ottawa visit plan

How To Spend One Day In Ottawa: An Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

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Got One Day in Ottawa? Here’s What To Do, See, Eat, and Drink!

Interested in exploring Ottawa but a little short on time? Whether you’re visiting Ottawa on a day trip from Kingston , have a stopover flight, or are spending a day and a night in the city passing through, we’ve got you covered!

We really like Ottawa and – having explored the city many times now – we have a pretty good idea of what a first-time visitor might be looking for if they are exploring Ottawa in a day.

There are top attractions like ByWard Market and Parliament Hill, plenty of activities and museums to visit, lesser-known places to eat and drink, and much more.

So, here’s our version of an Ottawa day itinerary (for both the summer and winter seasons)!

Oh, and if you are staying one night, check out the ByWard Blue Inn or The Business Inn . Both are very popular accommodations in good, central areas.

Ottawa Tour Options

Being the capital of Canada, Ottawa is a popular destination to explore. Luckily, there are several tour options to help you discover Ottawa in different ways!

• Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• 2-Hour Express Sights Bike Tour
• Ottawa Brewery Tour (via Bus)
• Ultimate Ottawa Sightseeing Tour (w/ Canal Cruise)

Table of Contents

Breakfast at Wilf and Ada’s

Address: 510 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z4, Canada

Alright – so it’s breakfast time in Ottawa. You’re going to need a  big  breakfast to fuel up for this day. 

We got up from our accommodation in Centretown, did a quick Google search, and walked right to Wilf and Ada’s . We are very, very glad we did!

This tiny diner near Highway 417 is on Bank Street, so it’s really easy to get to from downtown.

Inside, we found a small diner that was already packed (it was like 9 am on a weekday!). Luckily, we were only two people, so we got seated at what was the last table. 

The menu is really good – with brunch classics that are sweet and savoury to meet all tastes. Eric had a Classic Breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, beans (and more) while Lisa had an Eggs Benedict Florentine.

She HIGHLY recommends hers if you go because she really liked it. The server was also super nice, so that’s always a plus!

In any case, head there for breakfast – coffee was a free refill and the food was delicious!

Getting Around Ottawa The city of Ottawa is pretty spread out, but the best attractions are basically all within walking distance close to downtown (a few exceptions apply). Also, the city is relatively flat – with hillier areas if you walk down towards the Ottawa River from Wellington Street or if you walk down to ByWard Market from Parliament Hill.  You can check out the  Ottawa Transport (OC Transpo) website  for city buses and look into different rates. They have a day ticket available if you want to rely on the bus. Cycling is also an option – bike rentals are available and popular in the warmer months. We wouldn’t recommend using a car to get around Downtown as parking and re-parking would be a hassle.

Morning Activities: Explore Canadian History, Culture, and Art

Okay, so once you are done with breakfast, it’s time to head back downtown along Bank Street. Basically, walk as far as you can and you’ll hit Parliament Hill.

This is where we started the morning – and we basically checked out the following attractions/hot spots downtown or close to downtown. Read below for the things that we got up to – all before lunchtime!

Parliament Hill

Address: 111 Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A4

Of course we visited Parliament Hill first thing so that we had enough time. As the centre of Canadian politics, the whole area is full of history and things to see.

We actually visited right after Canada Day, so they were just disassembling the stage from the concerts and celebrations.

In any case, there is a lot to see on Parliament Hill such as the Centennial Flame and many statues.

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We also walked behind the Centre Block along a pathway that gives you great views of the Ottawa River and other attractions below.

Even though renovations were happening all around, that path was still open to freely enjoy so be sure to do so.

You get great shots of the Library of Parliament – the historic circular structure at the rear of the Centre Block. It’s stunning to look at!

The buildings on Parliament Hill are the Centre Block with the clock tower called the “Peace Tower” and then the East and West Blocks flanking the middle building.

You can tour the buildings – but they are currently under extensive renovations for many years so the tours are all moved around. 

If you want to learn more about Canadian politics and history, you can check out the updated tour schedule here . Tours of the Senate and House of Commons are free but must be reserved in advance.

National War Memorial

Address: Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5A4, Canada

We walked down from Parliament Hill down Wellington Street towards the top of Elgin Street.

Here you’ll find the famous Locks of the Rideau Canal. We only took a quick photo of them because we explored them later in the day but you could check them out now.

Instead, we headed to the square across from the Locks to the large monument that you cannot miss.

This is the National War Memorial – a tribute to those Canadians who have served in armed conflicts. It also includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

It’s interesting to look at and a quiet, respectful place – we even caught it at a time when the guards were changing their posts.

To the south of the memorial, you can find Confederation Park – a large green space by the Rideau Canal.

It was a nice place to relax because we were waiting for our tour which started in the area!

Lady Dive Amphibus Tour

Address: Lady Dive leaves from 44 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1A 0R7

The next thing we did was a guided tour – but not just any tour: the Lady Dive “Duck Boat” Tour !

Yes, we went on the tour that drives you around on land and then drives into the water and becomes a boat tour!

We actually bought our tickets online beforehand but they have a booth close to the pick-up/drop-off so it would be easy to just show up.

The tour itself was actually really fun – the live guide spoke in both English and French and pointed out many attractions.

If you’ve never been to Ottawa before, it’s a great tour for orientating yourself.

We then crossed into Quebec on the tour and drove into the Ottawa River – which was such a strange feeling but completely safe!

Exploring Ottawa from the water was a different perspective that you can’t get many other ways so we liked that, too. Kids on the tour got to take a photo with the captain which made for a fun atmosphere.

After a big loop, the boat left the water and became a bus again and we got to see places further out like Rideau Hall. Overall we’d recommend the Lady Dive Boat Tour for the experience.

We also decided to do a morning tour as it was not as hot yet. This ended up being a good decision.

If you want to explore the Ottawa River on a tour, but the Lady Dive doesn’t sound like something for you, you can also take a regular boat cruise with Capital Cruises .

This tour boat leaves from the bottom of the Locks down at the river level so it’s easy to get to/find from downtown.

We actually passed this boat while we were on our tour and it looked like a nice boat (see above).

Sparks Street

Location: 45°25’23.8″N 75°41’47.1″W

Once we got off the Lady Dive Tour, we were already getting hungry so we walked towards lunch through Sparks Street.

Sparks Street – fun fact – is considered the oldest pedestrian mall in Canada.

It crosses the whole downtown core from west to east (sort of) and is loaded with shops, stalls, restaurants, souvenirs, etc to check out.

Lisa bought postcards here to send to family – so wander through and see what you can find!

Lunch: The SconeWitch on Elgin

Address: 150 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4, Canada

We only walked for about 10 minutes max from where we got off the tour before we got to lunch. Remember, everything in the downtown core is pretty close together.

Lunch was at another place we looked up online that had great reviews: The SconeWitch on Elgin.

Known for making their own scones and other fresh items, we went on an Ottawa workday just after 12:00 pm. It was BUSY – but the line moved surprisingly fast!

As for food, SconeWitch was awesome. We got one “SconeWitch”- it was with goat cheese and was really, really good.

We also got an iced coffee and a hibiscus iced tea – both of which were also great. We’d recommend checking it out for a lighter lunch that still fills you up.

Afternoon Activities: Explore Gatineau/The ByWard Market Area

Alright, so now it’s the afternoon – what do you get up to now? It was a hot summer day when we visited, so we decided to stay in the shade as much as possible and/or explore the water.

Since we had already seen the Parliament Hill area, we decided that the afternoon should be dedicated to the ByWard Market area and perhaps maybe some museums across/near the Ottawa River.

Here’s a handful of things we checked out and stuff that you might also be interested in adding to your one-day itinerary!

Rideau Canal/Bytown Museum

Address: 1 Canal Ln, Ottawa, ON K1P 5P6, Canada

One of the most famous sites in all of Ottawa (and Canada for that matter) is the Rideau Canal.

The Rideau Canal – and the Ottawa Lockstation (shown above) – are Ontario’s only UNESCO Heritage Site for the category of “Culture”.

The whole waterway is over 200 km long and stretches all the way to Lake Ontario in Kingston!

In Ottawa, stretches of the waterway are great for boating in the summer and it turns into the famous ice skating rink in the wintertime .

Close to the Ottawa River entrance to the Locks, you’ll find the  Bytown Museum , which takes visitors through the history of Ottawa as it developed over the decades!

If you want to cross the river and head to the Canadian Museum of History in Hull/Gatineau, you could do so at this point.

To get there, you can walk across the bridges – but if you are already at the Locks, you might want to take the water taxi to Gatineau.

Tickets are cheap and it’s an eco-friendly way to get across (it has an electric motor)! You can check schedules and prices on their website .

If you don’t want to head for the Museum of History, then you can just walk to the National Gallery of Canada (see both below) on the same side of the river as you are now. You’ll still have more than enough to keep you busy.

Canadian Museum of History

Address: 100 Laurier St, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8, Canada

Across the river from the Locks and Parliament Hill, you’ll find one of the most famous museums in all of Canada – the Canadian Museum of History.

This museum is huge, features a massive Grand Hall with incredible works by Indigenous Peoples, and walks visitors through over 20,000 years of Canadian human history!

We didn’t get a chance to visit on this trip but Eric went years ago and we want to go back next time. If you want to visit, you can  get your Museum of History ticket here . 

