Exploring Free Things To Do in Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is bursting with a range of activities and excursions that can be enjoyed for free. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there is something for everyone in this city. From cultural tours to outdoor pursuits, Ottawa is the perfect place to explore without spending a dime. Here is a guide to some of the most exciting free activities you can enjoy in Ottawa, to make the most of your time here.

Visit the National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada is home to the country’s largest collection of international and Canadian art. From classic works to modern pieces, the gallery houses artwork from all eras and genres. Visitors can explore the gallery for free on Thursday nights, and enjoy a range of interactive tours and talks that are also free of charge. There is also a café and restaurant on site, with a wide range of delicious dishes to choose from.

The gallery is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, with easy access from most parts of the city. It is open from 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday, and 10am to 8pm on Thursday. Entry is free for visitors of all ages, and the atmosphere is great for a family outing or a day of art appreciation.

Take the time to explore the different works on display, or sit back and enjoy a guided tour. There is something for everyone, no matter what your tastes in art may be.

Explore the Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the country’s military history. From the War of 1812 to the modern-day conflicts in Afghanistan, the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts that tell the story of Canada’s military past. Visitors can tour the museum for free on Sundays or enjoy a range of interactive talks and exhibits.

The museum is located on LeBreton Flats, just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Ottawa. It is open from 9:30am to 5pm seven days a week, and entry is free for all visitors. If you are a history buff, this is the perfect place to explore and learn more about the country’s military history.

The museum is an ideal destination for a family outing, or for anyone who wants to learn more about Canada’s military history. From interactive talks to audio-visual presentations, there is plenty to explore and discover.

Enjoy a Guided Tour of Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill is the seat of Canadian government, and the home of the country’s elected representatives. It is also one of the most iconic buildings in Ottawa, and a great place to explore for free. Visitors can enjoy a range of guided tours of the Parliament Buildings, which are free of charge and available throughout the week.

The tours take visitors through the historic buildings, and provide an interesting and informative insight into the workings of the Canadian government. Tours are available in both English and French, with audio guides and hands-on activities to make the experience even more enjoyable.

Parliament Hill is open from 9am to 5pm every day, and the tours are available throughout the day. Visitors can also explore the grounds and enjoy a range of activities, such as the Changing of the Guard, which is held every day at 10am.

Explore the Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is a scenic waterway that links Ottawa to Kingston. It is a popular destination for walkers, cyclists and boaters, and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Visitors can explore the canal for free, and enjoy a range of activities such as walking and cycling along the towpaths.

The canal is open throughout the year, with different activities to enjoy in each season. In the summer, visitors can take a boat ride, go fishing or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery. In the winter, the canal turns into a giant skating rink, and is a popular spot for ice-skating and tobogganing.

The Rideau Canal is a great place to explore for free, and a perfect destination for a family outing. Whether you are looking for an active day out or a leisurely stroll, the canal has something for everyone.

Go Bird Watching at Andrew Haydon Park

Andrew Haydon Park is one of the best places in Ottawa to go bird watching, and is a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to many species of birds, from songbirds to waterfowl. Visitors can explore the park and observe the different species in their natural habitat.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and entry is free for all visitors. There are also a range of activities to enjoy, from picnicking to fishing. The park is a great spot to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for a peaceful day out.

Bird watching is a great activity to enjoy in Andrew Haydon Park, and is a great way to learn more about the local wildlife. Visitors can also explore the park’s trails and take in the beautiful scenery.

Take a Walk Through Major’s Hill Park

Major’s Hill Park is a picturesque green space located in the heart of downtown Ottawa. The park is home to a range of flora and fauna, and is a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Visitors can explore the park and enjoy a range of activities such as picnicking, bird watching and fishing.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and entry is free for all visitors. Visitors can also enjoy a range of events and activities throughout the year, such as the Canada Day celebrations and the lantern festival.

Major’s Hill Park is the perfect spot for a relaxing day out, and is a great place to explore for free. Whether you are looking for a quiet stroll or an active day out, the park has something for everyone.

Visit the Central Experimental Farm

The Central Experimental Farm is a sprawling research facility located in the heart of Ottawa. The farm is home to a range of agricultural experiments and research projects, and is a great spot to explore for free. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the grounds, and explore the various research projects and experiments.

