Planning a trip to Ottawa and wondering how to make the most of three days in Canada’s capital? You’re in the right place!
Ottawa is packed with impressive architecture, fascinating museums, scenic waterways, and, best of all, great food! But although it has a lot to offer, three days is plenty of time to explore the city’s highlights and have time to relax in between
This Ottawa itinerary brings together the city’s biggest highlights with plenty of relaxed stops along the way. It’s busy enough to help you see a lot, but not so packed that you’ll need another vacation afterward!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Ottawa was this small-group sightseeing tour! It visits top sights like Parliament Hill and Rideau Hall, plus includes a cruise along the Rideau Canal. It’s the best way to see Ottawa’s highlights in just half a day!
Itinerary Overview
Most of this Ottawa itinerary is centered around the downtown area, so many of the city’s main sights are easy to reach on foot. You can also use Uber or Lyft for longer journeys, or the O-Train is a reliable and affordable way to get around. For the final afternoon in Gatineau Park, having a rental car is helpful, but it’s also possible to take an Uber there and back instead.
This 3-day itinerary gives you a great mix of Ottawa’s famous landmarks, scenic waterways, and food scene. You’ll start with the capital’s biggest sights, then we’ll move on to ByWard Market, the Ottawa River, and the city’s historic château before finishing with cycling and hiking. By the end, you’ll have seen far more than just Parliament Hill!
Day 1: Start your Ottawa trip with this guided city tour of Ottawa’s key attractions, which includes a cruise along the Rideau Canal. Afterward, visit one of Ottawa’s national museums and end the day with rooftop drinks, Italian food, and old-school arcade games.
Day 2: Begin the morning with a walk along the Ottawa River Pathway, then taste your way around ByWard Market on this food tour. Spend the afternoon exploring Fairmont Château Laurier before relaxing on a fun tiki boat cruise.
Day 3: Spend your final morning exploring Ottawa on a bike tour, then head out of the city to hike in Gatineau Park before finishing the trip with craft beer and dinner at one of Ottawa’s most popular brewpubs.
Day 1
Breakfast – Wilf & Ada’s
Start your first day in Ottawa with breakfast at Wilf & Ada’s, a popular local spot known for hearty, creative breakfast dishes. We like the Blackstone eggs benedict, but there are so many good options on offer. The portions are generous, so come hungry!
It’s also perfectly located for this morning’s tour, as the meeting point at the Canadian Museum of Nature is just an 8-minute walk away. Aim to arrive by 8:30 am at the latest, so you have plenty of time to eat before making your way over. Just note that Wilf & Ada’s is closed on Tuesdays.
Hotel pickup is also available for the tour, so you can always skip breakfast here if you’ve got it included at your hotel, or you’d prefer a bit of a lie-in.
Morning – Discover Ottawa’s best sights: Parliament Hill, a canal cruise, and Rockcliffe Park
After breakfast, walk over to the Canadian Museum of Nature for this small-group sightseeing tour. I recommend booking the 10 am departure, which lasts around four hours and should have you back by 2 pm. That works really well for this itinerary because you’ll see a lot of Ottawa’s biggest sights and still have the afternoon free for lunch and a museum.
The tour covers places like Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, Fairmont Château Laurier, and Rockcliffe Park. Your guide will share more about Ottawa’s history and political importance as you go, which is especially useful on your first day here. It gives you a better sense of the city than simply driving past the landmarks on your own.
You’ll also take a cruise along the Rideau Canal, which was one of our favorite parts of the tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site runs right through Ottawa, and seeing the city from the water is a lovely change from sitting in the van. It also gives you some great views of the canal and the buildings around it.
If you’re visiting outside of the boating season, the cruise is replaced with a visit to either the Canadian War Museum or the Canadian Museum of History. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but since Wilf & Ada’s is so close to the meeting point, it makes sense to start from the museum today.
