Sip artisanal cocktails, craft beers and exclusive wines—and enjoy shareable small plates—in this Prohibition-style bar in the ByWard Market area. The Apothecary Lounge's name is a nod to the “medicinal cures” of old, in which bitters, tonics and, yes, alcohol played leading roles. Today, the bar's mixologists create unique cocktails using real botanicals and house-made syrups. There's even a drink named for Ottawa's founder, Colonel John By.

Create your own avatar and learn about the important role you play in the economy. Hands-on exhibits illuminate everything from the psychology of economic expectations to the history of bank note design. Mixed in with all the high-tech interactive exhibits are informative videos, multimedia stations and old-school displays featuring centuries' worth of economic artifacts—from shells once used as money to bank notes made from tree bark—together with their history and lore.

Spend an evening, an afternoon or a full day with fellow beer fans learning about Ottawa's booming craft beer scene and enjoying generous samples of ales, lagers and more. On weekends year round, Brew Donkey Tours runs rollicking trips to great breweries of all types and sizes in and near the city. Some tours even feature visits to other beverage makers, such as distilleries and wineries, and fun activities like axe-throwing and sporting events!

Secure your seats for Broadway’s biggest shows presented by Broadway Across Canada at the National Arts Centre (NAC) right here in Ottawa. From the newest global sensations to long-running crowd-pleasers, Broadway Across Canada offers spectacular performances for all musical theatre lovers. Whether you choose a single show or a full season subscription, you can enjoy the best of Broadway on the NAC stage all year long.

Discover Ottawa's history at this museum in the city's oldest stone building. Learn about the construction of the Rideau Canal, Ottawa's rowdy lumberjack past, the town's selection as Canada's capital and more. The Bytown Museum tells the city's story through a collection of more than 7,000 Ottawa-related artifacts, including Victorian timepieces, tools used to build the Rideau Canal—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and antique children's toys. 

Just minutes from downtown Ottawa, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum offers a fun-filled adventure on a working farm! Meet cows, pigs, horses, and more as you explore barns full of friendly farm animals important to Canadian agriculture. Hands-on exhibitions, daily demos, and interactive experiences bring to life the amazing world of agricultural science and innovation. From sustainable farming to Indigenous foodways, the museum makes big ideas easy to understand—and amazing to discover.

Take your sense of adventure to new heights at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum—where historic aircraft, sky-high stories, and hands-on fun come together! Explore more than 130 aircraft and artifacts, including legendary First and Second World War planes, Cold War jets, the iconic Avro Arrow and the original Canadarm. From satellites to space suits, the museum’s space-themed exhibitions offer an exciting look at Canada’s contributions to space exploration.

Get ready for hands-on fun and discovery at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, where curiosity takes centre stage for visitors of all ages! Perfect for families, the museum offers daily experiments, interactive exhibitions, and engaging activities that bring science and technology to life through play and exploration. Wander through fascinating galleries featuring inventions from steam-powered travel to sound technologies and medical breakthroughs.

Canada's most-visited museum presents the events, people and objects that have shaped the nation. This architectural gem is located in Gatineau, Quebec, directly across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill. Marvel at the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles in the Grand Hall (which also offers a spectacular view of Parliament Hill) and learn about the traditions and achievements of Canada's Indigenous nations in the First Peoples Hall.

Explore the fascinating science related to fossils, mammals, minerals, birds, plate tectonics, Arctic discovery and more in a historic building minutes from Parliament Hill. At the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, you'll learn about the country's wild spaces—from coast to coast to coast—through exhibits and interactive activities. It's like a trip across the country (and, in some cases, around the world), all in one castle-like building!

Delve into Canada's rich military history through artifacts, personal stories, artwork, photos and interactive presentations. This striking museum is also known for its symbolic architecture. Chat with a veteran, reflect on the past, and tour fascinating permanent exhibitions and temporary shows. The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa sheds light on the conflicts that shaped Canada, Canadians and the world, from pre-contact warfare to the Cold War.

