Ottawa

Ottawa is a fantastic city with a rich history, beautiful parks, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Here’s a fun and engaging 3-day itinerary that will keep everyone entertained and create lasting memories!

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Ottawa

Morning:

• Parliament Hill: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Parliament Hill. Take a guided tour to learn about Canada’s political history. The kids will love the impressive architecture and the chance to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony if you’re there in the summer months!

Lunch:

• ByWard Market: Head over to the ByWard Market for lunch. This vibrant area has a variety of eateries. Try a classic BeaverTail pastry for dessert afterward—it's a must!

Afternoon:

• National Gallery of Canada: After lunch, stroll to the National Gallery. The kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits, and you can all marvel at the stunning art collections. Don’t forget to check out the giant spider sculpture outside!

Evening:

• Rideau Canal: Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk along the Rideau Canal. If it’s warm, consider renting a paddleboat or taking a family bike ride along the scenic pathways.

Dinner:

• Local Restaurant: Choose a family-friendly restaurant in the ByWard Market area for dinner. There are plenty of options, from pizza to poutine!

---

Day 2: Nature and History

Morning:

• Canadian Museum of Nature: Start your day at the Canadian Museum of Nature. The dinosaur exhibit is always a hit with kids, and there are plenty of hands-on activities to keep them engaged.

Lunch:

• Picnic in the Park: Pack a picnic or grab some sandwiches from a nearby café and head to Major's Hill Park. It’s a lovely spot with great views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River.

Afternoon:

• Canadian History Museum: After lunch, visit the Canadian Museum of History across the river in Gatineau. The kids will love the interactive exhibits, and the Grand Hall with its stunning totem poles is a highlight.

Evening:

• Explore the Ottawa River: Consider taking a family-friendly boat cruise on the Ottawa River. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective.

Dinner:

• Dinner at a Family-Friendly Spot: Head back to Ottawa and enjoy dinner at a restaurant that caters to families. There are plenty of options in the downtown area.

---

Day 3: Fun and Adventure

Morning:

• Canada Science and Technology Museum: Start your day at the Canada Science and Technology Museum. It’s filled with interactive exhibits that will fascinate both kids and adults.

Lunch:

• Lunch at the Museum Café: Enjoy lunch at the museum café, which offers a variety of kid-friendly options.

Afternoon:

• Calypso Water Park (Seasonal): If you’re visiting in the summer, spend the afternoon at Calypso Water Park, just a short drive from Ottawa. It’s Canada’s largest water park and has tons of slides and attractions for all ages. If it’s not water park weather, consider visiting the Canadian War Museum instead, which has engaging exhibits for families.

Evening:

• Stroll Through the Glebe: Head to the Glebe neighborhood for a leisurely evening stroll. It’s a charming area with unique shops and beautiful homes.

Dinner:

• Final Dinner in Ottawa: For your last dinner, choose a cozy restaurant in the Glebe. Enjoy some local cuisine and reflect on your wonderful trip!

---

And there you have it! A fun-filled 3-day itinerary in Ottawa that balances history, culture, and adventure, perfect for the whole family. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!