When I tell my American friends that I live in Ottawa, I am usually combined with a humble node – or a shocking stagnation. There is no discussion similar to the capital of Canada Toronto Or MontrealAnd clearly, it is undesirable. I was born and raised here, but like many millenniums, I once believed that culture lived somewhereAt the age of 21, I moved to Italy in search of something more exciting, only to feel – and an epidemic) – that what I left behind was really everything I gave: Summer in the lake, bike with a canal, and a city that silently balances nature and culture in a way.

In Ottawa, you can pedalboard across the city canal and finally enjoy one of the country’s best tasting menu. With your mixture of historical sites, green -fed places and a vibrant (and growing) food, you do not need to choose between the best and allowances of a city.

From living in a storybook cheto for cocktails on the city’s tallest roof, it provides enough glamor to surprise you – and more than enough attraction to you to come back.

Best Hotel and Resorts

Fairmont Cheto Laorier

Out of a fairy tale directly, Fairmont Cheto Laorier One of the most recognizable sites in Ottawa is – and a national historical site in Canada. Opened in 1912, this grand railway-era hotel mixes the elegance of the old world with an unbeatable place: Step from Parliament Hill and Around the Redu Canal, and the city’s top museums and restaurants. Inside, you get tiffany stained glass windows, Belgian marble floors, and gothic architecture that shakes the head for the silhouette like your palace.

Andaz Ottawa byward Market

Celebrating Canadian culture, artists and artisans, MannerA modern luxury hotel from the Hyatt collection, proudly stocked the local art, the minibers with regional behaviors, and the standout dining. The feast + Rewell serves inventive new Canadian food, while copper souls and places – the highest roof bar of Ottawa – shrubbed visual and specialized cocktails.

Melkaf

This stylish boutique hotel Fully located – the bus is a short walk from Parliament Hill and Build Market. A historic is located in the 1906 building, which is originally operated as a YMCA (and once Sir George-A.T.Neen Cartier’s residence, father of the Confederation), it was converted into a hotel in 2017. On the site, cocote bistro french-inspired brunch, lunch, and dinner, are available throughout the day.

The best things to do

Explore Gatinue Park.

With more than 120 miles accessible, dog -friendly hiking trails, this is no surprise Gatinue park The country has been the most visited. This is a dream for outdoor adventures: canoe, kayak, or padalboard on lacquer or lac pach Pach; Kill biking or mountain biking trails; Or spend the night under the stars – be sure to book camps in just months, as they fill fast.

Cyculate the capital route and the Redu Canal.

A nominated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Redu Canal Was built in 1832 and is known for its role as the world’s largest skating rink during winter. But come in summer, it turns into a beautiful corridor for the search of the city. As Tobi NusbamThe Chief Executive Officer of the National Capital Commission, says, “As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Riddy Canal is a defined characteristic of the capital region of Canada. Navigating through its historical locks, swimming on the lake of the dow, resting into a waterfront bistro, or walking on the capital route, or walking on the capital route. ,

Climb the walk, bike, or in-line skate along with it-or water with canoe, kayak, or padboard. Dow’s lake pavilion is available in the pavilion, making it easier to spend a few hours, soaking ideas and getting easier to pass through major city sites.

Test your nerve in the aerial park of arbraska.

Calling all thrills: Arbraska lafleche Is your forest playground? Zip through trees, cross the suspended bridges, swing into the rope mesh, and win the high-up barrier courses designed to pursue your boundaries. Once you hold your breath, underground head to detect the largest tourism-solid cave in the Canadian shield.

Relax in Nordic Spa Village.

After all those excursions, treat yourself with the largest thermal spa in North America-Nordic spa village Chelsea, in Quebec, on just 20 minutes drive from the city of Ottawa. Spend the day between salt water floating pools (one of only two in the world), steam -offgrown rituals, and unique experiences such as more than 10 sauna and steam rooms. You will also get all the classic spa remedies, including massage, facials and mani-pedis.

