Learn about Ottawa’s recent history, from the early years of the Rideau Canal construction through the rough and tumble times of early Bytown, to Ottawa’s designation as Canada’s capital and beyond. The museum is fittingly located inside the city’s oldest stone building and can be found next to the Ottawa Locks where the canal opens into the Ottawa River. 

Delight your kids at this working farm in the heart of the city, where they can meet farm animals and learn where their food comes from. Explore Canada's farming heritage through engaging exhibitions, food demonstrations, and multi-sensory spaces at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Learn about sustainable agriculture, Indigenous traditions and more. Meet full-grown and baby animals, including horses, cows, alpacas, pigs, goats, sheep and rabbits! 

Canada's aviation and aerospace history is celebrated at one of the world's leading museums in this field, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. The museum showcases aircraft and artifacts from both civil and military service, including propellers and engines. Visitors can explore the story of flight through demonstrations, guided tours and more. 

Explore the world of steam locomotives, sound technologies, gold mining, climate change, hydroelectric power and much more at the family-friendly Canada Science and Technology Museum. Visitors are invited to discover, play, and experience how people – through curiosity, observation, and creativity – have made Canada and continue to shape its future. 

Designed by Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal, the Canadian Museum of History celebrates the diverse histories, stories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples through galleries, displays and monumental works of art; while also exploring the compelling personal stories that have shaped Canada, from earliest times to the present day. Youngsters and their families will love learning through play at the Canadian Children’s Museum, and visitors of all ages will enjoy the thrill of the large-screen adventures at CINÉ+. 

Explore fascinating galleries: dinosaur fossils, mammals, minerals, birds, live insects, Canada’s Arctic and more. Set in a historic castle just minutes from Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of Nature is fun for the whole family! Learn about the country's wild spaces from coast to coast to coast through exhibits and interactive activities.  

The iconic Canadian War Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the cost of conflict and humankind’s enduring desire for peace. The Museum explores Canadian military history from early wars in Canada to contemporary conflicts. It features unique architecture, a display of large military artillery, thought-provoking exhibitions, moving personal stories of Canadians in times of war, priceless works of art, and spaces for quiet reflection and remembrance. 

Discover world-renowned contemporary and historical artworks – including painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia – at this iconic site located near the vibrant ByWard Market. Learn about Canada’s collective story through art in the Indigenous and Canadian Galleries, a massive display that includes works from time immemorial to the present day. Explore the collections in the contemporary and European and American galleries and take in world-class special exhibitions. 

At this year-round nature park less than an hour's drive east of Ottawa, see a variety of Canadian wildlife on a 12-kilometre self-drive safari. Enjoy a trip through Parc Omega's 2,200-acre (890-hectare) preserve in Montebello, Quebec to see deer, elk, bison, caribou and other animals roaming in their natural habitats. Pick up a bag of carrots at the entrance to feed some of the curious animals that come right up to the car. Open all year long, Parc Omega offers many activities: animal presentations, walking trails, picnic areas, restaurants, farm animals and much more. 

Take a fascinating tour to learn how coins are made, and shop for unique gifts and collectibles in an historic building near the ByWard Market. On your tour, learn about the precise art and craft of coin-making, see over $1 million worth of pure gold and even hold a solid gold bar! Discover the Royal Canadian Mint’s storied history, which includes a Guinness World Record for producing the world’s largest coin—a 100-kilogram coin made of 99.999% pure gold with a face value of $1 million. On weekdays, you can also watch coins being made.

Take either a Haunted Walk or a Hidden InSite tour to learn about Ottawa’s history from knowledgeable guides who use storytelling to paint a vivid picture of downtown Ottawa. On a Haunted Walk Tour, visit some of Ottawa's most haunted locations and learn their ghostly stories. On a Hidden InSite Tour, visit unique historic and cultural sites to learn stories and ideas that are hidden in plain sight. 

Zak’s Diner is an Ottawa institution that has been serving classic Canadian comfort food since 1986. Zak’s offers a nostalgic diner experience that transports guest back to the 1950’s. The charm of Zak's lies in preserving its diner classics. From milkshakes and burgers to all-day breakfast and signature dishes, there is something for everyone.