Fun-filled Things to Do in Ottawa

May 26, 2025

If you've never been to Ottawa, you might believe the city is all about politics and Parliament Hill. Well, yes, it is the national capital seat of government and the Canadian capital—but Ottawa is so much more than that. It's a city that's just full of history, art, culture, nature, and yes, really fun stuff to do. Whether it is a weekend getaway or just looking to check out, there are a lot of fun-filled things to do in Ottawa.

1. Parliament Hill: It's More Than Politics

Let's begin with the obvious. Yes, Parliament Hill is where the feds do their business, but it's nice to go take a gander at, too. The buildings, all neo-Gothic, are gorgeous, particularly around golden hour, and that sight looking out over the Ottawa River? Chef's kiss. During the summer, you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony—it's our little bit of Canadian Buckingham Palace, complete with march music and marching. And if you're in on an evening, you can linger to see the Northern Lights Sound and Light Show, which throws images up on the Parliament buildings like a huge outdoor movie screen- a must-visit on the list of fun-filled things to do in Ottawa.

2. Ice Skating Down the Rideau Canal (Yes, Even If You Barely Know How to Stand on Skates)

Next in the list of fun-filled things to do in Ottawa is ice skating. Ottawa can boast of having the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink, the Rideau Canal. It runs through the downtown core and is available (pending weather) in the winter months. Envision this: Ice skating along snow-covered trees, city lights twinkling, and residents sipping hot chocolate and buckling their skates. It's like entering a snow globe brought to life. Pro tip: Even if you’re wobbly on skates (like yours truly), you’ll still have a blast. Rent a pair, grab a BeaverTail (more on that below), and just embrace the cold.

3. Byward Market: The Heartbeat of Ottawa

There are a lot of fun-filled things to do in Ottawa. One of them is visiting ByWard Market. If Ottawa is vibrant, its pulse lies in ByWard Market. This hip 'hood is a bit bohemian, a bit touristy, and plenty of fun. You'll discover everything from just-picked local fruits and vegetables and produce and handmade items to offbeat souvenirs. Starving? Food here's the real deal. Order poutine (don't skip it), go to one of the many international restaurants, or head to Le Moulin de Provence for its renowned Obama cookie (yes, seriously—Obama purchased one while visiting, and now they're legendary). And of course, no Ottawa visit is complete without an attempt at a BeaverTail. This sticky, doughy fried pastry is presented in the shape of—you guessed it—a beaver tail. Your taste buds will thank you, trust me.

4. Museums That Won't Put You to Sleep

Ottawa has some straight-up fabulous museums—and they won't put you to sleep. Canadian Museum of History: To the right of the river, over in Gatineau, a five-minute walk over Alexandra Bridge, this spot is lovely. The museum itself is worth the trip, and the exhibits? Highly interactive. National Gallery of Canada: You don't have to be an art snob to enjoy this spot. The museum's collection is huge, and the giant spider statue out front (Maman) is an Instagram must. Canadian Museum of Nature: Dinosaurs. Butterflies. Giant whales. If you've got kids (or are a kid at heart), this place is a must-visit on the list of fun-filled things to do in Ottawa.

5. Explore Gatineau Park (a.k.a. Nature's Playground)

For a break from city living, head to Gatineau Park, just 15 minutes outside downtown. This huge outdoor playground is perfect for hiking, biking, skiing, or getting lost in the woods (the good kind). In autumn, the leaves are next-level stunning. In summer, hike up the Pink Lake Trail—it's brief, stunning, and seldom as packed as it needs to be, a must-visit on the list of fun-filled things to do in Ottawa. And in winter? Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing are on the table. Just don't go too crazy about putting on your best Canadian getup (aka layers, aplenty).

6. Party Like a Festival (or Five)

Ottawa loves a party. There is a festive mood in the city all year round.

• Winterlude (February): Ice sculpting, skating, and playing on the ice.
• Canadian Tulip Festival (May): Lovely tulips everywhere, celebrating the city's special friendship with the Netherlands.
• Bluesfest (July): One of Canada's largest music festivals, showcasing A-list talent from across the world.
• Canada Day (July 1): This is how to celebrate Canada's birthday. Concerts, fireworks, and patriotism all day.

Final Thoughts

Ottawa will never be on Canada's "cool" cities list, thank goodness. It's the unsung overachiever—the one that pulls you along unsuspectingly when, finally, you get there. It's tidy, it's spotless, and it's filled with treasures that lead you to question if maybe, just maybe, you've fallen into an insider's best-kept secret. There are a lot of fun-filled things to do in Ottawa. If you're on the lookout for history, food, holidays, or a straight-up vintage roller skate along a padlocked canal, Ottawa's your place. Check out our website for more details. Also Read: What Do You Need To Know About Flying First Class For The First Time.