To make the most of your day in Ottawa, plan activities that complement—rather than repeat—what you’ll experience during the evening walking tour. Here are some great options to fill your day:

🏛️ Go Inside Parliament Hill

While the walking tour explores the history and meaning of Parliament from the outside, a guided interior visit lets you step inside Canada’s political heart.

You can tour spaces like the Senate of Canada Building and learn how government works today—making the evening stories even more meaningful.

🚤 Cruise the Rideau Canal

Instead of walking along it (which you’ll do during the tour), experience the canal from the water. A short boat cruise offers a relaxing perspective and highlights the engineering behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🖼️ Visit a World-Class Museum

Ottawa is home to some of Canada’s best museums. A few great options include:

  • Canadian Museum of History – Perfect for understanding the broader story of Canada
  • National Gallery of Canada – Iconic architecture and Canadian art
  • Canadian War Museum – A powerful look at military history

These experiences add depth and context that pair beautifully with the storytelling on your walking tour.

🍽️ Enjoy Lunch in ByWard Market

The market is a must-visit—but instead of rushing through it during the tour, take your time earlier in the day to enjoy a proper meal.

Two excellent local picks:

  • La Bottega Nicastro – Famous for gourmet Italian sandwiches
  • Ahora Mexican Restaurant – A vibrant spot for fresh, flavorful Mexican dishes

🌿 Relax Before the Evening Tour

After a full day, take some time to recharge—grab a coffee at Little Victories Coffee Roasters (voted top 100 in the world), sit by the river, or enjoy a quiet moment in a park. Your walking tour runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., so you’ll want to arrive refreshed and ready to explore.

🌆 Evening Highlight: Historical Walking Tour (Must-Do Experience)

Wrap up your day with our 2 hour Ottawa Historical Walking Tour—arguably the best way to truly understand Ottawa.

🕰️ Tour Details:

  • Duration: 2 hours (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
  • When: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (mid-June to mid-September)
  • Price: Only $25 per person

Led by a local guide and historian, this tour brings Ottawa’s past to life as you walk through its most significant landmarks, including:

  • Kìwekì Point
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
  • Fairmont Château Laurier
  • ByWard Market
  • Senate of Canada Building
  • Parliament Hill
  • Rideau Canal
  • Major's Hill Park

Along the way, you’ll explore the full story of Ottawa, including:

  • The presence and heritage of Indigenous nations
  • The arrival of European settlers
  • The founding of Bytown
  • The construction of the Rideau Canal
  • The transformation into Canada’s National Capital Region, including its urban redesign

This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s storytelling that connects every landmark into a deeper narrative. Tickets for this guided tour are available on our website. 

✨ Why This Itinerary Works

This one-day plan blends independent exploration with expert guidance. You’ll see the highlights at your own pace during the day, then gain a richer understanding in the evening through a guided experience.

If you only have one day in Ottawa, this itinerary ensures you don’t just see the city—you truly understand it.