5 Sightseeing Activities in Ottawa, Canada

If you are taking a trip to Canada and have the opportunity to visit Ottawa, do it. Ottawa is the capital of Canada and has a long, rich culture that attracts tourists from around the world each year. In addition to learning about the city’s history, there are lots of fun activities you can do with friends and family. To give you an idea of some of the things you can do whilst visiting this wonderful city, we will go through some of the most popular attractions people love to do here.

Parliament Hill

First up on this list is Parliament Hill, where Canada’s government is based; however, there is much more to do here than learn about the country’s political history. It has become a community and cultural hub that hosts fun activities for people of all ages. One great example is the yoga session often held on the grounds outside the parliament, where hundreds of people come together to enjoy a stretch in the company of others. Other fun activities include light and sound shows, where stories are projected onto the buildings and people can sit and watch them with friends and family.

If you want a more traditional activity, you can take a trip up the Peace Tower and enjoy 360-degree views of the entire city and watch the Changing of the Guard. You can also go on tours and learn about the history of the buildings dating back hundreds of years. Ottawa as a city sees visitors from all different backgrounds, from those travelling long distances with a private jet charter to those who have come on road trips from neighbouring cities. There is an unmistakable buzz about the city, which makes people visit again to enjoy the unique environment of Ottawa.

Canadian War Museum

Up next is the Canadian War Museum, which is located next to the Ottawa River. The building is hard to miss with its flat roof and wing sticking out the top. Inside the museum, you can learn about the history of the country’s conflicts and take in some fantastic exhibits on show. You can find everything from old war tanks, weapons, and military vehicles from different wars, which have been preserved for you to see and learn about.

In addition to the equipment that was once used in the wars that Canada participated in, there are also many different artworks to enjoy. With over 330 fascinating art pieces, you can travel through time and understand how different art styles have evolved throughout Canada’s history.

The national arts centre

If you want to enjoy a performance whilst on a trip to Ottawa, visit The National Arts Centre. Being one of Canada’s most popular performing arts venues, you will surely find something you will enjoy watching. Over 600 performances take place here every year from some of the most talented performers in all of Canada as well as talents from other countries and even touring shows.

From dance and music performances to theatre, the options are vast. If you think attending a performance at The National Arts Centre is something you would enjoy, don’t hesitate to book your tickets well in advance as it is common for some popular shows to sell out quite quickly. You can find a list of the performances that will take place each day, allowing you to plan your trip around specific dates that align with the shows you want to see.

National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada is home to over 75,000 pieces of artwork that you can enjoy as you walk around the magnificent building. There are so many different types of art on show here, from Inuit sculptures to modern art from the present day. It is a great day out for adults and children, with exhibits that all ages can appreciate. The National Gallery of Canada also offers a unique opportunity to learn about some of Canada’s most famous artists.

Canadian Museum of History

The last activity on this list is a trip to the Canadian Museum of History – an impressive building filled with even more amazing displays. Here you can learn all about dinosaurs, the different species found in the lakes and Oceans, and how the earth formed. There is so much to see here that you could easily wander around, taking in all the fantastic exhibits. One of the most popular things people see at the Canadian Museum of History is the complete skeleton of a blue whale, the largest animal on planet Earth.

So there you have it; now you know some of the most popular things to see and do if you visit the wonderful city of Ottawa. From the fascinating museums to the exceptional performing arts venue and the famed Parliament Hill, you will have endless fun activities for you and your family to enjoy.