Our nation's capital is more than meets the eye. No matter your interest whether it be history, nature, culture, politics, or anything in between, you'll find something that speaks to you in Ottawa.

Parliament Hill

You don't have to be a politics buff to take something away from a tour of historic Parliament Hill. Tours are free and allow you to explore the Senate, House of Commons, and East Block while learning about the fascinating history that took place right where you're standing from the knowledgeable tour guides. During the summer you'll have the opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony complete with the iconic crisp red uniforms and bearskin hats. We recommend everyone to give Parliament Hill a try at least once if they get the chance.

The Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is up there with the most iconic landmarks in Ottawa. The canal has become ingrained in the culture of the city with kayaks, paddleboards, and electric boats gliding past Parliament in the summer along with bikers riding the canal pathway. In the winter that same water freezes over and becomes the world's largest naturally maintained skating rink with some commuters opting for a skate to work over the Ottawa traffic. The totally different atmosphere and activities in winter and summer make the canal something you'll want to visit more than just once.

ByWard Market

Now over two centuries old, the ByWard Market continues to be the beating heart of downtown Ottawa. During the warm summer month's the ByWard Market runs as a farmer's market with produce and flower vendors along with the smell of fresh maple treats in the air. Once the sun goes down the vibe shifts and the whole neighbourhood comes out for a good time. Restaurants and patios fill up as people enjoy fantastic food and drinks and the market district becomes one of the livelier nightlife spots in the city.

Ottawa's Museums

Checking out a museum might not sound like the most exciting activity but Ottawa is sure to change your mind on that. The Canadian Museum of History pulls in north of 1.2 million visitors per year and this isn't just thanks to its location. Housing over 20,000 years of human history, a state of the art IMAX theatre, and a children's museum all inside one building.

The Canadian War Museum sits right along the Ottawa River and provides an in depth look at the brave men and women who defend our country and what they have had to endure. Filled with tanks, uniforms, artifacts, and first hand accounts, this is one of the most honest historical experiences you can get in Canada.

For those travelling with little ones, the Canada Science and Technology Museum and the Canadian Museum of Nature are both safe bets. The Canada Science and Technology Museum is filled with artifacts, displays, experiments, hands-on exhibitions, and more making for a fun and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. The Museum of Nature has over 10 million specimens as well as hands-on exhibits that are sure to keep the kids occupied for a few hours.

Gatineau Park

Just fifteen minutes from downtown, Gatineau Park is an often overlooked gem in the city. This 361 square kilometer conservation park is managed by the National Capital Commission and is known for its biodiversity, over 200km of multi use trails, breathtaking lookout points like Champlain Lookout, as well as the historic McKenzie King Estate. You don't have to be a master outdoorsman to fall in love with the beautiful scenery you witness on a clear day. You can checkout the different trails on their website to help plan out your adventure. 

Where to Actually Sleep While You Do All This

When visiting Ottawa you'll need a solid home base to land in at the end of the day and Brookstreet stands out from the pack as the ideal choice. Based in Kanata, the hotel is far enough removed from the downtown core that elements such as traffic, noise, and crowds are virtually non existent. This isn't to say you'll be spending your evening in the middle of nowhere as the Brookstreet is only a short drive from every attraction we have mentioned. The hotel itself offers guests a chance to unwind at the Au Naturel Spa, play a round on the Marshes, grab a meal at Perspectives or Options, a pool, and more! 

Book your stay with us today and explore all that our nation's capital has to offer.