National Gallery of Canada

Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada

If you don’t want to cross the river, you can also check out the National Gallery of Canada.

Known for the beautiful glass structures and the very large spider out front, you can see loads of Canadian art inside!

The Gallery has an inner courtyard and a cafe onsite. If you want to visit, make sure you have a few hours to spare!

It’s also a great place to visit if it’s too hot out or too cold in the winter! Here is the  official website to learn more .

ByWard Market

Address: 55 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 9C3

After you finish up at the Gallery, a final area that you have to explore in Ottawa (if you are only around for a day) is ByWard Market.

If you are staying late, you can have dinner here and even go out for drinks here, so don’t worry if you don’t visit during the day. 

That said, ByWard Market is full of things to do, see, eat, and drink at all hours of the day!

The market area is packed with bars, restaurants, and shops that surround the original Market Building – which has a few food places and shops itself.

In the summer, stalls fill some streets and sell everything from fresh produce to flowers.

We wandered around and ended up stopping for a drink at one of the many bars in the area  (El Furniture Warehouse). You could have a sweet treat and opt for a “BeaverTail” which is deep-fried dough covered in sugar and more!

In any case, you can just hang out in ByWard for a little bit and take in the sights and sounds, do some window shopping, eat something, and even have a beverage. Up to you!

Afternoon Break: High Tea at The Chateau Laurier

Address: 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7, Canada

Now that you’re done with the main part of your afternoon wander, you might need a break.

You can stay in ByWard Market for longer and have a beer or a sweet treat – or you can have a truly Ottawa experience: Afternoon Tea at the Chateau Laurier! (If high tea is not for you, then skip to the next section.)

This historic hotel is an Ottawa landmark and a very popular place to stay , too. That said, it’s also known for its food/dining experiences – and Zoe’s Lounge is where you head for a lovely high tea experience. Tea, sweets, mini sandwiches – what’s not to like?!

It’s important to book a table online in advance – especially for afternoon tea since it can fill up. You can learn more about tea and reservations at Zoe’s Lounge here .

Early Evening Activity: Explore Major Hill’s Park

Address: 1223 Alexandra Bridge, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada

Once you’re done at Afternoon tea (or in ByWard Market), there’s one more place you should visit because of the amazing views: Major’s Hill Park.

You could even have a drink at Tavern on the Hill which is located here.

Our local buddy said that we had to stop by and we are very glad we did. The park was a great way to rest for a bit before walking over to where we were having dinner. 

We went to the park at the end of our day but didn’t have a drink since we had just had a beer in ByWard.

In any case, you come here for the views over the river and the setting sun (depending on the time of year).

You COULD also just have dinner here if you wanted to. Check out the website for  hours and menus for Tavern on the Hill here .

Dinner at the Aulde Dubliner & Pour House

Address: 62 William St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A3, Canada

Now it’s dinner time – and you must be pretty hungry given that you’ve covered quite a bit of ground today!

For dinner, we headed back into ByWard (wasn’t far from the last stop) and went to the Aulde Dubliner & Pour House.

This classic Irish pub is huge and beautiful from the outside. We got a patio table overlooking the main part of ByWard Market which was so nice.

The server was super friendly, the beer/drinks were local so that was nice to try, and our food (burgers and salmon grilled sandwich) were all really good.

If you aren’t in the mood for pub-style food, there are lots of other restaurants in the area. That said, the menu did have other non-pub food items! You can check the menu and hours for the Aulde here .

Evening: Drinks, Live Music or Evening Tour

Alright, so it’s the evening now and if you are still in Ottawa looking to round out the day, you’ve got options!

For this post, we wanted to provide you with a handful of options to match all interest levels.

So, at the end of the day in Ottawa, you just have to stay in the ByWard Market area for the famed Ottawa nightlife. However, you’ve got options for what you want to do: a night tour, live music, or rooftop terrace drinks.

Ottawa Night Tour

If you have a bit of explorer energy left, you might consider hopping on an Ottawa tour by night .

This tour starts at 6:30 pm so be sure to have dinner before but then you have the rest of your evening planned with a cruise, a light show, and more!

Live Music at Heart & Crown

Address: 67 Clarence St, Ottawa

If live music is your thing, head into the heart of ByWard where there’s music (pretty much) every night!

The Heart and Crown is a very lively Irish pub with loads of seating and a great atmosphere – whatever the night of the week.

Eric has been there for drinks and music and it was super fun. You can check out who is playing on their website . They have live music every single night from 10 until close basically. 

Rooftop Terrace Drinks at the Andaz

Address: 325 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7G1, Canada

Finally, if you just want to sit, relax, and have a nice drink with a stunning view, then you should head to the top of the Andaz Hotel.

Here, you’ll find the famous terrace bar called Copper Spirits and Sights. Known for the views overlooking Ottawa towards Parliament Hill, a great cocktail menu, and the occasional live DJ, the Andaz is definitely a place to be in the evening.

You can book a table and learn more on their website .

Related Articles

We love exploring Ottawa – so check out our other Ottawa posts to help you plan:

• Great Things to Do in Ottawa (for All Seasons)
• Where to Stay in Ottawa – Hotels and Best Areas
• Toronto to Ottawa: All Ways
• 13 Ottawa Pubs and Bars (As Told by a Local)
• Day Trips from Ottawa (+ Directions)

And there you have it, our sample itinerary for one day in Ottawa. In the end, it’s impossible to see everything in Ottawa in one day – but you can definitely plan your visit to see lots of great attractions.

This itinerary covers lots of the things that we did during our time in Ottawa and we had a blast. Let us know what you get up to – we’d love to add great activities to this Ottawa itinerary!

As always, Keep Exploring, eh? – E&L

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Eric Wychopen

Hi, we're Eric and Lisa - an Ontario-born Canadian and a German! After settling in Ontario together, we realized that there is lots more to explore in this beautiful Canadian province! On Ontario Away, we as well as local contributors cover everything from cities and hikes to wineries, attractions, accommodations, and more.

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Ottawa   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Danielle Donders | Getty Images

Why Go To Ottawa

Located in southeast Ontario near the Québec border, Ottawa may seem an unlikely choice for Canada's capital when compared to larger cities like Toronto and Montreal . But that doesn't mean it should be ignored. Visit for yourself, and you'll see this city doesn't fall short. It's small yet lively, family-friendly yet nightlife-ready, somewhat chilly yet undeniably cool.

Ottawa is a political and cultural hub that particularly caters to the out-of-towner. Its downtown overflows with jaw-dropping architecture, state-of-the-art museums, funky boutiques and fantastic snack joints that are all easy for you to explore on foot. Plus, this is a city that loves to celebrate, hosting dozens of festivals throughout the year. And while cold weather may seem like a deterrent, a few hours ice skating (or sipping hot chocolate) along the Rideau Canal will transform even the most stubborn summer-lover into a winter buff.

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• # 7 in Best Family Vacations in Canada

Best of Ottawa

Best hotels in ottawa.

• # 1 in Hilton Lac-Leamy
• # 2 in Le Germain Hotel Ottawa
• # 3 in Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Best Things to Do in Ottawa

• # 1 in Rideau Canal
• # 2 in ByWard Market
• # 3 in Canadian War Museum

Popular Tours

Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise

(110 reviews)

from $ 134.00

Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

(393 reviews)

from $ 33.83

Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa

(228 reviews)

from $ 25.37

Ottawa Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Ottawa is between March and May, when temperatures begin to rise and the city starts to bloom. This is also when some of the capital's favorite special events – including the beloved Tulip Festival – take place. Thanks to its characteristically warm weather, summer is the most popular time for a visit, but it's also the most expensive, with average room rates costing as much as $140 per night. For those of you itching to find a bargain, consider a winter trip; although temperatures often drop below freezing, you can keep your blood pumping by practicing your figure skating or hockey moves on the Rideau Canal .

Weather in Ottawa

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• There's more than one city here "Ottawa" refers to the city south of the Ottawa River in the English-speaking province of Ontario. Several bridges connect the capital to its northern neighbor, Gatineau, in the French-speaking province of Quebec.
• Don't worry too much about money The Canadian dollar – roughly equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar – is the official currency here. But because Ottawa is so close to the U.S. border, many businesses also accept American money.
• Bring warm clothing Average highs during the winter months rarely rise above freezing. If you're planning a winter trip, make sure to bring all the cold-weather necessities like a warm hat, scarf and gloves.

How to Save Money in Ottawa

• Plan an evening museum visit Several of Ottawa's museums, including the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of Nature , offer free admission on Thursday evenings from 4 or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Limit your sit-down meals Ottawa has an abundance of fine restaurants, but dining out can get expensive quickly. Rely on less formal dining spots like those at ByWard Market for breakfast and lunch.
• Avoid downtown hotels You'll find much lower rates if you look for accommodations  on the outskirts of town. If convenience is an issue, remember that all of the city's bus lines stop downtown.

Culture & Customs

As with other cities in Canada, Ottawa's culture is influenced by its mother country – England – and its aboriginal heritage. Whether you're sipping afternoon tea, watching the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony at Parliament Hill or embarking on an indigenous walking tour, you'll have multiple opportunities to experience the province's culture. To get a better understanding of how the country's earliest settlers shaped its present-day identity, start your tour of Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of History .

