What to see and do in Ottawa and Gatineau

What to visit in Ottawa and Gatineau · Parliament, history and river

• Parliament · House of Commons in West Block
• Canadian Museum of History Gatineau
• Major's Hill Park

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Ottawa and Gatineau · Parliament, history and river

history

Parliament · House of Commons in West Block

The guided tour of West Block allows you to see the House of Commons and the adaptation of this historic building. Center Block, Parliament Library and Peace Tower remain closed for rehabilitation.

Activities for your visit

• Learn about the architecture of West Block on the guided tour.
• Learn how the House of Commons works.

Tips for this place

• Review the documentation and security check indicated when booking.
• Parliamentary activity may alter the available routes.

Book free visit ↗

Free official visit with ticket. The link opens the House of Commons/West Block English options; Center Block and the Peace Tower are not part of the tour.

Reference sources and location

• Parliament of Canada · official visitor reservations

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, a meeting point, or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 45.42333333, -75.70055556.

Wikidata · West Block

museum

Canadian Museum of History Gatineau

Across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, the museum presents stories of Canada and the people who live there. Its rooms and spaces allow you to get closer to different periods and perspectives of the country.

Activities for your visit

• Tour the included historical and cultural exhibitions.
• Observe the architecture of the museum and its relationship with the river.

Tips for this place

• The museum is in Quebec, across from Ottawa, not on Parliament Hill.
• Check the access itinerary when crossing the river and the exhibitions on your date.

Book tickets ↗

Official admission to the Canadian Museum of History. Select date and time and check the included exhibits; some special presentations have their own ticket.

Reference sources and location

• Canadian Museum of History · prepare your visit

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, a meeting point, or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 45.42972222, -75.70888889.

Wikidata Canadian Museum of History

nature

Major's Hill Park

This downtown park offers views of the Ottawa River, Rideau Canal locks, and parliamentary buildings. Its paths and panels allow you to combine an outdoor break with the history of the capital.

Activities for your visit

• Follow public paths and interpretive panels.
• Contemplate the locks and the river from the enabled viewpoints.

Tips for this place

• Flowering and the condition of the roads depend on the season.
• Observe the locks from permitted areas and respect possible local closures.

Check access ↗

Free access public park. It is not necessary to book an excursion to walk; Events, parking and surrounding establishments have their own conditions.

Reference sources and location

• National Capital Commission · Major's Hill Park

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, a meeting point, or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 45.4273, -75.6975.

Wikidata · Major's Hill Park

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-day itinerary in Ottawa and Gatineau Parliament, history and river

1. Day 1

   West Block and Major's Hill Park

   Organize your visit to Parliament according to your ticket and add a walk along the park's paths and viewpoints.

2. Day 2

   History in Gatineau

   Travel to the Canadian Museum of History and choose from the galleries and exhibitions included in your admission.

Tips for visiting Ottawa and Gatineau · Parliament, history and river

• Reserve West Block with names and documents required by Parliament.
• The museum is in Gatineau: check how to cross the river and return.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Ottawa and Gatineau · Parliament, history and river

A selection of regional classics: poutine and bagels from Quebec, butter tarts from Ontario and Nanaimo bars from the Pacific Coast. Photos show actual reference preparations; Each region preserves its own recipes and traditions.

Quebec · Fries, cheese and sauce

Poutine

French fries covered with fresh grain cheese and hot sauce. This Quebec classic is prepared with numerous variations; The photograph shows the traditional combination of these three ingredients.

Reference: Québec cité · Traditional specialties

Montréal · Heritage of Jewish bakeries

Montréal bagel

Ring-shaped bread that is boiled in water sweetened with honey and then baked with wood. Sesame and poppy seeds are two common toppings for this Montréal specialty.

Reference: Tourisme Montréal · The Montréal bagel

Montréal · Deli tradition

Smoked meat sandwich

Cured, seasoned and smoked beef, sliced and served on rye bread with mustard. The specialty is linked to the Jewish tradition of Montréal; The photo documents a version served in Calgary.

Reference: Tourisme Montréal · Guide to smoked meat

Quebec · Savory meat pie

Tourtière

Meatloaf covered in dough, associated with traditional Quebec cuisine and celebratory meals. The name and padding change between regions; There are versions with meat and potatoes. The photo shows the cake open.

Reference: Québec cité · Quebec comfort cuisine

Ontario Butter Tartlets

Butter tarts

Small dough tartlets with a sweet filling of butter, sugar, syrup and egg. In Ontario they are prepared with a firmer or more fluid filling and variants with raisins or dried fruits.

Reference: Destination Ontario · Canadian food to try

Nanaimo Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Nanaimo bars

Layered dessert with a base of crumbs, cocoa and coconut, a sweet cream in the center and a chocolate coating. It is named after Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island; the city publishes its own reference recipe.

Reference: City of Nanaimo · Nanaimo bars