Things to do in Ottawa

Top things to do and when to visit

Ottawa’s visitors mainly book museums first, with guided tours as the next most popular choice. Demand follows a yearly rhythm where museum visits remain steady while tours see more peaks at certain times of the year.

Best activities for different traveller types

Families will find museums especially good — easy to access, budget-friendly and naturally suited to mixed-age groups. Couples can enjoy guided tours for a more curated, intimate look at the city’s highlights. Solo travellers or small groups also benefit from tours, which offer social, flexible ways to explore and a wider range of price points.

What travellers book ahead

What travellers from Global book ahead Most things in Ottawa can be picked up with short notice, so there’s flexibility if your trip is under a week; still, the earliest planners typically reserve around two weeks ahead. Booking earlier pays off most during the city’s peak months when demand rises.

Comparing categories: price and who they suit

Museums are the easiest way in for budget-conscious visitors, with generally low, entry-level prices and straightforward options for families and casual visitors. Tours sit at the higher end and show the widest spread of prices, ranging from mid-range to premium experiences; they suit couples and small groups looking for curated, social or thematic exploration. Together, museums and tours cover both affordable entry-level visits and more varied, pricier options for travellers seeking depth.