Ottawa in 3 days

Canada's stately capital: Parliament Hill, canal skating and world-class museums. Best time to visit: May-October (mild) and February (Winterlude). Average daily budget: $130 to $280 CAD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Parliament Hill & Downtown, The government core with Parliament, museums, hotels and the Rideau Canal.

Morning: Tour Parliament Hill. Free guided tours of the Centre Block and Senate, plus the Changing of the Guard in summer and Northern Lights show.

Afternoon: Explore Parliament Hill & Downtown, The government core with Parliament, museums, hotels and the Rideau Canal.

Evening: Visit the national museums. The Museum of History, National Gallery, War Museum and Museum of Nature are among Canada's best.

Eat: BeaverTail pastries on the canal

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: ByWard Market, The city's oldest and liveliest neighbourhood, packed with restaurants, bars, cafés and a farmers' market.

Morning: Walk or skate the Rideau Canal. A UNESCO World Heritage waterway; skate in winter (world's largest rink) or stroll and bike in summer.

Afternoon: Explore ByWard Market, The city's oldest and liveliest neighbourhood, packed with restaurants, bars, cafés and a farmers' market.

Evening: Eat through ByWard Market. Grab a BeaverTail pastry, browse the market, and dine in one of the city's most atmospheric districts.

Eat: Poutine and Canadian craft beer

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: The Glebe, A leafy, walkable residential area with indie shops, cafés and Lansdowne Park.

Morning: Day-trip to Gatineau Park. A short drive across the river brings you to lakes, hiking and legendary autumn colours.

Afternoon: Explore The Glebe, A leafy, walkable residential area with indie shops, cafés and Lansdowne Park.

Evening: The Diefenbunker Cold War museum in Carp.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: ByWard Market bistros and cafés

Hidden gems

The Diefenbunker Cold War museum in Carp.
Tulips throughout the city during May's festival.
Sunset from Nepean Point behind the National Gallery.
The Château Laurier's grand lobby and afternoon tea.

Getting around

Downtown Ottawa is very walkable, and OC Transpo buses plus the O-Train light rail cover the wider city cheaply. Rideau Canal paths, riverside trails and bike-share stations make cycling easy in the warmer months. A car is only needed for Gatineau Park and further-afield day trips.

Safety

Ottawa is one of the safest capital cities in North America, with low crime and a calm, orderly feel; normal precautions are enough. Winter is the main challenge: temperatures often drop well below freezing, so dress in serious layers and watch for icy sidewalks. Summers can be hot and humid with thunderstorms, and mosquitoes appear near water and forests.

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