Join Canoo members, Raina and Vinit, on their road trip to Ottawa! Read along and plan your own trip to make the best memories and see all the beauty that Canada has to offer.

Ottawa might be a small city to folks from other major cities but there is so much to do that you could easily spend a week here immersed in the architecture of historical significance, the vibrant culture and gorgeous landscapes.

Here is everything you can explore in Ottawa in 3 days:

Day 1

We drove from Toronto to Ottawa which took us about 5 and a half hours (but we love road trips). On the way, you can stop at Coburg Beach to enjoy a lively crowd and have a lunch picnic by the beach park.

As you enter Ottawa, you will see the magnificent Fairmont Chateau Laurier in all its castle-like glory. Park your car and rent a bike to ride around the Rideau Canal, which turns, into a skating rink during the winter and then head to the plaza bridge to see a gorgeous view over the Ottawa Locks.

For a glorious sunset, go to Major’s Hill Park for a breathtaking view of the city and Parliament Hill. You can enjoy a relaxing walk in the park.

If you are in the mood for some awesome Middle Eastern cuisine, grab some dinner from the famous Shawarma Palace and enjoy lively music at the Byward market.

Day 2

Rise and shine! You are going to explore a lot of places today. Drive to the Ottawa City Hall and park your car in their underground parking at affordable rates. If you like to walk, then explore the city on foot or grab a Neuron electric bike (which comes with a helmet) and whiz around the area.

Head to Parliament Hill, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ottawa, and holds significant historical and political importance. Book a tour to see the House of Commons, the Senate, East Block and the Peace Tower, which is featured in postcards and photographs of Ottawa. You can also just take a walk outside around the beautiful gardens and adore the architecture.

Next, walk to the nearby National Gallery of Canada. This is a prestigious art institution and a true gem for art enthusiasts and culture seekers. If you are an art connoisseur or simply curious about artistic expression, a visit here will give you an enriching experience.

Photo of woman standing in front of the Maman Sculpture at the National Gallery of Canada. Ottawa what to do between ottawa and montreal why you should visit best places to explore why is ottawa the best place to live — Credit: @rainaandvinit

Just across the street, you will find the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. Inside the cathedral, you will be greeted with a spectacular interior adorned with ornate woodwork, beautiful statues, and exquisite artwork. Take some time to experience the tranquil ambiance within its stained-glass walls.

We definitely recommend doing an Ottawa Canal cruise along the Rideau Canal through Ekeau Canal cruises. This is a 100% electric solar-powered boat (love everything good for the environment). You can expect scenic views of lush greenery, historic buildings, charming waterfronts, and serene natural surroundings. They provide informative commentary and fun facts through guides in both English and French. We absolutely loved the whole experience.

Then grab some delicious lunch at Chipotle and then take a trip to the Museum of Science and Technology. It will offer a fascinating journey through Canada’s scientific and technological advancements, making it an ideal destination for anyone interested in exploring the country’s innovative spirit.

After you covered these places, have some sunset drinks at the rooftop in Andaz. It gives you some astounding views of the city of Ottawa.

Day 3

Let’s explore more!

Off the beaten path, head to Rideau Falls nestled in the corner of the city. You can park for free at the French embassy for 90 mins and take a short walk through Rideau Falls Park to an awe-inspiring view of the falls. Enjoy a private moment here first thing in the morning before crowds begin to arrive.

The final museum on this trip will be the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum to see some massive fighter jets and planes. They have informative interactive displays. If you love space stuff like me, it will be interesting for you to know how astronauts lived in space during missions.

Another museum that we personally recommend (and was our favourite on this trip) is the Museum of Nature. You can easily notice the building from a distance because of the massive moon on display. It is four floors tall and filled with some really cool and interactive displays for kids and adults. There are exhibitions of insects, birds, arctic animals, a water and earth gallery and much more.

Photo of a couple in front of a moon sculpture at the Museum of Nature. Ottawa what to do between ottawa and montreal why you should visit best places to explore why is ottawa the best place to live — Credit: @rainaandvinit

After being lost in space for some time, wander over to the Byward market to shop for souvenirs and try some amazing delicacies. Our favourite was Le Moulin De Provence. Try their focaccia bread – it is the softest bread we have ever tasted. They also have the famous Obama cookies. Additionally, get some yummy ice cream from the Rocky Mountains chocolate factory (try their famous candy apples too). Bid farewell to this lovely city by taking a walk to the OTTAWA sign for a memorable photo.

On the way back to Toronto, make a stop in the quaint little town of Brockville. Head to the Brockville tunnel and read about its interesting role in Canada’s past. Enjoy the gleaming lights, music and cool breeze inside the tunnel and then head to the really HUGE Muskoka chairs to relax near the lakeside.

Then continue your drive and welcome back to TORONTO!

Our 3 days in Ottawa were definitely very memorable. The people in the city are just so kind and helpful and that made us want to come back even more. There are so many museums and landscapes in Ottawa yet to be explored. Thanks to the CANOO app we entered all the museums for free and had a great time! We look forward to visiting Ottawa once every season to experience its beauty all year round.

Essential Tips

Although Ottawa is a walkable city (yay!), you definitely need a car to explore the surrounding area and landscapes.
Parking is paid everywhere, so make sure to download the parking app to make sure you can park seamlessly.
If you are looking for a full day parking in the city then head to Ottawa City Hall to park at affordable rates.
Definitely try French bakeries in Ottawa, they have the most authentic pastries and breads.
To learn more about the parliament hill, book your tour in advance. Sometimes several areas close down for renovations and the other spots can be visited on a tour only.
Book your stay in Gatineau which gives you free parking. We stayed at Hotel V, which was a great place 15 mins away from downtown Ottawa. This way it will be close to the city of Ottawa and you will be able to park for free.
Don’t forget to take lots of photos of the beautiful architecture all over the city!

Photo of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier at sunset. Ottawa what to do between ottawa and montreal why you should visit best places to explore why is ottawa the best place to live — Credit: @rainaandvinit

Thank you to Raina and Vinit for sharing their experiences and travel itinerary!

With Canoo, the spotlight is on you and the extraordinary experiences you have across Canada! We love to hear your stories and share them with other Canoo members. Contact our team at canoopass@forcitizenship.ca to submit your story.