Ottawa is the capital of Canada and one of the largest cities in the country! There you will find speakers of both English and French, as these two languages are considered official! So if you speak either of them, your trip will be much more fun and interesting to talk to the locals there!
I've been there a few times and visited several places, but I've separated the top 10 to give you tips on what to visit when you go to the Canadian capital. To check out more, continue here and enjoy!
1. Fairmont Château Laurier
Let's start with this building that has existed since 1912, its entire structure is in the shape of a castle, which is what most draws our attention when passing near it, besides being a giant building, - which enchants us to enter. But to really enjoy it, you should stay there, since it is a hotel.
It is a bit expensive, but the experience you will have will be unique, so plan well to spend at least one night there.
2. Parliament Hill
This is where all the politics of the country happens, where all the government headquarters and the parliament stay to discuss all the issues and make the decisions of the country. The best of all is that you can get a free guided tour! The whole tour is up to the government, which is great, right?
If you are thinking of traveling alone, check out the tips from Happy Tours!
3. Centennial Flame
The centennial flame stands right in front of Parliament. It was lit in 1967 to commemorate the first 100 years of Canada's Confederation.
One very cool thing is that the water mirror on the monument never freezes, not even on the harshest days in Ottawa! The flame is so strong that it doesn't even allow it to create that little layer of ice on the water.
4. Canadian Museum of History
The whole museum is very technological and with a very modern structure, with several curves in its structure, making the environment very cool and unique, giving a good contrast with the more historical buildings of the city.
But, what I liked most about it, is that in its center there is a meditation part! You can enjoy this zen moment with guided orientations, depending on the time of day. Oh, and if you get hungry, there are also some restaurants and coffee shops.
5. National War Memorial
This other monument in the city was made to honor all the soldiers who participated in the First World War, you will see statues of soldiers standing and on horses, representing this period. But lately it represents all the conflicts.
The whole place is very beautiful, but a bit funereal because it is about an event that so many people died. But it is very worthwhile!
6. Somerset Street
This is an area for the LGBTQIAP+ public, with many bars, nightclubs and restaurants! In the country, same-sex marriage has been recognized since 2006, one of the most advanced countries when it comes to the rights of this public.
7. National Gallery of Canada
The gallery is opposite Notre Dame Cathedral and is one of the most famous museums in the country. It is also known as the Canadian Museum of Fine Arts.
You have to buy a ticket to get in, but children up to 11 years old do not pay. And when the adults want to visit the place, but the little ones don't like it, no problem! There is an exclusive part for them to stay and play, with monitors from the site taking care of them.
8. Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is a river that runs through Montreal, Ottawa, and Kingston. So in 1932 a complete structure was built to allow boats to pass through it to facilitate transportation between these cities.
For this, punches were made to raise the water and to lower it. So that the ships would be at the correct level and could navigate calmly. The structure is very similar to what happens in the Panama Canal.
9. Zone Maison
Here was a place that blew me away! It is an area thought only of souvenirs, of the most varied possible, be it cups, key chains, utensils, clothes! Oh, and they are very affordable items!
10. Notre-Dame Cathedral
It is the largest church in Ottawa and the first in the city that is still standing today. The Cathedral was built in 1841 in a Gothic style.
During the summer, you can access the place for free and still have a guide to walk around. But if you go during the winter, as I did, you will have to pay the entrance fee and schedule a time for the tour, but the paid guide will give you much more information about the history of the place.
Oh, and if you want to see other sights in Canada, check out 15 sights of Canada with Happy Tours!
The options are many, aren't they? Besides all these places, there are many other interesting ones to visit, such as stores, malls, and several restaurants, with a very rich and varied cuisine!
We hope you enjoyed the content, and to see more travel tips, - keep following Happy Tours. See you soon!