Americans shouldn't have any trouble navigating Canada's capital. English and French are the country's two official languages, but most Ottawa residents speak English. If you venture across the Ottawa River to Gatineau (which is located in the French-speaking province of Quebec), you may want to come prepared with a few French phrases, such as " bonjour " ("hello"), " s'il vous plaît " ("please") and " merci " ("thank you").

Ottawa's official currency is the Canadian dollar, which is roughly equivalent to the U.S. dollar (you should still plan to check what the current exchange rate is before you go). To avoid confusion when purchasing goods, familiarize yourself with Canadian currency. Coins are in denominations of $2, $1, $0.50, $0.25, $0.10 and $0.05. Canadian dollar coins are called "loonies;" $2 coins are called "toonies." Paper bills are in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5. Weight is measured in metric units; distance is measured in kilometers – pay close attention to this if you've decided to rent a car.

What to Eat

Much like the U.S. capital , Ottawa boasts a diverse and top-notch dining scene that caters to everyone from policy-making politicos to camera-wielding tourists. Since it's located across the Ottawa River from the French-speaking province of Quebec, it should come as no surprise that French food plays a starring role in the city's restaurant culture. In fact, Ottawa is home to the only Canadian campus of Le Cordon Bleu, an international culinary school. The campus is also home to a fine dining eatery, Signatures Restaurant , which is housed in a Tudor Revival-style mansion. If you want to sample French cuisine without paying a hefty price tag, consider making a lunch reservation here, when three-course meals are offered for CA$34 (around $26) per person.

Not one for French cuisine? How about Canadian instead? Several restaurants around the city offer Canadian or ("New Canadian") menus, including the award-winning Atelier , which serves a 12-course tasting menu every night. Though 12 courses may seem a bit intimidating, recent visitors raved about the interesting and creative dishes plated here. If you're looking for something a bit more approachable, consider Play Food & Wine , a small plates eatery that's lauded for its food and wine pairings and excellent service. Another small plates restaurant that's popular with locals and visitors: town . Visitors say this Italian-inspired outpost is a hit thanks to its convenient downtown location and its flavorful dishes. And when you're ready to sample some of the city's seafood, head to the Whalesbone Oyster House for (what else?) oysters. Though recent visitors do note that the restaurant is small and can be noisy, they can't deny the quality of the seafood.

Finally, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the city's food culture, you must take a spin through ByWard Market , one of the country's oldest and largest public markets. And for an equally wide-ranging sample of Ottawa's beer scene, head to CRAFT Beer Market .

Getting Around Ottawa

The best way to get around Ottawa is on foot. The city's vibrant downtown area is extremely condensed, and excellent signage makes it easy to navigate. If you do get tired of walking, the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Transit Commission (OC Transpo) operates numerous bus routes (all of which originate from the Rideau Centre) through downtown and into the more residential areas. To get to the downtown area from the Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), you can take the No. 97 bus for CA$3.65 (roughly $2.80). Taxis are also available, but expect to pay upward of CA$30 (about $23).

Entry & Exit Requirements

A valid travel document (preferably a passport) is required for citizens of the United States traveling outside the mainland by air or sea, as well as for U.S. citizens trying to re-enter the country. If you are planning to drive, you can also use a NEXUS card, which allows for expedited border crossings for both private and commercial travelers through Canadian and U.S. border controls. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department website .

Winter in Ottawa is chilly, but if you can brave the cold, you'll be rewarded with snow-covered scenes like this one, featuring Parliament Hill .

Explore More of Ottawa

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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Travel reviews

• Worth the detour

CENTENNIAL FLAME

The Centennial Flame offers a superb view of the Parliament Buildings . Time to get out your camera! The flame burns year-round, in summer and winter alike!

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Daily from the end of June until the end of August when weather makes it possible.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

BOAT CRUISE ON THE OTTAWA RIVER

BYWARD MARKET 

Open year round.

SPARKS STREET MALL 

It is also home to a wide variety of events and activities throughout the year.

RIDE ON THE RIDEAU CANAL

CANADIAN MUSEUM OF HISTORY

Visit the Canadian Children's Museum for a trip around the world, where you and your children will discover a host of fascinating people and places. The complex also features an IMAX theatre .

NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL BASILICA

This magnificent Neo-Gothic style cathedral was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1990 because of its great heritage value. The building's notable features include its stone exterior, its two square towers, an ornately decorated interior with vaulted ceilings and extensive woodwork, and its interior sculptures carved by notable Canadian sculptor, Philippe Hebert .

Visits are not permitted during mass hours. 

GATINEAU PARK

This park, just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, is the largest green space in the Outaouais region , known for its rich biodiversity and its rolling green hills and forests . People come here in summer to visit historic sites , such as the Mackenzie-King Estate, to hike along its 183 km of trails (accessible from April 15 to September 15), and to cycle , swim and camp . In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are the activities of predilection.

There are also scenic drives leading to lookouts, lakes and waterfalls. The park is open 24 hours a day, all year round, except during severe weather.

Optional activities

• Canadian Museum of History
• Guided walking tour of Ottawa

Where to eat

• $ Inexpensive
• $$ Moderate
• $$$ Upscale
• $$$$ Fine dining

SANSOTEI RAMEN ($$)

The first Sansotei Ramen opened in Toronto and it now has several locations including this one in Ottawa, which is gaining new fans all the time. They serve a wide variety of ramen noodle soups made from broths prepared daily on site and side dishes such as chicken wings, Zangi (fried chicken), gyoza (pan-fried Japanese pork dumplings), seaweed salad and gyudon (rice with beef and caramelized onions). If you're in the mood for dessert, try the mango cheesecake.

FLORA HALL BREWING ($$)

This brewpub opened in October 2017 in a remodelled 1927 building that formerly housed an automotive radio repair business. It has since become a popular Ottawa gathering place with its wide variety of quality craft beers, warm and welcoming space, and menu offering creative and contemporary takes on classic comfort foods from around the globe, with ingredients sourced locally and seasonally.

TOWN ($$-$$$)

Their slogan, “Town loves you and wants you to be happy”, says it all! Creative cuisine made with fresh locally-sourced ingredients, accompanied by good music, a warm atmosphere and excellent service, at a reasonable price.

PLAY FOOD & WINE ($$$)

Play food & wine offers generous small plates to share, with a solid selection of sweet and savory dishes, charcuteries and cheeses, and the perfect wines by the glass to accompany them. Local, sustainable and seasonal products from local farms are used in the kitchen.

BECKTA DINING & WINE ($$$$)

Beckta Dining & Wine is the flagship restaurant of Stephen Beckta, one of Ottawa's most renowned chefs. You will love the refined, modern, seasonal cuisine, prepared with local organic produce. The exceptional service adds to the pleasure of your fine dining experience.

Where to sleep ?

• Alt Hotel Ottawa
• Hôtel Le Germain Ottawa
• Fairmont Chateau Laurier
• McGee's Inn
• Andaz Ottawa
• Best Western Gatineau

Festivals calendar

Canadian tulip festival.

Dates: mid-May

What began with a gift from the Netherlands as a symbol of international friendship quickly blossomed into one of the most celebrated festivals in Canada and the largest tulip festival in the world. Ottawa, with its official flower, the tulip, has become the tulip capital of North America. The highest concentration of tulips can be viewed in Commissioners Park, where some 300,000 flowers bloom. A shuttle service follows the Tulip Route, allowing visitors to admire the colourful tulip beds and spectacular gardens along the canal.

Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

Dates: end June

Ottawa's Dragon Boat Festival is the largest of its kind in North America. The festival takes place at Mooney’s Bay Park. About 200 teams made up of some 5,000 paddlers compete in different race categories. More than 70,000 spectators enjoy a wide range of on-site cultural presentations, concerts and family activities.

Ottawa Bluesfest

Dates: July 

RBC Ottawa Bluesfest is one of the top ten music festivals in the world, according to Billboard Magazine. It is a multi-staged, two-week music showcase featuring some of the best talent available on the planet. Blues, R&B, rock, pop and much more.

Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light

Dates: August 

The Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light is one of the largest fireworks competitions in Canada. Watch the sky over the lovely shores of Leamy Lake light up in a dazzling pyromusical display. Magical moments, colourful lights, music and entertainment combine to create a fun atmosphere that will appeal to the whole family.

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ottawa

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley lives in Ontario and enjoys visiting Ottawa. He toured many of the top attractions on a recent trip in summer of 2022.

No matter what time of year you go, Ottawa is definitely one of the top places to visit in Canada for those seeking a fun-filled city holiday or short stay. Founded in 1850 and declared the country's capital in 1857 by Queen Victoria , Ottawa's broad avenues and historic buildings make it especially fun to explore on foot.

Centered around the grand old government buildings atop Parliament Hill, the city center is a great place to see some of Canada's most important cultural attractions . These include the National Arts Center, a venue for opera and concerts; the National Gallery; and other important landmarks such as the lively Byward Market.

While exploring its many parks and pleasant green spaces is fun in spring, summer, and fall, a visit in winter is also highly recommended. In addition to its popular winter festivals, the city's main waterway is transformed into the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's longest skating rink .

To learn more about these and other fun things to do in Canada's capital, read our list of the top attractions in Ottawa, Ontario.

