How to Plan the Ultimate City Break to Ottawa

In 2026, Ottawa is marking its bicentennial — or, more specifically, 200 years since the establishment of Bytown, a lumber camp from which the city later evolved. To celebrate, there’s a year-long programme of events ranging from history-themed museum exhibitions to block parties. This mix of old and new underscores each visit to Canada’s elegant, walkable capital. You can listen out for the echo of bagpipes during the changing of the guard on Parliament Hill, home to the gothic revival government buildings, all turrets and gargoyles. Then, walk 10 minutes to an industrial taproom in the downtown area, settling in with an innovative fruit-infused pint. Elsewhere, there are opportunities to learn about the Indigenous Algonquin people, on whose territory Ottawa sits, and take in the leafy cityscape, with some 1,300 parks and green spaces. New direct flights from London Gatwick with Air Transat make the city easier to access than ever before.

Heritage

Immerse Yourself in Politics

Usually open for visits, Ottawa’s parliament buildings are under renovation until 2031. In the meantime, Parliament: The Immersive Experience, located downtown, offers a virtual tour of the Centre Block, home to the House of Commons and Senate chambers. Learn about the influence of decisions made centuries ago, as well as how Canadians are shaping their future today.

Cruise a Canal

A Unesco World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal stretches 125 miles from Ottawa to Lake Ontario. It first opened in 1832 for military purposes but instead became used for trade, transport and, now, leisure. On an evening cruise between downtown and Dow’s Lake, you’ll pass landmarks like the Canadian Museum of Nature, then dock by the castle-like Fairmont Château Laurier hotel as the sun sets behind it.

Visit the Museum of History

Glimpse views of the 200-year-old city as you head across the steel truss Alexandra Bridge over the Ottawa River and into Gatineau, Quebec. Watching over the water is the Canadian Museum of History. Here, the Canadian History Hall traces the country’s story from its first peoples to the present day, while temporary exhibitions explore everything from stamps to Canadian Impressionism.

Discover Indigenous Culture

A 20-minute drive from the city, Mādahòkì Farm is a refuge for endangered Ojibwe Spirit horses, Canada’s only indigenous equine breed, sacred to the Algonquin Anishinaabe people. A visit gives insight into their thousand-year culture. Meet the animals, learn about their significance from the elders and watch a mesmerising hoop dance, symbolising the connection between wildlife, nature and the circle of life.

Modern

See Contemporary Art

Head downtown to the Laurier Avenue Bridge underpass to discover Ottawa-based muralist Cassandra Dickie’s frescoes, then to the nearby Glebe neighbourhood for a trail of murals that includes depictions of wildlife. Finish your self-guided tour at the National Gallery of Canada, where a 30ft-high bronze spider by 20th-century French-American artist Louise Bourgeois guards the entrance. The glass-and-granite building houses a collection featuring work by artist and activist Ai Wei Wei.

Watch Live Sport

Join 24,000 fans and cheer on football team Atlético Ottawa warming up for the Canadian Premier League at TD Place Stadium. The rugby ball-shaped ground is in the sleepy Lansdowne district. In the adjoining arena, catch the Ottawa BlackJacks shooting some hoops or the Ottawa 67’s, the junior ice hockey team, charging their opponents.

Sip Creative Pints

A zesty wheat beer from Beyond the Pale ByWard Taproom is the perfect start to an evening exploring Ottawa’s nightlife. Found in the heart of the beloved ByWard Market area, close to the Totem Pole of Canada landmark, the industrial-style brewery is known for innovative and regularly changing tap beers. Sit on the large outdoor patio, strung with fairy lights ­— the perfect spot to try a grapefruit-infused Pink Fuzz or a peachy Aromatherapy, or settle in for a personalised tasting.

‘Fly’ Over the City

The Interzip Experience is Canada’s first cross-provincial zipline, connecting Ottawa with neighbouring Gatineau. Reaching speeds of 30mph, the 425-metre-long experience offers views of the cityscape, Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River — look out for rabbits and raccoons along the banks as you whizz past. Parents and children can ‘fly’ side by side.