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Things to do in Ottawa:

1. Parliament Hill – As the seat to the government of Canada, this building is very imposing and it’s not to be missed. You can take a tour of the building and a guide will explain to you the building’s and Canada’s history. The grounds of the building are not to be missed either (no fees to walk around). Lots of photo opportunities here. Make sure to go up in the Peace Tower (free). The views from the top are spectacular, and it’s a real treat for any tourist or photographer.

2. Byward Market – This is a must see. The Byward is a complex which houses many stores that offer food, hand-made jewelry, clothes and other things. Do not miss the café at the north end; it can be a bit pricy but you will feel like you are in France, everyone is sitting down relaxed having a coffee/tea and a pastry. Take a walk around the area. Sometimes you may catch a free street show. The area becomes even more lively in the evening when people come for dinner and drinks.

3. Rideau Canal –  There is a path that goes along the river. In the summertime you can take a relaxing walk alongside it. It is quite safe at night as well, as there are many people walking, jogging or cycling. The Rideau canal is just as beautiful in the winter. Grab your skates (or rent) and glide on the frozen canal.

4. Canadian Tulip Festival – If you happen to be in Ottawa in May, make sure to see the Tulip Festival. Thousands of tulips are on display in the parks. The history behind this festival goes back to WWII. When the Germans invaded the Netherlands, Princess Juliana and her family sought refuge in Canada . Shortly after, the princess gave birth to a baby girl. The birth of Princess Margriet Francisca, the third daughter of Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard, was a symbol of hope and a source of inspiration for the Dutch who were fighting for their survival in Europe. The only royal baby ever born in North America, her birth created a living bond between the people of Canada and the Netherlands. To ensure the baby’s Dutch citizenship, the Canadian government temporarily ceded a room at the Ottawa Civic Hospital to the Netherlands. On January 19, 1943, the flag of the Netherlands flew on Parliament’s Peace Tower and Princess Margriet was born a Dutch citizen on Dutch soil in the safe haven of Canada. Once the war had ended, the people of the Netherlands and Princess Juliana sent the Canadian people many magnificent gifts, including 100,000 tulip bulbs to Canada’s Capital in gratitude for the involvement of Canadian troops in the liberation of the Netherlands. This event inspired the creation of the annual Tulip Festival, with the first one being held in 1953.

5. Rideau Hall – Rideau Hall is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada (the Queen’s representative to Canada). Located on Sussex Drive, Rideau Hall is the largest official residence in Canada’s Capital Region and the only one open to the public. You can walk around the residence’s beautiful grounds. Guide tours of the residence and of the grounds are offered year-round and are free of charge. Each tour lasts 45 minutes. The grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to one hour before sunset.

6. Fairmont Chateau Laurier – This elegant hotel is located on the banks of the Rideau Canal, close to Parliament Hill.  The Fairmount Chateau Laurier was officially opened on June 12, 1912 by one of Canada’s great Prime Ministers, Sir Wilfred Laurier.

7. Canada Day Celebrations – On July 1^st of every year since 1867, in celebration of Canada’s national day, Ottawa organizes the biggest celebration in the country. Around Parliament Hill you will have the chance to see the changing of the guard, RCMP Mounties and many people dressed in red and white. There are also many shows on the main stage.

8. Rideau Center – In the mood for shopping? This is the main shopping center of Ottawa, close to Parliament Hill and Byward Market.

9. MosAika – This light show is a recent innovation which happens at night. Against the Parliament Building will be featured Canadian images of history. This is really one of the highlights It runs for about 30 minutes.  sitting on the lawns of Parliament. it on a blanket on a summer evening and see the light show on the Parliament Building.

10. Laurier House – This historic residence served as the Prime Minister’s home before 24 Sussex Drive (the current residence of the Prime Minister). The entrance costs only $3.90. The tour is very informative and you will be impressed by the décor and memorabilia.

11. Notre Dame Basilica – The work on the building’s structure was conducted between 1841 and 1865, and the interior ornamentation, from 1876 to 1885. The cathedral is the oldest surviving church in Ottawa. It stands on the site that was occupied by the first Catholic chapel open to both anglophones and francophones of Bytown. In 1999, the Cathedral underwent a major restoration. This was the first phase of a multi-year project.

12. Alexandra Bridge – This bridge was constructed in 1898. The pedestrian walkway gives you great views of Parliament Hill and the Museum of Civilization on the Quebec side and is a perfect place to take pictures. Watch out for cyclists that use part of the path.