A Guide to Ottawa’s Historic Sites

Ottawa is a city that is steeped in history and culture, making it the perfect place to explore and learn about its past. From the iconic Rideau Canal to the majestic Parliament Buildings, Ottawa’s historic sites are sure to captivate and inspire. This guide will help you explore Ottawa’s historic sites and discover the interesting stories that lie behind them.

Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Ottawa’s most popular attractions. The canal was built in the early 1800s by the British to provide a secure waterway between the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario. Stretching 202 kilometers, the canal is a popular spot for visitors to boat, fish, and explore the many locks, dams, and islands along its route.

The Rideau Canal is also a great place to learn about the area’s history. Along the canal’s route, visitors can explore the ruins of Château Montebello—a former grand hotel built in the 1930s—and the remains of Ottawa’s first brewery, which dates back to 1842.

In the summer months, the Rideau Canal is transformed into the world’s longest skateway, attracting skaters from around the world. Here, visitors can skate more than 7.8 kilometers of ice-covered canal and take in the stunning views of downtown Ottawa.

Parliament Buildings

The majestic Parliament Buildings are a must-see when visiting Ottawa. Located on Parliament Hill, the buildings are home to the Canadian Parliament and have been a symbol of the nation since their completion in 1866. The neo-gothic buildings, designed by British architect Thomas Fuller, are a stunning sight and are a great place to learn about Canada’s parliamentary system.

Visitors can explore the Centre Block, which houses the Senate and House of Commons, and take a tour of the building’s iconic Library of Parliament. The Library is a beautiful space, filled with ornate woodwork and stained glass windows, and is considered one of the most stunning libraries in the world.

Parliament Hill is also home to the annual Canada Day celebrations, where hundreds of thousands of people gather to enjoy live music, food, and fireworks. This event is a great way to experience Ottawa’s festive spirit and learn more about Canada’s history.

National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada is one of Ottawa’s most popular attractions. Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, the gallery houses an impressive collection of artwork from Canadian and international artists. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, designed by Moshe Safdie, and features a stunning glass and steel façade.

The gallery’s collection includes works by some of the world’s most renowned artists, such as the Group of Seven, Emily Carr, and Rembrandt. There are also galleries dedicated to Canadian and Indigenous art, photography, and modern and contemporary art. Additionally, visitors can explore the gallery’s stunning sculpture garden, which features works by Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, and Auguste Rodin.

The National Gallery of Canada also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including art workshops, lectures, and exhibition openings. These events are a great way to explore the gallery’s collection and learn more about Ottawa’s vibrant art scene.

Bytown Museum

The Bytown Museum is a great place to explore Ottawa’s past. Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, the museum is housed in a former jailhouse and tells the story of the city’s early days. Here, visitors can learn about the city’s history, from its founding in 1826 to its transformation into the nation’s capital.

The museum’s exhibits include a variety of artifacts, such as photos, maps, and artifacts from the city’s early days. Visitors can also explore the museum’s interactive galleries, which feature interactive displays and activities that bring the city’s history to life.

The Bytown Museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and themed tours. These events are a great way to learn more about Ottawa’s history and explore the museum’s fascinating collection.

Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is a stunning natural park located just across the Ottawa River from downtown Ottawa. Spanning more than 36,000 hectares, the park is home to a variety of landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and lakes. Here, visitors can explore the many hiking trails, campgrounds, and wildlife habitats in the park.

The park is also a great place to learn about the area’s history. Gatineau Park is home to the remains of the Pink Lake Hotel, which was built in the late 1800s and is now a National Historic Site. Visitors can explore the ruins of the hotel and learn more about the area’s logging and tourism history.

Gatineau Park is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Here, visitors can canoe, kayak, and swim in the park’s many lakes, or take a leisurely stroll through the park’s rolling hills and lush forests.

Bank of Canada Museum

The Bank of Canada Museum is a great place to learn about the nation’s economic history. Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, the museum is housed in the original Bank of Canada building and features a variety of interactive exhibits and displays. Here, visitors can explore the history of money, from the early days of bartering to the development of modern banking systems.

The museum also houses a collection of rare coins and paper money, including coins from the Roman Empire and early Canadian coins. Additionally, visitors can explore the museum’s interactive galleries, which feature interactive displays and activities that bring the history of money to life.

The Bank of Canada Museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and themed tours. These events are a great way to explore the museum’s collection and learn more about Ottawa’s history and economy.

Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum is a great place to explore Canada’s military history. Located in downtown Ottawa, the museum is home to a variety of exhibits and artifacts, from weapons and uniforms to photographs and artworks. Here, visitors can learn about Canada’s role in major wars, from the War of 1812 to the Korean War.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events. These events are a great way to explore the museum’s collection and learn more about Canada’s military history.

The Canadian War Museum is also home to the War Memorial Hall, which is a stunning space dedicated to the memory of those who served in Canada’s armed forces. Here, visitors can explore the museum’s collection of artifacts and pay their respects to Canada’s brave soldiers.

ByWard Market

The ByWard Market is a vibrant and bustling market located in downtown Ottawa. The market has been in operation since the early 1800s and is now one of the city’s most popular attractions. Here, visitors can explore the many shops, restaurants, and galleries that line the market’s cobblestone streets.

The ByWard Market is also home to a variety of events throughout the year, including the ByWard Market Spring Festival and the ByWard Market Christmas Market. These events are a great way to explore the market’s unique shops and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

The ByWard Market is also a great place to learn about Ottawa’s history. Here, visitors can explore the ruins of the city’s first brewery, which dates back to 1842, as well as the remains of the city’s first power plant, which was built in 1887.

Supreme Court of Canada

The Supreme Court of Canada is the highest court in the country and is located in downtown Ottawa. The court is open to the public and visitors can take a tour to explore the building’s stunning architecture and learn about the court’s history. The building was designed by architect Ernest Cormier and is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture.

The Supreme Court of Canada is also a great place to learn about the Canadian legal system. Here, visitors can explore the court’s courtroom, which houses the nine Supreme Court Justices, and learn about the court’s role in Canadian law.

The Supreme Court of Canada also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and themed tours. These events are a great way to explore the court’s collection and learn more about the Canadian legal system.

Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is a great place to explore the natural world. Located in downtown Ottawa, the museum houses a variety of exhibits that explore the diversity of nature, from the tiniest insects to the largest mammals. Here, visitors can explore the museum’s interactive galleries and learn about the wonders of the natural world.

The museum also houses a collection of rare and unique artifacts, including fossils, rocks, and minerals. Visitors can also explore the museum’s special exhibitions, which are a great way to learn more about the area’s natural history.

The Canadian Museum of Nature also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and themed tours. These events are a great way to explore the museum’s collection and learn more about the natural world.

Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is a great place to explore the history of money. Located in downtown Ottawa, the Mint is home to a variety of exhibits, coins, and artifacts that explore the history of money, from the first coins to modern paper currency. Here, visitors can learn about the development of the Canadian dollar and explore the Mint’s collection of coins.

The Mint also houses a variety of interactive displays and activities, which bring the history of money to life. Visitors can also explore the Mint’s special exhibitions, which are a great way to learn more about the history of money.

The Royal Canadian Mint also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and themed tours. These events are a great way to explore the Mint’s collection and learn more about the history of money and the Canadian dollar.

Conclusion

Ottawa is a city that is steeped in history and culture, and its many historic sites are sure to captivate and inspire. From the iconic Rideau Canal to the majestic Parliament Buildings, this guide has explored some of Ottawa’s most interesting and important historic sites. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s past or simply admiring its stunning architecture, Ottawa’s historic sites are sure to provide a memorable experience.