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Adventures

What to See and Do In Ottawa

May 3, 2017May 2, 2017 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 24 comments
What to See and Do In Ottawa

I only spent two full days in Ottawa last fall, but it was enough to capture my heart. I didn’t get to see all that the city has to offer, but I really enjoyed what I saw and it gave me a new appreciation for and understanding of the city. I’ll share my two-day itinerary in my next post about Ottawa–it was perfect if you only have a short amount of time. Today I’m sharing a roundup of all the places I visited while I was there.

What to do & see during a quick trip to Ottawa. // dreams-etc.com

What to do & see during a quick trip to Ottawa. // dreams-etc.com

Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal was built as a military precaution in case of a war with the United States. It was never used for that purpose, but today it’s used for pleasure boating during the warmer months. During winter it becomes a large skating rink and, apparently, you can see business people skating to work. How cool would that be? It’s also incredibly beautiful and looks like a great place to go for a walk or a run.

What to do & see during a quick trip to Ottawa. // dreams-etc.com

Bytown Museum

This is a small museum along the Rideau Canal. It looks like a little house and is the cutest building! The Bytown Museum shares the history of Ottawa–which used to be called Bytown. Be sure to check the hours before you go, because it changes seasonally. It cost about $7 to get in and was well worth it. The museum covers the history, why the name changed and what life was like. When I visited they also had a special exhibit on the fire in Parliament Hill, but it closed two days after I left. I’m sad it wasn’t a permanent exhibit, because I thought it complimented the tour of Parliament Hill so well!

What to do & see during a quick trip to Ottawa. // dreams-etc.com

Byward Market

The Byward Market has stalls to buy produce and plenty of restaurants. I dipped into one of the restaurants for a quick lunch one day while I was there. If you want to take a longer break for lunch, there are some nicer restaurants you can sit down at, too. While you’re there, be sure to grab a Beavertail. It’s basically a flattened donut that looks like a beaver tail and they have different options for toppings. The Beavertail is big and rich–I had no hope of finishing it! But I enjoyed it and it’s something I read about before I visited.

Only have two days in Ottawa? Here's what you have to see and do while you're there! // dreams-etc.com

Walking Tours

What to do & see during a quick trip to Ottawa. // dreams-etc.com

The Ottawa Walking Tour takes about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, costs $15 and is so worth it! You’ll go out rain or shine (we went out in the rain), but I learned so much about the city and how it was developed. Some highlights: seeing the Prime Minister’s office and learning more about how the Canadian government works, and learning about the architecture in the city. The tour starts across the street from Parliament Hill and ends in Byward Market.

What to do & see during a quick trip to Ottawa. // dreams-etc.com

The Haunted Walk of Ottawa has a variety of tours you can go on and I want to go on all of them! The one I chose was the Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa, which only takes place from April to November. It actually covered a lot of the same terrain that the Ottawa Walking Tour covered, but added a different perspective to it since they share the “spooky” and mysterious stories. It wasn’t a scary walk at all, but it was a lot of fun! You’re led by a guide who wears a black cloak and carries a lantern. The walk starts outside of their office and ends with a tour of the jail. It was about $20, but again, it was so worth it! Would I recommend doing both of these walking tours if you have a chance? Yes!

On the Street

 

Only have two days in Ottawa? Here's what you have to see and do while you're there! // dreams-etc.com

The Valiants Memorial is a series of statues and busts that commemorate key figures from Canada’s military history. I was so excited to see a couple of women in the mix too! The memorial is located near Parliament Hill and the entrance to the Rideau Canal. I found this as I walked around on my first day after a tour of Parliament Hill.

Only have two days in Ottawa? Here's what you have to see and do while you're there! // dreams-etc.com

The Peacekeeping Monument commemorates Canada’s role in international peacekeeping and the soldiers–living and dead–who have participated in the effort. I stumbled upon this one as I walked from the Byward Market to Notre Dame. It sits near the National Gallery of Canada.

What to do & see during a quick trip to Ottawa. // dreams-etc.com

The Famous Five are on Parliament Hill grounds, but I saw them on the walking tour. These are the women who were part of the “Persons” case, in which they asked the question, “Does the definition of persons include female persons?” This led to the ability for women to be appointed to senate.

What to do & see during a quick trip to Ottawa. // dreams-etc.com

Maman isn’t a memorial or monument, but you’ll find this sculpture as you walk around the city. I wrote “See Spider Sculpture” on my itinerary and I knew I wouldn’t get on a plane without seeing it. This is a sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, created as an ode to her mother who was a weaver. If you visit, make sure you walk under it to look at the sac of marble eggs. The statue sits right outside the National Gallery of Canada and across the street from Notre Dame.

