Ottawa is like a Mary Poppins’ bag full of treats for outdoor enthusiasts. A tulip festival in the spring, the world’s longest skating rink in the winter, kayaking in the summer, and hiking trails to revel in the scenery during the fall. You’ll always find outdoor adventures inside that carpet bag. Whether it’s sailing, snowshoeing, or watching ice sculptors work on their temporary masterpieces.
Despite being the nation’s capital, Ottawa is small compared to other urban centres like Toronto or Montreal. Within a few minutes from downtown the Greenbelt -a large extension of parks, forests, and farms- turns into a playground for nature lovers.
The Rideau Canal and the river give you a chance to do kayaking, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard), boat trips, and whitewater rafting. You can connect to multiple long-distance bicycle paths that will take you across Canada and the United States.
And to make it all even more appealing, like a perfect salted caramel sauce poured on top of creamy ice cream, you’ll also find a rich cultural life. No wonder the city is a regular in the “most livable” lists.
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Note: the grounds around Parliament Hill are currently closed due to major renovations.
These are the best outdoor activities and festivals in Ottawa.
Table of Contents
Check Out the Outdoor Activities at Parliament Hill
Things to do in Parliament Hill aren’t limited to visiting the gorgeous buildings of the federal government. Fun activities like painting sessions, Canada Day celebrations, and other free events on its front lawn can keep you entertained all year round.
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See the Parliament Hill Light Shows
Each summer night the Centre Block main façade becomes the canvas for the Sound and Light Show -Northern Lights. The presentation enlivens the building with a concoction of music and video narrating the history of Canada.
It’s one of the best things to do in Ottawa, and it’s free.
In December enjoy the show with a Christmas theme.
Follow the Beat to the Carillon Concerts at the Peace Tower
The first thing you’ll see after walking past the centennial flame is the Peace Tower -one of the most iconic structures in Canada- rising almost 100 metres above the massive Centre Block.
In addition to being a monument to honour the fallen Canadian soldiers, it’s also a 53-bells carillon, an instrument that looks like an oversized organ with levers and pedals connected to bells of all sizes. The smallest weighs 4.5 kg and the largest is just over 10 tons.
In 1927 the first sounds of the bells were heard live across Canada during the first nation’s radio broadcast. Ever since recitals at “The Hill” feature every music genre you can think of.
From classical pieces by Haydn to songs like The Girl from Ipanema, California Dreamin’, and Let It Go. The themed carillon concerts take place at 12PM on weekdays (20-30 minutes long -September to June-), or at 11AM (with longer concerts during July and August).
These are not recordings. No, no, no.
These are live concerts. There is someone up there -carrying the fancy title of The Dominion Carillonneur of Canada– playing the songs.
Check out the Peace Tower Carillon schedule and live stream.
Stretch at Parliament Hill Yoga
Watch the Peace Tower clock hit 12PM as you inhale and lift your arms over your head in a Sun Salutation to warm up for a free one-hour yoga session. It happens on the lawn every Wednesday over the summer months.
Bring your mat, towel, water, and don’t forget your Om’s…
Watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony
From the end of June to the end of August you can see the Guards executing their movements with robotic precision as the New Guard takes over, with their flashy uniforms and the sound of the military band heightening the grandeur of the ceremony.
Check the schedule so you don’t miss a beat. Free admission.
Enjoy Fantastic Views of the Ottawa River
Walk behind the Centre Block and the Library to enjoy one of the best views of the Ottawa River and iconic sites such as the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, Major Hill’s Park, and Jacques Cartier Park.
Keep walking and you’ll find a set of stairs and ramps that will take you down to the river shore, onto the Ottawa River Pathway/Trans Canada Trail. It’s my favourite access point because you’re surrounded by greenery and the views are unbeatable
Hike or Ride the Trails around Downtown Ottawa and Beyond
Having the chance to take scenic walks or bike rides along the river was one of the things I loved the most about living in this city. You can take a short one or go as far as you want on the easily accessible trails running along Ottawa’s shores.
