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Parliament Hill and Buildings
1h
Walk the grounds of Canada's Parliament, see the Peace Tower and Centennial Flame, and take classic photos of the Gothic Revival buildings.
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National War Memorial
20m
Visit the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Confederation Square, with views of the Fairmont Château Laurier and the Senate of Canada Building.
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Rideau Canal National Historic Site
30m
Walk beside the eight Ottawa Locks, where the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River. In summer, watch boats pass through the hand-operated locks.
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Major's Hill Park
30m
Stroll Ottawa's oldest park for one of the best views of Parliament Hill, with the National Gallery of Canada, the giant Maman spider sculpture and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica nearby.
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Kiweki Point Lookout
30m
Take in sweeping views of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River and Gatineau from this hilltop lookout, one of the city's best photo spots. It is also Ottawa's favourite place to watch the sunset; ask to finish your day here at sunset.
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ByWard Market
45m
Explore one of Canada's oldest public markets, with a coffee or tea stop (included), local maple products, artisan shops and time to try a BeaverTails pastry.
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Rideau Hall
1h
Stroll the grounds of the Governor General's residence and see trees planted by royals and world leaders.
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Rockcliffe Park Pavillion
Pass by
Drive through Ottawa's most exclusive neighbourhood of embassies and grand estates, with a photo stop at the Rockcliffe Lookout over the Ottawa River.
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Gatineau Park
1h
Cross into Quebec for lunch in the village of Old Chelsea (own expense), then visit Pink Lake and Champlain Lookout for views over the Ottawa Valley. In winter this is replaced by the Rideau Canal Skateway or the Canadian Museum of Nature.
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Canadian Museum of History
1h · Admission ticket not included
Visit this landmark museum, housed in a striking curved building designed to look like an ocean-going canoe. Enjoy the famous riverfront view of Parliament Hill from the Quebec side. With a ticket (not included), step into the Grand Hall to see a large collection of historic totem poles and six house fronts, each created by artisans from a different Indigenous culture of Canada's Pacific Northwest, with panoramic windows over the Ottawa River.
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Hog's Back Falls
30m
Stop at Hog's Back Falls, where the Rideau River tumbles over rocky cascades beside the historic Hog's Back locks of the Rideau Canal. A short walk leads to the best viewpoints over the falls.
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National Gallery of Canada
1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
Explore Canada's national art collection, from Canadian and Indigenous art to international masterpieces and photography, in a striking glass building on Sussex Drive. Don't miss Maman, the giant bronze spider at the entrance. Closed Mondays.
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Royal Canadian Mint
45m · Admission ticket not included
Optional (choose as your 2-hour experience): Take a 45-minute guided tour of the Mint's historic Ottawa headquarters. Look down on the production floor, learn how coins are designed and made, discover the Mint's gold refining technology and see the record-breaking Million Dollar Coin. Tickets must be booked in advance.
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Canadian Museum Of Nature
1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
Step inside a castle-like heritage building to see dinosaur skeletons, giant whale skeletons and an Arctic gallery. A great choice for families. Closed Tuesdays.
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Old Port of Montreal
Pass by
14-hour option only (Mont-Tremblant day trip): Explore the colourful pedestrian village at the foot of the Laurentian Mountains, with shops, cafes and lakeside views of Lac Tremblant. Ride the panoramic gondola to the summit for sweeping views (gondola ticket not included).
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Mont Tremblant
Pass by
14-hour option only (Mont-Tremblant day trip): Explore the colourful pedestrian village at the foot of the Laurentian Mountains, with shops, cafes and lakeside views of Lac Tremblant. Ride the panoramic gondola to the summit for sweeping views (gondola ticket not included).
