Best Of Ottawa

Katherine McCarron

Father & Sons Restaurant

In my opinion the best breakfast in town - $5 for delicious eggs, bacon, home fries and coffee. Great atmosphere and located in the heart of the University of Ottawa's campus.

University of Ottawa

Walk around the University's beautiful campus while you're in the area after breakfast. Make sure to check to University's website for free tour hours!

byward market

Head to Ottawa's famous Byward Market where local farmers sell things from maple syrup to fresh produce and flowers. This is also home of many restaurants. I recommend getting a delicious sandwich from La Bottega (for only $5.50) and a BeaverTail for dessert!

Parliament Buildings

Home of Canada's politics, visit the Parliament Buildings and walk around the area. Free tours are offered daily (and the guides are very knowledgeable). Also, there is free yoga offered on the Hill's lawn during the summer months (Wednesdays noon-1PM)

Rideau Canal Locks

Steps from the Parliament (just take the steps down), these are very beautiful to see during the summer months - especially when you get to see how they work! City workers still manually turn the locks to let boats onto the canal in the summer

Best Of Ottawa

National Gallery of Canada

Walk from the locks to the museum (up the hill) to this fabulous museum with a wonderful art collection. Also, make sure to check out the Samuel Deschamplain statue beside the museum, it has the best vantage point in the city and makes for great pictures! Tip: the museum is also free Thursdays 5-8PM

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Right beside the Gallery, this cathedral has stunning architecture and art inside.

Play food & wine

Honestly the best restaurant in Ottawa. Great selection of appetizer sized items at a reasonable price, all cooked to perfection. Also has the best wine menu in the City, just a thought...

Parliament Hill

If you feel like trekking back to the Hill after diner, be sure to check out the free light show (at 9PM) called Mosaica - it depicts Canada's history and multiculturalism in a very cool way

Mambo Nuevo Latino

Awesome place for patio drinks! Be sure to sit on the rooftop patio and order a pitcher of sangria

Heart and Crown

Great bar if you're looking for a little bit of extra fun

Zak's Diner

Awesome old school diner open 24hrs a day. Also packed at all times of the day but well worth it - their milkshakes are the BEST

I would stay at: Novotel Ottawa

Reasonably priced, great location and modern