And when I say far, I mean far. You can connect with some long-distance trails via the Ottawa River Pathway (right behind Parliament Hill):
- Take the Trans Canada Trail, and make your way through the 13 Canadian provinces and territories. It’s the longest recreational trail in the world!
- Walk toward the National Gallery, cross the Alexandra Bridge (it has a wide bicycle and pedestrian lane), and connect with the Voyageurs Pathway in Gatineau. It’ll take you along the Ottawa river (around 30 kilometres) and other trails such as the Route Verte or the Gatineau River Pathway (part of the Capital Pathway network).
- Follow the Rideau Trail and a mere 387 kilometres later you’ll reach Kingston, Ontario.
You’ll find valuable information to plan a cycling trip, camping, or hiking by clicking on the links above, including maps and updates on closures, detours, and safety information.
Sail or Ride Along The Rideau Canal
This engineering marvel, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was originally created for military purposes. But after attempts by the United States to invade Canada came to a halt, it was used for commercial activity.
Nowadays, the Rideau Canal is all about recreation, connecting Ottawa’s waterways during the warm season (boaters and kayakers rejoice!) while becoming the world’s largest skating rink (nearly eight kilometres long) during the winter months.
Whether you are into walking, running, skating, bicycling, canoeing, or kayaking, the Rideau Canal Pathway -a section of the Capital Pathway – has it covered.
I loved taking long walks among beautifully landscaped gardens interspersed along the way. Nearly 30 kilometres of paved paths follow the canal, filled with the energizing buzz of cyclists, walkers, and kayakers.
Pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, and SUPs are available for rent in Dow’s Lake and at several spots along the canal.
Feeling lazy? Don’t have the time to explore on your own? Take a boat ride along the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River.
Check Out the Events in the ByWard Market Area
There’s more to this area apart from being considered the birthplace of the city of Ottawa and home to one of Canada’s oldest markets.
The place is pretty lively with art galleries, local vendors, eateries, and bars housed in historic buildings.
But the major attraction is the cultural events that take place year-round: food festivals, wine and beer festivals, concerts, art exhibits, you name it.
For a list of events in the ByWard market check their Facebook page @TheByWardMarket
Enjoy the View from Major’s Hill Park
Follow the steps with the cool art at the end of York Street (in the ByWard Market area), and after you cross the road, you’ll be in Major’s Hill Park. You can also get here walking past Parliament Hill’s towards Chateau Laurier. Turn left and you’ll be on your way.
The park in itself isn’t anything to write home about. The real gem is its surroundings and the view from its outer paths.
To the left is one of my favourite walkways in Ottawa, offering one of the best views of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, the Rideau Canal locks and Gatineau.
Rumour has it that Queen Victoria selected Ottawa as the nation’s capital after seeing an artist’s sketch of the hill. Whether the rumour is true or not (being up in the hill and away from the border was probably the deciding factor), the view is inspiring.
The north side of the park rewards you with the sight of the National Gallery of Canada.
The best time to visit Major’s Hill Park is during the Canadian Tulip Festival, when it becomes an unforgettable 3D tapestry of colours. It takes place every year around the month of May.
Following this promenade will take you all the way to Nepean Point, behind the National Gallery, for more terrific views of the Ottawa River.
See Parliament Hill from Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau
The best feature of the Jacques-Cartier park, right across the Canadian Museum of History on Laurier St., is the stunning views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa river.
It’s also a hub for major cultural events in the Ottawa Valley throughout the year, especially around Canada Day, Winterlude, and Christmas time.
285 Laurier St., Gatineau
Explore the Gatineau Park Trails (Parc de la Gatineau)
A short drive after crossing the Macdonald-Cartier bridge takes you to Gatineau Park from Ottawa. Lakes, hiking, and bicycle trails abound across 361 square kilometres of nature, with plenty of things to do in every season.
Even a drive through the park is a respite for the soul.
Fall is my favourite time of the year to visit, when Gatineau Park plays a concert for your eyes, with yellow, orange, red and green notes.
During winter you’ll find trails for cross-country skiing, snow biking, and snowshoeing.
A sweet spot with a bit of history is the Mackenzie King Estate.
