3 Days Itinerary in Ottawa, Canada - Travel Guide
Maple Syrup and More: An Iconic 3-Day Adventure in Ottawa, Canada
| Days | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Day 1 - Discover the Historic Ottawa |
| 2 | Day 2 - The Natural Beauty of Ottawa |
| 3 | Day 3 - The Quirky Side of Ottawa |
Introduction
Immerse yourself in the unique Canadian culture and scenic beauty of Ottawa. This three-day itinerary is designed for everyone from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts who aim to explore national galleries, historic sites, bustling markets, and tranquil parks of this vibrant capital city.
Day 1 - Discover the Historic Ottawa
Begin your journey in the heart of the city at Parliament Hill. Where else to better start getting to know the capital than the government's home itself? Stroll the picturesque grounds and if it tickles your fancy, take in a Changing of the Guard ceremony. Next, get your culture fix at National Gallery of Canada. Home to the world's largest collection of Canadian art, it's a must-see. After lunch, ride a boat on the historic Rideau Canal. It's not just any canal, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. As the day wraps up, head over to ByWard Market to grab a bite and soak up the evening bustle. Wrap up the day browsing through handmade crafts and local produce under the twinkling lights.
Day 2 - The Natural Beauty of Ottawa
Start off your second day exploring the great outdoors at Gatineau Park. Whether you hike, cycle, or decide to picnic, make sure to visit the picturesque Pink Lake. Yes, it's called Pink Lake but it's not pink! Confused? Well, I'll leave that for you to discover! Post lunch, cruise down to the Dows Lake Pavilion, rent a paddleboat or a kayak and soak up the serenity. Later, find yourself surrounded by a myriad of stunning colors when you visit Commissioners Park, home of the annual Tulip Festival. End your day gazing at the stars at Canada Aviation and Space Museum - After all, can a day truly end without a little bit of stargazing?
Day 3 - The Quirky Side of Ottawa
On your last day, it's time to see the city's quirky side. Start with the Diefenbunker Museum, a four-story underground bunker turned museum. Post-lunch, explore Lansdowne Park, a hub for food, shopping and entertainment. Don’t miss out on their Farmers Market if you’re there on a weekend. Finally, wind down your trip at Château Laurier. Whether it's just for a moment of reflection by the iconic hotel or for a fancy dress-up dinner at Wilfrid's, it makes for a fitting finale to an Ottawa adventure.
David Martinez
FAQs about this
3 day itinerary in
Ottawa
Ottawa has an efficient public transportation system in the form of buses and light-rail trains. You can also rent bikes, or opt for walking in the downtown areas
You should definitely try Poutine, BeaverTails, and Butter Tarts when in Ottawa. For drinks, don't miss out on the locally produced craft beer and, of course, the renowned Canadian Ice Wine!
Ottawa is fantastic year-round, but the best times to visit depend on what you want to see. Spring and fall bring beautiful foliage and milder weather. Winter can be cold, but has unique experiences like ice skating at Rideau Canal.
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