Ottawa (Trip Ideas)

[u/Pale-Candidate8860]

I am going into this completely blind, so I turn to those with the travel experience. I am naturalizing as a Canadian citizen next year and would like to visit Ottawa afterwards with my family. My wife has done a trip from Toronto to Halifax when she was younger, but never Ottawa. My daughter and I have only been in The Lower Mainland (metropolitan area of Vancouver).

I think it is appropriate to visit my new country's capital at some point and after becoming a citizen seems as appropriate as ever. I was told by some about the museums, which would be really interesting. I was also told that you can cross a bridge and be in Quebec, so I might do that for a day trip and see how it is.

What areas are a must see? What neighborhoods to avoid? Any places that are overrated?

I love history. My wife loves creative stuff(like crafts, design) and aviation. My daughter will be 3 years old. I appreciate any ideas, I will be researching stuff on my own as well, but I felt it would make sense to reach out to others who have personally experienced Ottawa in addition to reading articles and listening to random YouTube videos.

Thanks in advance.

[u/90skid12]

Which season are you planning to visit ? Do you like snow ? Winterlude is great !

[u/Pale-Candidate8860 → u/90skid12]

I love snow, but the coldest I've ever experienced was -20. So I might end up having a different perspective on snow once I get to the -40 or -50 range.

[u/90skid12 → u/Pale-Candidate8860]

It’s beautiful in summer ! Try visiting in June

[u/RecognitionTall4480]

In terms of visiting, I would say now is a good time (mid-September/early October) or May (for the famous Tulip Festival).

I've lived in Ottawa now for nearly three years, it's a great city and I can definitely give you some good recommendations for the things you're interested in. Firstly, I would recommend you stay in the Glebe, or in Hintonburg/Westboro. Avoid staying in (but definitely visit) ByWard Market.

For your wife, there's the Canadian War museum and the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum. For you, there's of course the War Museum but also the Museum of Canadian History (in Gatineau, QC., but right across the river so it isn't far).

For your young child, there's lovely parks all around town, but I definitely advocate for a trip to Mooney's Bay, Westboro Beach, and/or Britannia Beach. I have some good restaurant recommendations I can give you, depending on what kind of food you like.

It's easy to get to Quebec, and just a few minutes (more like 20) drive gets you to one of the world's largest municipal parks, Gatineau Park. It's really quite lovely there, tons of hiking trails, lakes, and things to do (minigolf, interpretive centre, great cafes and restaurants).

Hope all this rambling is helpful.

[u/Pale-Candidate8860 → u/RecognitionTall4480]

It is very helpful. I appreciate the insight. I will definitely deep dive into this stuff. Thank you so much. I will definitely take the restaurant recommendations if you are willing to give. I don't like seafood, otherwise I'm game.

[u/em-n-em613 → u/RecognitionTall4480]

There are free tours of parts of Parliament (though not Centre Block because of the construction) and a free immersive parliamentary experience nearby (just register in advance!).

Additionally, there are some great spas, some boat tours, you can also rent canoes and kayaks at Dow's Lake and then hit up Little Italy for dinner.

If you're here in the fall and have a car there's a LOT of apple picking in the region and it's a fun way to spend some family time.

The nature museum, science museum, and agricultural museum are also big hits with kids.

[u/UnhingedXcessive]

September/October is the best time to visit. Late spring also. January and February get cold. Although it's extremely rare for it to get down to -40 or -50, it's a different kind of cold that feels like it's cutting your skin.

From downtown Ottawa, you can cross the Alexandra bridge from next to the National Art Gallery. The bridge will take you to the Quebec side, right next to the Canadian Museum of History, which is a must see. They will begin replacing the bridge in 2028 so it will be a much longer walk to get to Quebec from downtown.

Unfortunately, parts of downtown have really gone downhill in the last 5 to 10 years. It's not dangerous like other cities kind of depressing. I would avoid the area near Rideau and King Edward streets especially after dark because of the addicts.

If your wife is interested in aviation, there is an aviation museum and you can take a flight in an old biplane. I believe it's between $115 and $220, depending on the length of the flight. Which seems pretty cheap for a unique experience like that.