Enjoy gaming, live entertainment, great food and much more fun at the Loto-Québec entertainment resort located just minutes from downtown Ottawa in Gatineau, Québec. Try your luck at the casino, where you’ll find wide selection of slot machines and gaming tables, including Texas Hold'em Poker. The Zone offers the only gaming experience of its type in North America: a multigame area with live hosts and interactive terminals. Access to the facility is reserved for people aged 18 and over.

Savour modern authentic French cuisine at this charming downtown bistro, centrally located in the heart of Ottawa’s business and tourist district. At Cocotte Bistro, you will delight in the flavours of France in a spacious open-concept dining room inspired by the decor of French bistros. The geometric black-and-white tiles, impressive marble bar and rich green velvet banquettes set the stage for a refined dining experience featuring locally sourced fresh ingredients and seasonal creations.

Treat yourself to exquisitely curated desserts including French pastries, macarons, cakes and eclairs at this upscale Glebe bakery. Delysées Luxury Desserts offers an ever changing array of enticing pastries and baked goods, including gluten-free and vegan options, that make use of seasonal products and produce to ensure the freshest taste and quality. Whether it’s a special occasion, a celebration or a craving, Delysees Luxury Desserts is an ideal way to treat your guests and yourself.

Ponder the Cold War as you tour this four-storey underground bunker in rural Ottawa. Originally designed to ensure the continuity of Canada’s government during a nuclear attack, it's now a National Historic Site. The Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum reminds us that the world was once on the edge of nuclear war but chose peace instead. Experience its exhibitions, programs and events—including popular escape-room adventures—to get a chilling glimpse into Canada's past.

Award-winning jewellery store specializing in natural, unusual and untreated gems. Centrally located on Murray Street in the heart of the historic ByWard Market, Disegno Fine Jewellery is known for their locally-made, original designs showcasing natural, untreated, exquisitely beautiful and rare stones. All custom pieces are meticulously crafted by Disegno’s owner, designer and gemologist Pamela Coulston.

Join scheduled daily bike tours led by Ottawa locals or rent a bike, e-bike, scooter or boat and create your own adventure. Locally-owned and operated Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals offers small group bike tours of Ottawa and bike rentals daily from April to November, as well as winter fat bike rentals and tours from December to March. All-day and specialty tours are also available, or book a private tour for school or other groups or events.

Enjoy views of city sights as you paddle the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa-Gatineau in a rental kayak or on a standup paddleboard (SUP). Bike rentals also available! Conveniently located close to the NCC River House, Escape Tours & Rentals rents all sorts of kayaks and SUPs, as well as bicycles, at reasonable rates. You can also take a sunset kayaking tour. Group and private tours are available, too.

Named to commemorate the Lord Elgin’s opening in 1941, this restaurant is a culinary gem and a top dining destination for locals and visitors alike! Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Forty One features locally sourced, classic Canadian and Continental cuisine—and their cellar is stocked to suit all occasions. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a midday poutine or salad, or a thoughtfully prepared steak, seafood, or poultry dish, you’re sure to find something to love on their menus. You’ll also find unique global accents, including Ottawa’s favourite egg rolls.

Garden Path Homemade Soap is more than just a Shoppe - it's a unique destination where you can stroll through the beautiful gardens where many of the plants used in their products are grown. When you visit in the late summer, you may get the opportunity to see the Monarchs up close in our outdoor rearing enclosure and when they emerge as butterflies, lucky visitors get to release them into the wild. Come visit to see all that this place has to offer at Garden Path Homemade Soap!

Amphibus Lady Dive OR Grey Line Tours: bilingual one hour city tours on both land and water. A spectacular way to visit Ottawa and view more than 75 different attractions sites. Daily departures. Oak Road Tours division of Lady Dive: Climb aboard a replica open or Double Decker or open top bus for a 90 minute guided city tour of the Capital's major attraction sites. Hop On-Hop Off as you wish to visit at your own pace. Ticket kiosk located at corner of Sparks & Elgin and corner of Wellington & Elgin St. Open May 1st to Mid-October.