1. Parliament Hill and Parliament Buildings

2. rideau canal national historic site, 3. canadian war museum, 4. national gallery of canada, 5. see the views from the peace tower, 6. canadian museum of nature, 7. the national war memorial, 8. diefenbunker: canada's cold war museum, 9. notre-dame cathedral basilica, 10. canada aviation and space museum, 11. royal canadian mint, 12. canadian tulip festival, 13. byward market, 14. canada science and technology museum, 15. bank of canada museum, 16. dows lake pavilion, where to stay in ottawa for sightseeing, ottawa, canada - climate chart.

The Parliament Buildings, in all their splendor of Victorian Gothic sandstone, are quite an imposing sight atop the 50-meter-high Parliament Hill (Colline du Parlement). They were built here in 1866, a safe distance from any potential attack by the USA (the two countries had fought previously in the three-year conflict that was the War of 1812). The views over the Ottawa River far below are simply stunning.

The Parliamentary Library , at the back of the building opposite the entrance, is a wonderfully furnished octagon-shaped structure that was untouched in the 1916 fire. You can explore the sprawling historic Centre Block on a guided tour , and the public can also attend a question period when the government is in session.

The attractive grassed area in front of the Parliament buildings is patrolled in summer by members of the Canadian Mounted Police , looking very dashing in their Mountie uniforms of scarlet jackets, Stetsons, riding breeches, and knee-length boots.

On summer mornings, the Changing of the Guard always attracts visitors with its regimental band and pipers. The ceremony begins at 10 am, but you should be there at least 15 minutes before that for a good view and to enjoy the bilingual commentary describing the event's history and significance. The Changing of the Guard and tours of Parliament are among the most popular free things to do in Ottawa.

Address: Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario

The 200-kilometer-long, 1.6-meter-deep Rideau Canal connects Ottawa with Kingston on Lake Ontario. Sometimes also called the Rideau Waterway, it was originally intended as a strategic route between Montréal and Lake Ontario, the military need for which was demonstrated during the war with the United States in 1812.

In summer, the canal and locks are an active waterway. Fun things to do include taking a Rideau Canal cruise aboard one of the many tour boats that ply the water here. Better still, splash out on a memorable overnight cruise on the canal.

As soon as it freezes over, though, the canal becomes a recreational area for festivals and skating. Dubbed the Rideau Canal Skateway , skating along this nearly eight-kilometer stretch of the waterway is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Canada in winter .

Set overlooking the canal, the spectacular Fairmont Château Laurier hotel is one of the grandest old buildings in Ottawa. Though it has the air of a medieval castle, it was actually built in 1912 and is a prime example of how the big Canadian railroad companies left their mark across Canada.

• Read More: Exploring the Historic Rideau Canal in Ottawa: Top Things to Do

Located beside the Ottawa River a pleasant 20-minute walk from Parliament Hill, the strikingly modern Canadian War Museum (Musée Canadien de la Guerre) does a great job of introducing visitors to Canada's military past.

Exhibits cover everything from the fighting between the French and Iroquois people in the 16th century through the Canadian contribution to the First and Second World Wars. There are also displays relating to the role of modern peacekeepers, something Canada's troops are famous for.

US visitors will find it especially interesting to see the history of familiar historical events, such as the War of 1812, from the Canadian perspective. Some of the exhibits are interactive, and the collection of military vehicles displayed includes more than 50 tanks, jeeps, motorcycles, armored trucks, and even Hitler's limousine. A café and gift shop are located on the premises.

Address: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, Ontario

Ultra-modern and designed by Moshe Safdie, the National Gallery of Canada (Musée des Beaux-Arts du Canada) is an architectural masterpiece with prism-like glass towers that echo the lines of the nearby Parliament Buildings. Its glass contrasts with the mock medieval Château Laurier, yet the attraction still fits well into Ottawa's attractive cityscape.

Inside what is one of the largest art museums in North America, galleries display aboriginal art, trace the development of Canadian art from religious works to the Group of Seven, explore European Impressionism, and house temporary exhibitions . The rooms of Inuit art are on the lower level under the glass-encased Great Hall. Admission to this fine gallery is free to Indigenous Peoples.

For more sightseeing, the National Gallery is well placed near many other popular Ottawa tourist attractions, including Notre-Dame , the Canadian War Museum , and Major's Hill Park .

Address: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario

The panoramic view from the observation deck at the top of the Peace Tower (Tour de la Paix), the highest point in Ottawa, encompasses Parliament Hill, the entire city, the river, Gatineau , and the hills to the north. On your way up in the elevator, you will get a look at the tower's bells, and there is a memorial room to Canadians who died in WWI.

While entrance to the tower, sometimes also called the "Tower of Victory and Peace," is free, you must obtain a ticket in advance of your visit. Check the official government site for tickets , or pop in to the nearby tourist information center at 90 Wellington West for "first-come, first-served" tickets.

Access to the tower itself is from the East Block of the Parliament Buildings.

Address: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario

The Canadian Museum of Nature (Musée Canadien de la Nature) takes visitors through the world of the dinosaurs all the way up to today's animal population, and also features poignant temporary exhibits.

It is the national natural sciences and history museum and its historic building (once the Victoria Memorial Museum), that is the birthplace of Canada's national museums. Construction on this castle-like building was completed in 1910.

Address: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, Ontario

The National War Memorial (Monument Commémoratif de Guerre) and Canada's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is at the foot of a striking bronze sculpture of World War I soldiers emerging from a granite arch. Around the base of the statue, which is also known as "The Response," are the years of conflicts where Canadian forces have fought.

A brief, but solemn, Changing of the Guard ceremony is held here daily at hourly or half-hourly intervals, depending on the season. The monument is the center of activities on Remembrance Day, when it is traditional for people to leave poppies on the tomb.

Although it's a half-hour drive from downtown Ottawa, Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum is well worth a visit. It's located in the small town of Carp in a large underground facility that was constructed in the early 1960s to protect important functions of the Canadian government in the event of a nuclear war.

It's one of several self-sufficient, shock-resistant, radiation-proof underground shelters built across Canada during the Cold War as part of Project EASE (Experimental Army Signals Establishments), and a visit here offers a fascinating insight into these turbulent times on the world stage.

Political critics coined the nickname "Diefenbunker" in reference to Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, who promoted their construction. The extensive bunker now houses a fascinating museum dedicated to the Cold War era.

Also fun, if you have the time, is their Diefenbunker Escape Room experience, purportedly the largest such attraction in the world.

Address: 3929 Carp Road, Carp, Ottawa, Ontario

Opposite the National Gallery, Ottowa's Notre-Dame Cathedral is a beautiful Catholic basilica consecrated in 1846. It is particularly notable for the interior mahogany carvings by Philippe Parizeau and figures of the four evangelists, prophets, and apostles by Louis-Philippe Hébert.

The stained-glass windows are particularly fine. The series of 17 windows picturing scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary were completed between 1956 and 1061, the work of Montreal artist Guido Nincheri. This historic building, begun in 1841 and completed in 1880, is the largest and oldest standing church in the nation's capital.

Be sure to pop inside for a look and to take some photos of the cathedral's other impressive interior features.

Address: 385 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario

Telling in detail the story of Canadian civil and military aviation, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum (Musée de l'Aviation et de l'Espace du Canada) is located at Rockcliffe Airport, on the northern edge of town. Although eight kilometers away, and a little too far to walk to, a visit to what is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Ottawa for families is a must.

Among the aircraft on display are a replica of the Silver Dart, which in 1909 made the first flight in Canada. Other highlights include fighter planes from the First and Second World Wars, and some of the seaplanes and other aircraft that helped open up Canada's uncharted northern wilderness.

Address: 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa

While the Royal Canadian Mint (Monnaie Royale Canadienne) no longer manufactures Canada's circulating coins, this Ottawa facility creates finely crafted medals, commemorative coins for collectors, and awards in precious metals. These include Olympic medals.

The 45-minute guided tours are fascinating, especially on weekdays when you can see the craftspeople at work. You'll also see one of three giant gold loonies (Canadian dollar coins) minted here, and get to hold a real gold ingot. Tour groups are small, so you should reserve a spot in advance.

Address: 320 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa's spring Canadian Tulip Festival marks the end of winter as the capital's tulips come into bloom all over the city.

Given by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands in gratitude for the city's hospitality during the Second World War, the best places to visit to see these incredible blooms and festivities are the banks of the Rideau Canal and Commissioner's Park in particular. Major's Hill Park , southwest of the basilica, is also aflame with thousands of tulips.

In all, several million tulips bloom in the city, with tulip attraction sites spread out on a scenic "Tulip Route." Fireworks and performances are also regular attractions.

Address: Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario

Located in Ottawa's busy Lower Town and just a short distance north of the Rideau Canal, the Byward Market has enjoyed a colorful existence since 1846.

In summer, fruit, flower, and vegetable stalls in the streets supplement the food stores in the main market hall.

The entire area surrounding the market has been lovingly restored and now is a neighborhood filled with restaurants and smart boutiques. Feeling peckish? Favorites include Le Moulin de Provence , a French bakery serving incredible pastries and coffees, and for a full meal, the classy Luxe Steakhouse across the road.

Address: 41 York Street, 4th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario

Fresh from a multimillion-dollar renovation that upgraded its exhibits and the building itself, the Canada Science and Technology Museum (Musée des sciences et de la technologie du Canada) impresses not only with its scale but its ultra-modern design.

Often referred to simply as the "CSTM," this state-of-the-art museum highlights Canada's major innovations in the fields of science and technology through fascinating displays and hands-on learning.