Lunch – PI·RHO Fresh Greek Grill
Your tour finishes back at the Canadian Museum of Nature, and PI·RHO Fresh Greek Grill is just a 6-minute walk away. But not only is this spot casual and convenient, but it also serves delicious, fresh Greek food. It’s ideal for a quick and satisfying lunch before the afternoon’s museum visit, and you can also make like a Greek and grab a cappuccino freddo here if you need a little energy boost!
However, if Greek food is not your thing, no worries. There are plenty of other restaurants along this street too, so feel free to wander a little and stop wherever looks good.
Afternoon – Check out one of Ottawa’s museums
Your sightseeing tour should finish at around 2 pm, so after lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring one of Ottawa’s national museums. There are seven to choose from, but since most close at 5 pm, you’ll realistically only have time for one today.
If you’re a big museum person, it may be worth buying a 3-day Visit Ottawa Pass and fitting one museum into each day of this itinerary. There’s also a 1-day option, although you’d need to visit more than one museum to make the most of it. If you’re only mildly interested in museums, I’d skip the pass and just buy a single ticket for whichever museum appeals to you most.
Thursday is the best day to do this, as several museums stay open until 7 or 8 pm. Otherwise, try to arrive by around 3 pm so that you’ve got enough time to look around without rushing. The Canadian Museum of History is the most popular option if you need help narrowing it down!
- National Gallery of Canada: Home to a huge collection of Canadian, Indigenous, and international art. You’ll also find the famous giant spider sculpture outside.
- Canadian Museum of History: Located across the river in Gatineau, this is Canada’s most visited museum. It also has fantastic views back across to Parliament Hill.
- Canada Science and Technology Museum: An interactive museum covering transport, communications, and Canadian innovation. This is an especially good choice for families.
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum: Home to more than 130 aircraft and artifacts tracing Canada’s aviation history. There are also exhibits on space exploration.
- Canada Agriculture and Food Museum: This working farm is one of Ottawa’s more unusual museums. You can see farm animals and learn more about food production in Canada.
- Canadian Museum of Nature: Set inside a beautiful castle-like building, with dinosaur skeletons, minerals, live insects, and exhibits on Canadian wildlife.
- Canadian War Museum: A powerful museum exploring Canada’s military history through personal stories, galleries, and an impressive collection of vehicles.
Sunset – Copper Spirits and Sights
As the sun begins to set, head up to Copper Spirits and Sights for a pre-dinner drink with a view. Perched on the 16th floor of the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market hotel, this stylish rooftop bar overlooks downtown Ottawa and the Parliament Buildings, so it’s one of the best spots in the city to watch the skyline light up before dinner! We caught an incredible sunset from up here, and the sleek decor really does make it feel extra special.
Dinner – North & Navy
Although you’ll already be in ByWard Market, I’d recommend saving dinner there for tomorrow’s food tour. Instead, make your way to North & Navy, a cozy Italian restaurant that’s consistently rated as one of Ottawa’s best. To get there, you can hop on the 6 bus to Bank / Lisgar or hop in an Uber or Lyft.
Once you arrive, you can expect seasonal handmade pasta dishes in a cozy and intimate atmosphere. It’s definitely worth ordering a few antipasti because they’re always really colorful and creative, and all of the main dishes are creative and beautifully plated. In short, we think that this is the perfect place to finish off your first day in the city. Just note that North & Navy is closed on Sundays.
Evening – House of TARG
If you’ve still got some energy left, head over to House of TARG (closed Mondays) in Old Ottawa South. This quirky arcade bar is packed with retro games, from pinball and Pac-Man to classic arcade machines. If you happen to be visiting on a Sunday, they also offer unlimited gameplay for a set price, which is fantastic value.
It’s not just the games that keep people coming back, either. House of TARG is also known for its homemade pierogies, which have become something of a local favorite, and there’s often live music in the evenings to add to the lively atmosphere. Whether you’re feeling competitive or just want to relive a bit of childhood nostalgia, it’s such a fun way to end your first day in Ottawa!
