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You may also wish to check out this site, which describes some of the events and activities happening in Ottawa as Canada celebrates 150 years as a nation.

Popular Attractions

Parliament of Canada

  • Location: 111 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON
  • Visit 90 Wellington Street (across the street from Parliament Hill) to get tickets for guided tours of the Peace Tower and Memorial Chamber.

Canadian Museum of Nature

  • Location: 240 McLeod Street Ottawa, ON K1P 6P4
  • Located in Ottawa’s downtown core, this museum is sure to delight animal lovers of all ages! From a Mammal Gallery that features Canadian animals, to an Animalium with an eye-popping assortment of insects and arachnids, to a room full of dinosaurs, this museum provides hours of entertainment for visitors young and old. And don’t forget to visit the RBC Blue Water Gallery! Added in 2010, this beautiful gallery features a 19-metre (62.3-foot) skeleton of a blue whale, the largest animal on the planet.
  • Admission Rates:
    • Adult: $13.50
    • Student: $11.50
    • Senior: $11.50
    • Child: $9.50

National Gallery of Canada

  • Location: 380 Sussex Drive Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4
  • Experience some of the best visual art in the country in the heart of Canada’s capital. In May 2017, the National Gallery of Canada celebrates our country’s 150th anniversary with Canada’s Masterpieces: Our Stories. The largest display of Canadian art in the world will be unveiled; with over 1,000 artworks and 5 exhibitions under 1 roof. Inuit and Aboriginal art will be included in the chronological presentation, telling the full story of art in Canada. Special exhibitions include Alex Janvier, Canadian Photography, and the Canadian Biennial. Be here in 2017 to see the masterpieces of our national collection, shop our newly renovated Boutique, and dine in our restaurant with spectacular views of the Canadian Parliament buildings and the river below.
  • Admission Rates:
    • Adults: $12
    • Students (Valid ID required): $10
    • Youth (Age 12-19 Years): $6
    • Children (11 Years and Under): FREE

Canadian War Museum

  • Location: 1 Vimy Place Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8
  • The Canadian War Museum is more than a museum that is internationally renowned for its symbolic architecture; it is known for inspiring and touching stories. Canada’s rich military history is showcased through artifacts, personal stories, artwork, photos and interactive presentations. Tour the extensive permanent exhibitions and expand your knowledge of the conflicts that shaped Canada, Canadians and the world. Rest and reflect in Memorial Hall. Discover the Museum’s fascinating architectural theme. And chat with a veteran to let history come alive.
  • Admission Rates:
    • Adult: $15
    • Senior: $13
    • Student: $10
    • Members of the Canadian Military: FREE

Canadian Museum of History (formerly Canadian Museum of Civilization)

  • Location: 100 Laurier Street Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8 (across the Ottawa River)
  • Gorgeous architecture and world-renowned exhibitions convene to create Canada’s most-visited museum. Located on the banks of the Ottawa River — with a stunning view of Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, and downtown Ottawa — the Canadian Museum of History (formerly the Canadian Museum of Civilization) provides detailed insight into 20,000 years of human history. Let your eyes wander high into the sky as you take in the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles, walk through impressive life-sized recreations of Canadian settlements over the past 1000 years.
  • Admission Rates
    • Adult: $15
    • Senior: $13
    • Student: $10

Casino du Lac-Leamy

  • Location: 1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau, (Québec) J8Y 6W3
  • Poker, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, sic bo, keno, slot machines – the Casino du Lac-Leamy offers a full complement of exciting gaming experiences. The Casino features 64 gaming tables and 1,700 slot machines. The Casino presents an ongoing line up of entertainment and events in its theatre – Le Théâtre du Casino. The Casino’s Le Baccara gourmet restaurant is one of only a handful of Canadian restaurants awarded the CAA-AAA Five Diamond distinction.

