Top 10 places to visit in Ottawa for free

While browsing the internet, you see all those pictures of wonderful countries to visit and tell yourself you’ll save money and eventually take a vacation to escape the city. Though Ottawa, Ontario, may seem dull at first, there are still so many things to do and see; but the biggest reason you don’t partake in all the local attractions is that they’re too expensive. If you’re a local, you’ve certainly visited a few places like the Centertown, the market, and the Rideau center. But what if I told you that the best attractions are actually free!

Here are my top 10 places to visit in Ottawa that are completely free:

#10 John Ceprano Rock Sculptures

John Ceprano balanced rocks on top of each other, beside the Ottawa River in 1986. Thirty-three years later, his sculptures are seen by people all over Canada.

Best seen during the sunset, the rock sculptures are located at Remic Rapids Park. They are built in harmony with the spectacular natural setting, and atmosphere.

The permanent sculptures are being produced since 1999, and have become a very exciting exploration, incorporating the visual vocabulary of painting and drawing into the surfaces of the rock. Only a small portion of the Ottawa population have gone to admire the pieces, and that needs to change.

Address: Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, Ottawa

#9 Mer Bleue Bog

Mer Bleue Conservation Area is one of the best places to explore in Ottawa. And for no cost, you’d be crazy not to take advantage. This long winding boardwalk offers the perfect spot to enjoy quiet boreal-like ecosystem. The wildlife is very alive; you will be able to spot beavers, chickadees, woodpeckers and muskrats.

Address: Ridge Rd, Ottawa, ON

Hike Length: 1.5-km loop

Amount of Time to do: 30 mins

#8 Princess Louise Falls

The Princess Louise Falls are located in Orleans and part of a river system that was buried underground to allow suburban home construction. Sometimes it’s believed that you must travel very far from Ottawa to see great natural sceneries; but this hidden wonder is right smack in the middle of the suburban town. Once you see the falls, it will completely look like you’ve hiked up a mountain. The falls are free to enter and has an amazing hiking trail that will get your blood flowing.

Address: St Joseph Blvd, Orleans, Ottawa, ON

 

#7 Downtown sightseeing Tours

Sometimes it’s good to relax as one of the city’s experts shows you the town. There are numerous tours and sightseeing options in the capital; but the Ottawa Free Tours gives walking tours day and night around the capital. The tour guides rely solely on tips. Their passionate guides love showing off the city.  They share captivating stories of Ottawa’s colourful past, interesting landmarks and vibrant culture.

If you’re interested in seeing the schedule of these tours, you can go to their website: https://www.ottawafreetour.com/

#6 Ottawa Locks

Whether you are gripping the view from the Ottawa Locks or taking a walk by the Ottawa River, you can’t go wrong. The locks link the Ottawa River with the Rideau Canal and are still operated by hand today. In use since 1832, the name Rideau, French for “curtain”, is derived from the curtain-like appearance of the Rideau River’s twin waterfalls where they join the Ottawa River. The Locks are located downtown, right by the famous Château Laurier which is another attraction that is worth a visit.

Address: 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON

#5 Confederation Park

The Confederation Park is a public National Historic Site that is located in downtown Ottawa near the Rideau center. It has paved pathways, monuments and an open lawn for gatherings and picnics. But really the most impressive thing is the giant fountain in the middle of the park. During the summer, a few events take place such as the Jazz Festival. Winterlude occupies the park during the winter.

Address: Elgin St, Ottawa, ON

#4 Dominion Arboretum

I was freakishly surprised to hear that the Dominion Arboretum was not that well known. This underrated park is located at the Central Experimental Farm of Agriculture in Ottawa. Home to a massive park with botanic gardens, ponds, greenhouses, and trees that don’t look part of this country; the park is best visited during spring when all the trees turn pink and white. It occupies 40 hectares and includes about 10,000 kinds of plants. It has a special collection of flowering such as lilacs, lilies, and hedge plants that are as much for experimental work and study as for display to the public.

Address: Arboretum, Ottawa, ON

#3 Rideau Canal

A bucket list item for many people around the world is the Rideau Canal. This four-seasonal beauty is a Canadian attraction must! During the summer, the Rideau Canal is a multi-use pathway that runs along both sides of the Canal that is popular for cycling, running and walking. During the winter, the water freezes and becomes the world’s largest skating rink as designated by the Guinness Book Of World Records. You can skate on the maintained ice for 7.8 kilometres from downtown Ottawa to Carleton University via Dows Lake. Along the way, you’ll see heated huts, washrooms, food kiosks; and you can skate for free, 24 hours a day!

#2 Tulip Festival

The Tulip Festival started in 1952 and holds some of the most festive flowering in Canada. You don’t have to go far to see the tulips, they are planted everywhere in the downtown region from May to June. The festival has a historic background: During WWII the royal Dutch family escaped from Holland and found a shelter in Ottawa. When the Queen, Juliana, returned to Holland in 1945, she decided to thank the Canadian people for hosting the royal family and sent Ottawa 100,000 Tulip tubers. Ottawans have been keeping the tradition alive ever since.

Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON

#1 Parliament Hill

I know that nobody is surprised to see this one at the top of this list. A must see that is well worth it for first time visitors and Ottawans alike is Parliament Hill. All the surrounding outdoor campuses are open for walkthroughs and free guided tours are given through the indoor halls of power, the peace tower and incredible skyline views. Immerse yourself in the Canadian pride and joy and most popular attraction.

A Sound and Light Show is projected onto the parliament face at night, which depicts Canada’s history of nation-building, valour and discovery.

Address: 111 Wellington St, Ottawa, ON

To book a tour reservation, go to: https://visit.parl.ca/sites/Visit/default/en_CA

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To get the full travel guide on Ottawa, you can grab my Ultimate Travel Guide.