Canada‘s capital city of Ottawa is often overlooked as a tourist destination in favour of larger cities such as Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. But in summer 2024 it had a spike in visitors checking into its hotels and for good reason. Even if you can only spend one day in Ottawa, it is well worth it. This complete Ottawa itinerary will help you make the most of your time in this charming capital city.
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How to plan your one day Ottawa itinerary
Your day in Ottawa will begin with exploring Parliament Buildings and the downtown area in the morning. By midday, you’ll make your way to the National Gallery and lively Byward Market.
In the afternoon, you can choose between the Museum of History or a scenic ride along the Rideau Canal. The day concludes with beautiful evening views from Major’s Hill Park.
First, we’ll explore how to get around and where to stay if you’ll be in the city overnight.
The best way to get around Ottawa
Ottawa is much smaller than Toronto, making it easy to walk around the city within a couple of hours. While it lacks Toronto’s cosmopolitan, glamorous big city feel, its architecture sets it apart. The Gothic and neo-Gothic Parliament buildings remind me of old world European palaces, while the innovative contemporary architecture of Ottawa’s museums provides a welcome contrast.
If you’d rather not walk, why not book the popular hop-on hop-off guided 1.5 hour bus tour of Ottawa.
The most affordable places to stay in Ottawa
There are so many things to see in Ottawa, you may be considering an overnight stay. This is a great idea. Slow down and let yourself relax in this charming place.
If you are backpacking Ottawa and looking for a great hostel in the city centre, a popular choice is the Ottawa Jail Hostel. Located in a restored jailhouse, this quirky accommodation includes a complimentary breakfast and there’s even a guided tour of the property’s history.
For female travellers, one of the best-rated hostels in the area is the nearby women-only Barefoot Inn, a modern, clean and comfortable property.
Travellers arriving by plane might like a great budget hotel close to the airport, such as the superb Adam’s Airport Inn, which has a fitness centre.
We opted for an Airbnb across the river in Gatineau, Quebec, staying with Annie and Vincent, a friendly French Canadian couple. Over home-cooked meals and wine, we learned they’d moved from Montreal to study at Ottawa’s prestigious universities. The 20-minute bus ride from Gatineau into Ottawa was great value, plus we gained a local perspective.
To browse and book your Ottawa accommodation in advance, check out the availability here.
Morning: Start at Parliament Hill
9am – Ottawa Tourism Office
Begin your day at Ottawa Tourism on 150 Elgin Street, opposite City Hall in downtown Ottawa. Pick up a street map and get advice from their friendly staff about any special events happening during your visit.
Book this city tour with a local, get picked up from your hotel and learn Ottawa’s best-kept secrets.
10am – Parliament Buildings
The Parliament buildings, built between 1859 and 1927, are an essential stop. They’re dominated by a statuesque clock tower adorned with gargoyles. After seeing Toronto’s modern buildings, it was wonderful to witness this proud architectural evidence of Canada’s history.
Don’t miss the Centennial Flame on the front lawn, which has been burning since 1967 to commemorate Canada’s confederation. There’s also a compelling monument to the women’s rights movement and a tribute to the devastating fire of 1916.
You can take a free 20-minute Parliament tour, if it’s available – check with Ottawa Tourism for schedules.
Midday: Art and Culture
12pm – Byward Market and Major’s Hill Park
Head to the lively Byward Market area for lunch. This historic market district has plenty of cafes and food stalls to choose from. During our visit, we enjoyed seeing the local vendors and fresh produce. Must-try local specialties include the city’s poutine – Zak’s Diner serves a particularly good version. For dessert, why not head to BeaverTails for Ottawa’s famous deep-fried pastry treat.
After lunch, take a short walk to Major’s Hill Park, where you can admire stunning views over the river to Parliament Hill. The park’s elevated position provides perfect photo opportunities of Ottawa’s skyline and some of the city’s most eclectic sculptures. If your timing allows, this is also a beautiful spot to return to for sunset.
Book your place on a guided food tour of Byward Market here.
2pm – National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery is a must-see, even if just from the outside. Don’t miss ‘Maman’ – the enormous spider statue created by artist Louise Bourgeois. Standing over nine meters tall, this bronze arachnid carries a sack of 26 marble eggs, hence its name (French for ‘mother’).
Inside, the contemporary building features paneled glass ceilings and interior gardens. The collection includes works by Van Gogh and Monet, alongside indigenous artists.