Rideau Centre

  • A 150-store, three floor shopping mall conveniently located in downtown Ottawa. Walking distance from Parliament, Sparks Street, and the National Art Gallery.
  • Easily accessible by bus from Carleton University campus taking the 4 Rideau/Downtown
  • Monday-Friday: 9:30am – 9:00pm
    Saturday: 9:30am – 7pm
    Sunday: 11:00am – 6:00pm

ByWard Market

  • Location: George to St. Patrick, Sussex to Cumberland and Dalhousie from George to Cathcart Ottawa, ON K1N 9C3
  • This neighbourhood is arguably one of the most famous attractions in Ottawa, including an outdoor public market, quality restaurants and great shopping. The ByWard Market district sits just east of Parliament Hill and is marked by vendors selling fresh produce, and a diverse selection of places to drink, dine, people watch and shop.
  • Easily accessible by bus from Carleton University campus taking the 4 Rideau/Downtown

Sparks Street

  • Location: Sparks Street, from Elgin Street to Lyon Street Ottawa, ON K1P 5M2
  • This open-air pedestrian street, Canada’s oldest, is just one block south of Parliament Hill, and stretches from Elgin to Lyon Street. Historically a commercial area, the mix of long established local businesses, combined with distinctive heritage architecture, create a unique atmosphere. It is also home to the Ottawa Busker Festival, a Chicken N Rib Cook Off, and Summer Dance Nights
  • Easily accessible by bus from Carleton University campus taking the 4 Rideau/Downtown

Events & Activities

Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

  • When: June 22-25, 2017
  • Location: Mooney’s Bay Park, Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON
  • Recognized as North America’s largest dragon boating festival, the four day celebration offers free admission to concerts, amusement attractions, sports demonstrations, a variety of artisans, exhibitors, delicious culinary treats, children’s area and non-stop racing.

Escape Manor

  • Location: 201 Queen Street or 982 Wellington West Ottawa, K1P5C9
  • You and your friends are investigating a murder when all of a sudden the door slams shut behind you. As you explore the room you are now locked in, you discover what seems to be a set of clues that may help you escape. You have 45 minutes to work together to uncover the clues and find the key to get out before…

RentABike

  • Although Ottawa is a cosmopolitan city, its landscape is characterized by beautiful green spaces and rolling hills, which are home to more than 600 kilometres (373 miles) of scenic bike paths.
  • Renting a bike is easy, with over 200 bicycles and accessories to choose from for all ages, sizes and routes. Located on the Rideau Canal beneath Rideau St. beside the Government Conference Centre and across from Westin and Chateau Laurier Hotels. Rentals, escorted tours, sales and service.

Sightseeing Tours

Au feel de l’eau (Aqua-Taxi)

  • The 100% electric Aqua-Taxi is an eco-friendly water taxi/shuttle service between the Ottawa dock (near the Bytown Museum), the Canadian Museum of History, and at Richmond landing near the Canadian War Museum. The water taxi runs every day from mid-May to mid-October and runs non-stop between 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily and until 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays. You can purchase tickets at the Bytown museum and at Tourisme Outaouais. You can also pay cash on board. Space for wheelchairs, bikes and strollers. Pet-friendly. Another transportation option is a one-hour ride from the Casino Lac-Leamy to the Ottawa dock at 10:30 a.m. and from the Ottawa dock to the Casino Lac-Leamy at 6:00 p.m (Reservation required)

Capital Cruises

  • Capital Cruises sails the mighty Ottawa River from May until October with departures from Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau (Hull) and the base of the Rideau Canal Locks in Ottawa. A daily sightseeing cruise will be available from May until October offering visitors great views of the city from our 300 plus passenger triple deck vessel. An AudioConexus commentary delivery system will provide our customers an educational and enthralling story in multiple languages, simultaneously. Summer evenings will provide a magnificent setting for dinner cruises and themed evenings on the river.

Grey Line Ottawa

  • Hop aboard one of our authentic London-style double deckers for a one-day guided city tour. The tour begins at the Gray Line kiosk at the corner of Sparks & Elgin streets and the tour runs in a continuous loop that permits you to hop on and off at your favourite sites. Visit at your own pace and get back on to continue the loop tour. On this tour you will discover over 75 landmarks of this beautiful city.