Best restaurant

Riviera

Once a jewelry shop and later Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Riviera There is a striking art deco space that leaves the old school glamor. Eating here seems to have a step in another, more elegant era. The menu includes items such as stake frights, freshly made pasta and a huge seafood plaater. It is a Go-Two for a stylish night, so reservation should be one.

supply and demand

Relaxation and comfortable, supply and demand Do you return to the kind of place for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you want a delicious food. A neighborhood preferred for more than a decade in Westboro, it is known to focus on seafood and home-made pasta. Expect the seep and seasonal cuisine shook freshly which keep returning regularly.

factory

Among the four Ottawa restaurants shown in the 100 Best Restaurant list of Canada, factory The highest rank – and it’s easy to see why. This border-washing spot serves a multicourse menu that celebrates modern Canadian dishes with seasonal, artistic dishes. It is a luxurious at $ 250 per person, but for courageous dinner, it is worth every bite.

The best time to travel

Ottawa is alive in spring and summer. As soon as the ice melts – even if there is still a little sluggish on the ground – you will spot the local people to peel and move outwards. From April to October, the city is in full swing: This is a peak season for hiking, biking and walking with a red canal, which changes trees and wildflover in a succulent, curved footpath from a frozen skating path.

It is also a festival season in Ottawa. Can burst into bloom Canadian Tulip Festival (Generally in the middle, early May), the Commissioners Park, Dow Lake, Major Hill Park and the Redu Canal – show more than a million tulips – it is the world’s largest tulip festival.

June brings not one but two major concerts: Migration music ceremonyWhich fills the city with EDM fans and high-energy performance, and Ottawa jazz festivalA mixture of large-nam acts and intimate concerts programs at the Confederation Park.

Then in July, it’s time Otawa bluzafestOne of the country’s largest outdoor music festivals, known for the liberal lineup of international stars.

how to get there

Ottawa is surprisingly easy-1.5-hour flight from major American cities like New York, Boston and Washington, DC and about two hours flight from Chicago. Flying is faster than driving, especially since the Ottawa International Airport (Yow) is just 20 minutes away from the city. It is a small, well-run airport, which means quick arrival, small safety lines, and car fare or easy access to ride-shares.

How to go around

Buses and light rail

You do not need a car to detect the city’s public transit system Ottawa -OC Transpo, making it easier to go around. It includes a safe and reliable network of buses and light rail trains, known as O-training, which covers most parts of the city.

Line 1 (Confederation Line) runs east-west via the downtown core, connects major hubs such as Parliament Hill, Ready Center and Ottawa University. It is fast, frequent and ideal for traveling or coming to sightseeing across the city.

Line 2 and the new airport link opened again in 2025 and connected the city’s South End and Ottawa International Airport to the main system – if you are living outside or flying you are out.

A single rent is $ 4 CAD and includes a 90 -minute travel time. Day pass and weekend family passes are also available. You can download the OC Transpo app for real -time updates and root planning.

Ride-sharer and taxi

Both Uber and Lyft are available with local taxis at Ottawa. They are especially useful for late night travel or are not reaching places easily by public transit like Nordic Spa village. Just keep in mind that the surge pricing can kick during crowds or large events.

Riding and riding bike

Downtown Ottawa compact, safe and easy to walk, so it is very good for families or no car without any car. The city is also a bike-friendly, which has a bike path with the ridue canal and the Ottawa River. Hire a bike, or hold an e-scooter from lime during a warm months.

Hire a car

Ottawa is in Ontario, but it is the range of French speaking province of Quebec and just a quick 10–15 minute drive from the city. If you plan to cross in the Nordic Spa village for a day for a day, or a hike in Gatinue Park – a car is your best bet. Major rental companies like enterprise and budget work outside both Ottawa International Airport and the city. Be sure to reserve in advance, especially on weekends or during extreme travel season, availability can go quickly.