Day 2
Breakfast – The SconeWitch
Start day two with breakfast from The SconeWitch, a beloved local bakery that’s famous for its freshly baked scones. Whether you go for a sweet option with jam and cream or a savory breakfast sandwich served on one of their signature scones, it’s the perfect grab-and-go breakfast before a busy morning of sightseeing. The café opens at 6:30 am and is just a 10-minute walk from Parliament Hill, making it an easy stop before today’s adventures.
Morning – Walk along the Ottawa River Pathway
Before your food tour, take some time to stroll along the Ottawa River Pathway. This scenic trail stretches for 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) along the river, but don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you walk the entire thing!
Just start near Parliament Hill and follow the path for as long as you like while taking in the views across the Ottawa River and over to Gatineau, and then turn back whenever you’re ready. Just remember to leave yourself enough time to walk back, as the meeting point for your food tour is about a 7-minute walk from Parliament Hill.
Mid-Morning – Taste your way around ByWard Market
After visiting Parliament Hill, make your way over to ByWard Market for this small-group food tour. It starts at 11:30 am and runs until around 2:30 pm, so it works perfectly as your lunch today!
If you ask me, one of the best ways to get to know a new city is through its food, and there’s no better place to do that than Ottawa’s oldest neighborhood. Over the next three hours, you’ll wander around ByWard Market with a local guide, stopping to sample some of Canada’s best-known dishes along the way.
You’ll get to try everything from a classic BeaverTail pastry (my favorite!) and poutine to artisan cheese, maple syrup, and molasses-glazed duck. There’s also a secret dish that’s only revealed on the day, so I won’t spoil the surprise! Just make sure you arrive hungry because there’s plenty of food included.
It’s not all about eating, either. As you stroll through the market, your guide will share stories about Ottawa’s history and point out places you might otherwise miss. By the time the tour finishes, you’ll have eaten a very decent lunch and have learned a lot about the local food culture – what’s not to love about that?
Afternoon – Visit Ottawa’s Castle: The Fairmont Château Laurier
After your food tour, walk over to the Fairmont Château Laurier, one of Ottawa’s most recognizable landmarks. This castle-like hotel opened in 1912 and sits right beside Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, so you’ll probably already have spotted it earlier in the day.
If your budget allows, staying here would be a dream. It’s one of the most iconic hotels in Canada, with grand historic interiors and an amazing location. You can check prices and availability on Booking.com!
However, you don’t need to be a guest to have a look around. You can join the 75-minute Secrets of the Château tour, which covers the hotel’s history and some of the famous guests who have stayed here over the years. You can also explore the public areas independently!
If you fancy making more of the visit, you could book afternoon tea or stop by one of the hotel’s bars for a drink. Just bear in mind that you’ll have another tour later this evening, so don’t cram too much in.
You can also use this time to visit another museum if you bought the multi-day pass. Otherwise, head back to your hotel for a rest or find a nearby coffee shop and give your feet a break before heading out again.
Evening – Relax on a tiki bar cruise on the Ottawa River
After a break at your hotel, head down to the Ottawa River for a tiki bar cruise. I recommend booking the 7 pm departure, which runs until around 8:30 pm and ends the day on a fun and light-hearted note.
The boat has a tropical theme and a licensed bar onboard, so you can order a drink and enjoy the views as you cruise along the river. What could be better?
This isn’t really a traditional sightseeing cruise with lots of commentary. The atmosphere is much more casual, with music playing and plenty of time to chat while you watch Ottawa pass by from the water. There’s even a Bluetooth speaker onboard, so passengers can help choose the soundtrack.
Booking the evening cruise also means you may catch the sunset, depending on the time of year. Either way, you’ll get some lovely views of the skyline as the light begins to change.
This is a particularly fun option for groups of friends or anyone celebrating something, but you certainly don’t need a special occasion to enjoy it. After a busy day of walking, eating, and sightseeing, spending 90 minutes on a floating tiki bar sounds pretty good to me!
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Dinner – Starling Restaurant and Bar
Your tiki cruise ends at the wharf, so you’ll need to take an Uber or Lyft back into central Ottawa for dinner. If you’re happy to return to ByWard Market, Starling Restaurant and Bar is the perfect choice for your final stop of the day.
