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.

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Travel plan

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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.
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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.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Charming Ottawa: A Romantic Day Trip Guide

A romantic trip to Ottawa, Canada will undoubtedly leave you spellbound. Experience the stunning views of the city along the Rideau Canal, book a private horse-drawn carriage ride along the charming streets or enjoy a gourmet dinner with your loved one while overlooking the scenic Ottawa River. The rich cultural heritage and serene environment will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Whimsical Wonders: A 3-Day Ottawa Adventure on a Budget!

A family-friendly trip to Ottawa, Canada offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Explore the iconic Parliament Hill and learn about Canada's political legacy, then head to the family-friendly Canadian Museum of History for an interactive journey through time. Enjoy leisurely bike rides or picnics along the scenic Rideau Canal, and don't forget to indulge in delicious beavertails, a local Ottawa treat!

4-Day Ottawa Adventure: Museums, Culture & Nature

As a tourist, visiting Ottawa offers a unique Canadian experience filled with historical landmarks, diverse cuisines, and cultural attractions. Take a stroll through the vibrant ByWard Market to sample local cuisine, explore world-class museums, and embrace the nation's heritage at irresistible government buildings including Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, and the renowned National Gallery of Canada. Additionally, the Canadian capital has an array of exciting festivals such as the Ottawa International Jazz Festival that stretches from late June through to early July.

Ottawa on a Budget: Sights, Food, and Fun!

A trip to Ottawa, Canada on a limited budget can still be enjoyable with some strategic planning. Luckily, many of the city's most popular attractions, such as Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada, offer free admission. In addition, there are plenty of affordable dining options and public transportation to help keep costs low.