Top 10 cultural & heritage things to do in Ottawa

1. Ottawa Tulip Festival guided photo tour

Ninety minutes guided tour featuring scenic stops at Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake, highlighting more than one million blooming tulips.

2. Ottawa food tour with tastings in ByWard Market

Two-and-a-half hours of walking through ByWard Market with six tastings of local cuisine and stories from a passionate local guide.

“Hannah was absolutely fantastic, scoring a perfect 10/10. She was friendly and well-informed, expertly guiding us through Ottawa while sharing local tastes and insights. It was an amazing experience that I highly recommend.”— Jake L

3. Customizable private walking tour of Ottawa

Flexible itinerary — explore Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, ByWard Market, and more with a knowledgeable guide, tailored to your interests.

“Aliya was an excellent guide—very friendly and provided clear explanations for my family. I highly recommend this experience! Exploring Ottawa with her was a relaxed and enjoyable time.”— Jorge_C

4. Haunted stories at the Bytown Museum in Ottawa

Two hours guided tour of the Bytown Museum with ghost stories and paranormal lore from the region's history.

“This ghost tour was fantastic—both informative and entertaining. I loved that we could explore the Bytown Museum after hours. Just a heads up, it's not ideal for those with mobility challenges due to old staircases and dim lighting. I recommend this if you've already experienced other tours and want something unique.”— Emma_L

5. Progressive dinner experience in Ottawa's ByWard Market

Three-course dining adventure through ByWard Market with drink pairings, led by a local guide sharing insights on Ottawa's food culture.

“Every restaurant chosen was excellent for its course, featuring the best cocktail spot and delightful hidden gems for the main course and dessert. Our guide was charming and informative, sharing much about the local history and food culture in Ottawa.”— AliceAdele_S

6. Parliament Hill and Ottawa River Parkway tour

Ninety-minute guided tour by vehicle — highlights include Parliament Hill, scenic river parkways, and curated photo opportunities with expert commentary.

“David was our guide, and he made the experience fantastic with his friendly and informative nature. We gained a lot of insight into Canadian culture. Even though the weather was overcast, we still had a great time. I highly recommend this tour.”— VivianS3

7. Taste of Canada food tour in Ottawa

Two to two-and-a-half hours of guided tastings in Ottawa's ByWard Market, featuring Canadian comfort foods and local drinks, including poutine and a Bloody Caesar.

“A few months back, I participated in the Taste of Canada Tour with Flavia (Ottawa Food), and it was truly an incredible experience. Flavia provided detailed explanations with genuine passion. This is certainly a unique way to explore the city's culture and get to know it better.”— lauradelbarco92

8. Ottawa city bike tour — two hours on comfortable bikes

Two-hour small-group bike tour across Ottawa’s waterfront pathways and neighbourhoods, with stops at iconic sites including Rideau Canal and the National War Memorial.

“Richard was fantastic! He guided us around the town at a perfect speed, pausing to share fascinating tidbits and stories along the way. We loved experiencing the area in this manner. Thank you!”— 256sarahp

9. Ottawa historical highlights walking tour

Two hours of guided walking from the Bear Catching Fish Statue, delving into Ottawa's history with expert local commentary and key sites including Parliament Hill.

“Our historical walking tour of Ottawa with Sophia was thoroughly enjoyable. Her genuine pride in Ottawa's and Canada’s history, along with her honest take on its imperfections, made her an outstanding guide. We highly recommend the Ottawa Walking Tours team for an entertaining couple of hours filled with local history.”— rollinhand

10. Self-guided walking tour of Ottawa's historic downtown

Explore Ottawa's historic downtown at your own pace with an audio-guided walking tour, available 24/7, featuring landmarks and stories from the city's past.

“This is a brief tour of important spots in Ottawa, and I found it enjoyable. You can stop whenever to delve deeper into a particular area before continuing. It's packed with useful information and tips about the city, making it a great self-guided experience.”— Brendan_L