Immerse yourself in Canadian culture and history by visiting Canadian Museum of History. Learn about Canada's aboriginal people, Canadian confederation, and marvel at the impressive view of Parliament Hill across the Ottawa River.
Spend the day in the city at Parliament Hill, the center of Canada's democracy. Get an inside look of the Parliament buildings, go behind the Peace Tower clock face or simply enjoy the enchanted garden. In the afternoon, take a 50-minute guided boat tour of Ottawa River and Rideau Canal. End the day at ByWard Market, a pedestrian-friendly area that features food, entertainment, and shopping.
Take a morning walk in the Central Experimental Farm, a working farm that includes gardens, ornamental displays, and water features. The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum are both part of the complex and create an opportunity for learning about Canada's farming past and present. Head to Parc Omega, an hour's drive north of Ottawa, and observe Canadian wildlife up-close, including moose, caribou, and wolves.
It's preferable to explore downtown Ottawa on foot, and most of the destination is accessible by walking. Taking a ride-share or taxi to Parc Omega is recommended. Ottawa/Gatineau offers public transportation via buses and light rail which allows for accessibility throughout the surrounding suburban areas. The total transportation cost is estimated to be $50 CAD.
Those with more time can visit the National Gallery of Canada, the Rideau Canal, or the Canadian War Museum. Visitors with fewer days can shorten their itinerary by skipping Parc Omega and/or the Canadian Museum of History.
Most visitors will fly into Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), located approximately 10 kilometers south of Ottawa's city center. During peak travel times, it is recommended to check-in at least two hours before the flight's departure time to avoid potential delays.