Guidebook for Ottawa

Caitlin
Guidebook for Ottawa

Sightseeing

My husband and I used to live close to the market so we would walk down here every weekend. Although not walk-able from our current home, the market is a 25min bycicle ride away or a 10min drive. Vendors line a couple streets around the Market square selling fresh fruit and veggies, food, arts and crafts, as well as many other items. This is a great place to find maple syrup candies (MUST TRY!!) and Canadian souvenirs.
585 locals recommend
ByWard Market
585 locals recommend
My husband and I used to live close to the market so we would walk down here every weekend. Although not walk-able from our current home, the market is a 25min bycicle ride away or a 10min drive. Vendors line a couple streets around the Market square selling fresh fruit and veggies, food, arts and crafts, as well as many other items. This is a great place to find maple syrup candies (MUST TRY!!) and Canadian souvenirs.
DON'T MISS CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW! Parliament Hill is a must-see stop on any tour. From December 4, 2019 to January 7, 2020, a winter lightscapes multimedia show is projected onto Parliament Hill’s Centre Block. Inspired by Canada’s nature, climate and culture, this 13-minute fairy tale runs nightly in a loop, from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Visiting the ground are also amazing with statues all over. Head to the lookouts for magnificent views of the Ottawa River and Quebec across the water. On summer mornings, the lawn in front of Parliament’s Centre Block comes alive with sights and sounds of the impressive Changing of the Guard ceremony. The free event, which is modeled on the one in London, England, is a parade representing the changing of the guards. Experience the music and colourful drills of this traditional ceremony at 10:00 a.m. every day from June 23 to August 24, 2019. There are tour options or you can self guide to an extent: https://visit.parl.ca/visit-e.html
891 locals recommend
Parliament Hill
Wellington Street
891 locals recommend
DON'T MISS CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW! Parliament Hill is a must-see stop on any tour. From December 4, 2019 to January 7, 2020, a winter lightscapes multimedia show is projected onto Parliament Hill’s Centre Block. Inspired by Canada’s nature, climate and culture, this 13-minute fairy tale runs nightly in a loop, from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Visiting the ground are also amazing with statues all over. Head to the lookouts for magnificent views of the Ottawa River and Quebec across the water. On summer mornings, the lawn in front of Parliament’s Centre Block comes alive with sights and sounds of the impressive Changing of the Guard ceremony. The free event, which is modeled on the one in London, England, is a parade representing the changing of the guards. Experience the music and colourful drills of this traditional ceremony at 10:00 a.m. every day from June 23 to August 24, 2019. There are tour options or you can self guide to an extent: https://visit.parl.ca/visit-e.html
The largest and oldest standing church in Ottawa, building began in 1841 and finished in 1846. With tin covered steeples that gleam silver in the sun and an ornate interior, it's a must see site.
56 locals recommend
Notre Dame Basilica
385 Sussex Dr
56 locals recommend
The largest and oldest standing church in Ottawa, building began in 1841 and finished in 1846. With tin covered steeples that gleam silver in the sun and an ornate interior, it's a must see site.
PUBLIC SKATING December 7th, 2019 to March 15th, 2020* (weather permitting) Saturdays and Sundays only, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. (without reservations). Public skating is also available during the holidays on December 27th to December 31st as well as January 2nd to January 5th from 12 noon to 5 p.m -15 Minute Drive -30 Minute Beautiful bike ride -Tours with or without reservation -Please make reservations a minimum 48 hours in advance. 613-991-4422 | 1-866-842-4422 (toll-free) | guide@gg.ca -Rideau Hall is the official residence and workplace of every governor general since 1867. This national historic site, situated in an idyllic 79-acre urban oasis, is located only a few minutes from downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.
96 locals recommend
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Dr
96 locals recommend
PUBLIC SKATING December 7th, 2019 to March 15th, 2020* (weather permitting) Saturdays and Sundays only, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. (without reservations). Public skating is also available during the holidays on December 27th to December 31st as well as January 2nd to January 5th from 12 noon to 5 p.m -15 Minute Drive -30 Minute Beautiful bike ride -Tours with or without reservation -Please make reservations a minimum 48 hours in advance. 613-991-4422 | 1-866-842-4422 (toll-free) | guide@gg.ca -Rideau Hall is the official residence and workplace of every governor general since 1867. This national historic site, situated in an idyllic 79-acre urban oasis, is located only a few minutes from downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.

