These family-friendly Tips For Visiting Ottawa Ontario will help make your visit to Ottawa with kids a little easier (not that it’s all that hard really). There’s lots of family activities in Ottawa year round. And a little something for everyone no matter the budget big or small…
Tips For Visiting Ottawa Ontario
You want to tour the Parliament Centre block building (it’s free but you have to get a ticket from the tourism office across the street from the main Parliament building). The tours are available in French or English. And yes, I took my then 14 year old, 12 year old, 4 year old and they all walked away with a bit of knowledge. As a free add on to the tour you can go up to the Peace Tower (the wait for the elevator can be long – so maybe better for older kids).
On the day your tour Ottawa’s Parliament buildings (it only takes about an hour) – do an aquabus tour. Yes, it’s a paid tour of land and water (think of it as investing in your visit). Totally worth it. You’ll see a good overview of the downtown core and then cruise the water (great picture opps!). My kids LOVED it.
Of course, the famous Rideau Canal is a must see – in both winter and summer. It’s is a prime walking place in winter and super popular for skating in the winter.
Among my Tips for visiting Ottawa Ontario – this one is a must…go to the Canadian Museum of History (actually not in Ottawa but located in Hull, Quebec – but no worries – it’s about a 10 minute drive from the Ottawa city centre so not a grand detour at all). It is a FANTASTIC museum complete with kids area (very hands-on – my kids really enjoyed visiting this museum).
Byward Market is a fun foodie spot. Walking distance from the Parliament buildings – you’ll find artisans, food sellers, and restaurants to tempt your taste buds. And you can’t leave Ottawa without eating a beaver tail – which you’ll find at Byward Market (a beaver tail is a cake-like flat pastry treat – you can choose to have it smeared with cinnamon, sugar, Nutella, chocolate, and more).
We are considering going to Toronto this summer. I haven’t been in years and would love to go back.
Robin – I can give you loads of Toronto tips! 🙂
I’ve never been to Ottawa! But the parliment centre block looks like so much fun!
One of these days I am going to visit Canda 🙂 Just have not gotten there yet.
I have been to Ottawa many times since it is only a couple of hours away. The tulip festival in May is a sight to see. I would also suggest the Canadian War Museum.
I’ve heard the Canadian War Museum is something to be seen – unfortunately it was closed when we went – we’ll have to be sure to see it on our next visit.
Great tips, this looks like a wonderful place to visit. Wonder how far from me in NH it is .. will have to look! I believe it may be a day trip or less!
Worth a day trip (or even an over-nighter).
It sounds like there are lots of fun places to visit in Ottawa. I would love to go there someday and check it out. The Aquabus tour sounds really interesting. 🙂
I have never been to Canada before. It was a consideration though for a trip this summer.
Canada is a great place to visit. Friendly people, good food, and lots to see.
The aquabus tour sounds really cool! I would definitely be taking these tips with me, if I ever visit! THANKS!
I love visiting Ottawa. My sister lives there and we visit her often. I love all the museum’s.
I want to visit Byward market in the summer.
Sadly, I’ve never been to Canada either! There’s so much to see and do (and eat). 2016 is my year!
Come up! 🙂
I would love to get to Canada some day. The Parliament sounds like a great experience!
Honestly, I didn’t think my kids would like the Parliament tour – but it kept everyone’s attention.
I’ve never been, but these tips are definitely appreciated if I’m ever able to make it up north! Thanks!
If ever you make it up north – do visit Ottawa – it’s a great city.
Ottawa is a place that I have really enjoyed visiting. It is great to better understand just where and how our government works. Other than the Parliament Buildings our favourite visit was to Canada Aviation and Space Museum