We like this place because it’s a bit of a step up from the more casual spots around, but it’s not super formal, so you can head here straight after sightseeing without feeling underdressed. The menu includes dishes like oysters, steak tartare, rigatoni, and burgers, along with some really creative cocktails. The food is beautifully presented without feeling overly fussy, and the service is friendly and warm.
Related Read: Have more than a couple of days here? Our list of the best things to do in Ottawa has even more of our recommendations!
Day 3
Breakfast – Ottawa Bike Cafe
We have a theme for today, and it’s bicycles! Start the morning at Ottawa Bike Café, which is right next door to the starting point for your bike tour. It’s also very on-brand, with bicycles hanging on the walls as decorations! Grab a breakfast sandwich and a coffee, then get ready to explore the city on two wheels.
Your tour starts at 10 am, but you’ll need to arrive 20 minutes early to check in. I recommend getting to the café at around 8:30–8:45 am so you have plenty of time to eat without rushing.
Morning – Explore the city on two wheels
Start the morning with this guided bike tour, which runs from 10 am to 12 pm. Ottawa is a very bike-friendly city, with hundreds of kilometers of cycling paths, so this is a fun way to cover more ground without spending the whole morning walking around.
Over the course of two hours, you’ll cycle past some of the city’s biggest landmarks, including Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, Rideau Hall, and Rideau Falls. The route also follows parts of the Rideau Canal and takes you through ByWard Market, so you get a really good overview of Ottawa in a fairly short amount of time.
Your guide will share stories about the city as you ride, which makes the experience much more interesting than simply cycling around on your own. There are plenty of stops for photos and commentary, and the pace is designed to be manageable even if you’re not a particularly confident cyclist.
Regular bikes are included, but you can upgrade to an electric bike if you’d prefer a bit of extra help. The group is also capped at 12 people, so it doesn’t feel like you’re riding around in a huge convoy.
By the time the tour finishes at noon, you’ll have seen a lot of central Ottawa and should have worked up a decent appetite for lunch. It’s a really enjoyable way to start the day, and you can read 300+ 5-star reviews here!
Lunch – Cocotte Bistro
After your bike tour, make the short 5-minute walk to Cocotte Bistro for lunch. This stylish French restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch – ooh la la!
The menu features French-inspired dishes in a stylish setting, but don’t worry, it’s not too stuffy. It’s the ideal spot to relax and recharge before heading out to Gatineau Park for the afternoon.
The menu changes seasonally, but you can usually expect French bistro classics alongside fresh local ingredients. If you spot the French onion soup, steak frites, or duck confit on the menu, they’re all worth ordering. And if you’re in the mood for a drink, pair it with a glass of wine before heading out to Gatineau Park.
Afternoon – Spend time outside at Gatineau Park
After lunch, leave the city behind for a few hours and head to Gatineau Park. It’s only around a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, but once you arrive, it feels much further away. The park covers a huge 361 square kilometers (139 square miles), so there’s plenty to explore without needing to spend the entire day here.
If you have a rental car, you can drive yourself, but otherwise, it’s easy enough to take an Uber there and back. Just make sure you have a phone signal and a pickup plan before setting off on a longer trail!
Pink Lake Trail is the best option for this itinerary. It’s an easy 2.3-kilometer loop, so you can complete it without eating too far into the afternoon. The lake is known for its striking green-blue color, and the trail has boardwalks and viewpoints along the way.
For something more challenging, Luskville Falls Trail is a 4.2-kilometer out-and-back hike with a steep climb and waterfall views. Wolf Trail is a good middle ground, although at 8.3 kilometers, you’ll need to allow more time and bring plenty of water.
Gatineau Park is especially beautiful in the fall, when the trees turn red and gold, but it’s also lovely in summer. Since this is Canada’s second most visited park, popular trails can get busy. I’d head there fairly soon after lunch so you’ve got enough time to enjoy your hike without feeling rushed.
