Ottawa Adventures: A Family-Friendly 4-Day Escape!

Discover the wonders of Ottawa—a family paradise with endless adventures.

19 July 2023

A family-friendly trip to Ottawa, Canada offers a rich blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Explore the iconic Parliament Hill, enjoy interactive exhibits at the Canadian Museum of History, and take a relaxing boat tour along the Rideau Canal. With countless parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly attractions like the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Ottawa is the perfect destination for a fun-filled vacation for all ages.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Capital

  • Check into the charming and family-friendly Lord Elgin Hotel, perfectly located in downtown Ottawa.
  • Start your day with a visit to Parliament Hill, where you can marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture and watch the changing of the guard.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and soak in the scenic views.
  • Immerse yourselves in Canadian culture at the National Gallery of Canada, housing an impressive collection of art, including iconic Group of Seven masterpieces.
  • Indulge in a mouthwatering meal at the lively ByWard Market, offering an array of delicious international cuisines.
Day 2

Historic Delights

  • Begin your day at the Canadian Museum of History, where you can voyage through time and explore Canada's rich past.
  • Take a short drive to Gatineau Park and enjoy a family picnic amidst nature's glory, surrounded by picturesque lakes and scenic trails.
  • Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, an architectural masterpiece, and marvel at the stunning stained glass windows.
  • Discover Ottawa's underground secrets with a tour of the historic Diefenbunker, a massive Cold War-era bunker that now serves as a museum.
  • End the day by feasting on delectable Canadian cuisine at the cozy Wilfrid’s Restaurant, known for its farm-to-table dishes.
Day 3

Fun and Adventure

  • Embark on an exciting day at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, where you can learn about the history of flight and even try your hand at a flight simulator.
  • Get ready for some adrenaline-pumping action at Calypso Waterpark, boasting thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools for the whole family to enjoy.
  • Take a relaxing boat cruise along the Ottawa River, admiring the city skyline and vibrant foliage.
  • Unleash your inner scientist at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating displays.
  • Treat yourselves to a delicious dinner at Craft Beer Market, offering a wide selection of local brews and tasty pub-style food.
Day 4

Nature Escapade

  • Explore the picturesque Gatineau Park once again, this time by hiking through its enchanting trails and discovering hidden gems along the way.
  • Immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Canadian Tulip Festival, a vibrant celebration of spring with millions of blooming tulips.
  • Rent bicycles and pedal along the scenic Ottawa River Pathway, enjoying the fresh air and stunning waterfront views.
  • Visit the peaceful Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, and stroll through the enchanting gardens.
  • Delight your taste buds at Murray Street, a cozy restaurant known for its farm-to-table philosophy and mouthwatering dishes.
  • (Note: The text provided above is 1960 characters long. Please feel free to add or edit the content to fit the desired character count.)

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Ottawa by plane is to fly into Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) from major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

Car

The best way to get to Ottawa by car is via Highway 401, which connects Ottawa to major cities such as Toronto and Montreal.

Train

The best way to get to Ottawa by train is via Via Rail Canada from major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Montreal.

Boat

While Ottawa doesn't have direct access by boat, travelers can take a cruise down the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which connects Ottawa to other cities in Ontario including Kingston and Brockville.

Bus

The best way to get to Ottawa by bus is to take Greyhound or Megabus from cities such as Toronto, Montreal, or New York City.

Destination

Ottawa

If you enjoy beavers, hockey, and extreme temperature changes, then Ottawa is the city for you! This capital city has all the cultural and political attractions you could ask for, as well as the occasional maple syrup-induced food coma.

 Save and get deals

Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

5 Days in Ottawa: A Tourist's Dream

A trip to Ottawa, Canada as a tourist is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visit iconic landmarks like the Parliament Hill, explore Gothic architecture at the Notre-Dame Basilica, and stroll through the stunning parks and gardens that dot the city. Discover the rich heritage of Canada at the National Gallery of Canada, Canadian Museum of History, and Canadian War Museum, and indulge in Ottawa's vibrant food and drink scenes, where you can taste local delights like BeaverTails and craft beer.

Experience a Romantic Weekend Getaway in Ottawa

Experience the ultimate romantic getaway in Ottawa, Canada, where you can explore the captivating landscape of the city's snowy streets and picturesque architecture. Take a stroll down the Rideau Canal hand in hand with your loved one while admiring the stunning views of the city, and indulge in the city's world-class food and drink scene. Enjoy a romantic evening at the National Arts Centre, featuring some of the most stunning performances, plays, and music in the world, set against the backdrop of the city's breathtaking skyline.

Ottawa on a Budget: 5 Days of Adventure

A trip to Ottawa, Canada on a limited budget can still be enjoyable and memorable. There are plenty of free or inexpensive things to do, such as visiting the National Gallery of Canada, exploring Parliament Hill, and walking along the Rideau Canal. Additionally, there are budget-friendly accommodations and dining options available throughout the city.

A Fun-Filled Family Adventure in Ottawa, Canada

A trip to Ottawa, Canada promises an enriching and family-friendly experience filled with history, culture, and outdoor activities. Start by exploring the iconic Parliament Hill and learning about Canadian politics and heritage. Indulge in the fascinating exhibits at the National Gallery of Canada, and don't forget to visit the beautiful Rideau Canal for a leisurely boat ride or ice skating in the winter.