Cruise in to Ottawa: 48 hours in the nation’s capital

1.       Hog’s Back Park
600 Hog’s Back Rd., Ottawa, ON
Plan for 1 hour

One of the last lock-throughs before Ottawa, Hog’s Back Park is one of those hidden gems that everyone in the family can enjoy. Take a few minutes to disembark at Hog’s Back Park before you reach Ottawa and explore the spectacular 60-foot waterfall and rapids that made for one of the most challenging dam-building projects during the construction of the Rideau Canal.

2.       Parliament Hill

111 Wellington St., Ottawa, ON
Plan for 2.5 hours

Any visit to Ottawa needs to begin at Canada’s Parliament, Canada’s most iconic buildings. Parliament Hill almost makes for a full day’s adventure on its own, but some of the experiences you won’t want to miss include seeing the Centennial Flame, the Changing of the Guard, and the Sound and Light Show. Another must-see is the Library of Parliament, the only part of the original building to survive a 1916 fire. Tours are offered daily to view the inside of Parliament, but be prepared to go through an in-depth security clearance before gaining admission to the inside. 

3.       Wilfrid’s (Fairmont Chateau Laurier)

1 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
Plan for 1.5 hours

After so much Canadian architecture and history you’ll be ready for a refreshing break for lunch. Make the short 5-minute walk from Parliament Hill to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a National Historic Site, and enjoy a light lunch at Wilfrid’s Restaurant. Built in 1912, the Chateau Laurier is another one of Canada’s iconic buildings, with a castle-like exterior is designed in the French Gothic style. Take a stroll through the luxurious and opulent interior complete with Belgian marble floors and Tiffany windows. Wilfrid’s restaurant is a popular meeting place for politicians and Canadian movers-and-shakers, and overlooks Major’s Hill Park.

4.       Sparks Street
Anywhere on Sparks Street (a short walk south from Parliament Hill)
Plan for 1.5 hours

Once you’ve satiated your appetite you’ll be ready to build it again with some shopping, and in downtown Ottawa you’re in the right place! Make the short 10-minute walk to Sparks Street, Canada’s equivalent to a town square right in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Sparks Street is closed to traffic and here, pedestrians rule. The area is home to a number of chic and charming shops for some of the best shopping anywhere.

5.       Canadian Museum of History
100 Laurier St., Gatineau, Quebec
Plan for 2 hours

The Canadian Museum of History is located directly across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill, in the province of Quebec. To get to the museum from Ottawa, you can either take a cab or bus, walk, or you can rent a bicycle from Le Boat to cycle the roughly one-and-a-half miles from Parliament Hill to the museum. The museum features both ongoing and travelling exhibitions, and focuses on 20,000 years of human history with more than 200,000 artifacts. If you only have time to visit one museum during your stay in Ottawa, this is the one to see.

6.       Moscow Tea Room
527 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
Plan for 1.5 hours

End your day at a unique restaurant in downtown Ottawa, the Moscow Tea Room. This famous lounge in Ottawa is an experience in and of itself. Located in the Byward Market on Sussex Drive, this tea room simply must be seen to truly appreciate its unique décor. Expand your horizons and sample champagne and caviar, tapas, and, of course, vodka. End your day with a bang with this one-of-a-kind experience in downtown Ottawa.