Parks & Nature

This lovely park overlooks the Ottawa River which divides Ontario & Quebec. Stunning views of the parliamentary library which survived a fire in 1916, but then received extensive water damage from another fire in 1952. Today it has been restored with much structural work and is a site to behold. You can also see the Canadian Museum of History across the water which is designed to represent various pieces of Canadian landscape and symbols.
90 locals recommend
Major's Hill Park
Mackenzie Avenue
90 locals recommend
This lovely park overlooks the Ottawa River which divides Ontario & Quebec. Stunning views of the parliamentary library which survived a fire in 1916, but then received extensive water damage from another fire in 1952. Today it has been restored with much structural work and is a site to behold. You can also see the Canadian Museum of History across the water which is designed to represent various pieces of Canadian landscape and symbols.
Gatineau Park has many beautiful hiking trails, areas to swim and some camping spots. A 20-30 minute drive from the suite, a lovely picnic spot or day trip for avid outdoor fans. The fall leaves are a site to behold and not to be missed. Don't forget to take water.
174 locals recommend
Gatineau Park Welcome Area
Promenade de la Gatineau
174 locals recommend
Gatineau Park has many beautiful hiking trails, areas to swim and some camping spots. A 20-30 minute drive from the suite, a lovely picnic spot or day trip for avid outdoor fans. The fall leaves are a site to behold and not to be missed. Don't forget to take water.
Hog's Back park is home to Hog's Back Falls, officially named the Prince of Wales Falls. It is adjacent to Dow's Lake and run's around locks on the one side to help boats get through. There are lovely walking/bike paths, a pavilion and green space.
38 locals recommend
Hog's Back Park
600 Hogs Back Rd
38 locals recommend
Hog's Back park is home to Hog's Back Falls, officially named the Prince of Wales Falls. It is adjacent to Dow's Lake and run's around locks on the one side to help boats get through. There are lovely walking/bike paths, a pavilion and green space.
Located in Orleans and it's a great place to stroll . The path is quiet, scenic, and so pretty. Grab an ice cream or a drink and make your way to this quiet pathway. The fall leaves are a site not to be missed.
39 locals recommend
Mer Bleue Bog Trail
Ridge Road
39 locals recommend
Located in Orleans and it's a great place to stroll . The path is quiet, scenic, and so pretty. Grab an ice cream or a drink and make your way to this quiet pathway. The fall leaves are a site not to be missed.
A lovely place to have a picnic or see fall leaves. http://friendsofthefarm.ca/plan-your-visit/attractions/ This magnificent collection of trees and shrubs covers about 35 hectares (86 acres) of rolling land. More than 2,000 varieties have been adapted to the region, some dating back to the first plantings in 1889. The northeast corner of the Arboretum has its own microclimate. Here, you will see magnolias, rhododendrons, a wisteria and others. The lookout on the south-east side offers a panoramic view of the historic Rideau Canal and Carleton University, while the north-east overlooks Dow’s Lake and the surrounding city.
26 locals recommend
Arboretum
Arboretum
26 locals recommend
A lovely place to have a picnic or see fall leaves. http://friendsofthefarm.ca/plan-your-visit/attractions/ This magnificent collection of trees and shrubs covers about 35 hectares (86 acres) of rolling land. More than 2,000 varieties have been adapted to the region, some dating back to the first plantings in 1889. The northeast corner of the Arboretum has its own microclimate. Here, you will see magnolias, rhododendrons, a wisteria and others. The lookout on the south-east side offers a panoramic view of the historic Rideau Canal and Carleton University, while the north-east overlooks Dow’s Lake and the surrounding city.

