Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is one of the best places to visit on a weekend trip from Montreal. It’s close, there are a ton of fun activities to do and there’s always something going on. This is why we created this round-up of all the best things to do on a weekend trip to Ottawa. Because with limited time, you want to stick to the best activities, no matter what time of year you visit.
We asked our favorite bloggers to tell us what their best activities to do on a weekend in Ottawa were. And here’s what they had to share about it. Hopefully, this will help you put together the best plan possible for a weekend getaway to Ottawa, no matter where you’re leaving from.
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Here’s what you need to know about Ottawa
Ottawa is located in the province of Ontario, in the southeast. It’s the capital of Canada and its selection predates the Confederation of Canada. It’s always been a city of significant importance, mainly due to its location on the Ottawa River, making it a popular route from when colonizers and settlers came to North America. Its close location to Quebec, Montreal and the US border makes it an easy stop on many routes.
The name Ottawa was chosen in 1855 as a reference to the river that bears the same name. The name is derived from the Algonquin adawe, which means “to trade” and the city’s modern name in the Algonquin language is Odàwàg. When looking at the history of this country, it’s always important to recognize the heritage of the First Nations people that lived here first.
Its prime location, the same reason that made Ottawa a hit back in the day, is what makes it so great today. It’s fairly close to a few major cities, including Montreal, which is why it’s such a great place to visit on a weekend trip. Plus, there is so much to do here, so let’s jump in!
10 best things to do in Ottawa on a weekend trip
Ottawa is one of those places you can visit from time to time, from season to season, and always find something new and exciting to do. With so many fun activities to choose from, and with limited time to visit, it may sometimes be hard to pick what to do on a 2-day getaway to Canada’s capital. That’s why we asked our favorite bloggers to let us know their top recommendations of things to do in Ottawa, on a weekend trip.
As always, these are some quick ideas of what to check out. Feel free to take these suggestions and make them your own. Create your own itinerary based on these amazing recommendations.
1. Skating on the Rideau Canal on a weekend getaway to Ottawa in the winter
Contributed by Amber from AmberEverywhere.com
Every winter in Ottawa, the Rideau Canal freezes over and is made available for locals and tourists alike to use as a massive skating rink that meanders through the city. The canal stretches for nearly 8 kilometers, meaning that you can “hop on and hop off” to see other sites in Ottawa, grab a bite to eat, or even just warm up in a cafe. The use of the canal as a skating rink is weather dependent, but it’s typically open from January to March. It’s one of the best things to do on a winter weekend in Ottawa.
Visiting the Rideau Canal is a fun activity for all sorts of groups, but it’s perhaps best suited to families and couples. Children will love the taffy maple syrup lollies available along the canal, while couples can bond over their inevitable skating wipeouts and blunders over hot cocoa.
You could skate all weekend on the canal (plenty of time to improve your skills), but most likely you’ll want to punctuate your time on the ice with warmer indoor stops. Bring a backpack so that you can contain all of your warm gear and street shoes while you’re on the ice. Skates are available to rent at the canal, but if you would like to skate for more than an hour or two you may want to head to Canadian Tire and grab a sturdier pair that you can take home.
The Rideau Canal is open to the public and accessible free of charge for 24 hours per day, 7 days per week throughout the winter months.
2. Visit the best museums on a rainy weekend in Ottawa
Contributed by Marianne from PastaPretzelsAndPassports.com
Ottawa is a vibrant city that is rich in history and culture. That said, one of the best things to do on a weekend in Ottawa is to visit one of its many world-class museums. This is one of the best weekend activities when it’s rainy in Ottawa.
Home to seven out of nine National Museums in Canada and several others, history enthusiasts will enjoy a wide variety of options to choose from in Ottawa. From admiring art in the National Gallery of Canada to learning about space and early flight at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, it will be difficult to decide which to visit first.
If you are traveling with younger children, check out the Canada Science and Technology Museum which has hands-on exhibits like their Crazy Kitchen which are perfect for kids. Or maybe visit the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, which has daily demonstrations of butter churning, ice cream making, and other family-friendly activities.
The majority of the museums are centrally located in downtown Ottawa, with many being less than a 10-minute drive from Parliament Hill. The museums are also fully accessible and can be enjoyed no matter what time of the year you choose to visit.
No matter which you choose to visit, the museums are comprehensive and well laid out, with many having seasonal or special exhibits that change throughout the year. You should plan to spend at least half a day, if not longer, at each museum.