Highlights include its vast collection of artifacts, featuring everything from cars and trucks to airplanes and locomotives. Of special interest are a large model of the ill-fated Titanic , vintage snowmobiles, musical instruments, and household appliances made in Canada.

A café and gift shop are located on-site.

Address: Scientique, 1867 St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, Ontario

Another of the top attractions in Ottawa to recently receive a make-over, the Bank of Canada Museum is a fun diversion for those interested in history and finances. Housed in a strikingly designed building close to Parliament Hill, this museum features interactive displays and exhibits relating to the Canada's National Currency Collection.

Highlights of a visit to this top free thing to do in Ottawa include numerous examples of currency from across the globe, antique cash registers, as well as a library and archive.

Address: 30 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario

Dows Lake Pavilion is set in a beautiful location near the city's arboretum and Experimental Farm, jutting out into and overlooking the lake after which it's named.

This facility has a number of different restaurants, including an outdoor patio that is very popular in summer. The pavilion also looks out over the docks where it's possible to rent paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, or bikes.

The lake is also a popular fishing destination. In winter, you can rent skates and sleds, and the park hosts events during the Winterlude festival. In the spring, it's decorated with formal tulip displays during the Tulip Festival.

Address: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa, Ontario

Luxury Hotels:

• Set in the historic ByWard Market neighborhood, the Andaz Ottawa is a contemporary, design-focused hotel. The rooms and suites have excellent city views and are spacious and comfortable. Dogs are also welcome here. Amenities include a rooftop terrace with stunning views, a restaurant, workout room, and valet parking.
• In the central business district across from the Rideau Canal, The Westin Ottawa is a 4-star property. Rooms and suites have great views of the city, and there are family rooms available if you're traveling with kids. Amenities include an indoor, saltwater swimming pool; hot tub; restaurant; squash courts; and a coffee shop. The Westin is pet-friendly.
• Le Germain Hotel Ottawa is one of the top luxury sleeps in he city. The rooms and suites are stylish, with wall-length murals and hardwood floors, as well as perks like Nespresso machines and rainfall showers. Kids stay free here, and the hotel also welcomes pets. Amenities include a restaurant, workout room, and courtesy car guests can reserve for short trips.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Located downtown, the Alt Hotel Ottawa is within walking distance of a number of attractions, including Parliament Hall and The National War Memorial. The trendy 3-star property features spacious rooms, including options for families (kids stay free here). Amenities include a restaurant, billiards room, and small gym. The hotel is pet friendly.
• Another popular mid-range option is the Residence Inn by Marriott Ottawa Airport . Rooms and suites are modern, with bright-colored accent walls, and they come with kitchenettes. Breakfast is complimentary, and there is an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center on the grounds. Kids also stay free here.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Ottawa Downtown has a central downtown location and is just a few steps from a subway station to access other parts of the city. The all-suite property features spacious rooms with full kitchens that are convenient, especially for extended stays. A complimentary hot breakfast is served each morning. Other amenities include a restaurant, heated indoor swimming pool, and a workout room. The hotel is pet-friendly.

Budget Hotels:

• Rideau Heights Inn is a good budget choice. Just a short drive from downtown, it has basic but comfy rooms. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast, a picnic area, and a vending machine. If you're traveling with a dog, the hotel is pet-friendly.
• A family-friendly hotel near the airport, Adam's Airport Inn is another budget option. The motel has clean and comfortable rooms with fridges and desks. A complimentary breakfast is served, parking is free, and there is an on-site vending machine.

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Proud of its capital status, OTTAWA is a lively cosmopolitan city of around one million inhabitants, whose attractions include a clutch of outstanding national museums , a pleasant riverside setting and superb cultural facilities like the National Arts Centre. Throw in acres of parks and gardens, miles of bicycle and jogging paths – many of them along the Ottawa River – lots of good hotels and B&Bs and a busy café-bar and restaurant scene and you have enough to keep the most diligent sightseer going for a day or three, maybe more. It’s also here that Canada’s bilingual laws really make sense: French-speaking Gatineau , just across the river in Québec, is commonly lumped together with Ontario’s Ottawa as the “Capital Region”, and on the streets of Ottawa you’ll hear as much French as English.

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Almost all of Ottawa’s major sights are clustered on or near the south bank of the Ottawa River to either side of the Rideau Canal. It’s here you’ll find the monumental Victorian architecture of Parliament Hill , the outstanding art collection of the National Gallery and the Byward Market , the hub of the restaurant and bar scene. Many visitors only cover these, but there are a clutch of other attractions, most memorably the fascinating Canadian War Museum , housed in a striking building a couple of kilometres to the west of the centre, and Laurier House , packed with the possessions of the former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King and located 1.5km southeast of downtown. There are also some minor attractions to the east of the centre, on the far side of the Rideau River, principally the governor-general’s mansion, Rideau Hall , and the Canada Aviation Museum .

Brief history

The one-time hunting ground of the Algonquian, Ottawa received its first recorded European visitor in 1613 in the shape of Samuel de Champlain. The French explorer pitched up, paused to watch his Aboriginal guides make offerings of tobacco to the misty falls (which now lie submerged beneath the river), and then took off in search of more appealing pastures. Later, the Ottawa River became a major transportation route, but the Ottawa area remained no more than a camping spot until 1800, when Philemon Wright snowshoed up here along the frozen Ottawa River from Massachusetts. Wright founded a small settlement, which he called Wrightstown and subsequently Hull (now Gatineau ) after his parents’ birthplace in England. Hull flourished but nothing much happened on the other (Ottawa) side of the river until 1826, when the completion of the Rideau Canal linked the site of present-day Ottawa to Kingston and the St Lawrence River. The canal builders were under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel John By and it was he who gave his name to the new settlement, Bytown , which soon became a hard-edged lumber town characterized by drunken brawls and broken bones.

In 1855 Bytown re-christened itself Ottawa in a bid to become the capital of the Province of Canada, hoping a change of name would relieve the town of its tawdry reputation. As part of their pitch, the community stressed the town’s location on the border of Upper and Lower Canada and its industrial prosperity. Queen Victoria granted their request in 1857, though this had little to do with their efforts and much more to do with her artistic tastes: the Queen had been looking at some romantic landscape paintings of the Ottawa area and decided this was the perfect spot for a new capital. Few approved: Montréal and Toronto smarted at their rebuff and Canada’s politicians fumed at the inconvenience – former prime minister Sir Wilfred Laurier found it “hard to say anything good” about the place.

Give or take some federal buildings – including the splendid trio of neo-Gothic buildings that make up today’s Parliament – Ottawa remained a workaday town until the late 1940s, when the Paris city planner Jacques Greber was commissioned to beautify the city with a profusion of parks, wide avenues and tree-lined pathways. The scheme transformed the city, defining much of its current appearance, and today Greber’s green and open spaces confine a city centre that is, at least for the most part, a fetching mix of Victorian architecture and modern concrete-and-glass office blocks.

Since the 1840s, Byward Market (known simply as “The Market” to locals), just east of Sussex Drive and north of Rideau Street, has been a centre for the sale of farm produce, but it’s now also Ottawa’s busiest district, buzzing until the early hours. At its heart, the 1920s Byward Market building (mid-May to mid-Oct daily 6am–6pm; mid-Oct to mid-May daily 8am–5pm; w byward-market.com ) is home to cafés and delis, specialist food and fresh fruit and vegetable stalls and these merge with the street stalls and kiosks outside. These stalls and kiosks are something of an Ottawa institution, mainly on account of their poutine (fries covered in gravy and cheese curds), but Beavertails , at the junction of George and William streets, weighs in with its eponymous offering, a flat, deep-fried dough sprinkled with all sorts of sweet toppings.

Along the Rockcliffe Parkway, 5km from downtown, is the huge hangar of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum ( aviation.technomuses.ca ). Highlights include a replica of the Silver Dart, which made the first powered flight in Canada in 1909; it flew for a full nine minutes, a major achievement for a contraption that seems to be made out of spare parts and old sheets. There are also bombers and fighters from both world wars and later, including a Harrier jet.

A national historic site, the Laurier House ( pc.gc.ca ), 1km east of the Laurier Bridge, is the former home of prime ministers Sir Wilfred Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. Laurier, Canada’s first French-speaking prime minister, served from 1896 to 1911, while Mackenzie King, his self-proclaimed “spiritual son”, was Canada’s longest serving – from 1921 to 1930 and 1935 to 1948. Notoriously pragmatic, King enveloped his listeners in a fog of words through which his political intentions were barely discernible. The perfect illustration – and his most famous line – was “not necessarily conscription, but conscription if necessary”, supposedly a clarification of his plans at the onset of World War II. Even more famous than his obfuscating rhetoric was his personal eccentricity. His fear that future generations would view him simply as the heir of his grandfather William Lyon Mackenzie – who led the Upper Canada rebellions of the 1830s – eventually led him into spiritualism. He held regular séances to tap the advice of great dead Canadians, including Laurier, who allegedly communicated to him through his pet dog.

King’s possessions dominate the house; look for his crystal ball and a portrait of his obsessively adored mother, in front of which he placed a red rose every day. The house also contains a reconstruction of a study belonging to prime minister Lester B. Pearson, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in resolving the Suez Crisis. Pearson also had a stab at devising a new flag for his country and, although it was rejected, the mock-up he commissioned, with blue stripes at either end to symbolize the oceans, is on display here.