Visit "the Hill" and see the gothic-style Parliament building, warm up by the Centennial Flame and go up to the Peace Tower when you visit Ottawa! // dreams-etc.com

Parliament Hill

If you’re wondering, “What about Parliament Hill?” I have a full post on the tour of Parliament Hill, which is another must-do activity to put on your itinerary.

Have you visited Ottawa? What were some of your favorite sights?

If you missed the previous posts on Ottawa (or just want to reread):   Solo Travel  |  First Impressions  |  Parliament Hill

[Tweet “Only have two days in Ottawa? Here’s what you have to see and do! #ottawa #travelblogger”]

What to do & see during a quick trip to Ottawa. // dreams-etc.com

 

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

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Soak Up the Moments
The Perfect Itinerary for Your Two Day Visit to Ottawa

24 comments

  1. Erica @ Coming up Roses says:
    May 3, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    What a fabulous guide – I need to visit Ottawa now! Can we talk about that Beavertail???!?!?!?! ALL THE HEART EYES.

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 4:57 pm

      Thanks Erica! Yes, you do! šŸ™‚ And yes!! The Beavertail was awesome! Definitely something everyone needs to try.

      Reply
  2. GlamamomĀ® says:
    May 3, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    Looks like an awesome trip. That flattened doughnut has my name all over it!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 4:57 pm

      It was a really fun trip! And yes! It was delicious!

      Reply
  3. shootingstarsmag says:
    May 3, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    I’ve never been but it sounds great! That’s interesting that the canal was built for possible war with the U.S. Never knew that! OMG, I totally need a beaver tail right now. Yum. Love the sound of the haunted walk. I’d so do that – I actually went on one in Nashville and it was so much fun.

    -Lauren
    http://www.shootingstarsmag.net

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 4:59 pm

      Yeah! I thought that was really fascinating! And the Beavertail was fantastic! The Haunted Walk was awesome! I definitely want to go on one in every city that I visit if they offer one. It gave a really cool unique look at the history.

      Reply
  4. Beth Kondrick says:
    May 3, 2017 at 1:58 pm

    Looks like lots of great things to see! I’ve been to Canada once but would love to go back!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:00 pm

      There are! It definitely has more than I anticipated the first time I heard about Ottawa (way back when). šŸ™‚ There are so many places I’d like to visit in Canada and after visiting Ottawa I’m definitely interested in exploring more of the country!

      Reply
  5. Charlotte says:
    May 3, 2017 at 2:29 pm

    What a fun post! I’ve never been to Ottawa before… looks like you got to see some really beautiful and interesting things while you were there. That spider freaks me out though, LOL. Also! Love that people ice skate to work! So neat šŸ™‚

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:01 pm

      I think the spider might be a love it or hate it kinda thing! šŸ˜‚ I know! I thought it was so cool that people do that. I’d love to skate to work! If I could skate… I’ve never been good at the balancing on blades thing.

      Reply
  6. justine @ sunnyinjune.com says:
    May 3, 2017 at 9:36 pm

    how cool! i’ve been to canada but i’ve never been to ottawa. i think i want to go just for the beaver tail. LOL i feel like walking around for 2 1/2 hours earns you the beaver tail, right? my kids would FLIP seeing that spider with the egg sac, they’re really into bugs. eeeek

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:02 pm

      Definitely! 2 1/2 hours definitely earns the beaver tail! Especially since I did that walk the same day I did the Haunted Walk and that was another two hours. No wonder my feet hurt so much that day! šŸ˜‚

      Reply
  7. Taylor Smith says:
    May 4, 2017 at 10:36 pm

    I’ve never been to canada but I have a ton of family that lives up there!!! I need to visit!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:02 pm

      Yes! You should definitely go! There are a lot of places I’d like to go see in Canada.

      Reply
  8. Rachel @ STCL says:
    May 5, 2017 at 9:34 am

    How fun! I’ve only been to Montreal and Quebec (years ago), so I’d love to plan a trip back to Canada to see more! Totally agree about walking tours being the best. And that Beavertail looks SO good!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:04 pm

      Montreal is next on my list! (After another trip to Ottawa.) It’s actually where I had initially thought of going, but I planned the trip on the fly and Ottawa was a little cheaper. The Beavertail was delicious! Definitely worth trying out!

      Reply
  9. Casey says:
    May 5, 2017 at 6:42 pm

    What a fun round up of activities! I’ve never been to Canada but I definitely hope to visit one day. And that beaver tail is MASSIVE!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:04 pm

      It was a lot of fun! You should definitely visit soon if you have the chance. šŸ™‚ There’s so much to see and do. I’m excited to explore more! It was!