The farm is open from sunrise to sunset, and entry is free for all visitors. Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities such as bird watching and picnicking. The farm is a great place to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for a family outing.

The Central Experimental Farm is a great place to learn more about the country’s agricultural research projects, and explore the different experiments and projects on display. It is a great spot to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for a family outing.

Explore the Ottawa Locks

The Ottawa Locks are a series of canals and locks that link Ottawa to the Rideau River. The locks are a great spot to explore for free, and visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as walking, cycling and fishing. Visitors can also take a boat ride through the locks, and explore the historic sites along the way.

The locks are open from sunrise to sunset, and entry is free for all visitors. The locks are a great spot to explore for free, and are the perfect destination for a peaceful day out. Visitors can also take a boat ride through the locks, and explore the historic sites along the way.

The Ottawa Locks are a great place to explore for free, and are the perfect spot for a peaceful day out. Whether you are looking for an active day out or a leisurely stroll, the locks have something for everyone.

Explore the Ottawa River Pathway

The Ottawa River Pathway is a scenic walking and cycling trail that runs along the Ottawa River. The pathway is a great spot to explore for free, and visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as walking, cycling and bird watching. The pathway is open from sunrise to sunset, and entry is free for all visitors.

The pathway is a great spot to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for a peaceful day out. Visitors can also take a boat ride along the river, and explore the different sites along the way. The pathway is a great place to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for a family outing.

Whether you are looking for an active day out or a leisurely stroll, the Ottawa River Pathway has something for everyone. Take the time to explore the different sites along the way, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Visit the Bytown Museum

The Bytown Museum is a great spot to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for anyone interested in learning more about the city’s history. The museum is home to a range of artifacts and displays, and visitors can take a self-guided tour of the grounds.

The museum is open from 9am to 5pm seven days a week, and entry is free for all visitors. Visitors can also enjoy a range of interactive talks and exhibits, and explore the different artifacts on display. The museum is a great spot to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for a family outing.

The Bytown Museum is a great place to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for anyone interested in learning more about the city’s history. Take the time to explore the different displays and artifacts, and enjoy the interactive talks and exhibits.

Visit the Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library is a great spot to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for anyone interested in books and reading. The library is home to a range of books, magazines and audio recordings, and visitors can take a self-guided tour of the grounds.

The library is open from 9am to 5pm seven days a week, and entry is free for all visitors. Visitors can also enjoy a range of interactive talks and exhibits, and explore the different books and audio recordings on display. The library is a great spot to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for a family outing.

The Ottawa Public Library is a great place to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for anyone interested in books and reading. Take the time to explore the different books and audio recordings, and enjoy the interactive talks and exhibits.

Take a Tour of the Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History is a great spot to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for anyone interested in learning more about the country’s past. The museum is home to a range of artifacts and displays, and visitors can take a self-guided tour of the grounds.

The museum is open from 9am to 5pm seven days a week, and entry is free for all visitors. Visitors can also enjoy a range of interactive talks and exhibits, and explore the different artifacts on display. The museum is a great spot to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for a family outing.

The Canadian Museum of History is a great place to explore for free, and is the perfect destination for anyone interested in learning more about the country’s past. Take the time to explore the different displays and artifacts, and enjoy the interactive talks and exhibits.

Explore the Rideau Hall Grounds

Rideau Hall is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, and is a great spot to explore for free. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the grounds, and explore the different gardens and sculptures on display.

The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset, and entry is free for all visitors. Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities such as picnicking and bird watching. The grounds are a great spot to explore for free, and are the perfect destination for a peaceful day out.

Rideau Hall is a great place to explore for free, and is the perfect spot for a peaceful day out. Whether you are looking for an active day out or a leisurely stroll, the grounds have something for everyone. Take the time to explore the different gardens and sculptures, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Summary

Ottawa is a great place to explore without spending a dime, with a range of activities and excursions that can be enjoyed for free. From visiting the National Gallery of Canada to exploring the Rideau Canal, the city has something for everyone. Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities such as bird watching and picnicking, and explore the different sites along the way. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there is something for everyone in Ottawa, and a range of exciting activities that can be enjoyed for free.