Grey’s is a stunning venue, blending modern-vintage design with Canadian influences. Its thoughtfully curated, value-priced menu celebrates international and Canadian classic feel-good dishes, all made in-house with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients and crafted with passion and love. The vibe at Grey’s—featuring Top 40 hits, rock, country music, and timeless sing-alongs—paired with the friendliest staff in a beautiful setting, makes it a home away from home, where everyone feels welcome among friends.

It's an experience everyone should try: a real-life adventure game! You and your friends are locked in a room for 45 minutes during a high-stakes scenario. You must solve a series of fun, yet challenging puzzles and find the Escape Key before time runs out! Failure means imprisonment, impending danger, or an altogether very bad ending. Hints and clues are provided to help you and your team solve the puzzles and make your escape. You will have to use your wits, creativity, and team-work to regain your freedom.

Step into a dreamy pink world at Luxe Blooms Flower Café, Ottawa's new Byward Market gem. This unique spot blends a café and a full-service flower shop, where you can enjoy coffee and paninis or indulge in high tea surrounded by countless rosy petals. Order pastries, then relax amidst the floral décor before picking up bouquets or balloon arrangements. The all-pink interior features a stunning floor-to-ceiling blush flower wall and floating blooms. The menu offers everything from espresso and smoothies to sandwiches, avocado toast, high tea, cocktails, and gluten-free options.

Made in Canada Gifts (Rideau Centre) is dedicated exclusively to distinctive gifts and home décor that are designed and manufactured in Canada. They feature unique Canadian art, contemporary jewellery, Canada & Ottawa themed apparel, home accent décor, and artisan foods. The store serves Canadians and international visitors alike, and will ship purchases to anywhere in the world.

Authentic South Indian cuisine from the Tanjore (Thanjavur) area of Tamil Nadhu, featuring over 50 varieties of Dosa. Centrally located in the Glebe, Mahal Tanjore showcases the flavours of South India with an extensive menu including plentiful vegan and vegetarian options. Complement your meal with a cocktail, mocktail, wine or beer from the bar and enjoy patio dining during the summer months.

Experience the rich and vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean at this luxurious restaurant located at Lansdowne in the Glebe. Med Supper Club offers an unparalleled dining experience that celebrates Mediterranean culture and lifestyle. With a focus on elevated Mediterranean cuisine, the menu is a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients. Enhance your meal with a creative cocktail or a bottle from the exclusive wine list curated by the Med’s in-house sommelier. At the Med Supper Club, every meal tells a story and every visit feels like a Mediterranean escape.

Métropolitain Brasserie is conveniently located between the Chateau Laurier and Westin hotels at 700 Sussex, just steps away from Parliament Hill. If champagne and oysters sound enticing, they have the city's largest raw bar. Open 7 days a week, serving lunch, dinner & brunch on weekends, there is something here for everyone. Join them for Hill Hour every day from 4 to 7pm for discounted oysters and shrimp, and every Thursday for Buck a Shuck. The Métropolitain Brasserie boasts an award-winning wine list that offers the most extensive list of varietal wines by the glass in the city.

Independent boutique offering a curated selection of clothing, jewelry and accessories in the vibrant ByWard Market. Celebrating nearly two decades as a must-visit destination for clothing, accessories and more, MILK is a space full of extraordinary finds. Discover the ever-expanding collections of greeting cards, enamel pins and stickers. MILK takes great pride in featuring independent artists from across Canada, the United States and beyond.jewelry.

Catch a wide variety of orchestra, dance, variety, and English, French and Indigenous theatre shows at the only bilingual, multidisciplinary performing arts centre in Canada. The National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa collaborates with artists and arts organizations across Canada to stage artistically adventurous shows in Ottawa and to support the arts across the country. Check out the NAC's Scene festivals and NAC Presents series to catch the latest work by established and emerging Canadian artists, or attend a Broadway blockbuster.

