Are you looking for a fun and exciting adventure to share with your friends in Ottawa? Canada’s capital city is filled with an array of unique and exciting activities that you and your friends can enjoy together. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an art lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in Ottawa. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top fun things to do in Ottawa with friends.
Visit the Canadian Museum of History: If you and your friends are interested in history and culture, the Canadian Museum of History is a must-see attraction. The museum, located in Gatineau across the Ottawa River, is the most-visited museum in Canada and is home to over 20,000 years of Canadian history. From prehistoric times to the present day, the museum showcases the country’s rich history through immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and artifacts. Some of the museum’s most popular exhibits include the First Peoples Hall, the Canadian History Hall, and the Children’s Museum. The First Peoples Hall explores the history and cultures of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, while the Canadian History Hall covers the country’s history from the pre-contact period to the present day. The Children’s Museum is an interactive exhibit designed for children aged three to 12 years old, where they can dress up, play games, and learn about Canada’s history in a fun and engaging way.
Explore the Ward Market: If you’re a foodie or just looking for a unique shopping experience, the by Ward Market is the perfect destination for you and your friends. Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, the market is a bustling and vibrant outdoor marketplace that’s open year-round. It’s home to over 600 businesses, including restaurants, cafes, specialty food stores, and artisanal shops. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, or unique souvenirs, the by Ward Market has it all. The market is also home to some of Ottawa’s best restaurants, such as Zak’s Diner, which serves up classic diner fare, and King Eddy, which offers upscale pub food and craft beers.
Take a bike ride along the Rideau Canal: The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Ottawa’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a 202-kilometer-long canal that connects Ottawa to Kingston, and in the winter months, it transforms into the world’s largest skating rink. In the summer, you and your friends can rent bikes and take a leisurely ride along the canal, which offers stunning views of the city’s landmarks, including Parliament Hill and the Chateau Laurier. There are plenty of places to rent bikes in Ottawa, including Rent Bike, which offers hourly and daily rentals. The canal also has a network of trails that are perfect for walking, jogging, or rollerblading.
Visit the National Gallery of Canada: If you and your friends are art lovers, the National Gallery of Canada is a must-visit destination. The gallery is home to over 40,000 works of art from around the world, including Canadian and Indigenous art, contemporary art, European and American art, and photography. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, and the Group of Seven. The gallery also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, which feature works by contemporary artists and explore a wide range of themes and subjects. Some of the gallery’s most popular exhibitions include Alex Janvier: Modern Indigenous Master, and Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome
Check out the Ottawa International Jazz Festival: If you and your friends enjoy live music, the Ottawa International Jazz Festival is a must-see event. The festival takes place in late June and early July and features performances by some of the world’s best jazz musicians.
Visit Parliament Hill: Parliament Hill is the seat of Canada’s federal government, and it’s a great place to take a tour and learn about Canadian politics. Plus, the views from the hill are stunning.
These are just a few of the many fun things to do in Ottawa with friends. There’s something for everyone in Canada’s capital city!
Best time to visit Ottawa with Friends
The best time to visit Ottawa really depends on your interests and what you want to do while you’re there. Each season in Ottawa offers its own unique experiences, attractions, and events, so it’s important to consider what you want to see and do before planning your trip.
Summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit Ottawa, as the weather is warm and sunny, and there are many outdoor events and festivals happening throughout the city. Some of the most popular events during the summer include the Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill, and the Ottawa Blues fest. Summer is also a great time to explore Ottawa’s parks and outdoor spaces, such as Gatineau Park and the Rideau Canal.
Fall (September to November) is also a great time to visit Ottawa, as the weather is cool and crisp, and the fall foliage is stunning. The city is less crowded than in the summer, making it a great time to explore some of Ottawa’s indoor attractions, such as the National Gallery of Canada or the Canadian Museum of History. Fall is also a great time to visit the nearby apple orchards and pumpkin patches.
Winter (December to February) can be cold and snowy in Ottawa, but it’s also a magical time to visit. The Rideau Canal becomes the world’s largest skating rink, and the city is transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday lights and decorations. Winterlude, a festival celebrating winter, is held in February and features ice sculptures, ice skating, and other winter activities.
Spring (March to May) is a quieter time to visit Ottawa, as the weather can be unpredictable, but it’s also a great time to explore some of the city’s indoor attractions, such as the Canadian War Museum or the National Arts Centre. Spring is also a great time to visit the tulip festival, which takes place in May and features over a million tulips in bloom throughout the city.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Ottawa depends on your interests and what you want to do while you’re there. Each season has its own unique experiences and attractions, so it’s important to consider what you want to see and do before planning your trip.