Sights

Explore Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination located in the province of Ontario. With a population of over a million people in its metropolitan area, Ottawa is the fourth-largest city in Canada. As the nation’s capital, Ottawa plays a significant role in the political, cultural, and historical life of the country.

Places You'll See

Tour Highlights

Tour Itinerary

Ottawa

5 Days 6 Nights
Ottwa: Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, National Gallery , National War Memorial

Days Plan

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

  1. Arrival at Ottawa

    • Airport pick-up by Salt and Sea Adventures staff.
    • Transfer to the hotel for check-in.
  2. Welcome Orientation Session

    • Meet the Salt and Sea Adventures team and fellow travelers.
    • Brief overview of the trip, safety guidelines, and itinerary.
  3. Evening Walk & Dinner

    • Evening stroll through Byward Market for local sights, shops, and street performances.
    • Dinner at a local restaurant offering Canadian cuisine (such as beaver tails or poutine).
  4. Rest and Overnight Stay

    • Return to hotel for rest.

Day 2: Historical and Cultural Exploration

  1. Breakfast at Hotel

    • Enjoy a local breakfast.
  2. Visit Parliament Hill

    • Guided tour of Parliament Hill, the iconic seat of Canada’s government.
    • Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony (seasonal).
  3. Explore National Gallery of Canada

    • Visit the National Gallery of Canada to experience Canadian and Indigenous art.
    • Enjoy the scenic view of the Rideau Canal from the gallery.
  4. Lunch at Byward Market

    • Enjoy a local lunch in the vibrant Byward Market area.
  5. Canadian Museum of History

    • Visit the Canadian Museum of History, just across the river in Gatineau, to learn about Canada's diverse heritage and culture.
  6. Evening at the Rideau Canal

    • Relax and enjoy a boat ride or stroll along the Rideau Canal (seasonal activities like ice skating available in winter).
  7. Dinner and Free Time

    • Dinner at a nearby restaurant or in the Byward Market area.
    • Free time to explore or relax.

Day 3: Nature and Adventure

  1. Breakfast at Hotel

    • Enjoy a hearty breakfast.
  2. Gatineau Park Adventure

    • Guided hike or bike ride through Gatineau Park (seasonal options available).
    • Enjoy nature trails, wildlife, and panoramic views.
  3. Lunch in Nature

    • Picnic-style lunch in Gatineau Park or at a nearby scenic spot.
  4. Visit the Canadian War Museum

    • Afternoon visit to the Canadian War Museum, with exhibitions on Canada’s military history.
  5. Relaxation at Major’s Hill Park

    • Spend some quiet time at Major’s Hill Park, located near Parliament Hill with great views of the city.
  6. Dinner at Local Restaurant

    • Explore Ottawa’s diverse culinary scene for dinner.
  7. Optional Evening Activity

    • Evening boat cruise on the Ottawa River (seasonal) or free time to explore the city.

Day 4: Local Experiences & Shopping

  1. Breakfast at Hotel

    • Morning breakfast.
  2. Visit the Museum of Nature

    • Visit the Canadian Museum of Nature, which features exhibits on natural history, dinosaurs, and the environment.
  3. Explore Local Artisans and Markets

    • Free time for shopping at the Byward Market, where you can pick up handmade goods, souvenirs, and local produce.
  4. Lunch at a Café

    • Enjoy lunch at a local café or bistro.
  5. Guided Tour of Rideau Hall

    • Tour Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, and explore its beautiful gardens.
  6. Farewell Dinner

    • Enjoy a final group dinner at a popular Ottawa restaurant to celebrate the trip and share experiences.