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Discover contemporary and historical artworks - including paintings, sculptures, photographs and multimedia installations - in this landmark site located near the vibrant ByWard Market area. Discover the story of art in Canada in the Indigenous and Canadian Galleries - a massive display that includes ancient Indigenous artifacts, religious pieces from New France, Group of Seven paintings and modern Inuit sculptures. Explore Canada's finest collection of European art, strong collections of Asian and international works, as well as world-class special exhibitions.

This brewery near Ottawa International Airport is a hotbed of innovation, making beers such as spruced pale ale and pineapple sour radler. Husband-and-wife brewers Andy Nita and Bridget Carey started the Nita Beer Company because, well, Andy’s brewing obsession had started to take over their home. Visitors today are the lucky beneficiaries of the couple’s fascination with experimentation. Pop by the brewery for some unique, only-in-Ottawa beers to take home.

These cruises offer the finest views along the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal. Enjoy a cruise through Ottawa on the Rideau Canal and learn about the waterway’s unique history and heritage while aboard a fully electric vessel. The Ottawa River tour offers the finest views along the Ottawa River. Both tours have live bilingual commentaries.

During the world's largest chamber music festival each summer, you can delight in 120 concerts in Canada's capital by leading international ensemble and solo musical artists. For two weeks in late July and early August, some of the city's most beautiful—and acoustically marvellous—churches, museums, galleries, theatres and heritage sites host indoor and outdoor performances by internationally renowned artists. Plus, the festival offers unique late-night Chamberfringe programming, which combines classical music with comedy, film, fantasy…and, sometimes, even cannabis!

Ottawa Yacht Tours offers upscale boat tours for all tastes and schedules, ranging from a one-hour evening tour to admire the city lights, to a multi-hour trip that includes a catered lunch and the chance to swim from a secluded sandbar. You can even book a private dinner cruise for two, a sunset trip or a fireworks-viewing experience. All trips include non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, and you have the option to preorder a selection of delicious charcuterie boards based on your group size and budget.

Family-owned Vietnamese restaurant specializing in authentic Vietnamese dishes including Pho Noodle Soup, Vermicelli and Banh Mi. Pho By Night has been serving up Vietnamese fan favourites in the Byward Market for over 20 years. With an extensive vegan and vegetarian menu including gluten free options, Pho By Night selects the freshest vegetables as a perfect companion to traditional ingredients to create delicious dishes. Garnished with vibrant herbs, zesty limes and fiery chilies, their signature Phở is a testament to Vietnam’s rich culinary past.

Prova Bar & Kitchen offers Italian inspired cuisine, elevated beverages, artisanal pizzas and distinctive plates in a warm interactive atmosphere. It's here that you can have an interactive experience at their Chefs table while you glare at our Wood Stone hearth pizza oven. The Chefs in their from scratch, Italian inspired kitchen, proof the pizza dough for two days, use the freshest toppings, offer salads, shareables, and paninis. They procure the finest & best quality ingredients - good food which is accessible to everyone, yet unique and memorable.

Rafting Momentum offers you the ultimate white water rafting experience on the most beautiful river in Quebec/Ontario. Their mission is to provide you with an unforgettable experience that will have you come back year after year! You will ride big waves and catch the fresh air as you navigate down the Ottawa River. Plus, you will have a chance to swim through the rapids and do cliff jumping. Their skilled, professionally trained guides will take you through a safe and fun journey through the Ottawa River, which is internationally known for its white beautiful warm water.

Sip craft cocktails while nibbling tapas as you watch the sun set over the historic ByWard Market neighbourhood from this seasonal rooftop terrace. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the lively streets of the ByWard Market and the neo-Gothic buildings of Parliament Hill from Rooftop, a hidden enclave high above the action. Peruse the menu of globally inspired small plates and heartier fare, ranging from ceviche and charcuterie to steak frites and sticky toffee banana pudding. Clever vegetarian and vegan choices are available, too.

Take a fascinating, affordable tour to learn how coins are made, and shop for unique gifts and collectibles in an historic building near the ByWard Market area. On your tour, you can 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 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.

