Drop bags at the Ottawa Marriott front desk (early check-in rarely guaranteed; luggage hold is free) and grab an inexpensive coffee and continental breakfast at the hotel's café — typical hotel breakfast hours are ~6:30AM–10:00AM so check on arrival.
Stroll 8–12 minutes to Parliament Hill to photograph the Centre Block and Peace Tower and learn about Canada's institutions from the exterior grounds; indoor guided tours have seasonal hours and may be limited in winter, so confirm online if you want an interior tour.
A short walk from Parliament, Major's Hill Park offers scenic views of the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal and is a pleasant winter walk for photos and fresh air.
Explore the ByWard Market food stalls for budget options — try a shawarma or a BeaverTails pastry for a classic Ottawa treat; many vendors open by late morning.
Head to the National Gallery to view major Canadian and international artworks; typical hours are around 10:00AM–5:00PM (Thursdays sometimes extended), so check current hours before visiting.
Return to ByWard Market to browse affordable souvenir stalls, specialty food shops and local artisans — easy walking and window shopping for shoestring budgets.
Walk to the Rideau Canal Skateway (seasonal) for either skating if the canal is open or a scenic winter walk along the towpath; the skateway surface is free but skate rentals run ~CAD15 if you don't bring your own.
Grab a filling bagel sandwich or snacks at Kettleman's Bagel Co. (many locations) for a cheap, satisfying dinner; open late in many locations but check hours for the nearest outlet.
Finish the night with a short, peaceful walk along the illuminated Rideau Canal back toward the Marriott — a low-cost way to enjoy Ottawa's winter atmosphere.
Start with an affordable breakfast in the hotel café or grab a takeaway coffee from the lobby café; typical service begins around 6:30AM–7:00AM so you can get an early start.
Cross the Alexandra Bridge on foot for nice river views and visit the Canadian Museum of History to learn about Canada's peoples and cultural history; typical hours are ~9:00AM–5:00PM in winter, so arrive early to maximize time.
Eat at the museum café for convenience or walk into Gatineau/Back to ByWard Market for budget options; museum cafés offer affordable set lunches and soups in winter.
Return to Ottawa and visit the Canadian War Museum to explore exhibits on Canada's military history and its global connections; winter hours are typically ~9:30AM–5:00PM so plan accordingly.
Walk or take a short bus to Lansdowne Park to enjoy window shopping, public spaces and historic grounds; this area is pleasant for a budget-friendly wander and often has affordable food vendors in winter.
Finish with a cheap local comfort meal like poutine from a market stall or another bagel sandwich; portions are filling and cost-effective for travelers on a shoestring budget.
If the skies are clear, take one last stroll along the canal or Major's Hill Park to enjoy quiet winter night views before returning to the Marriott — public observatories have limited hours, so check schedules if you hoped for a formal viewing.