So, my girlfriend and I are taking a (long) day trip to Ottawa. For some reason, neither of us have ever gotten around to visiting before. Aside from the various government-related things, what would be interesting to see, assuming that we’ll only be spending about 8 hours in the city? I’m looking for the sorts of things that the average tourist wouldn’t necessarily find out about, but a local might consider potentially worthwhile taking a visitor to.
Also, any local food/restaurant that it would be criminal to miss?
I’ve lived here my entire life and I’m at a loss as to what to see/eat.
Are you coming from the states, or somewhere else in Canada? Beavertails in the market are the obligatory treat. Ottawa’s great for outdoorsy things…going biking, seeing the flowers at Commissioner’s park by Dow’s lake, maybe even taking in a boat tour along the river to see the Rideau Falls and the Parliament buildings proper.
The nature museum really impressed my girlfriend the first time I brought her there. I personally prefer the museum of civilization, and used to love the museum of science and technology. Now, sadly, all their science and technology looks a little past its “best before” date :smack:.
If the RCMP musical ride is in season, definitely head out an see a show of that. Quintessential Canadiana!
Any ONE of those things is good for a day trip. If I had to eat ONE meal somewhere in downtown Ottawa, my gut tells me to go for some shawarma and poutine. Or Maxwell’s Bistro on Elgin if you want something slightly more upscale.
Leave your pit bulll or dog that may possibly be regarded as a pit bull or bully mix or something that on some planet somewere be regarded as a pit bull by someone, even someone ignorant, at home.
Yes I am biased and will never again spend a penny in that province even though it’s an hour away from me.
For things to see. As already recomended there’s the Museum of Civilization right across the bridge from the Market . I enjoyed going through there a long time ago. In the museum there’s an Imax cinema.
Depending on what you like there’s also the National Art Gallery. I saw the Renoir exhibit there not long ago. It’s near the Market.
A little out of the city but there’s also the Diefenbunker. Cold war bunker, 4 stories, 100 000 square feet . Open to the public.
Then there’s the The War Museum about a 40 minute walk from the Market.
Personally I’ve always wanted to take a Double Decker bus tour of Ottawa.
The Market is basically the hub for tourist activities it’s close to everything else. Tons of shops, restaurants, bars, live music. Etc.
Avoid east of Dalhousie St. on the Market = Crackville.
For places worth checking out to eat. There’s The Works you’ll never have a better burger. For dinner I’d recomend Mekong on Somerset St. If you like Asian cuisine you have to check this place out you will not be disappointed with Mekong. They serve everything. Awesome food there.
Book in advance or you may be waiting a long long time or not get in at all.
I’ve a bit more time to write now, and frankly, this attitude bewilders me. When visiting a city like Ottawa, there’s a perfectly good reason to go to the same places that tourists do–they’re worth visiting. If you’re not into museums, well, that’s fine, but most tourists go to the museums in Ottawa because they are excellent museums, and I think you should too.
That said, if you want one not many get to, there’s a little museum of the history of Ottawa and the Rideau down behind Parliament Hill where the canal meets the river.
Thanks, everyone! I’m really looking forward to this, and it’s always nice to get suggestions from those who actually live there.
That’s very true. I only ask about the lesser known places because it’s so easy to use google to find the more common ones. Of course we’re going to see Parliament Hill, and probably the Canadian War Museum, and the market, etc. But it’s also nice to see what locals can point to, that won’t otherwise be easy to find.
