Canada's GFRIEND's Recommendation of Ottawa Travel Destinations

Ottawa Travel

< Ottawa Art Gallery >

The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) is a contemporary art museum located in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The museum showcases contemporary art exhibitions, including works by local, national, and international artists. The museum's permanent collection consists of over 2,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

The OAG also hosts a variety of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages, including lectures, artist talks, and workshops. The museum's outreach programs provide opportunities for local artists to showcase their work and engage with the community.

The OAG is also home to a unique outdoor exhibition space, the OAG Annex, which features large-scale works of art and sculptures in a park-like setting. The Annex is open year-round and is free to the public.

In addition to its exhibitions and educational programs, the OAG also operates a café and gift shop, where visitors can purchase a variety of art-related items, including books, prints, and souvenirs.

Overall, the Ottawa Art Gallery is a must-see attraction for art lovers and anyone interested in contemporary art. With its diverse collection and range of programs and events, the OAG is an important cultural institution that reflects the creativity and diversity of Ottawa's vibrant arts community.

Ottawa

< Alexandra Bridge >

The Alexandra Bridge is a historic bridge that spans the Ottawa River and connects Ottawa, Ontario, with Gatineau, Quebec. The bridge was originally built in 1900 as a railway bridge but was later converted into a road bridge in the 1960s.

The bridge is named after Queen Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII of England, and is considered to be one of the most iconic landmarks in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. The bridge offers stunning views of the Ottawa River and the surrounding area, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

In addition to its scenic views, the Alexandra Bridge is also an important piece of Canadian history. During World War II, the bridge was used as a secret location for the testing of experimental radar equipment, which played a critical role in the Allied victory.

Today, the Alexandra Bridge is open to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic and is an important transportation link between Ottawa and Gatineau. Visitors can walk or cycle across the bridge and enjoy the beautiful views of the Ottawa River and the cityscape. The bridge is also a popular spot for photography, especially during sunset and at night when the bridge is illuminated with colorful lights.

Overall, the Alexandra Bridge is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Ottawa or Gatineau. With its rich history and stunning views, the bridge offers a unique perspective on the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the National Capital Region.

< Lansdowne Park >

Lansdowne Park is a multi purpose outdoor venue located in the heart of Ottawa, Ontario. It is home to the TD Place Stadium, the Ottawa Redblacks (Canadian Football League team), and the Ottawa Fury FC (United Soccer League team). The park also features the Aberdeen Pavilion, a heritage building that hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including trade shows, craft fairs, and concerts.

In addition to its sporting events and exhibitions, Lansdowne Park is also home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The park features a variety of outdoor spaces, including parks, playgrounds, and a skate park, providing a great place for families to enjoy a day out.

One of the highlights of Lansdowne Park is the Farmer's Market, which is open year-round and features over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and artisanal crafts. The market is a great place to sample local specialties and experience the vibrant culinary scene of Ottawa.

Lansdowne Park is also home to the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, which celebrates the achievements of local sports legends, as well as the Ottawa Curling Club, one of the oldest curling clubs in Canada.

Overall, Lansdowne Park is a vibrant and dynamic destination that offers something for everyone, whether you're a sports fan, a foodie, or simply looking for a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

< Bytown Museum >

The Bytown Museum is a small, but fascinating museum located in the historic Commissariat Building in Ottawa, Ontario. The museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Ottawa and the surrounding region, with a particular emphasis on the city's early years as Bytown.

Bytown was founded in 1826 as a military settlement by Lieutenant-Colonel John By, who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal. The museum features a wide range of exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Bytown's early days, including the construction of the canal, the struggles of the early settlers, and the growth and development of the city over time.

One of the highlights of the museum is a replica of Colonel By's office, which provides a glimpse into the life and work of the man who played such a pivotal role in the history of Ottawa. Other exhibits include displays on the city's early industries, such as the lumber trade and the fur trade, as well as exhibits on the role of women in the early years of the settlement.

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, including guided tours, lectures, and special exhibitions. It is a popular destination for school groups, families, and history enthusiasts who want to learn more about the rich history and cultural heritage of Ottawa and the National Capital Region.

Overall, the Bytown Museum is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history of Ottawa and the surrounding area. With its engaging exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and rich cultural heritage, the museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the early years of this important Canadian city.

< Nepean Point >

Nepean Point is a scenic lookout and public park located in Ottawa, Ontario, that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. It is situated on a hill overlooking the Ottawa River, just east of the National Gallery of Canada.

The park is named after Sir Evan Nepean, who served as Secretary to the Admiralty during the late 18th century. The site was originally used as a military barracks during the early years of the city's development and was later transformed into a public park in the 1950s.

Nepean Point is home to a number of important landmarks and monuments, including the statue of Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer who founded Quebec City in 1608 and played an important role in the exploration and development of the Canadian interior. The statue, which was sculpted by Hamilton MacCarthy and unveiled in 1915, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

In addition to the statue of Champlain, Nepean Point also features a number of other works of public art, including the sculpture "Maman" by Louise Bourgeois, a massive bronze spider that has become one of the most popular attractions in the city.

Visitors to Nepean Point can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the park's scenic walking paths, which offer stunning views of the Ottawa River, the Rideau Canal, and the Parliament Buildings. The park is a popular destination for picnics, outdoor concerts, and other public events throughout the year.

Overall, Nepean Point is a beautiful and historic site that offers visitors a unique perspective on the city of Ottawa and its rich cultural heritage. Whether you're interested in history, art, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Nepean Point is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the National Capital Region.

< Carp Farmers' Market >

The Carp Farmers' Market is a popular open-air market located in Carp, Ontario, just outside of Ottawa. The market is known for its fresh produce, homemade baked goods, artisanal crafts, and friendly community atmosphere.

The market is open every Saturday from May to October, and features over 100 vendors selling a wide range of locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, and other specialty items. Visitors to the market can also find a variety of handmade crafts, including jewelry, pottery, woodworking, and textiles.

One of the highlights of the Carp Farmers' Market is its emphasis on supporting local farmers and producers. Many of the vendors are small-scale farmers and artisans from the surrounding area, and the market provides a valuable platform for them to showcase their products and connect with the community.

In addition to the regular market vendors, the Carp Farmers' Market also hosts a variety of special events and activities throughout the year, including live music performances, cooking demonstrations, and children's activities.

Overall, the Carp Farmers' Market is a great place to experience the local culture and community of the Ottawa area, while also enjoying some delicious food and unique artisanal crafts. Whether you're a foodie, a fan of handmade goods, or simply looking for a fun weekend activity, the Carp Farmers' Market is definitely worth a visit.

< Watson's Mill >

Watson's Mill is a historic flour and gristmill located in the village of Manotick, just south of Ottawa, Ontario. The mill was built in 1860 by Moss Kent Dickinson, a prominent local businessman, and has been in operation for over 160 years.

The mill was originally used to produce flour and other grains, and was powered by a water wheel that drew its energy from the nearby Rideau River. Today, Watson's Mill is open to the public as a living museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the history of milling in Canada and the importance of water power in the industrialization of the country.

Visitors to Watson's Mill can take guided tours of the mill, which include demonstrations of the milling process and a chance to see the original mill machinery in action. The mill also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including community festivals, live music performances, and seasonal celebrations.

In addition to the mill itself, Watson's Mill is surrounded by a beautiful park and natural area, which is home to a variety of wildlife and offers scenic views of the Rideau River. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Overall, Watson's Mill is a unique and fascinating attraction that offers visitors a chance to step back in time and learn about the history of milling and industry in Canada. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply looking for a fun day trip from Ottawa, Watson's Mill is definitely worth a visit.