Shopping

This is a shopping mall with a wide range of stores from our very Canadian Hudson Bay department store, to clothing stores, to nick nack stores. There's also a food court.
149 locals recommend
St Laurent
1200 St. Laurent Blvd
149 locals recommend
This is a shopping mall with a wide range of stores from our very Canadian Hudson Bay department store, to clothing stores, to nick nack stores. There's also a food court.
Rideau Centre is in the heart of downtown Ottawa in the Historic Byward market area. If you need some AC and time to cool off in the summer heat, pop in and check out the wide range of stores.
589 locals recommend
Rideau Centre
589 locals recommend
Rideau Centre is in the heart of downtown Ottawa in the Historic Byward market area. If you need some AC and time to cool off in the summer heat, pop in and check out the wide range of stores.

Essentials

Farmboy is an Ontario chain that has some of the freshest produce, meat, dairy and deli available. It is a short 10min walk from our place. This is our favourite place to buy our groceries. They also have a salad bar so you can build your own salad & a hot bar with ready made food of good quality.
64 locals recommend
Farm Boy
830 Belfast Rd
64 locals recommend
Farmboy is an Ontario chain that has some of the freshest produce, meat, dairy and deli available. It is a short 10min walk from our place. This is our favourite place to buy our groceries. They also have a salad bar so you can build your own salad & a hot bar with ready made food of good quality.
The LCBO is where you purchase alcohol in Ontario. Our local LCBO is a short 10min walk and has a lovely Vintages wine section for those who enjoy wine. You can purchase your vodkas, gins, liqueurs, coolers, rums, scotch etc here Note that although this is not a beer store, there is still a wide selection of beer but not by the case of 24 or more.
191 locals recommend
LCBO
160 Elgin St
191 locals recommend
The LCBO is where you purchase alcohol in Ontario. Our local LCBO is a short 10min walk and has a lovely Vintages wine section for those who enjoy wine. You can purchase your vodkas, gins, liqueurs, coolers, rums, scotch etc here Note that although this is not a beer store, there is still a wide selection of beer but not by the case of 24 or more.
A neat market located in China Town, it has exotic fruits and vegetables, various oriental ingredients such as curry paste, black bean sauce, hoisin, vermicelli noodles, teas, holistic remedies etc etc There's also cooked duck and other food, raw seafood and various frozen delicacies. They have a great little bakery that makes various types of buns such as pork buns, curried beef buns, sugared buns and these our some o our favourite things to grab for a snack.
18 locals recommend
Kowloon Market
712 Somerset St W
18 locals recommend
A neat market located in China Town, it has exotic fruits and vegetables, various oriental ingredients such as curry paste, black bean sauce, hoisin, vermicelli noodles, teas, holistic remedies etc etc There's also cooked duck and other food, raw seafood and various frozen delicacies. They have a great little bakery that makes various types of buns such as pork buns, curried beef buns, sugared buns and these our some o our favourite things to grab for a snack.
Drug store very close by, it's open until Midnight. You can purchase cosmetics, medications, simple grocery needs, toiletries etc 8am - 12am
30 locals recommend
Rexall Drugstore
200 Rideau St
30 locals recommend
Drug store very close by, it's open until Midnight. You can purchase cosmetics, medications, simple grocery needs, toiletries etc 8am - 12am
Trainyards Medical Centre Walk In Clinic http://trainyardsmedical.ca/walk-in-clinic/ Unit 22-550 Terminal Avenue Ottawa, ON K1G 0Z3 Walk-in Clinic Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED Phone: (613) 731-4770
Trainyards Medical Centre
550 Terminal Avenue
Trainyards Medical Centre Walk In Clinic http://trainyardsmedical.ca/walk-in-clinic/ Unit 22-550 Terminal Avenue Ottawa, ON K1G 0Z3 Walk-in Clinic Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED Phone: (613) 731-4770
Walmart Super Centre location (with McDonald's built in) Has everything from produce and packaged food to clothing, pharmacy, toys, home essentials etc... 7am - 11pm
14 locals recommend
Walmart Trainyards Supercentre
450 Terminal Ave
14 locals recommend
Walmart Super Centre location (with McDonald's built in) Has everything from produce and packaged food to clothing, pharmacy, toys, home essentials etc... 7am - 11pm
Gas Station near buy with GOOD PRICES A small station
6 locals recommend
Ultramar
772 Bd Saint-Joseph
6 locals recommend
Gas Station near buy with GOOD PRICES A small station
Ottawa General Hospital There is a way to walk here - please ask if interested
9 locals recommend
The Ottawa Hospital General Campus
501 Smyth Rd
9 locals recommend
Ottawa General Hospital There is a way to walk here - please ask if interested
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Walkable - please ask how as Google maps takes you around the roads
9 locals recommend
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
401 Smyth Rd
9 locals recommend
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Walkable - please ask how as Google maps takes you around the roads