And if you happen to be spending longer than a weekend in Ottawa, many of the museums offer free admission every Thursday night after 5 pm. This is the perfect opportunity to save some money while maybe squeezing in an extra museum to your visit.
3. Go on a canal cruise on any weekend in Ottawa, from May to October
Contributed by Mary from DiveIn.com
The Rideau Canal was built by the British Army to provide a secure route for military troops and supplies between Montreal and Kingston. Today, this historic waterway is a popular attraction for tourists who want to see Canada’s most famous canal. Visitors can take a scenic boat tour along the Rideau Canal while learning about its fascinating history.
There are many different ways to do a canal cruise:
Boat Tours – These are available from May through October and include scenic cruises along the Rideau Canal as well as dinner cruises. Some of these boats have bars on board where you can enjoy a drink or snack while watching the scenery go by, just make sure your things are stored safely in a good waterproof dry bag. If you want to get off the boat at any point during your tour they can provide transportation back to your starting point.
Rideau Canal Cruises – This company offers both narrated motorized cruises and more adventurous bike-powered excursions. They even have options for those with mobility issues.
Moyse’s Creek Boat Tour – This is just one of several options from this company, which also does bird-watching tours in Gatineau Park and other areas of Ontario. You can also rent kayaks if you want to explore on your own.
Canal Boat Rides – This company offers narrated motorized cruises from June to October and bicycle-powered excursions from May to September. Bike tours are available year-round, but only during daylight hours (no night tours).
4. Check out the Byward Market during a weekend trip to Ottawa
Contributed by Mia from WalkAWhileWithMe.com
While there is an abundance of delightful things to do in Ottawa on the weekend, one of the best things to do is to visit the Byward Market.
Established in 1826, the Byward Market is one of the oldest and biggest public markets in all of Canada. The Byward Market is the perfect place to shop, eat, and wander around with cute boutiques and incredible restaurants all in one spot!
Open 363 days of the year, it is the perfect place to visit regardless of who you’re traveling with; whether you’re with family, friends, your significant other, or alone, there is a myriad of ways to enjoy the market! Summer or winter, rain or shine, this is the perfect stop to add to your Ottawa weekend itinerary.
And as the Byward Market is located conveniently close to Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Ottawa Art Gallery, it is the perfect stop on a self-guided walking tour of Ottawa.
I recommend staying at the market for around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on whether you plan to enjoy some food while you’re there! For some Canadian cuisine, I definitely recommend trying a BeaverTails pastry and the poutine at ZUPS ByWard.
To learn more, check out the Byward Market website. While the different stores and restaurants open and close at different times, they are generally all open from 10 am to 5 pm.
5. Go hike in Gatineau park on a weekend in Ottawa
Contributed by Nina of OttawaThingsToDo.com
Gatineau Park is one of the best places to go for a hike in Ottawa. There are over 100 km of trails to explore, and you can find a trail to suit any level of fitness. The park is also a great place to enjoy the fall colors, and there are some excellent lookout points where you can get a panoramic view of the city.
If you’re planning a visit, the best time to go is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. The park is open year-round, but in winter it can be very cold and slippery, so make sure you’re prepared before setting out. Some of the roads within the park close during winter and act as snowshoe trails and cross-country skiing trails.
Gatineau Park is perfect for any visitor to Ottawa, but it’s especially loved by families and groups of friends looking for an outdoor adventure.
The shortest hikes can be done in half an hour, but more advanced trails like Luskville Falls require a few hours. It’s only 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa by car and free to hike (except in winter). If you need a pass for winter, book it at the official site here. In the fall, you can get to the park with a free shuttle from downtown Ottawa to see the epic foliage.
Most people don’t visit in winter, but it’s an underrated time to go. You can see peak Canadian snow levels, make snow angels, and even have snowball fights on the fields of trails like the Mackenzie King Estate ruins.
Tip: Not all trails allow dogs!
6. Go to Mooney’s Bay Beach to play volleyball in the summer in Ottawa
Contributed by Nina of NinaOutAndAbout.ca
Mooney’s Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Ottawa, and for good reason. It has a large sand area perfect for playing beach volleyball, as well as a children’s playground, picnic tables, and a wading pool.
The beach volleyball pits are for public use, but you will need to bring your own ball. It’s also pretty easy to join in on others’ games as Ottawa residents are incredibly friendly.
