink and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s the ideal thing to do on a chilly winter afternoon in Ottawa.

Tour the city from the air and the water in Lady Dive’s amphibious bus, which can change into a boat, on a beautiful route through the downtown streets and along the Ottawa River.

Take a cruise down the Ottawa River. Many of Ottawa’s cruise boat companies provide river excursions. A peaceful and entertaining way to observe the city from above.

Excursion by Bike and Foot

Shop for locally sourced goods in the ByWard Market which is Ottawa’s largest and oldest market for the public. Take a bike tour of Ottawa and get some exercise while taking in the sights.

Walk along Sparks Street, a popular downtown Ottawa destination filled with stores, restaurants, and cafes. The neighborhood is perfect for a leisurely stroll and some people-watching.

Festivals in Ottawa

Ottawa is a wonderful spot to spend the winter since residents and visitors alike may participate in a wide variety of winter activities.

Ottawa has a plethora of internationally renowned festivals throughout the year. Three of the most well-known celebrations include the Tulip Festival, Bluesfest, and Winterlude. In case you don’t like any of these, there are plenty of other possibilities all across town.

If you are a citizen of Luxembourg and would want to go to Canada to take part in these celebrations, you can apply for a Canada visa for Luxembourg citizens to enter the country through the Canadian government’s website.

Parks and Beaches

Gatineau Park is a great place for hikers, campers, and nature lovers of all stripes due to its many scenic lakes, vistas, and paths. Just north of Ottawa, near Gatineau, is a massive conservation area that can be explored in a day. It is the second most visited park in Canada.

You’re off to the beach! Ottawa, situated as it is on the Ottawa River, is home to a number of excellent beach options. When we went to Ottawa in August, the temperature at Britannia Beach was bearable.

For a day full of sun, sand, and surf in the summer, you can’t beat Ottawa’s riverfront beaches.

High Tea and Sightseeing in Ottawa

Take a midnight tour of Ottawa and see the sights after the sun has gone down. The tour will take you to some of Ottawa’s most famous landmarks, such as Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal.

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier serves excellent high tea, and visitors to Ottawa who enjoy tea should definitely take advantage of this opportunity. Afternoon tea at Zoe’s in the luxurious Fairmont Château Laurier is a time-honored ritual.

Ottawa, as we’ve seen, offers a wide range of exciting opportunities. Visitors with any kind of interest in Canada, whether it be in its history, culture, nature, or people, will find something to love in this city.