This piece of land with everything on it used to belong to a former prime minister of Canada in the early 1900s.
After his death, the property was left for all of us to enjoy today. It grew into what we know as Gatineau Park.
Make sure not to miss the Abbey Ruins -some sort of garden sculptures that gave old stones a new home and a purpose- and the view from Kingsmere Lake.
Gatineau Park
33 Scott Rd., Chelsea
Open every day (except for Dec. 25): 9AM-5PM (varies per season); Free admission to the park and free parking, except parking at the Mackenzie King Estate and the beaches; A fee applies to use the trails during winter.
Visit Patterson’s Creek Park at The Glebe
Patterson’s Creek is a lovely park, with a creek that ends in, surprise, the Rideau Canal with pathways for scenic walks. You can grab some food from the many cafes in The Glebe that offer delicious and fresh options and sit at the benches there to enjoy the landscape.
Celebrate a Gift of Friendship at the Canadian Tulip Festival
If you visit Ottawa in the spring you may wonder, Why are there so many tulips in Canada?
Every May Ottawa sees over one million tulips bloom across the city, courtesy of the Kingdom of Netherlands. The multicolour tapestry weaved with different varieties of bulbs spreads across different parks to the delight of hundreds of thousands of visitors.
You’ll find the largest display at Commissioners Park, around Dow’s Lake. Other sites include Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park, Confederation Park, Lansdowne Park, Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau, and the gardens along the Rideau Canal.
Why is there a tulip festival in Canada?
It all started during World War II when Princess Juliana found refuge in Ottawa after being forced into exile after the Nazis invaded The Netherlands.
During that time she had a baby, a royal born in Canada. The problem with that is, the newborn princess would be a dual citizen. That’s a big no-no for someone in the line of succession.
How did they deal with it?
The government of Canada declared the maternity ward “extra-territorial”. Princess Margriet was fully Dutch.
As a thank you and as a symbol of friendship, Princess Juliana sent 100,000 tulips to Ottawa when she returned to the Netherlands.
This Gift of Tulips inspired the creation of The Tulip Festival in 1953 and has been celebrated ever since.
Every year features a different theme, with many free events.
Embrace Winter at Winterlude
When Ottawa gives you winter, go to Winterlude.
You really can’t do much about the dark cold days so you might as well embrace them, right?
While you wait for warmer and sunnier days you can enjoy concerts, ice sculpture competitions, cooking demos, games, and many other events across the city – in addition to the regular skating on the Rideau Canal which lasts all winter.
Winterlude takes place every year during the month of February.
Explore the Gardens at Rideau Hall
Take a self-guided tour of the gardens surrounding the residence of the Governor General of Canada and walk among fountains, sculptures, and more than 150 ceremonial trees planted by members of the royal family, dignitaries, and presidents from around the world during their visit. You can walk around and find trees planted by Eisenhower, Princess Diana and John F. Kennedy.
Of all the sculptures my favourite is the Totem Pole by Mungo Martin. The carvings depict men, fish, and a double-headed serpent (a sisiutl). It’s all crowned by a majestic thunderbird with colourful open wings.
Don’t miss the Canadian Heritage Garden, with different rose displays -representing Canada’s multiculturalism- arranged in circles around a reflective pool. So relaxing!
Visiting during the summer? Check the schedule to see the Changing of the Guard Ceremony. In Ottawa for the winter? The skating rink is open every weekend.
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive; Free admission
Visit Bruce Pit and Andrew Haydon Park in West Ottawa
A couple of parks on the West side of the city, accessible through Ottawa’s trail network, offer additional options for outdoor enthusiasts. Stop by one of the many nearby farms and pick your own fruits or a freshly baked pie.
If you’re looking to have a bite or a drink on the way to or from the parks, the hip Westboro area has several bars and restaurants that will do the job.
Take a Walk or Ride in The Bruce Pit
You can reach this park by bicycling the Greenbelt Pathway all the way from East Ottawa, also by bus or car.
