The Best Places to Visit in Ottawa: Things to Do From A Tourist's Perspective

As a British exchange student studying from home in 2020, it's safe to say that my experience so far in discovering the best places to visit in Ottawa hasn't exactly been easy. However, my inability to explore the city as of yet hasn't stopped me from pondering over what excites me the most, and my future plans for Ottawa - things to do and places to visit - should soon all become a reality if luck is anywhere on my side.

You may be wondering, "Are you really an exchange student if you're spending your year abroad... at home?" - The truth is that I like to believe so, and I've been hoping for a while now that it won't be long until the current situation gets better. For now, all I have to go by is hope, which is why I've decided to spend some time listing my favourite places to visit in Ottawa that I've yet to actually visit.

1. Skating On The Canal

The Rideau Canal is a gem, especially in Winter, and is one of many beautiful places to visit in Ottawa. For the past 50 years, over a million locals and tourists from all over have been enticed annually by the activity of skating on the frozen river.

Between January and February each year, anybody can enjoy almost eight kilometres of track, or just around two hours of skating, in one of the most photogenic areas that the city has to offer. I would hate to miss out on the chance to do this, as the UK doesn't have the right climate to offer such experiences. The combination of stunning scenery with the activity itself are bound to make this one of the "coolest" things to do in Ottawa.

2. Kayaking On The Ottawa River

Another activity that promises to deliver is the prospect of kayaking on the Ottawa River. Besides allowing for a beautiful close up view of the Gatineau Hills and Parliament Hill itself, the real thrill comes from the exciting rapids which, unlike the view, can't be experienced from afar. If you're perhaps looking for a more serene option, there are always boat tours available on the river, and the Rideau Canal also offers cruises, which can be booked here.

3. Visiting the National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada is full of wonders including a variety of indigenous and contemporary pieces, not to mention the fact that the glass architecture is breathtaking; just make sure to expect a huge spider statue on the way in.

As a fan of the arts, a trip to the museum accompanied by an evening at the National Arts Centre for a concert or theatre performance would make for a fun day out, as the two would pair well together and help me to cross off two more things from my list of places to visit and things to do in Ottawa.

4. Seeing The Variety of Christmas Light Shows

One thing's for sure - when talking about things to do and places to visit in Ottawa in the holiday season, the variety of light shows have to take the top spot. The Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill is an unmissable annual tradition, but the real thing that excites me most is the Magic of Lights drive-in show. As you can see in the picture above, it lives up to its name, creating a magical scene which completely takes you out of Ottawa and puts you in a wonderland. If you're in the area and looking for something to do this December, reserve your tickets here.

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