10 Amazing Places To See In Ottawa, Canada’s Capital City

We arrived in Ottawa at 4:00 pm and headed directly to Camp Hither Hills campground. Camp Hither Hills would be our home for the next three nights. After several days on the road, taking some downtime and relaxing from driving will be nice. Ottawa promises to be an exciting place to visit with its national museums and Parliament buildings. While in Ottawa, we found 10 Amazing Places To See In Ottawa, Canada’s Capital City.

Continue to read on, and we will tell you about what we were able to see. Then some of the other Amazing Places To See In Ottawa that we could not visit. As everywhere we go, some places are missed due to time limitations, or we didn’t know about them until after. So enjoy what you can; maybe you will make it back to visit places you missed the first time visiting.

Picking A RV Campground

Picking an RV Campground to stay at is difficult we find. We generally never know when we will be arriving, as traveling on the road, things change for many reasons. We were happy to find Camp Hither Hills, just south of Ottawa, not too far from the city. When checking in, we asked what would be the best way to get into downtown Ottawa. Camp Hither Hills manager/owner recommended we drive about 15 minutes north to a Walmart. We could park our truck for the day and catch the bus (#97, I think) downtown. I’ll talk about our great bus drivers down below.

Camp Hither Hills offered all we needed, laundry, showers (pay), and washrooms. The park was quiet with a pool which we did not use as we didn’t have time. All in all, we would recommend staying here, with easy access to downtown Ottawa.

10 Amazing Places To See In Ottawa

Visit The Parliament Buildings

Today we parked the truck at Walmart and caught the bus from the station behind Walmart into town. After talking to the bus driver, we got off at The Famous Five Women’s monument.

After taking in the Famous Five monument, we made our way over the Rideau Canal Locks. Then onto the parliament building grounds starting at East block. Unfortunately, many renovations were going on, so taking the perfect picture was near impossible. But we did try.

Walking around the buildings themselves left you in Awe as they are stunning with such detail and fantastic craftsmanship. We spent several hours here just looking and taking it all in. After which, we headed over to the National War Memorial. We found the Parliament Buildings to be imposing, and they should be on your list of Places to see in Ottawa.

The National War Memorial

The National War Memorial, titled The Response, is a tall, granite memorial arch with accreted bronze sculptures. It was originally built to commemorate the Canadians who died in the First World War. In 1982, it rededicated to include those killed in the Second World War and Korean War. Then again, in 2014, add the dead from the Second Boer War and War in Afghanistan as well as all Canadians killed in all conflicts past and future. In 2000, the government added the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the memorial, symbolizing sacrifices made by all Canadians who have died or may yet die for their country.

Since 1940, the National War Memorial has been the site of the National Remembrance Day ceremony, organized annually by the Royal Canadian Legion on 11 November.

An emotionally moving place to visit as it symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice for one’s country and values. We found The National War Memorial very engaging, and it should be on your list of Places to see in Ottawa.

Changing Of The Guard At The Cenotaph

We were fortunate to be present at the changing of the guard.

Sentry duties commenced – on June 23rd and will continue until August 24th. The Ceremonial Guard also provides training and oversight to the Canadian Armed Forces members performing sentry duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A changing of the sentries is scheduled every hour from 9 am to 5 pm.

Canadian War Museum

After leaving The National War Memorial, we walked to the Canadian War Museum; it’s about a 20-minute walk. This Museum was fascinating and informative; the displays were well done. The Museum consisted of four galleries.

Gallery 1 (suggested 30 minutes): Early wars in Canada, as in pre-contact warfare between the natives themselves, then onto colonial Canda wars. The French and British conflicts, Louis Riel, and the Northwest resistance.

Gallery 2 (suggested 45 minutes): The South African and the First World War; were fascinating as there was lots of display and information on Vimy Ridge and other battles where Canada played an important role. Another attractive section was about the early fighter pilots; many were Canadian. Hardships of this war, in the trenches, mustard gas, and high casualty counts.

Gallery 3 (suggested 45 minutes): Second World War, Discussed Dieppe’s high cost and failure, The role Canada played in D-day, and other factors.

Gallery 4 (suggested 45 minutes): Cold War to Present talks about peacekeeping, Afaganastian, and some about the Arrow fighter jet, which Diefenbaker canceled.

The lower level has many displays of equipment from past wars. Tanks, jet fighters, artillery, and art are some unique items representing Canada’s war history at the Canadian War Museum.

Visiting this Museum is a Moving Experience! Highly recommend visiting as this information does not appear to be taught in elementary or high schools, and everyone needs to know at least some of Canada’s war history. We found the Canadian War Museum fascinating, and it should be on your list of Places to see in Ottawa.

• Opening Hours: 9:00 – 5:00 Thursdays: 9:00 – 7:00 pm.
• Location: 1 Vimy Place Ottawa
• Cost: Adult $18 / Student $14 / Child $12 / Senior $16
• Website – Canadian War Museum

After leaving The Canadian War Museum, we headed to the Social Safety Restaurant on Sparks Street. I’m sure there have to be better restaurants than this in Ottawa. Expensive and not anything special.

Canadian Museum Of Nature

We used the Ottawa bus to get to the Canadian Museum Of Nature. The Canadian Museum of Nature is housed inside a very interesting building that has its own history, and looks like a castle. Canadian Museum of Nature is not only a cool-looking historic building, but inside you’ll find dinosaur replicas, whale skeletons, an Arctic gallery, mammals, minerals, birds, insects, and flora.