Dinner – Mill Street Brew Pub Ottawa
We always love stopping for a beer after an afternoon of hiking, and Mill Street Brew Pub is the perfect place to finish your final day in Ottawa. It’s one of the city’s most popular breweries, with a wide range of craft beers and a big patio that’s perfect for warmer weather.
You can stay for dinner too, with Canadian pub favorites like burgers, fish and chips, wings, and poutine on the menu. After a few hours in Gatineau Park, a cold beer and something hearty will probably be exactly what you need!
Related Read: Not sure what to bring to Ottawa? Our Canada packing guide covers all the essentials to help you prepare for your trip.
Where to Stay in Ottawa
For this Ottawa itinerary, we recommend staying downtown so you can spend less time getting around and more time exploring. You’ll be close to many of the sights, restaurants, and museums included in this itinerary, making it a convenient base for your trip. Here are three great downtown hotels for different budgets.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier – $$$
Fairmont Chateau Laurier easily turns your stay into a fairytale because not only does it look like a castle, but everything inside makes you feel like royalty for the day, from the staff and the six different dining spots to the high afternoon tea and grand interiors. No wonder guests here included King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, and Princess Diana of Wales.
What makes it more fun is that it’s been home to lots of prime ministers through the years, too. Also, the views are really something, with many rooms overlooking Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River. Expect to pay around $240+ CAD per night, which isn’t bad considering the level of luxury here. Secure your luxury stay in Fairmont Chateau Laurier here!
Lord Elgin Hotel – $$
If you love historic stays as much as we do, Lord Elgin Hotel is an easy choice. In fact, this was our first pick in Ottawa, and we’d happily stay again. It’s super central, right across from Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre, with historic sights, downtown, and the Rideau Canal all within easy reach.
Inside, it’s nicely renovated, with spacious rooms, a gift shop, a lap pool, plus there’s a Starbucks attached if that’s more your thing. We especially love the library in the lobby; the fireplace here makes a pretty great spot to curl up on a cold night. Prices here typically range from $200 to $450+ CAD per night. Lock in your room here and explore right from your doorstep!
The Arlo, BW Signature Collection – $
The Arlo, BW Signature Collection is a no-brainer if you like having more space and the option to cook your own meals now and then. The apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, which makes this place ideal for families and longer stays. You also get free breakfast, either dine-in or to-go.
For longer stays, we love the 24-hour self-service laundry room, which is a handy perk you don’t often find at hotels. Staying here puts you right in downtown Ottawa, near Queen St. Fare, an indoor food hall you definitely need to check out while you’re there. Prices start at around $200+ CAD per night. Reserve your apartment at The Arlo, BW Signature Collection here!
Want even more great options? Check out all the hotels listed for Ottawa here!
Related Read: If you’re still deciding where to base yourself, check out our complete guide on where to stay in Ottawa for a breakdown of the best areas and hotels for every budget!
Renting a Car or Camper in Canada
One of the best ways to experience Canada is by hitting the road. Some of the best things to do and attractions are located in remote areas between destinations. For that reason, we highly recommend getting your own wheels!
- Rent a car – To simply rent a vehicle, search on Discover Cars where they compare tons of different rental companies near you. This way you can easily compare prices, features, policies, and more!
- Rent a campervan or motorhome – Motorhome Republic is great for finding a motorhome or campervan to rent in Canada. With your own home on wheels, you can camp in beautiful places and save money on accommodation!
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Ottawa may be Canada’s capital, but there’s so much more to it than Parliament Hill! After three days of canal cruises, food tours, bike rides, museums, and even a quick escape into Gatineau Park, we think you’ll see why this city deserves a proper getaway. As Canadians, we love getting to explore more of our own backyard, and Ottawa always reminds us just how much there is to see right here at home.
Before you go, check out more of our Canada travel guides! We’ve traveled extensively around the country and have tons of itineraries, hotel guides, and firsthand tips to help plan your next Canadian adventure. Or, keep reading with one of our favorite guides below!
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The Services We Recommend
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