The National Gallery of Canada ( gallery.ca ) occupies a cleverly conceived building whose acres of glass reflect the turrets and pinnacles of Parliament Hill. The collection was founded in 1880 by the then-governor general, the Marquis of Lorne, who persuaded each member of the Royal Canadian Academy to donate a painting or two. Over the next century artworks were gathered from all over the world, resulting in a permanent collection now numbering more than 25,000 pieces. There’s not enough space for all the paintings to be exhibited at any one time, so although the general layout of the museum stays pretty constant, the individual works mentioned below may not be on display; the gallery also holds world-class temporary exhibitions. The collection spreads over two main levels and free plans are issued at the reception desk; the gallery shop sells guides to both the permanent collection and the exhibitions.

Though firmly incorporated within the Capital Region, GATINEAU (formerly Hull), lying just across the river from Ottawa in the province of Québec, remains quite distinct and predominantly francophone. For years it served mainly as Ottawa’s nightspot as its bars were open two hours longer than those in the capital, but with this alcoholic advantage now gone – and its paper mills relegated to minor importance – Gatineau struggles to compete with its neighbour. It does, however, have one major museum, the Musée Canadien des Civilisations, and it also edges the handsome scenery of Gatineau Park, whose assorted lakes and forested hills cover no less than 360 square kilometres; the park is a prime spot for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.

Federal funding ensures national holidays – especially Canada Day on July 1 ( w canadascapital.gc.ca ) – are celebrated in style, while seasonal festivals are as lavish as any in the country. The tourist office has the full calendar of events or check out w ottawafestivals.ca. The selection below is arranged chronologically.

Jan and Feb w canadascapital.gc.ca . A snow-and-ice extravaganza spread over three weekends from late January to mid-February. Concentrated around the frozen Rideau Canal, it includes ice sculptures at Confederation Park – renamed the Crystal Garden for the duration – and snow sculptures around Dows Lake. Other events include speed-skating, bed- and dog-sled races.

Canadian Tulip Festival

Eleven days beginning in early May w tulipfestival.ca . This is the oldest of Ottawa’s festivals. It began in 1945 when the Dutch sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to the city both to honour Canadian soldiers who had liberated the Netherlands and as a thank-you for sheltering Queen Juliana, who had taken refuge in Ottawa during the war. The bulbs are planted around Parliament, along the canal and around Dows Lake, a gigantic splash of colour accompanied by concerts, parades, fireworks and a huge craft show.

Ottawa International Jazz Festival

Two weeks in late June/early July w ottawajazzfestival.com . One of Ottawa’s most popular festivals, showcasing more than four hundred musicians. The main stage is in Confederation Park with concerts several times daily. In addition, local bands play around Byward Market and at city clubs.

Twelve days in July w ottawabluesfest.ca . This is Canada’s largest festival of blues and gospel with concerts held in various venues, and free shows in Confederation Park.

The exemplary Canadian War Museum ( armuseum.ca ) is housed in a striking modern building on Lebreton Flats, a somewhat desolate parcel of land beside the Ottawa River about 2km west of Confederation Square. The museum is divided into four main display areas, which work their way through Canada’s military history with accompanying text and quotations. The first gallery, the “Battleground: Wars on Our Soil, earliest times to 1885”, features a good selection of Native Canadian weaponry – tomahawks, muskets and so forth – plus a particularly well-researched section on the War of 1812. However, the museum really gets into its stride when it reaches World War I in the second gallery. There are lots of fascinating photographs, but it’s the incidental detail that impresses most: Canada was keen for its soldiers to use a Canadian rifle, but the end product – the Ross Rifle – often jammed, while the rum ration came in barrels labelled “SRD” (Service Regimental Depot), which the troops re-branded as “Seldom Reaches Destination”. The section on World War II is similarly intriguing and there’s good stuff on the Cold War too – including details of the strange case of the Russian defector Igor Gouzenko, who was so scared of retribution that he was often interviewed with a bag over his head. Finally, the Lebreton Gallery is a large hangar packed with all sorts of military hardware, such as tanks, armoured cars and artillery pieces.

Perched high above the Ottawa River, on the limestone bluff that is Parliament Hill , Canada’s postcard-pretty Parliament Buildings have a distinctly ecclesiastical air, their spires, pointed windows and soaring clock tower amounting to “a stupendous splodge of Victoriana” as travel writer Jan Morris expressed it. Begun in 1859 and seventy years in the making, the complex comprises a trio of sturdy neo-Gothic structures, whose architectural certainties were both a statement of intent for the emergent country and a demonstration of the long reach of the British Empire. The Parliament Buildings were designed to be both imperial and imperious, but they certainly didn’t overawe the original workmen, who urinated on the copper roof to speed up its oxidization.

Two popular events are staged on Parliament Hill: the Changing of the Guard , when the Governor General’s Foot Guards march onto the Hill dressed in full ceremonial uniform of bright-red tunics and bearskin helmets (late June to late Aug daily 10–10.30am); and a free summer-evening sound and light show (early July to mid-Sept), illustrating Canada’s history with alternate French and English performances nightly.

Dominating architectural proceedings on Parliament Hill is Centre Block , home of the Senate and the House of Commons and in fact a replacement for the original building, which was destroyed by fire in 1916. The Peace Tower , rising from the middle of the facade, was added in 1927 as a tribute to Canadians who served in World War I. The tower, which offers fine views over the Ottawa River, holds some superb fan vaulting and a Memorial Chamber complete with a Book of Remembrance. The tower is not part of the guided tour , whose (changeable)itinerary includes a quick gambol round the House of Commons , where the Speaker’s chair is partly made of English oak from Nelson’s flagship Victory , and the red-carpeted Senate , which, with its murals of scenes from World War I, is surmounted by a beautiful gilded ceiling. The debates in both the House of Commons and the Senate are open to the public, who can observe proceedings from the public galleries.

A narrow sliver of water that becomes the world’s longest skating rink in winter, the Rideau Canal runs past the National Arts Centre before it slides down into the Ottawa River via a pretty flight of locks, with Parliament Hill rising on one side, the Fairmont Château Laurier hotel on the other. Beside the foot of the locks is the Bytown Museum ( bytownmuseum.com ), Ottawa’s oldest building, where military supplies were stored during the construction of the canal. Here, a short film explores the history of the waterway and the difficulties involved in its construction; afterwards you can take a peek at a scattering of bygones from the city’s earliest days. From mid-May to early October, canal boat trips leave from the top of the locks, river trips from the bottom.

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Kaitlyn McInnis is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer with bylines in Travel + Leisure, Tatler Asia, Robb Report Singapore, MAXIM, and other websites and publications. Born and raised in Canada, she has been writing Canadian travel guides for TripSavvy for the past two years.

While the festival season is pretty evenly split between summer and winter, the best time to visit Ottawa is in the summer when the city is still buzzing off the heels of Canada Day and the weather is ideal for outdoor dining and enjoying a stroll through the city. If you enjoy outdoor activities, Ottawa is also ideal to visit in the winter when its Rideau Canal transforms into the largest outdoor skating rink.  

The Weather in Ottawa

Like many cities in central Canada, Ottawa has four distinct seasons—and there are benefits and pitfalls to each one. Winter is quite frigid and snowy with temperatures dropping as low as 6 degrees F (-14 degrees C) with a healthy layer of snow and slush almost always blanketing the ground. The weather usually begins to warm up by mid-March but more colder conditions (including the last bit of snowfall) don't usually dissipate in full until the end of April.   

Summer is in full swing by the time June rolls around—you can expect temperatures to sit around 75 degrees F (24 degrees C) well into July and August. Unlike other cities in Ontario that border Lake Ontario, summer in Ottawa is notably humid, even into the evenings.

Popular Events and Festivals

Most of Ottawa’s most popular events and festivals take place in July when temperatures are hot—but not yet getting into the end of summer heatwaves. The most renowned among the pack include the Ottawa Bluesfest —the largest blues festival in Canada, Canada Day on Parliament Hill, and the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival .

Peak Season in Ottawa

Summer is by far the most popular time to visit Ottawa—which is something to keep in mind and plan around based on your particular interests. If you’re not a fan of crowds or festivals, you may want to sidestep visiting in July and opt for the beginning or the end of summer to take advantage of the weather without having to worry about standing in line for a patio table or paying surge pricing for a downtown hotel.

Spring is pretty slow in terms of tourism and general liveliness in the city thanks to the chilly temperatures and moderate amounts of rain. While the potential of snowfall and sub-zero temperatures may deter some travelers, spring remains a wonderful time to visit if you travel for the flora—the abundance of rain results in more than one million tulips in full bloom across the city.  

Events to check out:

• Planning to visit Ottawa around the month of May? The annual Canadian Tulip Festival is a must-see whether you consider yourself to be a flower enthusiast or not. While there’s no one specific spot to peep the blooms, Commissioner’s Park by Dow’s Lake is a common observation point.
• The Ottawa International Children's Festival in May is a great excuse to round up the little ones in your life and take in the many performances, activities, and interactive programming across LeBreton Flats Park.
• In June, the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival features thousands of paddlers racing dragon boats along the Rideau Canal as well as free Chinese dragon troupe performances and live music.

Ottawa really comes to life in the summertime—which only makes sense given the frigid winter and rainy, slushy spring. Despite being a large city in Ontario, summer in Ottawa is nothing like summer in Toronto—it’s much hotter and more humid—but the long, sun-flooded days are perfect for enjoying the abundance of outdoor festivals and cooling off with a patio beer.