Visit the National Gallery of Canada as part of the hop-on hop-off guided 1.5 hour bus tour of Ottawa.
Afternoon: Choose Your Adventure
Option 1: Canadian Museum of History (3pm – 5pm)
A 15-minute walk across Alexandra Bridge brings you to this fascinating museum. It houses the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles and provides incredible insight into Canada’s First Peoples.
During our visit, we saw a moving exhibition about Canada’s most devastating sea disaster, the collision and sinking of the Empress of Ireland. In 1914, its short voyage from Quebec City ended up with 1,012 people losing their lives, but this tragedy was overshadowed in history by the sinking of the Titanic two years earlier.
Book your ticket in advance for the Canadian Museum of History here for instant confirmation.
Option 2: Rideau Canal Bike Ride (3pm – 5pm)
If you’re blessed with sunshine as we were, rent a bike and cycle along the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal.
You can rent a bike from a central location from near Parliament Hill, back across Alexandra Bridge, any time between 9am and 4pm. From there you can cycle along the Rideau Canal pathways to Hog’s Back Park to where it meets the Rideau River.
We rode for 30 minutes to Hog’s Back Park, passing autumn trees and a romantic love lock bridge. The highlight was reaching Prince of Wales Falls, where the crashing water created a mini rainbow with its spray.
Alternatively, why not book a relaxed Rideau canal cruise and see the city from a different perspective.
Evening: Dinner in Ottawa
After your day of exploring, check out one of these areas to discover Ottawa’s diverse dining options for every taste and budget. Here are some of the city’s best dining districts and their standout restaurants:
The historic Byward Market transforms in the evening, with some of Ottawa’s finest dining experiences. For a special dinner in the historic market district, try Restaurant e18hteen‘s upscale contemporary Canadian dining in a beautiful stone heritage building. For something more casual but equally satisfying, The Grand Pizzeria serves Italian favourites on one of the market’s most charming outdoor patios.
Just a short walk from downtown, Town on Elgin Street has become a local favourite for its intimate atmosphere and outstanding Italian cuisine. Alternatively, try Giovanni’s in Little Italy, which stands out for its old-school Italian dining experience with impeccable service.
If you prefer to stay close to Parliament Hill, Riviera on Sparks Street offers an exceptional dining experience in a stunning former bank building. The creative menu and architectural surroundings make it one of Ottawa’s most impressive dinner destinations.
How to travel to Ottawa in style
Having mostly travelled across Canada by bus, we decided to try VIA Rail for our journey from Toronto to Ottawa. We were delighted to find a pristine and modern train with electrical sockets by each seat and solid WiFi connection. The tasty meals and drinks were served by pleasant staff who seemed to actually enjoy their jobs. It’s a sophisticated and affordable way to travel in Canada, even if you’re on a budget.
Final thoughts on the best one-day Ottawa Itinerary
One day in Ottawa offers a perfect glimpse into what makes Canada’s capital so special. From the Gothic grandeur of Parliament Hill to the artistic spirit of the National Gallery, every corner of this city tells a story.
During our visit, what struck me most was how Ottawa balances its role as a seat of government with the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a smaller city. The ability to walk from historical monuments to creative neighbourhoods, passing both suited politicians and street artists along the way, gives Ottawa a character all its own.
While this itinerary helps you see the highlights in a day, I found myself wishing we had planned for more time. There’s something special about taking a morning to cycle along the Rideau Canal, stopping to watch boats navigate the locks, or spending an afternoon exploring the many museums that tell Canada’s story. The city reveals itself slowly, through conversations with friendly locals like our Airbnb hosts Annie and Vincent, through quiet moments in Major’s Hill Park watching the sunset paint Parliament Hill in golden light, and through the simple pleasure of wandering streets that blend European charm with Canadian hospitality.
If you can extend your stay, Ottawa rewards those who linger. But even in a day, you’ll discover why this often-overlooked capital deserves its moment in the spotlight. Ottawa offers a uniquely Canadian brand of charm that stays with you long after you leave.
This post was brought to you with thanks to VIA Rail, the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, Rentabike and Ottawa Tourism for hosting me.
Looking to explore more of Canada? Find out how to plan a Canada backpacking trip from coast to coast here.
Ottawa in Canada is one of the most visited place. I do remember when i was a kid and visited the place and explore because my aunt was living there. Thanks for sharing this information. Subscribed your blog.