Best 13 Places to Visit in Guelph, Ottawa, Ontario, Museums & Hidden Gems

Cindy I’ve been to Ottawa many times, but visiting Rideau Hall had always been on my list—and I finally got to go! You do need to make a reservation, but it’s pretty easy to book. The tour is guided—Im not sure if the guide was a staff member or a volunteer, but we had one person take us around the residence. Luckily, no one else joined our time slot, so it turned into a private tour for just the two of us! The inside was more elegant than I expected. We got to see portraits of past Governors General, peek into the event halls and workspaces, and really got a feel for the history and atmosphere. Definitely worth the visit!

Kirk Trudeau Located On The Corner Of Elgin Street And Albert Street Outside The National Arts Centre In Downtown Ottawa. They Play His Soundtracks By The Statue. Oscar Peterson Was A Canadian Musical Genius. He Ranks As One Of The World’s Greatest Jazz Virtuosos, And Continues To Influence Generations Of Musicians Everywhere.

Brandan Johnston Standing watch over the entrance of the Central Post Office on Sparks Street, the lion statues add a dignified presence to this historic building. Installed as part of the structure’s Art Deco design between 1938 and 1939, these sculptures embody strength and vigilance, fitting symbols for a building that once served as a vital hub of communication in the nation’s capital. Carved in stone, the lions have a solemn, almost stoic expression, their features softened by time and exposure to the elements. Though they sit quietly at the entrance, their presence is commanding, a reminder of the era when grand public buildings were adorned with symbolic and architectural flourishes meant to inspire. The symmetry of their placement enhances the building’s stately character, and their weathered surfaces add to their sense of permanence. Despite being in plain sight along a busy pedestrian corridor, these statues are often overlooked. Yet for those who pause to take them in, they offer a subtle but striking piece of Ottawa’s architectural heritage—one that blends history, craftsmanship, and the enduring power of stone-carved symbolism.

Nicholas L This is an incredible organization. The staff are amazing, simply put. I love the events they organize for the community like the annual Sugar Festival and Summer Camps. They recently hosted a ceremony for new Canadian citizens in their beautiful, brand new sugar shack. Thank you for being a wonderful hub for our Vanier community to be proud of! ❤️

Moments in Motion I’ve visited the Bytown Museum a couple of times, and it’s always been an interesting stop. It’s a small space, but it’s packed with stories about Ottawa’s early days — from the building of the Rideau Canal to the city’s growth from Bytown into the capital. The exhibits are straightforward and easy to follow, and the historic setting right beside the canal adds to the experience. It’s the kind of museum where you can take your time, learn something new, and appreciate how much history sits right in the middle of downtown. A solid place to visit if you’re exploring the area or want a quick, meaningful look at Ottawa’s beginnings.

Jeff Eng This is a fantastic park and beach. There is something here for everyone. There are multiple large play structures for all ages. The beach is large, with lots of space for everyone and good water access so it doesnt feel crowded. Green space is plentiful and there are many trees for shade, even in the beach area. You can purchase snacks, ice cream, and such at a concession stand, though youll pay a fair bit as you would expect at such a location. There are a few tables available to sit at and also plenty of green space with trees for shade nearby as well. Also note, you can fill up your water bottle here at a water fountain. Public bathrooms are available with changing facilities for the beach as well. The only issue is that there is very limited parking, which is paid, so unless you get there early in the day, you will have difficulty finding parking. Other than that, its a fantastic place to spend an entire day with the family and friends.

Leon Absolutely beautiful church. The bilingual (English/French) mass on a Saturday evening is a must-attend, it really shows the culture of Canada! The café downstairs is also a hidden gem for sure, the flat white is perfect for escaping the cold. There is an accessible ramp outside the main entrance Domine, dilexi decorem domus tuae. Definitely visit.

Ray Canadas 2nd prime minister Alexander Mackenzie who was a mason and builder before he became a politician.

Dragan Ivancevic Situated in Confederation Square, the monument was designed by Vernon March and unveiled by King George VI in 1939 to honour Canadians who gave their lives in the First World War. It was later rededicated to commemorate all members of the Canadian Forces who have served in subsequent conflicts. Rising 22 metres, the memorial features a dramatic ensemble of twenty-two bronze figures, each representing a distinct military role. The arrangement is striking from every angle and rewards a full walk-around. References to Canada’s various military engagements appear throughout the site, marked by the years in which Canadian forces served. The monument is flanked by two ceremonial sentries and fronts the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is thoughtfully designed and remains visually impressive throughout the year.

Shuaib S The rideau canal is an experience unique to Ottawa and as it is situated right between the two universities, a fantastic place for veteran ice skaters and novice skaters alike to experience. The canal is the worlds longest ice rink and an integral part of the Ottawa experience. The beavertails are best enjoyed here on the ice and so are the hot chocolates and other warm drinks. Some years you can find maple taffy on ice. This canal leads to the downtown experience of Winterlude at Confederation Park! Winter is cold, but winter in Ottawa is worthwhile the freeze!

Ishita Mondal Amazing site for history lovers and architecture fans at the same time. The central wing is under renovation but the east and west wings are open for guided tours currently. I loved the fountain with the fire especially!

Jennifer Forget Our chocolate tour with Flavia was awesome. There was an excellent selection of chocolate treats to try, including one savoury. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour and would recommend it to anyone looking for a new way to experience Ottawa.

Samuel Bernard Axel did an amazing job today creating a fun environment for us. He was also extremely kind and relaxed. We had great conversations and all of our questions were answered. Good job Axel, hope to see you again when we will come back! The building itself is great. Its amazing to have this type of access of such important infrastructures on our canadian history. Well done on this tour!