What to Do In Ottawa This Summer

This year marks Canada’s 150^th anniversary and several events are happening around the country to commemorate this monumental milestone. There’s no better way to celebrate this anniversary than by visiting Ottawa, our nation’s capital. The city is thriving and it attracts millions of tourists every single year. If you’re planning a trip to Ottawa this summer, here are a few things to check out.

• ByWard Market

The first place to visit in Ottawa this summer is the ByWard Market. It’s a stone throw away from Parliament Hill and is the number one destination for foodies visiting the nation’s capital.

You’ll be instantly drawn to the unique restaurants, bars, and cafés, as the savoury smells are simply irresistible. If you’re in the mood for a delicious burger, stopping at Zak’s or The King Eddy is an absolute must. These authentic diners offer a unique culinary experience in the city.

There’s also El Camino, which is close to all the action as well. This place serves the best tacos in town and attracts taco connoisseurs from around the world, although beware of the long lines. For something slightly more upscale within the ByWard Market, you can always go for Vittoria Trattoria. This restaurant has garnered rave reviews amongst the locals because it offers the best authentic Italian food in the area.

• Exploring The Nation’s Museums

Ottawa is home to a handful of galleries and museums, attracting both foreign and domestic talent to this cultural mecca. The leading museum in the city is the National Gallery of Canada and is nestled in the heart of Ottawa. The gallery is home to thousands of pieces of artwork and regularly houses new incoming exhibitions. One of their newest instalments is called “Canadian and Indigenous Art: 1967 to Present,” which showcases some spectacular works made by famous indigenous artists. There’s also the “Photography in Canada: 1960–2000,” which showcases how our country has evolved over the course of the 20^th century, serving as an inspirational exhibition for patriotic tourists marking the 150^th celebrations.

• Parliament

Taking a trip to Parliament Hill is a monumental experience, considering it’s the epicentre of Canadian politics. Parliament Hill also has a lot to offer tourists, whether you want to relax on the grass in the massive courtyard or explore the hidden passageways of the nation’s capital.

Guided tours of the Centre Block (the main building) are offered year round free of charge, with the tours lasting anywhere from 20 to 50 minutes. Tourists get to see the House of Commons, the Senate, and the main library. They might even see some political action if Parliament is in session. On the other hand, tours of the East Block are offered between the months of July and September and really showcases a historical perspective. The East Block showcases how the Canadian government operated within the first 100 years of existence, making it the perfect tour for someone looking to celebrate Canada’s milestone birthday.

Ottawa is an exciting destination, and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a Canadian or a foreign adventurer celebrating the 150 years of creation. If you’re thinking about relocating to this glorious city, consider DevMcGill’s ArtHaus condo project, which is situated right on the edge of the ByWard Market, meaning you’ll be in the heart of all the action in downtown Ottawa.