      Reply
  10. Ashley Cowen says:
    May 6, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    oh my goodness that Beavertail!! That looks amazing! I’ve never been to Ottawa, but now I think I’ll have to add it to my bucketlist!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:05 pm

      It was delicious! So big, but delicious! šŸ™‚ And definitely! Ottawa was such a fun city to visit, I highly recommend visiting if you have the chance.

      Reply
  11. Julie San says:
    May 6, 2017 at 5:36 pm

    Wow, that pastry looks INCREDIBLE! I’ve never been to the Eastern side of Canada — it’s been in queue on my travel list for quite some time!

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:06 pm

      It was so good! I’d love to explore more of Canada in the future. What are some of your favorite places on the Western side?

      Reply
  12. Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says:
    May 7, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    Ottawa has always been on my list of places to visit. I definitely want to go now after reading your post. Of course, when I get there a Beavertail is on my list of items to find. šŸ™‚

    Reply
    1. Crystal @ Dreams, etc. says:
      May 8, 2017 at 5:06 pm

      Yes! The Beavertail is a must to try! šŸ™‚ I hope you get a chance to go soon! It was a great city to visit.

      Reply

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hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few g Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few glimpses from January. As 2022 came to an end I had this feeling that I was preparing to hibernate and I guess, in a way, I have. I’ve been slowly easing into the new year, focused on getting back into a few routines after Iceland and the holidays. And it’s been a great month. I can’t believe it’s almost over. What have your favorite moments of January been?
2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of 2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of so many dreams experiences. Whales. Cape Cod/Nantucket. Iceland. I saw musicals that have I’ve been dreaming of with Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and Six. 

It wasn’t without its stresses and rough moments but I’m grateful for the good that can be found, even when it’s hard.
Let’s journey back to November for the second we Let’s journey back to November for the second weekly dam walk of the month. My dad joined me for this one and we made it somewhat fast because it was a chilly day. ā€œThe water looks cold,ā€ I said when we back to the car.

Between Iceland and the below zero, windy, and snowy weather we had last week (which came with requests from my parents not to go) it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the dam and I miss it!
Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Vienna and it still lives in my memory today as such a special time. I know December in Reykjavik will be the same—and not just because I came home with a little over $100 worth of ornaments of all 13 Yule Lads AND their mom AND the Christmas cat. (There was a little bit of miscommunication between my mom and me on that shopping trip. šŸ˜‚)

It might have been cold (and when that wind hits you don’t want to be outside or by the harbour…I speak from windswept, breath-stolen experience and will forever be grateful for the library we eventually found respite in) and we only saw the sun a few hours each day, but seeing this already charming city decked out in Christmas lights with a skating rink and the prettiest tree secured it’s place in my heart.

Reykjavik, I hope to see you again one day. Soon. Probably not in December, but I’m glad I got to see you in December once.
Last year my niece and I visited New York at Chris Last year my niece and I visited New York at Christmastime and it was fun to see the city decked out in lights. I can also now say that I’ve seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating rink and the Saks Christmas lights, but I’ve also seen the crowds they draw.

It was completely different in Reykjavik this year. You actually had a chance to skate on the ice rink if you wanted (and I never did the conversation, but I think it’s cheaper) and you could actually walk up to the Christmas tree. Two very different Christmas in the city experiences.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle tour with a stop at Thingvellir National Park. My fingers froze as I took these photos but it was worth it to capture this view. šŸ˜ PS - the last photo is from a lake we stopped at on our way from Geysir to Thingvellir.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 1. We went on a rather unvent Iceland, Day 2, Part 1. We went on a rather unventful Northern Lights tour the night before and slipped in a few hours of sleep before meeting our bus for the Golden Circle tour. Our tour guide was @busdriver_annie and she was amazing! Pictured: Faxi (the small waterfall) Gullfoss (the big waterfall), a wool market where we also saw some animals, and Geysir (the hot springs area). Geysir is actually the most famous geyser in the world but it doesn’t erupt anymore. However, Strokkur erupts every 5 - 10 minutes. I’ll share more photos from the tour soon!
Iceland, Day 1. We landed bright and early at 6:30 Iceland, Day 1. We landed bright and early at 6:30 am, dropped off our bags at the hotel, and went exploring. We saw HallgrĆ­mskirkja, the amazing view from the bell tower, the rainbow street, and walked down Laugavegur. Swipe to the end to see the view from our apartment!
Scenes from November, which were mostly at the dam Scenes from November, which were mostly at the dam apparently.
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