5 Things to Do in Ottawa, Canada

The Gothic Revival home of Canada's federal government, topped by the Peace Tower, with a summer changing-of-the-guard ceremony and free guided tours of the parliamentary buildings.

Good to know: Book the free Parliament tour in advance online — same-day spots are limited, especially in summer.

A UNESCO World Heritage waterway running through the heart of the city — in winter it transforms into the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink, and in summer it's a boat-cruise and cycling-path corridor.

Good to know: If visiting in winter, skating the canal (skate rentals available along the route) is the single most iconic Ottawa experience.

A historic market district of farmers' stalls, bars, and restaurants, home to the BeaverTails pastry stand that gave the fried-dough treat its name — a lively hub day and night.

Good to know: Try an actual BeaverTail pastry — it originated here and remains a genuine Ottawa food tradition, not just a tourist gimmick.

A major art museum best known from the outside for Maman, Louise Bourgeois's giant bronze spider sculpture, and inside for one of the world's largest collections of Canadian and Indigenous art.

Good to know: The Indigenous and Canadian art galleries are the museum's real strength — don't skip past them for the international collection alone.

Just across the river in Gatineau, Quebec, this museum's Grand Hall of towering Indigenous totem poles is one of the most striking single exhibits in Canada.

Good to know: It's technically in a different city (Gatineau) but a short walk/bus ride across the river from downtown Ottawa — well worth crossing for.