Top 5 tourist spots and restaurants in Ottawa, Canada

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Even if you're not a big fan of history, we suggest not to miss out on the chance to legally enter the main government building of Canada's capital. Ottawa offers Parliament tours every day, lasting just 45 minutes, yet delivering fantastic memories. The main Parliament building, home to the House of Commons, is filled with wonderfully decorated rooms featuring lots of artistic details. You might even get lucky enough to witness real debates or committee sessions. Tickets can be purchased at 90 Wellington Street, right across from Parliament Hill.

Just like in London, Ottawa also hosts a Changing of the Guard ceremony. One takes place daily near the WW1 Memorial, where a piper and two guards change their duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The other, more captivating one, runs from June to August at 9:50 AM on the eastern lawn of Parliament Hill – people of all ages are thrilled by the show.

Just a step away from Parliament Hill, inside a cutting-edge building with a dazzling façade, you'll discover Riviera Ottawa – an upscale restaurant serving high-end Canadian cuisine and the finest seafood in the city. The impressive 8-meter ceilings, classic design, and a lengthy bar stretching across the entire space add an extra touch to your dining experience.

This is the place to enjoy some of the city's finest cocktails (including various types of Negroni), and the extensive wine list is as thick as a phone book. The food is exceptional in terms of flavor, presentation, and attentive service from the staff – it's no surprise that this establishment is ranked among Canada's top 100 restaurants. You're sure to relish white fish caviar with crème fraiche from the Raw section, and options like lobster spaghetti or Fogo Island cod with gigante beans and hedgehog mushrooms are excellent choices for your main course.

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Another unique way to get acquainted with Ottawa is by taking a paddleboard excursion along the Gatineau River. Once you get the hang of balancing on the board, you'll be guided downstream towards the Rideau Canal Locks, passing by the Parliament buildings and the Supreme Court of Canada, with a stunning panoramic view of the entire city at the end of the journey.

There are also other canal tours available, like the one from Locks to Dows Lake, which lasts around an hour and a half, passing by City Hall, the National Arts Centre, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and other iconic landmarks. For thrill-seekers, rafting on The Ottawa River is an option, known for some of the best whitewater rafting experiences on the planet. Just an hour's drive from downtown Ottawa, there are three companies that offer guided trips tailored to your preferences.

After enjoying a lovely walk by the river, you'll find Beckta Dining & Wine to be a comfortable spot to visit. This high-class restaurant has been a fixture in the city for two decades, housed in a distinctive elegant mansion with a classic interior featuring the shades of orange and white.

To start, beef tartare with crispy chips or signature tempura soft shell crab with gochujang paste are excellent options. For the main course, we recommend trying juicy charcoal-grilled beef striploin served with corn on the cob. To accompany your meal, consider a glass of sangiovese La Mozza from Maremma, Italy, vintage 2019. It's a wonderful choice that will beautifully complement the flavors of the meat.

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Ottawa is often hailed as a city of museums, and this reputation holds true – it ranks at the top in the country for their abundance. For example, Canada Aviation and Space Museum is a beloved destination among the public, housing a wide range of exhibits, including one of the earliest airplanes ever created. It even offers flight simulators for visitors to experience, helicopter tours, and the chance to take a flight in a biplane.

The Canadian Museum of History narrates the story of the first people and the birth of the nation, spanning all the way to the contemporary history of the country. Inside the Currency Museum, visitors can explore a fascinating collection of around one hundred thousand exhibits, delving into the captivating world of currency. To find out more about the full array of museums, along with details about temporary exhibits and cultural events in the city, be sure to visit the Ottawa Tourism website.

Champa Thai Cuisine, a small yet incredibly popular establishment in Ottawa, is conveniently located at the intersection of several tourist routes and is likely to catch your attention as you make your way back from exploring museums. Inside the café, adorned with vibrant yellow tones and green plants, seating is limited. However, don't worry – the surrounding area boasts numerous picturesque parks. You can easily opt for takeout and enjoy your meal on a grassy lawn, a practice embraced by many locals.

Their menu features authentic rice and noodle dishes, such as pad kee mao with a choice of meat, a wide array of flavorful curries, comforting coconut milk-based hot soups, and enticing stir-fried vegetable options with seafood or tofu. These delicious offerings consistently draw queues of eager patrons, making it a must-visit spot.

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Ottawa is famous for its year-round spa resorts, which gain even more popularity during the winter season. Treat yourself to relaxation in thermal springs, whether it's in indoor pools or under the open sky, with options for hot, salty, or mineral water that can leave you feeling like you've turned back the clock by 20 years. Many spa centers offer distinctive treatments, such as maple and chocolate-infused therapies, serene yoga sessions in unique settings, and much more.

For example, just a short 20-minute drive from Ottawa, in the suburb of Gatineau, you'll discover the tranquil Nordik Spa-Nature, which stands out as one of the most sought-after spa destinations in the region. It features a variety of baths with different types of water, saunas, an infinity pool, and floatation chambers that promise a truly unique relaxation experience. We strongly recommend dedicating at least a day to indulge in deep rejuvenation amidst the stunning natural surroundings.

Before you cross the river and head to the spa, why not grab a bite at the stylish Gezellig bistro? This revamped 1950s bank space with its staircase and open second-floor terrace is just right for both business and friendly gatherings, offering a pleasing ambiance without being overly formal.

Watermelon gazpacho with hemp seeds, seared scallops, and braised lamb shank are signature dishes from the extensive menu, best paired with the Scooby-Doo cocktail made of Casamigos Blanco tequila, Earl Grey, passion fruit, and blood orange. For dessert, a lemon tart with a delightful blueberry purée and raspberry sorbet, along with a lovely Late Harvest Riesling from Cave Spring Vineyard, will set the tone for a wonderful day of relaxation.

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Take a water taxi across the Ottawa River to reach Gatineau Park, a sprawling protected area spanning 360 km2. The park boasts 165 km of hiking trails and 90 km of mountain biking routes. There are places to swim, have picnics, and camp, making it a nature lover's paradise.

You can explore cool caves, paddle in canoes on serene lakes, engage in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months, and even visit historical landmarks nestled amid the towering trees and rock formations.

In just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, you'll find yourself transported to a completely different world with its rich and unique biodiversity and an array of captivating activities. And if you're worried about equipment, fear not – you can easily rent what you need at the visitor center.

On the opposite side of the Ottawa River, close to Gatineau Park, you'll discover the truly astounding restaurant known as Le Cellier. The chefs here have a knack for giving familiar dishes a fresh twist, which is why their signature beet tartare with goat cheese, or Magdalen Islands scallop ceviche, are sure to amaze you. Standout options such as pan-fried foie gras with strawberry and rhubarb chutney, and stuffed guinea fowl supreme with figs, set them apart from the typical dining scene that most food enthusiasts are accustomed to.

Adding to the appeal is their meticulous presentation, stylish interior design devoid of unnecessary grandeur, a delightful terrace, and an extensive wine list. All these elements contribute to their secret recipe for maintaining high rankings over the years.

If you've been to Ottawa before, share with us any tourist activities we might have overlooked in this article. This way, our readers can discover and fall in love with this city, just as we have.