Food Scene

A great store with various grocery needs from the Middle East They have fabulous and fresh Baklava as well as meat, cheese, and zatar pies that are out of this world.
Mid-East Food Centre
1010 Belfast Rd
A great store with various grocery needs from the Middle East They have fabulous and fresh Baklava as well as meat, cheese, and zatar pies that are out of this world.
This new little Gem is a short walk from our place. We love popping in here for a coffee or tea as we walk around the neighbourhood. They also have some small bites and milk free options.
Figaro Coffee House
650 Industrial Ave
This new little Gem is a short walk from our place. We love popping in here for a coffee or tea as we walk around the neighbourhood. They also have some small bites and milk free options.
This is hands down one of the best Montreal Style Bagel places in the city. (also on Bank St) It's open 365 days a year, 24hrs a day so it's great for any time. We love to swing through for breakfast as it's a 10 minute walk from out place. You can do breakfast, lunch, or dinner with various different bagels and sandwiches. Montreal Bagels are a Canadian favourite.
57 locals recommend
Kettleman's Bagel Co.
912 Bank St
57 locals recommend
This is hands down one of the best Montreal Style Bagel places in the city. (also on Bank St) It's open 365 days a year, 24hrs a day so it's great for any time. We love to swing through for breakfast as it's a 10 minute walk from out place. You can do breakfast, lunch, or dinner with various different bagels and sandwiches. Montreal Bagels are a Canadian favourite.

Entertainment & Activities

Famous for their drag performer China Doll, Shanghai has been around for a few decades and has the most entertaining Karaoke in the city with China Doll on Saturday nights (10pm-2am) They also serve Chinease food and are family run. CLOSED: Sun, Mon, Tues
11 locals recommend
Shanghai Restaurant
651 Somerset St W
11 locals recommend
Famous for their drag performer China Doll, Shanghai has been around for a few decades and has the most entertaining Karaoke in the city with China Doll on Saturday nights (10pm-2am) They also serve Chinease food and are family run. CLOSED: Sun, Mon, Tues
Near by, this is a great place to catch the latest movies on the big screen if it's a rainy day or you need to relax. They offer alcohol on site along with cinema standards such as candy and popcorn.
36 locals recommend
Scotiabank Theatre Ottawa
2385 City Park Dr
36 locals recommend
Near by, this is a great place to catch the latest movies on the big screen if it's a rainy day or you need to relax. They offer alcohol on site along with cinema standards such as candy and popcorn.
A great trip for the whole family with many various exhibits. Learn all about Canada, Indigenous, and check out the neat architecture. The views are also stunning.
545 locals recommend
Canadian Museum of History
100 Rue Laurier
545 locals recommend
A great trip for the whole family with many various exhibits. Learn all about Canada, Indigenous, and check out the neat architecture. The views are also stunning.

Getting Around

Ottawa's largest and International airport The suite is a $20 -$40 uber ride depending on your type of uber and if there is surge pricing. We are an 18-30 minute drive from the airport depending on traffic
60 locals recommend
Ottawa International Airport
1000 Airport Parkway Private
60 locals recommend
Ottawa's largest and International airport The suite is a $20 -$40 uber ride depending on your type of uber and if there is surge pricing. We are an 18-30 minute drive from the airport depending on traffic