2-Day Ottawa, Ontario Itinerary on a Shoestring Budget

  1. Day 1: Rideau Canal and ByWard Market
    Starting Point: Parliament Hill
    Time and Distance Estimates from Last Destination: 15 minutes (1.2 miles)

    Rideau Canal: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a beautiful spot for a morning walk or bike ride. During winter, it transforms into the world's largest outdoor ice rink. The canal is surrounded by numerous parks, where you can have a picnic or take a break.

    ByWard Market: One of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, situated in the heart of the city. Enjoy fresh local produce, gourmet foods, and unique artisan products. The market comes alive with street performers and live music every weekend.

  2. Day 2: National Gallery of Canada and Canadian War Museum
    Starting Point: ByWard Market
    Time and Distance Estimates from Last Destination: 25 minutes (1.8 miles)

    National Gallery of Canada: Housing the country's finest collections of Canadian and international art, this museum has over 40,000 works of art and iconic pieces like the Maman spider sculpture. Don't miss out on the stunning views of the city from the glass tower.

    Canadian War Museum: Learn about the country's military history through interactive exhibitions and displays. Discover the tanks, artillery, and aircraft used during battles and outdoor exhibitions of military vehicles are available for exploration.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Rideau Canal (1-2 hours, free)
  • ByWard Market (1-2 hours, $)
  • National Gallery of Canada (2-3 hours, $)
  • Canadian War Museum (2-3 hours, $)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $20-$30 CAD

Useful tips:

If you have more time, you can add the following to your itinerary:

  • Parliament Hill - take a free tour of Canada's political hub and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony (1-2 hours, free)
  • Peace Tower - climb up to the observation deck for a bird's eye view of Ottawa (30 mins, $)
  • Bytown Museum - discover the history of the city and the Rideau Canal (1-2 hours, $)

If you have less time, you can subtract the Canadian War Museum and/or National Gallery of Canada from the itinerary.

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