The Museum was excellent and very interesting for adults and kids alike. You could easily spend five to six hours here. We had to limit our time as we also wanted to visit the Canadian Museum of History. The issue I have with these National Museums is that they close at 5:00 pm, which is definitely not tourist-friendly. No reason they can’t be open till seven or eight in the evening during the summer and then back to 5:00 pm in the off-season

• Opening Hours: 9:00 – 5:00 / 9:00 – 8:00 Thursdays
• Location: 240 McLeod Street
• 20 Minute walk from downtown, or you can catch the bus
• Cost: $17 adult/ $15 students / $13 children
• Website: Canadian Museum of Nature

Canadian Museum of History

There is no easy way to get to the Canadian Museum of History. We decided to catch an Uber from the Canadian Museum Of Nature as it was straightforward and not that expensive. We did walk back to the Parliament Buildings after our visit, and this will be a good option if you are around the parliament area. This Museum was the most expensive of the ones we visited.

This Museum consisted of four levels. You will find the Grand hall at the lower level, which houses the world’s most extensive collection of totem poles. An awe-inspiring sight all to itself. Then there is an area dedicated to the first nations people of Canada. Here you will find many interesting artifacts and artwork. We did enjoy visiting this part of the Museum.

Level 2 is primarily for children; we skipped this one without having any. There was a special exhibition Lost Liberties – The War Measures Act, and Trudeau enacted it during the FLQ crisis. We did not find this very interesting.

Levels 3 and 4 are Canadian history, some of which we found interesting. There is lots of information to take in.

I recommend having at least four to five hours to tour this Museum.

• Opening Hours: 9:00 – 5:00 / 9:00 – 8:00 Thursdays
• Location: On the river in Gatineau.
• Getting there: Take the water taxi or walk across the bridge (20 minutes) from Ottawa.
• Cost: Adult $21 / Student $16 / Child $12 / Senior $19
• Website: History Museum

Ottawa’s Other National Museums

If time permits, there are other museums to visit listed below. We didn’t have the time to visit any others so we had to choose what we thought would be best.

National Gallery of Canada

To truly appreciate Canada’s artistic treasures, explore the National Gallery of Canada. This building houses the most comprehensive collection of Canadian art, including a large number by the Group of Seven and substantial collections of Indigenous, Asian, and International works. Kids can get artsy by playing games, making their artwork, and sharing it with people from around the world during the Artissimo activity!

• Opening Hours: 9:30 – 5:00 (closed Mondays)
• Location: 380 Sussex Drive
• Cost: Adults $20 / Students and Youth 24 and Under $10 / Seniors $18
• Website – National Gallery

Canada Science and Technology Museum

It’s never been more fun to celebrate Canada’s long history of scientific and technological achievements! The Canada Science and Technology Museum combines interactive and hands-on elements with cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality. Explore old giant locomotives and Crazy Kitchen, as well as new state-of-the-art exhibits. It’s great for kids and the young at heart!

• Opening Hours: 9 – 5 pm daily (closed Mondays in the off-season)
• Location: 1867 St Laurent BLVD
• Cost: Adult $17 / Senior $13 / Studen $11
• Website – Museum of Science and Technology

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Journey into Canada’s world of air and space at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. The expansive, hangar-like building is home to the most extensive aviation collection in the country. Covering everything from the humble beginnings of flight to the sophisticated aerospace industry we know today. Plus, Canada’s role in outer space. Try the flight simulators, sit in cockpits, or take an actual flight in a helicopter or vintage biplane!

• Opening Hours: 10:00 – 5:00 (closed on Tuesdays)
• Location: 11 Aviation Parkway 
• Cost: Adult $15 / Student $13 / Child $11
• Website: Canadian Aviation and Space Museum

Visit Byward Market

The Byward Market, located just east of the Parliament buildings, is worth a visit. There seems to be a lot going on, as well as a lot of eateries to choose from. We enjoyed our stay here; the first evening, we stopped and tried a pastry called a beaver tail. Very good; I highly recommend giving this a try. You won’t regret it. There was even some live music playing that one could sit and enjoy.

On our second night downtown, we stopped at this market after visiting the Canadian History museum. Found an excellent PHO place to have dinner, much better than the night before. Cindy and I would recommend visiting this area as it was fun and laid back, unlike the rest of Ottawa.

Our Friendly Ottawa Bus Drivers

While visiting Ottawa, we had the same drivers, the morning going into Ottawa and returning from Ottawa. These drivers were extremely helpful in providing directions and information about what to see, where to get off etc. I took the time and had several conversations with these drivers. It was nice to get their perspective on things; we covered many topics. Including the current government and the Freedom Convey that Ottawa did not enjoy. They assured us that the news agencies blew everything out of proportion. The occupation was not as terrible as the media made it out to be.

Nice to know that we have all had enough of the government, it’s time to get back to living.

Useful Accessories While Traveling In Your RV

As we drive across Canada in our 2011 Ford F350 Diesel and pull our 28′ converted Toyhauler down the road, we are impressed with several items we purchased and installed before our trip began. These items are TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) and a backup camera mounted on our trailer. They provided us with additional safety while adding peace of mind on the road.

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)

This TPMS works very well. We are impressed; it updates tire pressures, so you know what is going on with your rig. We have had no issues; it works great highly recommend adding this system as it adds peace of mind to your trip.

Wireless Backup Camera

We have found this to be very useful when passing, letting you see what is happening behind you. The camera enables you to know when others are looking to pass you so that you are aware of the situation. Highly recommended, it adds to the safety of the trip.