You can’t resist the charms of Canada’s capital. Friendly and polite, welcoming and relaxed, Ottawa reflects this country’s best characteristics. A calming canal twists its way through town, its banks lined with parks, its waters inviting summer boat rides or winter ice skaters. Imposing Parliament Hill might dominate here, but so do craft breweries, open-air markets and world-class museums.
Visit Ottawa: get started
Ottawa is one of the best cities in Canada for family vacations. Plan things to do in Ottawa with the kids, like visiting the National Gallery of Canada or walking by the Rideau Canal. Once you’ve checked off sightseeing, enjoy a stay at the best places thanks to our Ottawa packages that include flight and hotel.
Ottawa travel guide
Destination facts
Language
Officially English and French
What to bring back
A selfie with the Prime Minister! But seriously, craft beers from nearby Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co., the Tooth and Nail Brewery or the Kichesippi Beer Company and Canadian must-haves from the Canada in a Basket shop or the Parliamentary Boutique.
What to eat
Tasty delights and local produce from every stall at the ByWard Market, all-day Canadian breakfast at Flapjack’s Canadian Diner and treats from the 60 food trucks peppered across the city.
Fun fact
Ottawa might only rank seventh coldest capital in the world (beaten by hotspots like Mongolia’s Ulaan-Baatar and Finland’s Helsinki), but it wins top prize for the world’s longest skating rink with the Rideau Canal, which is 202 kilometres long with an 8-kilometre skateway.
Important info
For more information on all necessary travel documents and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page.