• Annually, on July 1, all of Canada celebrates its birthday—but Canada Day is the most exciting in the capital city. The compact city fills with travelers and locals alike who flock to Parliament Hill for live music, fireworks, and more.
• Whether you’re a fan of the blues or not, the annual Ottawa Bluesfest is a must-visit. Taking place for about 10 days in July, the outdoor festival is considered to be the largest blues festival in Canada and second-largest in North America.
• Tucked into the heart of the downtown, the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival has performances from some of the world’s top jazz musicians—many of which are free to attend.
• Considered to be the world’s largest chamber music festival, the Ottawa Chamberfest takes place annually in July. The orchestra and choir promote live classical music with historical properties around the city—like the Rideau Hall—shifting to serve as performance venues.

While the weather starts to turn dramatically into the fall, it shouldn’t deter anyone from visiting the capital city—in fact, the dropping temperature comes as a nice reprieve after the hot, sticky winter. What’s more, as the temperature cools down and makes way for a distinct crispness in the air, the foliage in the city begins to turn slowly—and then all at once. The bursting burnt oranges and reds are best enjoyed outdoors at the open-air farmer’s markets or on one of the many hiking trails around the city.

• In November, folk music fans should keep an eye on the Cityfolk Festival ; a multi-day celebration of music, dance, community, and artisan crafts at Lansdowne Park.
• The Ontario Festival of Small Halls typically takes place in the first two weeks of October and features big-name music performances in small and unique venues across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.

Winter in Ottawa is not for the faint of heart. By December, the city usually becomes blanketed under regular snowfall that doesn’t start to melt until well into the spring. January and February are particularly frigid, with temperatures typically dropping to 6 degrees F (-14 degrees C). That being said, there are still many reasons to visit Ottawa come wintertime—especially if you enjoy outdoor activities like skating or snowshoeing.

• Slated for the first three weekends of February, the annual Winterlude festival is considered to be one of the biggest winter festivals in all of Canada. Featuring impressive ice sculptures, snow playgrounds, skating on the world’s largest skating rink—the Rideau Canal Skateway, and more free cultural and seasonal activities. If you’re in Ottawa in February this well-loved event is a must-see.

Ottawa has four distinct seasons and each one has its pros and cons. Summer has warm weather and all kinds of festivals, but it's also crowded. Winter is very cold, but there are plenty of activities to make up for it.

Summer is when most travelers come to Ottawa. Rates for hotels and flights are at their highest and the days are uncomfortably humid. Visit in the shoulder season of spring or fall for better deals and milder weather.

Winter is frigidly cold in Ottawa, so definitely bundle up. The lowest temperatures occur in January, but the daily average high doesn't rise above freezing from early December through the end of February.

National Capital Commission of Canada. "History of the Rideau Canal Skateway." Retrieved February 11, 2021.

Weather Spark. "Average Weather in Ottawa, Canada." Retrieved February 11, 2021.

NCC. "Tulip Season is Here!" One Million Tulips, 100 Varieties, 100 Flower Beds." Published 2018. Retrieved February 11, 2021.

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Committee approves secondary plan for Riverside South

The Planning and Housing Committee today approved amending the City’s Official Plan to add a secondary plan for Riverside South .

The secondary plan would update and replace the community design plan for Riverside South, which has been in effect since 2005 and was last updated in 2016. By repealing and replacing the community design plan and making it part of the Official Plan, the new secondary plan would carry greater weight and enforceability in guiding the continued development of Riverside South.

Riverside South was initially planned around a bus rapid transit (BRT) network, but the approval of the O-Train South Extension signaled a change toward LRT. The secondary plan updates community design plan guidelines to help deliver a transit-oriented community that is designed around both LRT and BRT, outlining a range of housing options and non-residential land uses. The secondary plan places the densest development around O-Train stations, medium density development near BRT stations and the lowest densities in areas farthest from transit.

A vibrant, high-density, mixed-use and transit-oriented town centre is proposed around Limebank Station, and the plan identifies opportunities for housing and jobs, as well as a school, a large park, a community centre and a public library branch. The plan forecasts about 9,000 jobs, with nearly 1,400 in the town centre and more than 7,600 jobs outside of it, primarily within the lands south of the airport.

The Committee approved a plan to amend zoning related to two residential subdivisions in Barrhaven. The revision to the Conservancy East subdivision, southwest of Borrisokane Road and Strandherd Drive, and the Conservancy West subdivision, southeast of McKenna Casey Drive and Highway 416, would facilitate development of more than 1,900 dwelling units. In both cases, the amendments seek primarily to change the zoning to allow residential development. The amendments would only come into effect if the City and applicant agree on cost sharing for a BRT corridor through these lands. That corridor is identified in both the Official Plan and Transportation Master Plan.

The Committee approved zoning and heritage applications that could soon see a nine-storey apartment building beside the former All Saints Anglican Church in Sandy Hill. The former church building at Laurier Avenue and Chapel Street is a designated heritage property and the new 113-unit building would be built around the church apse. Brick and aluminum cladding, coloured glass and decorative metalwork would help unite the design of the two buildings and ensure the former church remains visible from Laurier Avenue. The new building would be primarily residential, but the zoning would allow for possible hotel rooms on floors two, three and four, along with a ground-floor hotel lobby.

The Committee approved a zoning amendment to facilitate development of a six-storey building on Bank Street , in Old Ottawa South. Three ground-floor commercial units are proposed, along with 45 dwelling units. The amendment does not change the current parent zoning but provides relief from some of the required setbacks, reduces required resident parking while increasing minimum bike parking, and increases permitted height by five metres.

If Council approves, the land-use permissions that the Committee recommended today will help put applicants in a position to build 1,626 new dwellings in Ottawa. To help address the housing challenge, Council committed to providing home builders enough opportunities to build 151,000 quality market homes by 2031. Visit ottawa.ca/residentialdwellings for a graphic showing quarterly progress towards Ottawa’s housing pledge targets.

Recommendations from today’s meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, May 1.

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Government hits Canada Life with financial sanctions

Public servants living, travelling abroad criticize 'enormous' delays with health plan.

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The federal government has begun imposing financial sanctions on Canada Life after months of outcry from public servants, retirees and their families who were left fighting for medical claims to be covered.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) said it "is taking steps to address startup delays faced by Canada Life and has begun to apply financial consequence mechanisms under the contract," according to a statement from spokesperson Michèle LaRose.

She said PSPC is not yet in a position to share details about the nature of the sanctions.

On July 1, 2023, the federal government transferred responsibility for the public service health insurance plan from Sun Life to Canada Life.

• Begging for Benefits The switch to Canada Life left many federal public servants begging for benefits

The company had a six-month transitional period before the government could begin assessing the level of service, according to tendering documents for the $514-million contract. 

For months, the federal government has repeatedly stated that it's prioritizing collaboration with Canada Life to improve service, before resorting to financial penalties or withholding payments. 

During that time, CBC News heard from several members of the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) complaining of long waits, failing to get through to an agent and claims denied without explanation. 

A spokesperson for the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) said she hopes the sanctions will serve as a warning to motivate change, but said they're only a first stab at fixing what's wrong.

"These sanctions really are only to acknowledge the fact that Canada Life is not respecting its contract," said Stéphanie Montreuil. 

"It is not compensating our members. It is not ensuring that there's a plan in place so that this does not continue to happen, so it really just is a start — and the bare minimum at that."

Canada Life says early challenges 'resolved'

A Canada Life spokesperson said on Wednesday that early challenges related to the transition "have been resolved."

"Canada Life is delivering benefits under this plan in Canada within expected service levels, including answering calls within 30 seconds and processing electronic claims within 1 day on average," the spokesperson wrote in an email.

The president of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAPSO) said her members are frustrated and angry about delays in coverage outside Canada.

Pamela Isfeld welcomed the news of sanctions as "a positive step," but said the government is still responsible for actually fixing the underlying problem. 

"As a taxpayer, I'm happy to learn that they are not going to continue to just keep paying this very lucrative contract, even when they're not receiving the service," she said.

"But as the representative of 2,000 foreign service officers here in Canada, we still have the same problem with the lack of an adequate health insurance plan, especially abroad and especially in the U.S. where the problems are the worst," Isfeld added.

"That still needs to be fixed."

Subcontractor MSH International handles the international side of the plan, including emergency travel coverage and comprehensive coverage.

As far as PSPC is concerned, though, the ultimate responsibility still rests with Canada Life.

"As the contractor for this project, Canada Life is responsible for ensuring that all deliverables set out in the contract are met, including work that is subcontracted out to other companies," LaRose said.

Struggle to get claims covered abroad

Isfeld said delays in processing member claims and those of family members are "enormous."

"In some cases, it's a question of large sums of money, and when the refund comes, there's just some amount in their bank account. It doesn't match the amount claimed and there's no explanation," she said in French.

That's what happened to Sonia Rioux, who lives in Europe with her military spouse. She was waiting for a refund for medical costs from a trip to Australia in July.

The couple was in a remote region preparing for a hiking excursion when Rioux began suffering abdominal pain. It was getting worse and worse, so she went to a clinic where nurses decided to send her to the closest hospital by air for an emergency operation.

