What To Do, See, And Eat In Ottawa During Your Next Visit To Canada's Capital
“If I had to explain Ottawa in one sentence, I would say: ‘history made fun’”
The Huffington Post Canada
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Ottawa isn't all politics, it has an awe-inspiring side you need to experience first-hand. From zip lining in Gatineau Park to exploring a Cold War-era bunker, Ottawa is brimming with fun.
Start your morning off at The Ministry Of Coffee where you can bite into a flaky butter croissant and sip on a beautifully-designed latte. It's the perfect spot to kick off a jam-packed day.
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What To Do: Swing From The Trees In Camp Fortune Gatineau Park
300 Dunlop Rd, Old Chelsea, Que.
Imagine zip lining through the trees at Gatineau Park, located only 15 minutes away from Ottawa's downtown core. It's an experience of a lifetime that will put your balance to the test and get the adrenaline flowing. Definitely something not for the faint of heart.
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Where To Go: Diefenbunker Canada's Cold War Museum
3929 Carp Rd., Carp, Ottawa, K0A 1L0
Built in secrecy between 1959 to 1961, the Diefenbunker is a four-storey underground structure meant to house government officials in the event of a nuclear war.
It was fully operable for 32 years, with its pantries and cupboards fully stocked with fresh food and rations, but in 1994, the Diefenbunker was given National Historic Site status. Today, tourists can explore the bunker for themselves and imagine what it would be like to live in an emergency situation.
Like A Tourist Takes On Ottawa
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Things To Do In Ottawa
Tour The National Gallery of Canada(01 of17)
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Spend a rainy day indoors at the National Art Gallery of Canda. Complete with 1,200 permanent works of art and thousands of special exhibits, this stunning gallery features Canadian, Indigenous, international, and contemporary collections. (credit:thekiminator via Instagram)
Take A Bike Ride By The Ottawa River(02 of17)
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One of the most historical rivers in North America, the Ottawa River was once the main transportation route for Aboriginals and early settlers. Alongside the river runs a 31km path that passes by city landmarks like the Canadian War Museum, Parliament Hill and the Ottawa Locks. (credit:elijahfroeseg via Instagram)
View The Mega-Mansions In Rockliffe(03 of17)
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Take a stroll through Ottawa's most upscale neighbourhood and fantasize about buying your own dream home.
Go Fishing On Victoria Island(04 of17)
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This hidden gem gives you gorgeous views of the Hill and Gatineau both during the day and night. And if you get hungry, the Island also boasts an Aboriginal café and trading post. (credit:rwhgould/Flickr)
Dine In Little Italy(05 of17)
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Restaurant Two Six Ate makes the most of local products in their nose-to-tail style of cooking. If you're not sure what to order we recommend this Surf 'N Turf dish priced at $16. (credit:twosixate via Instagram )
Stop For Dim Sum In Chinatown(06 of17)
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Home to many Asian restaurants and businesses, Ottawa's Chinatown runs along Somerset Street West between Bay Street and Preston Street. After taking a photo under the stunning archway, be sure to stop for a bit at popular dim sum destination: Hung Sum Restaurant. (credit:teafortwo.c via Instagram )
Catch A Concert In A Classic Venue(07 of17)
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If you have time to catch a concert head to Zaphod's or Barrymore's. The intimate halls — which have hosted the likes of The Trews, Ben Harper, Alanis Morrissette, Broken Social Scene — are a must-see for any music lover. (credit:Barrymore's via Facebook)
Ashton Pub And Brewing Company(08 of17)
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The city of Beckwith is home to this pub and craft brewery. If you're in the Ottawa countryside, it's definitely worth stopping here for a bite and pint. With flavours like Blueberry Wheat and Vanilla Stout, you might have a hard time choosing just one. (credit:bylerteckett via Instagram )
Rent A Kayak And Paddle To Mooney's Bay(09 of17)
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There's nothing like spending a sunny day on the water. Rent a kayak or canoe from Dow's Lake and paddle your way up to Back Falls and Mooney's Bay for the ultimate summer escape. (credit:chelseajoanmary via Instagram)
De-Stress At A Nordik Spa(10 of17)
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Okay, so this is technically in Gatineau, but anyone from Ottawa knows the two are pretty much one in the same. And considering this gorgeous retreat is only 10-minutes away from downtown Ottawa, we didn't think you'd mind! (credit:nordikspanature via Instgram)
Go For A Grocery Run At The Byward Market(11 of17)
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A short walk from Parliament Hill, this fresh market has everything from food to fashion. And if you'd rather buy full meals versus fresh produce there's plenty of great restaurants mere steps away. (credit:luc.cormier via Instagram)
Take A Picture In Front Of Parliament(12 of17)
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Obvi, if you're in the Nation's Capital you might want to make time to check out Parliament Hill. Throughout the summer, the building puts on shows including a daily changing of the guard and a stunning sound and light show in the evening. (credit:hellochloe1 via Instagram)
Go For A Run Along The Rideau Canal(13 of17)
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While the canal is most commonly associated with winter, it's just aa picturesque in the summer... and has a much smaller crowd. (credit:london2berlin via Instagram)
Spend The Night In The Old Ottawa Jail(14 of17)
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Now a hostel, this old prison makes the most of its morbid history by offering free tours and mugshots to their overnight guests. But be warned, this spot is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in all of Canada!
Get Dressed Up And Head To The Theatre(15 of17)
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The National Arts Centre (NAC) has a home in downtown Ottawa. From ballerinas to thespians and orchestral musicians, the NAC gives a stage to some of Canada's most talented performers. (credit:d.b.campbell via Instagram)
Visit The Prime Minister's House(16 of17)
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Drive by the Prime Minister's residence at 24 Sussex drive. Even if it's for a quick second, don't you want to see how the PM lives? (credit:416style/Flickr)
Take A Tour Of Merrickville(17 of17)
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Just 45 minutes outside of downtown Ottawa, Merrickville is a picturesque town with Victorian homes and boutique shops. Take a glassblowing class at Gray Art Glass for only $75 then swing by the Goose and Gridiron for classic Pub-style grub. (credit:joeleeduff via Instagram)
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