In a stylishly updated heritage building in the ByWard Market, sip hand-crafted cocktails and savour modern twists on classic dishes. Starling Restaurant is housed in a landmark building dating to 1875, but its vibe is thoroughly contemporary. High ceilings, huge windows, exposed brick walls, deep blue banquettes, a long bar and gorgeous bird wallpaper combine to create an inviting setting for a memorable meal in Ottawa’s popular ByWard Market neighbourhood.

Treat yourself to something sweet from this vegan, nut-free, kosher and gluten-free bakery with locations in Westboro and Kanata. Strawberry Blonde’s mission is to create a place where people with alternative diets and food allergies can enjoy baked goods without having to worry about cross contamination or compromising on taste and aesthetics. Everything — from cookies and squares to cupcakes breakfast items — is vegan, nut-free, kosher and gluten-free and baked on-site.

THE GRAND PIZZERIA & BAR located in the former Grand Hotel built in 1882, and on the best people watching corner in the By-Ward Market. The Grand features authentic Napoletana pizza baked in a wood-fired oven, home-made pastas and original cocktails. With 170 seats inside & another 170 on their wrap around Patio. Features vegan and gluten and lactose-free options.

Explore the spooky side of Ottawa with The Haunted Walk! Offering guided ghost tours and paranormal adventures since 1995, these spine-chilling experiences will take you through the city's most haunted locations, sharing captivating tales of hauntings, unsolved mysteries and local legends. Perfect for groups or individual travellers seeking a unique and thrilling evening activity, The Haunted Walk will delight ghost story enthusiasts, fearless paranormal investigators, history aficionados, urban explorers and anyone with a curiosity about the unknown.

ToursByLocals is a Canadian company that provides private, personalized tours in 159 countries around the world. In Ottawa, they have professional local guides who give a variety of private tours for individuals or groups, on foot, by car, or in your own tour bus. Visit their website to see the full range of tour guide services they have for you. Their Ottawa guides are fluent in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German. Each of their tours is private and unique, allowing the flexibility to create a custom tour just for you.

Bring the family to this extensive zip line adventure park in the Thousand Islands region, about 130 kilometres southeast of downtown Ottawa, for a day of fun among the trees. Located on the scenic Thousand Islands Parkway, beside the St. Lawrence River near Mallorytown, Treetop Trekking 1000 Islands is one of Ontario’s largest aerial adventure parks. The large wooded site offers fun for visitors of all ages. Kids aged three to seven can climb along hammocks and wooden bridges in the Treehouse Village.

Uppliva Sauna & Spa is located in the heart of Wellington West, Ottawa. Experience the authentic Hot-Cold-Rest sauna tradition with a visit to our Thermal Circuit. Your stay includes shared access to our cedar sauna with aromatherapy, eucalyptus steam room, cold plunge pool, refreshing rain showers, and modern relaxation space. You are guaranteed to leave feeling uplifted, rejuvenated and renewed! We offer a 2.5-hr and 1-hr Thermal Circuit. Complement your spa experience with a Registered Hot Stone Massage, Holistic Facial or Wildcrafted Spa Treatment.

Visit Ottawa’s only French-language museum to discover and learn about the habits and customs of the local francophonie. The Vanier Museopark is a non-profit organization in the heart of Vanier, a popular neighbourhood just east of downtown Ottawa. Through its exhibits, talks, workshops, school programs and interpretive tours, the Vanier Museopark allows curious people of all ages — and all cultures — to celebrate the rich heritage and history of its community.

ZAK'S DINER - Locally World Famous, and an Ottawa Institution, Zak's has been serving classic Canadian comfort food since 1986. As you walk in through the door you will be transported back in time. The charm of Zak's is keeping the Diner classics untouched. They've made the milkshakes, the burgers, our all day breakfast and signature classics the same way for 32 years!

ZAK'S DINER - Locally World Famous, and an Ottawa Institution, Zak's has been serving classic Canadian comfort food since 1986. As you walk in through the door you will be transported back in time. The charm of Zak's is keeping the Diner classics untouched. They've made the milkshakes, the burgers, our all day breakfast and signature classics the same way for 32 years!