The beach is located on the Rideau River, so it’s a great place to cool off in summer. It’s also a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
If you’re visiting in summer, Mooney’s Bay Beach is open from June to September. The best time to visit is on a weekday, as it can get very crowded on weekends. However, if you arrive early in the morning, before 10 am, you will have the beach more to yourself. Or you can arrive in the evening, after 6 pm, to check out the gorgeous sunsets that are incredibly colorful! People who live in Ottawa tend to visit in spring before the summer crowds arrive and schools let out.
It’s perfect for families or groups of friends. Solo travelers may find it too loud and would prefer other beaches in the city.
You can get to Mooney’s Bay Beach by taking the OC Transpo bus number 7 from downtown. It’s about a 20-minute ride. It costs $3.25 per person. Otherwise, there is paid parking but it fills up quickly.
Tip: There are food trucks at the beach in summer, but they tend to be overpriced. Save your money and pack a lunch!
7. Check out the Parliament buildings on a weekend trip to Ottawa
Contributed by yours truly from wediditourway.com
One of the most visible landmarks in Ottawa is Parliament Hill. It’s also a landmark in Canadian history! So it’s no surprise that your weekend trip to Ottawa should involve visiting Parliament Hill, also known as The Hill.
Parliament Hill is located on the southern bank of the Ottawa River, in Downtown Ottawa. If you’re strapped for time, you can simply walk around it and the nearby parks to take in the views. It’s also super close to the pedestrian street and its bars, so it’s perfect if you want to make a light afternoon of it in the area.
The Parliament building is known for its architecture – this gothic style that stands out in the city. Originally, the site was home to a military base (way back in the 18th and early 19th centuries). But it was in 1859, when Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital of the Province of Canada, that the site became what it is today.
Around the central lawn of Parliament Hill, you can see the three buildings that house the most important government bodies in Canada. You have the Senate and Commons chambers which are located in the Center Block, fronted by the Peace Tower and the Library of Parliament. The East Block is where the offices of the ministers and senators are. And finally, the West Block is where the House of Commons is temporarily located. On the site of Parliament Hill, you can see the Centennial Flame burning, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation.
It is possible to visit Parliament Hill and its buildings on a guided tour. You can actually choose to visit either the House of Commons or the Senate. Tours are done in both English and French at different times. The tours last about 30 or 40 minutes, depending on which one you take. Tickets must be purchased at specific tour times. There are tours every hour, and they run between 8:40 am to 4:40 pm on weekends and weekdays. The tours don’t operate every day, so make sure you reserve ahead of time.
8. Check out the Winterlude festival on a winter weekend in Ottawa
Contributed by Marianne from TheJourneyingGiordanos.com
As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is an incredible place to visit anytime. But choose to spend a weekend in this vibrant city when a festival is happening, and you have got yourself the makings of a first-class vacation!
Although Ottawa is home to many seasonal festivals, from the popular Tulip Festival in May, to the exciting Dragon Boat Festival in June, the one that brings the most tourists to the city, is Winterlude.
Held the first three weeks of February, Winterlude is a family-friendly festival that turns Ottawa into a winter wonderland. With several different venues to explore, events to take part in and foods to try, Winterlude is a ton of fun for couples and families alike.
Winterlude is free to attend and even offers free shuttles from one venue to another. You should set aside a full weekend to be able to experience the entire festival, with 3 days being even better.
From ice skating on the Rideau Canal to admiring snow sculptures, trying your hand at dog sledding, or watching an ice carving demonstration, Winterlude is mostly an outdoor festival. So the biggest tip to take away from this post is to dress warm! Ottawa winters can be brutal, so layer up and be prepared for the chill!
When it’s time to warm up, many hotels, restaurants and pubs in the downtown area will also have special entertainment happening (like the Chilli cook-off in ByWard Market) that you may be interested in.