Indigenous Walks

  • Indigenous Walks was launched in May 2014 and is an active, educational and fun way to learn about Indigenous Peoples’ experiences in Ottawa. This guided walk and talk provides a layer of knowledge of the Nation’s Capital through art, culture, history and landscape.

Peoples’ History Walking Tours

  • Our tours provide participants with an unforgettable learning experience that focuses on the lives and experiences of the people who actually built Ottawa (and Canada) but who are usually overlooked by official history.

Ottawa Walking Tours

  • Ottawa Walking Tours is dedicated to letting our experienced, professional multilingual guides acquaint you with the history and charm of our beautiful city. OWT’s 2-hour guided historical walks are a must for any visitor who wants to learn more about Ottawa and Canada’s history, architecture, colourful political characters as well as snap some outstanding photographs. Spend a couple of hours with Ottawa Walking Tours exploring the city’s past and discovering how this modern world capital came to be!

Places to Eat

On-Campus Dining:

Oliver’s Pub and Patio

  • Location: University Centre 1st Floor

Mike’s Place

  • Location: 209 University Centre

The Fresh Food Company

  • Location: Residence Commons
  • Breakfast – $7.61 + tax Monday – Friday – 7:30am to 11:00am
    Saturday – Sunday – 9:00am to 12:00pmLunch – $10.02 + tax
    Monday – Friday – 11:00am to 4:00pm
    Saturday – Sunday – 12:00pm to 4:00pmDinner – $13.94 + tax
    Monday – Friday – 4:00pm to 10:00pm
    Saturday – Sunday – 4:00pm to 10:00pm
  • Type of Cuisine: All you can eat

Bakers

  • Location: University Centre 4th Floor
  • Monday – Friday: 7:30am-2:30pm
    Saturday & Sunday: Closed

The Food Court (Subway, Pizza Pizza, Shawarma, Burgers, Pita Pit)

  • Location: University Centre 2nd Floor
  • Monday – Thursday: 10:30am-5:00pm
    Friday: 10:30am-3pm
    Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Tim Hortons

  • Locations: Residence Commons; University Centre 1st Floor; Richcraft Hall [hyperlink to campus map once avail.]

Food Truck

  • Location: University Centre parking lot [hyperlink to campus map once avail.]
  • Monday – Friday: 10:30am – 5:00pm

Off Campus Dining:

Heart & Crown Irish Pubs

  • Nearest Locations: 353B Preston Street; 67 Clarence Street [Byward Market/Downtown]

Clocktower Brew Pub

  • Nearest Locations: 575 Bank St. [Glebe]; 200 Elgin St; 89 Clarence St [Byward Market/Downtown]

The Royal Oak

  • Nearest Locations: Bank at Gloucester [188 Bank St]; Bank at MacLaren [318 Bank St]; Kent at Slater (Downtown) [180 Kent St]

Arrow & The Loon

  • Location: 99 Fifth Ave

House of TARG

  • Location: 1077 Bank St

TD Place/Lansdowne

  • Location: 1015 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W7
  • List of Restaurants: Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill; Sunset Grill; Industria Italian Brasserie; Cacao 79; Sen-Asian Cuisine; Aroma Espresso Bar; South St. Burger; Craft Beer Market; Joey Lansdowne; Milestones; Crust & Crate; LOCAL Public Eatery

More restaurants in Little Italy (Preston St.)

Heart & Crown

Pub Italia

Giovanni’s Restaurant & Lounge

Allegro Ristorante

Kiko Sushi Bar

Green Papaya

 Big Easy’s

 Two Six {Ate}

  • Address: 268 Preston St.
  • Food: Local/Sustainable, Canadian-American style, Gluten Free Options
  • Website: http://twosixate.com/

 More restaurants in Ottawa Chinatown – Centretown (Somerset St. West)

Royal Treasure Restaurant

Pho Thu Do

Yangtze Dining Lounge

Dumpling Bowl

Sushi 88

Bar Robo

Korean Palace

 Karuna Café