Ottawa Holidays

Best time to visit Ottawa

The capital of Canada is a year-round destination. Ottawa weather has four distinctive seasons, each one offering visitors exciting things to do on their holiday.

Summers boast long, sunny days with highs reaching 26°C between June and August. This is the perfect time to stroll around the city admiring the unique architecture, visiting museums, and enjoying a bite and a drink on a patio.

In winter, the temperatures drop below zero and Ottawa gets a fair amount of snow. This is when the city turns into a winter wonderland, and Ottawans and tourists flock to the world’s largest ice-skating rink – the Rideau Canal.

Every May, the Canadian Tulip Festival takes place in Ottawa, and it is a wonderful time of year to witness this truly breath-taking display of colours.

Highlights of Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada and a great choice for an Eastern Canada city break or as a cultural stop on a fly-drive holiday through the province of Ontario. It is home to the Parliament Buildings, seven of Canada’s nine national museums, fascinating galleries, theatres, pristine outdoor spaces, and year-round events. Whether you are a historical enthusiast, culture vulture or nature lover, a Canada holiday in Ottawa ticks all the boxes.

What to see and do in Ottawa, Canada?

• Parliament Hill and Parliament Buildings
• Rideau Canal – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Canadian War Museum
• Canadian Museum of Nature
• Canadian Tulip Festival
• Winterlude Festival
• Byward Market
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Gatineau Park

Visit the Parliament Hill and the Parliament Buildings

The Parliament Buildings are home to Canada’s federal government and are one of Ottawa’s top attractions. The buildings are located on top of the Parliament Hill, proudly overlooking the Ottawa River. Free guided tours are available for visitors interested in learning more about this remarkable historic landmark.

The neo-Gothic complex comprises of three buildings: Centre Block which houses Parliament, the Peace Tower, and the Library of the Parliament; and the West and East blocks which are administrative buildings. Weather you choose to attend the Changing of the Guard, visit the House of Commons, or just walk the impressive grounds around the complex, the Parliament Buildings is a must-visit place on any Ottawa holiday.

Cruise along the Rideau Canal

Rideau Canal is a 202-kilometre-long water route connecting the Ottawa River, in Ottawa, with the Saint Lawrence River in Kingston, Ontario. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic features of the city.

In summer, visitors can enjoy travelling on a river boat along the canal or just strolling down the waterway and admiring the lively atmosphere around.

In winter, Rideau Canal transforms into the “World’s longest ice rink” as it freezes over. This is certainly an incredible sight to see, as people literally skate to work along the canal.

Learn about history at the Canadian War Museum

There is so much to see and do on your holiday to Ottawa that it is often difficult to choose between the great variety of attractions the city has on offer.

The Canadian War Museum is another great place that you should consider visiting during your trip to Ottawa. The museum presents the whole country’s military past and how it has shaped the country into how it is today. The exhibit gives an insight into the people who spent their days on the battlefield as well as those that were at home, and it is extremely interesting and entertaining for all.

Stroll down the Byward Market

Byward Market should be high on your list when on a holiday to Ottawa. It is Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction and people say that the market is where the city was born.

It is a one-stop destination for shopping, dining, socialising, art, and entertainment and is the perfect atmosphere for families, couples or friends travelling together. It is especially beautiful in evenings when the market transforms, and lively pubs and local entertainment come alive in the summertime warmth.

Attend some of Ottawa’s best festivals

The city of Ottawa hosts events year-round. Winterlude is one of the nation’s biggest winter festivals. It takes place during the first three weekends of February every year. The festival attracts thousands and is perfect for visitors of all ages. Winterlude’s highlights include ice sculptures created by talented artists from around the world and of course the largest outdoor ice rink in the world – the Rideau Canal Skateway.

In May, the Canadian Tulip Festival takes place at Commissioners Park in Ottawa, although this is not the only place where you can admire the wonderful flowers display. If you find yourself in Ottawa for Canada Day (1st July every year) then you are in for a treat, as the whole city comes together to celebrate with fireworks, music, dancing, and great food, celebrating the incredible country that Canada has become.

Ottawa holidays

Whatever style of holiday you enjoy, whether you want a city break filled with shopping and sightseeing, to fill your days with historical sites and museums, or to hop from restaurant to restaurant indulging in local delicacies and fine cuisine, Ottawa has it all. If you are travelling to Ontario over Canada Day (1st July) then the ultimate place to join in the celebrations is in the charming historical capital. Every year thousands of people flock to Ottawa on a holiday.

Our tailor-made package holidays to Ottawa, Canada also put you in a great position to explore some more of the major cities in Eastern Canada. Take the VIA Rail train to Toronto, Canada’s most populous city, or head to French-Canadian Montréal or Québec City to indulge in a chic city break holiday experience.

You can also consider including Ottawa in a fly-drive Ontario holiday and experience the true diversity of the province. With vibrant cities, national parks, beaches and pristine lakes, renting a car or an RV on a self-drive holiday is the best way to explore this captivating province.

Ottawa holidays can be whatever you want them to be. Call our Canada Travel Experts and they will tailor-make the perfect package holiday for you.