Several loops will take you through different environments: a large pond (where I spotted a beaver), a forest-like area with tall trees, a creek, and open fields with trails to walk, run, bicycle, see wildflowers, or tobogganing during the winter season.
175 Cedarview Rd., Nepean
See the Best Sunsets at Andrew Haydon Park
One of my favourite places to catch the reflection of stunning sunsets over the Ottawa river.
You can reach this urban park from Ottawa’s waterfront by bicycle (or a rather long walk) following the Ottawa River Pathway/Trans Canada Trail.
It’s a great site for a leisure walk along the river and ponds and for spotting egrets and Canada geese (with the corresponding droppings that at times may be a little bit too much). You can enjoy the outdoor concerts by the Nepean Concert Band during the summer.
3169 Carling Ave. , Ottawa.
Take a Day Trip to Almonte
This historic town, named after a Mexican general and established on the banks of the Mississippi River, is around 45 minutes west of Ottawa (by car), featuring a small and cute downtown core, green spaces, waterways, and waterfalls.
Do not expect Niagara Falls, though. The falls are on the small side and not necessarily the most scenic you’ll ever encounter, but they add to the charm of the town, as does the nice view of the short river walk. I repeat, short.
The small downtown area is lined up with historic buildings that are home to galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and cafes.
I visited on a Sunday afternoon. Most of the stores were closed and there was barely any activity. A Saturday visit will give you a greater chance to check the art galleries and feel the town vibe.
Even better if you can schedule it during one of its concerts or festivals.
From the downtown core, you can walk to the Metcalfe GeoHeritage Park. A tiny park with a nice view of the Mississippi River, a dock to get in and out of your kayak, and a display of rock specimens as old as 2.5 billion years. Also, a good spot to catch the sunset.
Lastly, across the street, you’ll find two short woodland trails at Gemmill Park. One of them, my favourite, follows a small creek running through a forest.
Check out the concerts and festivals in Almonte.
From Ottawa, take Highway 417W and get off at Regional Road 49.
Getting around Ottawa
OC Transpo is the public transit in Ottawa. Depending on the length of your stay and your usage it may be worth getting a reloadable Presto Card, which costs CAD$4. Rides cost CAD$3.80 (using Presto) and allow transfers within 90 minutes. You can also pay tapping your credit or debit card or you can get a Day Pass.
If you have a bicycle, you will be ecstatic to find bike lanes and bicycle paths galore, which will make it easy for you to explore the city on your two wheels.
Cycling maps and information are available on-line
In the downtown area, walking or bicycling is the best way to visit all the nearby attractions.
You can always get an Uber for longer distances or rent a car for day trips.
With so many (free!) things to do outside in Ottawa, this small city will keep you busy if you’re a nature lover. For more amazing nature close to Ottawa, explore Algonquin Provincial Park.
DAY TRIPS FROM OTTAWA FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS
BOOKING FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Book your flight without losing your shirt
We check Momondo to find great deals to book our flights. Also, check Great Escape: it combines the listings from Expedia, Kiwi, Kayak, (and Skyscanner on the premium service) to find the best airfares.
To find a place to stay for less
Booking.com: you’ll find any type of property you can think of in their massive listing, with one of the most comprehensive filters. We’ve found great deals on boutique hotels, apartments, and private rooms in hostels.
Hotwire: the first site I check when we plan to stay at a hotel for a few nights. You can save anything from 20% to 60%. Use the search filter to find what you want and you’ll end up with three listings that match your criteria. You’ll know which one you’ll get after you book. If you can handle a little bit of uncertainty you can score big savings.
House Sitting: you take care of people’s pets and house for free while staying for free. It’s the closest thing to experiencing a place “like a local”. But it comes with responsibilities… Are you an animal lover? It may become your new way to travel.
To get travel insurance
SafetyWing: travel medical insurance that gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re covered in case of emergency. It’s convenient, affordable, and suitable for digital nomads who spend a long time outside their home country.
Check the full list of travel resources on my Resource Page for more options and savings
What beautiful places I will be sure to add some of these when we travel to Ottawa
Ottawa is full of outdoor activities all year round. Bring a good coat if you visit during winter!