Things to do in Ottawa

What to expect in Ottawa

The things-to-do selection is led by Museums and Tours, so the city suits visitors who prioritise cultural visits with some guided experiences alongside them. Museums tend to be the most affordable entry point while Tours offer a wider price spread and more premium choices. Booking demand peaks in August and is quietest in February, which affects how busy attractions and tours feel at those times.

Choosing which experiences to book

The main decision is whether you want wallet-friendly museum visits or more varied guided tours: Museums typically around USD 16 are the most affordable way in, while Tours typically around USD 90 offer the widest range and can reach higher prices. For straightforward, predictable pricing there’s little room to shop around with Museums — they sit at a steady entry-level price — whereas Tours have both accessible options and upper-end choices.

If you need to fill short gaps in an itinerary, Museums are the simple, low-cost choice; for travellers after a fuller experience or specialised themes, Tours provide the variety. The Tours usual range USD 63 – 92 shows where that variety sits between entry-level and upper-end offerings.

When travellers typically book

Most travellers book very close to travel time, typically 0 days ahead, so last-minute planning is common rather than months of lead time. The earliest planners reserve about 14 days ahead, and that extra cushion is most useful in August when demand peaks.

How prices stack up across categories

The table below shows how the city's top categories compare on price so you can place a budget before choosing.

Typical price is the median paid on Klook; the usual range covers the middle half of bookings, so cheaper and pricier options exist outside it; prices are shown with their currency code. Based on Klook booking data, August 2025 – July 2026.