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Recommended Tours

By boat, by car or by bus, Ottawa awaits discovery. However, the best way to explore the capital city is by foot.

Any walking tour of Ottawa should start at Parliament Hill. You shouldn't have trouble finding the most recognizable sight in Canada! The impressive Gothic revival buildings house the Senate and House of Commons. Tours of the government buildings and grounds are available year-round; at the very least, climb up the Peace Tower for a stunning panoramic view of the city.

From Parliament Hill, walk west down Wellington Street. Immediately on your left is the Bank of Canada, where corridors of vaults store our nation's gold reserves. The bank's Currency Museum provides a fascinating view into the history of currency around the world.

On the right are three must-see attractions in quick succession: the Supreme Court of Canada, the National Library of Canada and the National Archives of Canada. The Supreme Court, as its name suggests, is the highest court in the land. The National Library has two copies of every written article ever produced in Canada, including sheet music and sound recordings. And if you can't find what you are looking for there, the National Archives preserves unpublished documents like diaries, letters, photos, maps and computer discs.

Turn right and cross over the Portage Bridge to French-speaking Hull. Along the way, you'll walk past Victoria Island where the original inhabitants of the area first set up camp in the summertime. As you cross into Hull, walk east along Laurier Street while taking time to admire the Ottawa River. Paths bordering each side of the river offer outdoor enthusiasts the chance to walk, jog, blade or cycle amid beautiful scenery.

That bizarre-looking building up ahead on your right is the Canadian Museum of Civilization, home to archaeology, ethnology, history and folk culture collections as well as the Canadian Children's Museum and an IMAX theatre.

Before heading back to Ottawa, you might want to take a half-day Hull to Wakefield steam train excursion. The 1907 locomotive affords picturesque views of the glorious Gatineau Park.

You can now cross back to Ontario over the Alexandria Bridge. Once back in Ottawa you will find yourself on St. Patrick Street. Up a short hill to the left is the magnificent National Gallery of Canada. From Rembrandt to Canada's famous Group of Seven and relatively unknown Canadian contemporary artists, this gallery has it all. It's a peaceful place to take a break and admire world-class exhibits.

Across the street from the National Gallery is Notre Dame Basilica, Ottawa's oldest Roman Catholic church. To the east of the gallery is the Canadian War Museum where you can check out the historical war. Beside the War Museum is the Royal Canadian Mint, where you can nip in to see loonies and twoonies being made.

Keep strolling down Sussex Drive. On the rig ht is the Lester B. Pearson building, home to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Next to the Lester B. Pearson Building is the old Ottawa City Hall, which was recently sold to the federal government after the 11 municipalities that formerly made up the National Capital region were merged into one.

As you proceed further down Sussex Drive you will eventually come to the Prime Minister's residence at 24 Sussex Drive. Diagonally across from 24 Sussex is Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor-General. Feel free to picnic on the grounds or enjoy a guided tour of the residence.

Backtrack your way along Sussex Drive to the Peacekeeping Monument. Turning left along any street will take you to the Byward Market. The oldest area in Ottawa, this market is bustling year round. Relax for a bite at a cafe or shop till you drop, depending on your inclination.

Zip back to Sussex Drive and turn right back onto Wellington Street. Admire the historical Chateau Laurier on the corner. Beside this luxurious hotel is the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, which highlights the work of Canada's best photographers.

Straight across from the Photography Museum is the National War Memorial honoring the sacrifices made by Canadians in war and home to the country's annual Remembrance Day ceremonies. At the base of the memorial lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a nameless father, husband or son who died in the First World War.

Strolling down Elgin Street, the National Arts Centre is on your left. North America's only bilingual, multi-disciplinary performing arts centre offers dance, music, variety shows and more.

Weary of walking yet? You can hop on a Rideau Canal boat cruise across from the NAC. In fact, it's virtually impossible to walk by without someone trying to sell you a cruise ticket.

Across from the National Arts Centre, on the corner of Sparks Street, is D'Arcy McGee's Irish Pub. For walks decidedly more creepy, join their haunted evening strolls.

Feeling overwhelmed? This walking tour should have just whetted your appetite for Ottawa sight seeing. At the corner of Metcalfe Street between Sparks and Wellington is the Capital Infocentre. Pop in for information about other tours of Canada's Capital Region and start again.

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