Downtown Ottawa Travel Guide

Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa

Discover art, delve into history and savor natural beauty in the heart of Canada’s national capital, a delightful blend of old and new.

Where Québec meets Ontario and the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River lies the picturesque center of Downtown Ottawa. Explore the city’s ceremonial sites and memorials, engage with art and history or simply indulge in riverside relaxation.

Begin with a walk through Confederation Park, viewing its fountain and gardens as well as the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. Depending on the season, you might also join in public celebrations such as Winterlude, Canada Day or the Ottawa Jazz Festival.

Continue on to nearby Confederation Square, where the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pay tribute to the sacrifice of Canadians in war. Check the schedule for the adjacent National Arts Centre, a prestigious bilingual hub for ballet, theater and classical music. Stroll the grounds at Parliament Hill and climb the iconic Peace Tower for gorgeous views.

Heading north, cross the narrow Rideau Canal and appreciate this vital waterway. Follow its path by tour boat, bike in warmer months or join locals to celebrate wintertime with seasonal treats and ice-skating. Visit neighboring Bytown Museum, which tells Ottawa’s story since its humble origins as a lumber town and military depot. Shop at the modern CF Rideau Centre or purchase local foodstuffs at the historic, sprawling ByWard Market.

Stop at the Notre-Dame Cathedral to admire its spires and interior. Services are conducted in English, French or a combination. Tour the Royal Canadian Mint to appreciate its historic riverside premises and learn the technical process involved in making coins.

Finally, travel to the National Gallery of Canada, an elegant glass-and-granite structure whose large windows offer lovely outlooks onto Parliament Hill and the water. Explore collections of Canadian and international art, including significant works by First Peoples. Complete your visit with a trip to the gift shop and a meal at one of the gallery’s in-house cafés.

Downtown Ottawa can be explored on foot or by bus. Travel from the airport by car in about 20 minutes.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Downtown Ottawa

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹12,364 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹12,364
per night
30 Jul - 31 Jul
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,591 reviews)
"A classic old railway hotel with an abundance of character and a prime Ottawa location close to Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market. Only complaint is the parking situation is a shambles as they don’t allow self-park anymore and there aren’t enough staff to efficiently handle the number of arrivals. ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Lord Elgin Hotel

Lord Elgin Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₹10,620 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
₹10,620
per night
20 Aug - 21 Aug
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,429 reviews)
"Super location, good for all sightseeing."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Lord Elgin Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG

2.5 out of 5
235 KING EDWARD AVENUE, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₹10,227 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹10,227
per night
4 Aug - 5 Aug
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,323 reviews)
"Homeless shelter across the street but really not a problem as the hotel is set up so as not to face and have interaction with them. Just so you know though…"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₹11,148 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹11,148
per night
26 Jul - 27 Jul
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,712 reviews)
"Convenient, very clean, roomy, great staff."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Arc The Hotel

Arc The Hotel

4 out of 5
140 Slater St, Ottawa, ON
The price is ₹12,519 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹12,519
per night
27 Jul - 28 Jul
Stay at this boutique hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"The staff are amazing, very supportive and professional. I’ll be staying here again."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Arc The Hotel
AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn

AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn

4 out of 5
201 RIDEAU STREET, OTTAWA, ON
The price is ₹12,386 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹12,386
per night
4 Aug - 5 Aug
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Byward Market Square and Canadian War ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (83 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, area left a bit to be desired but hotel was excellent"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Ottawa

Byward Market which includes street scenes, signage and markets

ByWard Market

A noteworthy feature of ByWard Market is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

ByWard Market
Parliament Hill featuring nightlife, performance art and night scenes

Byward Market - Parliament Hill

If you're spending time in Byward Market - Parliament Hill, check out sights like Parliament Building or Parliament Hill and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Rideau Station or Parliament Station.

Byward Market - Parliament Hill
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Sandy Hill

Shopping and restaurants are highlights of Sandy Hill. Make a stop by Rideau Centre or Rideau Canal while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at uOttawa Station to get around town.

Sandy Hill
Ottawa which includes snow

Centretown

4/5(15 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Centretown. Top attractions like Elgin Street and Canadian Museum of Nature are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Centretown
Canadian Museum of History featuring skyline and modern architecture

Hull

4/5(2 area reviews)

Hull is a destination visitors seek out for its interesting museums, casinos and stunning river views. You might want to check out attractions like Canadian Museum of History or Casino du Lac Leamy while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Hull
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Downtown Gatineau

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the gardens and festivals in Downtown Gatineau. You might want to make time for a stop at Canadian Museum of History or Canadian Children's Museum.

Downtown Gatineau


Downtown Ottawa Travel Guide