Guidebook for Ottawa
Sightseeing
Canadian Museum of Nature
240 McLeod St - very interesting exhibits
- lovely castle
Pink lake trail is an easily walk-able trail surrounding a unique mini-ecosystem, and a great introduction to Parc de la Gatineau.
18 locals recommend
Pink Lake Trail
Promenade de la GatineauPink lake trail is an easily walk-able trail surrounding a unique mini-ecosystem, and a great introduction to Parc de la Gatineau.
The permanent collection of Canadian artists is truly impressive, I go regularly and I'm not that big on museums.
552 locals recommend
National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex DrThe permanent collection of Canadian artists is truly impressive, I go regularly and I'm not that big on museums.
Worth seeing if you're in Ottawa, tours are free, and so in the changing of the guard, which happens at 10:00 a.m.
891 locals recommend
Parliament Hill
Wellington StreetWorth seeing if you're in Ottawa, tours are free, and so in the changing of the guard, which happens at 10:00 a.m.
Food Scene
Elgin Street Diner
374 Elgin St - an Ottawa classic
- try the milkshakes
El Camino
380 Elgin StSome of the best tacos you will ever eat.
You must try at least a mini-cupcake at this incredible bakery.
ThimbleCakes- Cupcakes, Cakes and Icecream
369 Bank StYou must try at least a mini-cupcake at this incredible bakery.
My personal favourite Vietnamese restaurant in Ottawa - I highly recommend the pho.
Temptation Tea Shop
My personal favourite Vietnamese restaurant in Ottawa - I highly recommend the pho.
Atomic Rooster
303 Bank StMy favourite breakfast/brunch location.
May be Ottawa's best pizza, but this is a topic of fierce debate among Ottawans.
39 locals recommend
Gabriel Pizza
277 Bank StMay be Ottawa's best pizza, but this is a topic of fierce debate among Ottawans.
Hokkaido Sushi
272 Dalhousie StBest affordable sushi in town.
Signatures is owned and operated by the only Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in North America, this is a must eat location unless you're travelling to Paris soon.
9 locals recommend
Signatures Restaurant
453 Laurier Ave. ESignatures is owned and operated by the only Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in North America, this is a must eat location unless you're travelling to Paris soon.
Hintonburger
366 Parkdale DrIf you're in the neighbourhood this is Ottawa's second best burger.
Granted it's a drive, but it's worth it. This is the best burger in Ottawa, and there are so many options.
Dick's
Granted it's a drive, but it's worth it. This is the best burger in Ottawa, and there are so many options.
Nate's is an Ottawa institution, sadly it's moved to a less accessible location, but well worth the trip for the Montreal smoked meat.
Nate's Deli Family Kitchen
1545 Merivale RdNate's is an Ottawa institution, sadly it's moved to a less accessible location, but well worth the trip for the Montreal smoked meat.
Shopping
Book Bazaar
417 Bank St - wonderful, hole in the wall place with excellent staff
Everything Else
Loblaws
64 Isabella StOne of our local grocery stores.
If you're LGBTQ visiting Ottawa this is the official village, and pretty much every business here is openly queer friendly. www.dorothyscloset.com has the latest on queer events, bars, and businesses.
The Village:: Ottawa's GLBT-friendly gaybourhood
176 Gloucester StreetIf you're LGBTQ visiting Ottawa this is the official village, and pretty much every business here is openly queer friendly. www.dorothyscloset.com has the latest on queer events, bars, and businesses.
Essentials
Hartman's Your Independent Grocer
296 Bank StAnother local grocery store.
Boushey's Fruit Market
348 Elgin StA lovely boutique grocer.
Herb & Spice Food Shop
375 Bank StOrganic, natural grocery store.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Manx Pub
370 Elgin StOttawa's worst kept secret, and a great little pub.
The Lieutenant's Pump
361 Elgin StLovely pub with a great patio.
Arts & Culture
It's worth seeing what's on here, they often have more interesting, and affordable plays than the National Arts Centre.
19 locals recommend
Ottawa Little Theatre
400 King Edward AveIt's worth seeing what's on here, they often have more interesting, and affordable plays than the National Arts Centre.