There are plenty of things to do in Ottawa this summer; you just need to know where to search. The city has put in a tremendous amount of effort to maintain its eateries, patios, and outdoor pleasures exciting, accessible, and secure even under unusual circumstances. Here are a few of the top summertime activities in Ottawa.
1. Experience Ottawa River Rafting
Life in Ottawa revolves mostly around the Ottawa River. Indigenous Peoples have used this famous river as an important trading route for hundreds of years. It also serves as a significant portion of the border between Ontario and Quebec. The Ottawa River had a significant role in establishing Canada as a major hub for the fur trade and, ultimately, in the formation of the country.
Even though it is no longer a hub for trade, Ontario’s Ottawa River remains the best place to go for water sports. And this is due to the river’s spectacular rapids and the fierce white water that rushes through several of its portions.
2. Unwind At One Of Ottawa’s Great Beaches
Ottawa ranks right up there with some of the top beaches in Ontario, which has some of the nicest beaches in all of Canada. Beautiful, easily accessible, and often crowded with families and couples picnicking and taking advantage of the lovely summer weather are Ottawa’s beaches.
Off Carling Avenue, Brittania Beach is located at the edge of the Ottawa River. It features on-site dining options, lifeguards, a sizable expanse of land with boat launching and hiking paths, as well as free wheelchair rentals for people with mobility challenges.
Near Kitchissippi Lookout, along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, is where you’ll find Westboro Beach. Westboro Beach is a well-liked beach in Ottawa. From early June to late August, you can find snack bars and lifeguards on duty in the afternoons. Even live music may be performed in the park in Ottawa throughout the summer.
3. Take the ideal picture of the legislative buildings.
The Parliament Buildings of Canada are some of the country’s most exquisite architectural creations. Even if these famous buildings have received many photos, you can still discover interesting viewpoints to get the ideal Instagram snap.
Before going to Major’s Hill Park, take a stroll up Parliament Hill to get some great angles at the park’s monuments or the picturesque Ottawa River in the background.
With the river in the foreground and the parliament buildings towering over the cliffs, Alexandra Bridge makes for one of the best sunset locations for photographers with longer lenses.
Consider taking one of the Parliament Tours for a closer look. These trips, which last for around 45 minutes, include an airport-style security check. You are permitted to take photos but not films.
4. Discover the city’s landmarks and artwork from a fresh perspective.
Speaking of unusual perspectives, Indigenous Walks’ local art tour of Ottawa is a requirement for anyone wanting to learn more about how Indigenous people are portrayed in Canada.
Through the lens of public art displays and monuments, this one-of-a-kind and intriguing art tour of Ottawa examines the portrayal and narratives of Indigenous Peoples in Ottawa and across Canada. I have had the privilege of participating in some of the most exciting and eye-opening artistic encounters.
5. Visit A Few Of Ottawa’s Fascinating Museums
Our country’s capital is Ottawa, Ontario, and it is a fact. This means that it is filled with some of the most amazing museums and educational exhibits in the entire country of Canada. If you love studying as much as I do, you’ll adore visiting some of these incredible Ottawa museums.
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6. With This Canadian Signature Experience, Discover the Complete History of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples
The Canadian Tourism Industry has compiled a list of the “Canadian Signature Experiences” that includes some of the country’s most well-known attractions. Some of the nation’s most well-known attractions can be found among them.
The “Indigenous This” event is one of these encounters, and it attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually. It’s a comprehensive program that presents the First Peoples of Canada’s history and culture from an Indigenous viewpoint.
You can learn about the significance of Indigenous communities in the fur trade by participating in Indigenous Experiences, which also include dancing and music, a stroll through a recreation village, and a Voyageur canoe trip along the Ottawa River.
7. Buy Everything You Want at Byward Market
One of Canada’s first public markets was Byward Market. This well-known Ottawa landmark was established in 1826 to facilitate trade between teams building the Rideau Canal and lock system.
The Byward Market has gained recognition over the years and is now “the” location to go if you want fresh, locally grown produce, distinctive arts, crafts, and clothing. You can even have your name painted on a grain of rice by an artist who holds the world record for the smallest painting.
Explore the various eateries, cafes, bakeries, and other businesses that line the cobblestone streets of the market. Visit the Lowertown Brewery for some delectable brews, pick up a Beaver Tail, have breakfast at King Eddy, or simply browse and take in the vibrant atmosphere of Canada’s coolest market.
8. Pick up a Rideau The Canal Cruise
Consider taking a canal cruise along the Rideau from Chateau Laurier to Dow’s Lake if you want to see a really different side of Ottawa.
The National Arts Centre, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the TD Centre (home of the Ottawa RedBlacks), and Lansdowne Park are just a few of the well-known sites you’ll pass by on the hour-and-a-half-long Rideau Canal trip. This is the same path that, in the winter, gets transformed into the magnificent Rideau Canal Skateway.
9. Enjoy Ottawa’s Summer Festivals.
Ottawa hosts several extremely fantastic summer festivals. Without focusing a whole post on Ottawa summer events, there are likely too many to list here. But here are a few of my favourites to pick from.
- Canada Day Festival
- Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
- Ottawa Jazz Festival
10. Enjoy Ottawa’s Culinary Scene
Ottawa raises the bar for dining. It comes as no surprise that some of Canada’s top chefs have opened up shop in Ottawa, given the influx of international leaders, ambassadors, and dignitaries that frequent the city.
The Ottawa food scene, however, is filled with a variety of flavours to suit every taste and budget, as opposed to stuffy, costly restaurants with exorbitant food that seems like it will barely be a mouthful.
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