Things to do in the National Capital Region

You’ll find a wealth of galleries and museums in the National Capital Region. There are 29 museums and galleries, including 12 national museums devoted to art, nature, science and technology, aviation, war history, civilization, and more. Many of these cultural attractions line the Confederation Boulevard, "Canada’s Discovery Route," which links Quebec and Ontario.

Ottawa-Gatineau is also home to several performing arts organizations that bring theatre, dance and live music to the city. There are festivals year-round in Ottawa, which means that you will never be at a loss for things to see and do.

With its active, involved communities, the National Capital Region is an ideal place to raise a family. It is a family-oriented city with an abundance of parks, excellent choices for public and private education, first-rate healthcare facilities and a variety of entertainment options. Ottawa-Gatineau’s diverse community provides children the opportunity to experience the world’s many cultures through festivals, special events and the arts.

Whether you wish to be active or simply wish to be a spectator, the region has numerous recreational choices for you. Get ready to cheer on your favourite team! Ottawa-Gatineau is home to major and minor league sports teams, including the Ottawa Senators hockey team.

A few minutes away from downtown Ottawa is Gatineau Park, where hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and swimming are popular activities in the summer as are snowshoeing and skiing in the winter.

Shopaholics will love the National Capital Region. Major department stores, discount warehouses or specialty boutiques, Ottawa-Gatineau has them all. There are a number of interesting shopping areas that are perfect for outdoor strolling and which feature locally-crafted, original merchandise. The Bank Street Promenade, the ByWard Market, Rideau Street, the Glebe, Westboro Village and the Sparks Street Mall (Canada's oldest pedestrian mall) are all areas where you can shop at ease and then take a break at a café or pub.

Ottawa-Gatineau residents enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle thanks to the region’s numerous parks, forests, waterways and open spaces. Hundreds of kilometres of cross-country ski trails as well as bicycling, rollerblading and jogging paths can be found throughout the region, and winding alongside the three rivers and canal that converge in the heart of the city.

The Rideau Canal is one of the Capital's most popular recreational areas. In the summer, there are dozens of canoes and motorboats in the canal, while pedestrians, runners, cyclists and in-line skaters enjoy the recreational pathways alongside it. In the winter, eight kilometres of the canal’s frozen surface are cleared to become the largest outdoor ice-skating rink in the world.

A rich variety of restaurants offer fare to satisfy any appetite. Ottawa-Gatineau is home to many different cultures and that is reflected in the diversity of its restaurants. From traditional haute cuisine to more contemporary and ethnic foods, the National Capital Region features a wonderful range of delicious fare.

If you’re in the mood for a gourmet picnic, head over to the picturesque Byward Market to pick up a baguette, cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables. There are dozens of market stalls from which to choose the ingredients you will need for your outdoor feast!