Day 5: Departure

  1. Breakfast at Hotel

    • Have breakfast before checking out.
  2. Leisure Morning

    • Free time to do any last-minute shopping, visit nearby attractions, or relax at a local café.
  3. Airport Transfer

    • Transfer to Ottawa International Airport for departure.
Notes:

    • 2 passport size photos
    • Adult – Original + photocopy of any of the ID proof i.e. Aadhar Card / Driving Licence /  Voters       ID / Passport
    • Child – Original + photocopy of any of the ID proof i.e. Aadhar Card / School ID / Passport
    • Infant – Aadhar Card / Birth certificate
    • NRI / Foreign nationals – Mandatory Passport + Valid Indian visa / OCI card / PIO card
    • Above mentioned ID proof is mandatory at the time of booking and carry the same ID proof on         tour as well

Ottawa

Tour Details


Hear from Our
Happy Travelers

"Salt and Sea Adventure made my trip to Ottawa unforgettable! The entire experience was meticulously planned, from the historic landmarks to the charming local restaurants. The team took care of every detail, ensuring a seamless and relaxing vacation. I loved exploring Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and the beautiful museums. Highly recommend their packages for anyone looking to experience Ottawa in the best way possible!"

—Olive M.
  • "I had an amazing time with Salt and Sea Adventure on my Ottawa getaway. They not only organized a perfect itinerary with breathtaking views but also provided unique experiences like private guided tours and exclusive access to local gems. Their attention to detail and customer service is second to none. Whether you're into culture, nature, or history, they have something special for everyone. I can’t wait for my next trip!"

—Lucas D.

"Ottawa was a city I’ve always wanted to visit, and Salt and Sea Adventure made it even better than I imagined. They curated a fantastic trip that balanced sightseeing with leisure, allowing us to explore major landmarks and hidden gems in the city. The communication was excellent, and I appreciated how they tailored the experience to our interests. If you're planning to visit Ottawa, I highly recommend Salt and Sea Adventure for an expertly crafted, hassle-free vacation!"

—Michael R.
 

Best Time to Visit Ottawa:

  1. Summer (June to August):

    • Weather: Warm temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
    • Festivals: Numerous outdoor festivals and events like Canada Day celebrations, Ottawa Bluesfest, and the Canadian Tulip Festival.
    • Attractions: Ideal for exploring outdoor attractions such as the Rideau Canal, Gatineau Park, and Parliament Hill.
  2. Fall (September to November):

    • Weather: Cooler temperatures, between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
    • Foliage: Beautiful autumn colors in parks and surrounding nature areas.
    • Fewer crowds: Less crowded than summer, making it easier to visit major attractions.
  3. Winter (December to February):

    • Weather: Cold with temperatures averaging between -10°C and -20°C (14°F to -4°F), with snow.
    • Activities: Great for winter sports like ice skating on the Rideau Canal (the world’s largest skating rink) and enjoying Winterlude, an annual winter festival.
  4. Spring (March to May):

    • Weather: Mild temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
    • Festivals: Tulip Festival in May, with beautiful displays of flowers.
    • Nature: Early spring blossoms and the melting of ice on waterways.

How to Reach Ottawa:

  1. By Air:

    • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW): Located about 10 km south of downtown Ottawa, offering both domestic and international flights.
  2. By Train:

    • VIA Rail: Offers direct train service to Ottawa from major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City. The train station is centrally located in Ottawa, making it convenient for travelers.
  3. By Bus:

    • Greyhound and Orléans Express: These services connect Ottawa with other Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City.
  4. By Car:

    • Driving: Ottawa is accessible via major highways (e.g., Highway 401, 416, and 17) from cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City.
  5. By Boat:

    • Cruises: Although less common, Ottawa can be accessed via the Rideau Canal, with boat tours offering scenic views.

Importance of Ottawa:

  1. Capital of Canada:

    • Ottawa is the political and administrative capital of Canada, housing key government institutions, including the Parliament Hill and the Official Residences of the Prime Minister.
  2. Cultural Hub:

    • The city is home to many national museums and cultural institutions like the National Gallery of Canada, Canadian Museum of History, and Canadian War Museum.
  3. Natural Beauty:

    • Ottawa is known for its scenic parks, the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the surrounding Gatineau Park, offering outdoor activities year-round.