Other fun festivals in Ottawa
Here are some other cool festivals to check out in Ottawa – They run on weekdays and weekends, but make sure to check out their official site to get all the info:
- Ottawa Tulip Festival – Check out the details below for this May festival
- Ottawa Fringe Festival – This takes place every year in mid-June and runs for 10 days. Official site
- Ottawa Dragon boat festival – This also takes place in June and is a great family event. Official site
- Ottawa Chamberfest – Taking place in July and August, this festival has become one of the world’s largest music festivals for choir and chamber music. Official site
9. Head to Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea for a quick getaway during your weekend trip to Ottawa
Contributed by yours truly from wediditourway.com
Although the Nordik Spa-Nature is located in Quebec, it’s still a great place to visit from Ottawa. It’s a quick 20-minute drive away, making it the perfect place to hang out for a part of the day. The spa is located on the outskirts of Gatineau Park, nestled in the picturesque village of Old Chelsea. It’s the largest spa in North America. It has 10 outdoor baths, 9 saunas, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, a restaurant, a lounge and a Biërgarden with patios.
The spa’s main focus is relaxation and wellness through thermotherapy and relaxation techniques. They offer multisensory experiences, like the Aufguss ritual, a choreographed experience in a sauna that’s really something to witness. They also have the Kalla experience where you can float around in one of only two saltwater pools in America.
If you plan on visiting the spa on a weekend, we recommend heading there early in the morning, at the opening, or later in the evening. This way, you can have a bit more alone time, away from the crowds.
If you’d like to learn more about Nordik Spa-Nature and what to do in the area, we recommend you check out our full guide to Outaouais.
10. Check out the Dutch Tulips during the spring in Ottawa
Contributed by yours truly from wediditourway.com
Every year, around mid-May, the city of Ottawa is taken over by Tulip frenzy, also known as the Canadian Tulip Festival. It is said to be the world’s largest tulip festival. We visited the Netherlands, and can confirm that we have never seen as many tulips!
During this mid-May festival, over a million tulips are planted all around the city. The largest display of tulips is found in Commissioners Park on the shores of Dow’s Lake, and along the Rideau Canal with 300,000 tulips planted there alone. Every year, it is said that over 650,000 people come to visit Ottawa to see the tulips.
The reason there are so many tulips planted is that in 1945, the Dutch royal family sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa to thank the Canadians. During WW2, Canada provided shelter to the future Dutch Queen Juliana and her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Queen Juliana also gave birth to Princess Margaret at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, which is why they continued to send tulip bulbs for years after.
Since 2019, the main festival takes place at Commissioners Park. There, you can experience the largest amount of tulips and partake in the many activities they have going on.
When to visit Ottawa
Let’s be honest! Ottawa is a great place to visit, no matter the season. There’s simply so much to do here. Plus, you really do feel the change of seasons here, with four distinct seasons. That’s why we recommend going depending on your own personal preference for the temperature and what you’re looking forward to doing.
If you prefer hot summer days, visit between June and September. If you want a glimpse of the fall foliage and cooler temperatures, head there from mid-September to mid-October. November and December tend to be cooler, not always with snow, but definitely with no leaves on the trees. The winter months are cooler and snowier, but that’s when you can enjoy skating on the canal. As for spring, the leaves and flowers bloom, giving the city a desired change of air!
You can also take into account the different festivals taking place in the city to plan your weekend trip to Ottawa during that period. Or, you can look at the list of Holidays in the city so you have a chance to mingle with locals during their days off. Just note that during some holidays, museums, shops and activities may be closed.
Holidays in Ottawa
Here are a few Holidays you should be aware of that happen in Ottawa (and all of Ontario)
- New Year’s Day on January 1
- Ontario Family Day on the third Monday in February
- Good Friday which is on the Friday before Easter Sunday
- Victoria Day which is on the Monday before May 25
- Canada Day is on July 1. You can expect a ton of celebrations in Ottawa, as it is home to the Canadian Government
- Civic Holiday which is on the First Monday in August
- Labour Day creates the perfect long weekend on the First Monday in September
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which is on September 30
- Federally regulated workplaces only Fri, September 30 Sat, September 30 Mon, September 30
- Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday in October
- Christmas Day on December 25
Top 10 activities to do in Ottawa on a weekend
There you have it! The full round-up of all the best things to do on the weekend in Ottawa. Again, feel free to take this list and make it your own.
- Skate on the Rideau Canal
- Visit the best museums on a rainy day
- Go on a canal cruise
- Check out the ByWard Market
- Hike at Gatineau Park
- Go to Mooney’s Bay Beach to play volleyball
- Discover the Parliament buildings
- Check out the Winterlude festival
- Head to Nordik Spa-Nature, the largest spa in North America
- Check out the Dutch Tulips during the spring
Let us know if there are any other fun activities to include in our list. Are there any hidden gems we should know about? Which activity are you most looking forward to doing?
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