Things to Do in Ottawa

We are so excited to have you visiting our city! Ottawa is a wonderful place to explore and July is one of the best times of year to be here. Best of all, our venues are right in the heart of downtown, so many of the city's best sights and attractions are just steps away. Here are a few of our favourite things to do while you're in town.

Come Early for Canada Day! Our wedding falls just a few days after Canada Day, so if you're able to arrive early we'd highly recommend it. Ottawa hosts the biggest Canada Day celebrations in the country, right in the heart of the city. Parliament Hill becomes a festival ground filled with live music, fireworks, and a sea of red and white. The 2026 festivities will centre around Parliament Hill and LeBreton Flats Park, and the City of Ottawa usually offers free public transit on Canada Day. It's a truly special way to experience the capital and a great excuse to make a longer trip out of the weekend.

See the Sights Parliament Hill is literally around the corner from our wedding venue and well worth a visit any day of the week. In the evenings there is a free sound and light show projected onto the Centre Block that is not to be missed. Just steps away, the Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that winds right through the neighbourhood, perfect for a relaxing boat cruise or a walk along the water. In fact, the Ottawa Boat Cruise departs from right behind the National Arts Centre, our reception venue.

Explore the Neighbourhood Elgin Street runs right past both of our venues and is lined with great restaurants, cafés and patios. The ByWard Market is just a short walk away and is one of Ottawa's most beloved spots for food, shopping and people watching, especially on a summer weekend.

Museums Ottawa is home to some of Canada's best museums, several of which are just minutes from the venue on foot. The National Gallery of Canada features an outstanding collection of Indigenous and international art, and the Canadian Museum of History just across the river in Gatineau is also well worth a visit. Many national museums offer free admission or free evening hours.

Parks and Green Spaces Gatineau Park, just across the river, offers a vast network of hiking and cycling trails, lakes, waterfalls and swimming beaches. If you'd rather stay closer to the city, the Ottawa River Pathway is a gorgeous route for walking or cycling with views of Parliament Hill right from the water's edge.

If you have any questions about what to do or where to eat, don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help make your trip a memorable one!