24-hours in Ottawa: Make the most of your single-day visit

Despite being Canada’s capital, Ottawa is a fairly small city and can be easily accessed on foot. From historically notable architecture to UNESCO-recognised waterways and a growing culinary scene, Ottawa is buzzing with excitement.

This itinerary can be approached as a make-your-own adventure with options for history buffs, theatre lovers, and those just looking for a fun night out. Make sure to stop by the Ottawa Visitors Centre at 54 Elgin Street to get your remaining curiosities answered by a local tourism expert.

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Cover image by Chris DeSort.

Morning:
Spend a slow morning at the ByWard Market

Begin your day with breakfast in ByWard Market, a vibrant neigbourhood spotlighting Canadian farmers, various establishments, and colourful architecture. In nice weather, you can grab a handheld breakfast from the Byward Café and enjoy a street performance from the comfort of a Muskoka chair. For a sit-down affair, find the classic diner feel at the King Eddy or Canadian comfort food at Zak’s Diner. For those in the mood for a more Instagrammable spot, Luxe Blooms Flower Cafe just might be the spot after 10 AM.

Spend an hour exploring the charming streets of ByWard Market, shopping for clothing, picking up souvenirs, and tasting some truly Canadian desserts like Beaver Tails and maple candy.

Image on the left: Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel by D21_Gallery. Left: ByWard Market in Ottawa, by Stefan Hiienurm.

Afternoon:
Loop around for cultural exploration and comfort food

For your first taste of architecture, visit Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, which naturally follows a typical Notre Dame built and has a breathtaking blue ceiling reminiscent of a starry sky. Head back through the market towards the UNESCO Rideau Canal and take a slow scenic stroll to the heart of Canada’s Capital, Parliament Hill. Visitors can walk all around this historic piece of architecture or even take a tour of the Parliament during the day.

Continue your cultural tour with a visit to the National Gallery of Canada or the Canadian War Museum to learn more about Canadian history.

Guided tours are always a wonderful way to see a new city, and Ottawa has a few:

Lady Dive Amphibious offer unique tours that take you from land into water and back
Ottawa’s Indigenous Walks are the best way to learn about Indigenous history
Cruise options include a leisurely float along the Ottawa River or the Rideau Canal
Burn of your lunch calories during lunch with a Biks and Bites Tour, or pick a themed food tour as an alternative to a sit-down lunch

An elevated lunch option can be found at Beckta Dining & Wine, where the menu features the best of comfort foods but with a dash of class. Chez Lucien, on the other hand, is a comfortable pub and a favourite among locals looking for classic pub food and brunch. Reservations are strongly recommended for both.

24-hours in Ottawa: Make the most of your single-day visit. Sunset view of the Parliament Hill. — Image by Naz Israyelyan

Evening:
See a show or enjoy the nightlife

If you are yet to take a tour of the city, the evening option includes a Haunted Walk hosted by a cloaked local with a lantern. The city also has plenty of live performance options, the National Arts Centre, for example, is a core cultural institution running shows year-round. Touring performances include frequent Candlelight Concerts at the Knox Church, and a very Canadian alternative titled Oh Canada E!? Dinner Musical.

Skip the show and start with a happy hour (4 PM – 6 PM) at the Rabbit Hole, where you can have a full dinner if you choose to. A robust wine menu can be found at the Arlo Wine & Restaurant, paired with fresh oysters and other delicious food options. Continue the cocktail hour at the Bar Ocelli and Ember, both of which also have many food options. Buvette Daphnée is a great pick for modern French cuisine, while The Whalesbone Elgin Street will offer a classic, homey dinner experience with plenty of surf and turf options.

Overnight:
Where to stay in Ottawa

Choose sustainable luxury with Le Germain Hotel Ottawa. Located in the heart of the city, this hotel is home to Norca Restaurant and Jackson Cafe (in the Ottawa Art Gallery). The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated with spectacular views of the city. Germain’s sister property, Alt Hotel Ottawa Downtown, is a 148-room property surrounded by shops and restaurants, all within walking distance of Parliament Hill, Elgin Street, and the ByWard Market.

For those looking for a stay with complete amenities, Sonder (Marriott Bonvoy) The O’Connor Apartments Downtown is a great option. The options include studio units, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, some of which feature scenic balconies.