She estimates the total cost at more than $8,000. It was the end of her trip — but only the beginning of her struggles with MSH International.

Rioux said she began her claim with MSH International at the end of August. In mid-April, she received a refund of about $2,000, without any clarity on which bill was being covered.

Rioux said she feels powerless and trapped because nothing she's tried seems to work, leaving her with "no escape."

"It becomes almost anxiety-inducing," she said in French. "I won't give up, but I find it exhausting."

Unions looking at legal remedies

PAFSO has decided to follow the example of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and study all possible legal remedies to force the government to provide a functioning health plan.

"It's the responsibility of the employer, and it's time they find a way to fulfil it," said Isfeld. "We haven't ruled out any legal options at this point. Everything is on the table."

PAFSO's lawyers are studying whether it would be possible to get a ruling forcing the government to put in place a temporary system that would allow employers to take out private insurance, she explained.

The union has also filed a policy grievance with the Treasury Board. The document obtained by Radio-Canada states that the switch to a new insurance provider violates the collective agreement because it "doesn't take account of the members' rights to a functioning health insurance system."

PSAC, Canada's largest public sector union, filed a similar grievance in February.

• PSAC files grievance, seeks damages for public servants for messy Canada Life benefits switch

The two unions are demanding all affected public servants be compensated for the harm they've suffered including stress and pain, as well as financial losses.

PSAC national president Chris Aylward said in a written statement he encourages all its members to file individual grievances to put pressure on the employer.

Montreuil said PIPSC is now in the process of submitting a grievance.

Government 'working daily' with insurer

The federal government said it is still following up with Canada Life to ensure it meets its contractual obligations.

"We are working daily with Canada Life to make it understand that the company it subcontracted for international coverage must improve the situation and ensure that contractual obligations are respected to the letter," Treasury Board President Anita Anand said in a written statement.

"All public servants deserve the highest quality of service for their healthcare plans."

Treasury Board Secretariat spokesperson Joie Huynh noted that Canada Life has taken several measures to improve service since November, and that there have been "important improvements in wait times and processing delays."

She added that Canada Life is working with MSH International to put in place an action plan for international insurance coverage.

Employees of Global Affairs Canada who are living abroad can also count on interest-free cash advances from the government to cover medical costs until they can be refunded by MSH International.

A Canada Life spokesperson said in an email that the company working with MSH International and the federal government to improve the level of service for public servants and retirees living or travelling abroad.

MSH International's program delivery director, Jina Park, said the company has put in place measures to speed up processing times, reduce call centre wait times and prioritize urgent cases.

"We have doubled our claims processing capacity and continue to add more staff to meet demand that was higher than projected in the RFP," she wrote in an email.

With files from Radio-Canada's Estelle Côté-Sroka

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• Public servants, retirees travelling and working overseas wait months for reimbursement

Top 10 things to do in Ottawa

No matter the season, Canada’s Capital is a treasure trove of impressive sights and stimulating activities. From world-renown historic places to outdoor adventure and everything in between, here are the top ten things you don’t want to miss when you visit Ottawa:

1. Parliament Hill

The seat of Canada's federal government and the setting for national celebrations the year round, Parliament Hill is the most visited Ottawa attraction. Each morning during summer months, the front lawn of Parliament Hill is the setting of the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, a must-experience free ceremony. There's always something free and fun happening at Parliament Hill, learn more here .

2. National Cultural Attractions

Ottawa cultural attractions, museums and galleries invite visitors to experience the best of Canada all in one place. Whether it's the stunning National Gallery of Canada , with world-class art on display, or the dramatic Canadian War Museum , these are the experiences that bring Canadian culture to life for any visitor. And why not take advantage of the National Museums Passport and save when you visit three of the seven national museums in three days!

3. ByWard Market

A historic farmers' market and shopping district by day, a favourite gathering place of restaurants and clubs by night - the ByWard Market , just east of Parliament Hill, is one Ottawa neighbourhood you won't want to miss.

4. UNESCO Rideau Canal

A historic waterway filled with boaters spring through fall and the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter – the Rideau Canal winds through the heart of Ottawa before connecting with the Ottawa River through dramatic stepped locks right next to Parliament Hill.

5. The Outdoors – Adventure

Try whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Ottawa River , some of the continent’s finest, then top it off with some bungee jumping . The Ottawa region is also a cycling enthusiast’s dream destination, with around 800 kilometres (497 miles) of recreational pathways linking natural areas, parks, gardens and national sites.

6. Festivals

Ottawa is a city of celebrations, offering visitors a year-round calendar of parties, festivals and special events. Admire over a million tulips and enjoy special programming throughout the city during the Canadian Tulip Festival in May. On July 1, the city celebrates the biggest party in the country, Canada Day . Visitors will also experience a host of music celebrations, including the Ottawa Jazz Festival , Ottawa Chamberfest , and RBC Bluesfest , which welcome some of the world's biggest acts to our city. In winter, Canada celebrates Winterlude , and takes to the ice on the world's largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway .

7. Culinary scene

The culinary scene in Ottawa is in full bloom, with a thriving community of Ottawa chefs and diverse restaurants making names for themselves both at home and abroad. To experience multiple venues in one outing, book a dining tour of one of Ottawa’s great neighbourhoods — Ottawa Tasting Tours and Experience Food make all the arrangements for you. Or take a guided gourmet food tour with C'est Bon Ottawa to explore food shops, farmers’ markets and restaurants. The tasty options are endless!

8. Performing Arts

The Capital’s premier performing arts venue, the National Arts Centre , presents a full lineup of music, dance and theatre, plus popular touring acts and shows. Ottawa also has a thriving local theatre scene, including the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa Little Theatre, The Gladstone and La Nouvelle Scène .

9. City tours

Ottawa is filled with Capital sights and attractions – and just about as many ways to explore and see them. Experience a tour on both land and water with the Lady Dive Amphibus , or take in a walking tour across Ottawa's picturesque ByWard Market courtyards. 

10. Neighbourhoods/Shopping

Unique Ottawa neighbourhoods offer distinctive shopping, dining and nightlife experiences across the Capital. From the must-see ByWard Market area, to the Glebe’s community feel, to the trendy Wellington West, there’s lots of local flavour to soak up in Ottawa’s varied districts.

Why not complete your experience by enjoying some national treats? Consult our page, A Taste of Canadiana in Ottawa , for suggestions.

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• 2024 Prospects

Falcons pull draft's first stunner, select Washington QB Michael Penix Jr No. 8 overall

The Falcons have a succession plan following the selection of the Heisman candidate at No. 8

• Author: Bill Riccette

The 2024 NFL Draft was mostly chalk through the first seven picks. Then the Atlanta Falcons came on the clock.

Most expected the Falcons to select a defensive player with the 8th overall pick. Maybe they could have taken a wide receiver. Instead, they create a succession plan at the quarterback position. The Falcons selected Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

The sense is that Falcons head coach Raheem Morris absolutely loved Penix and what he can bring to the table. And it's easy to understand. Penix threw for almost 5,000 yards in 2023, leading the Huskies to a Pac-12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Penix has a big arm and can drive the football but can stand to work on his consistency.

Two obvious knocks on Penix are now magnified with him being the 8th overall pick. He's had a litany of injuries, mostly during his time at Indiana, including two torn ACLs. He's also 24 years old. That's enough of a knock on its own, but now you figure he may not start until he's 27. The Falcons also broke the bank for former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (four years, $180 million).

Speaking of Cousins, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports the Falcons called Cousins when they were on the clock to let him know they were taking Penix. He was reportedly a bit stunned that they went with a quarterback that high.

It will be interesting to watch this succession plan play out, but needless to say, very few thought Penix would not only be a top-10 pick but picked ahead of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who went No. 10 to the Vikings.

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News Analysis

Conservative Justices Take Argument Over Trump’s Immunity in Unexpected Direction

Thursday’s Supreme Court hearing was memorable for its discussion of coups, assassinations and internments — but very little about the former president’s conduct.

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By Adam Liptak

Reporting from Washington

Before the Supreme Court heard arguments on Thursday on former President Donald J. Trump’s claim that he is immune from prosecution, his stance was widely seen as a brazen and cynical bid to delay his trial. The practical question in the case, it was thought, was not whether the court would rule against him but whether it would act quickly enough to allow the trial to go forward before the 2024 election.

Instead, members of the court’s conservative majority treated Mr. Trump’s assertion that he could not face charges that he tried to subvert the 2020 election as a weighty and difficult question. They did so, said Pamela Karlan , a law professor at Stanford, by averting their eyes from Mr. Trump’s conduct.

“What struck me most about the case was the relentless efforts by several of the justices on the conservative side not to focus on, consider or even acknowledge the facts of the actual case in front of them,” she said.

They said as much. “I’m not discussing the particular facts of this case,” Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. said, instead positing an alternate reality in which a grant of immunity “is required for the functioning of a stable democratic society, which is something that we all want.”

Immunity is needed, he said, to make sure the incumbent president has reason to “leave office peacefully” after losing an election.

Justice Alito explained: “If an incumbent who loses a very close, hotly contested election knows that a real possibility after leaving office is not that the president is going to be able to go off into a peaceful retirement but that the president may be criminally prosecuted by a bitter political opponent, will that not lead us into a cycle that destabilizes the functioning of our country as a democracy?”

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson took a more straightforward approach. “If the potential for criminal liability is taken off the table, wouldn’t there be a significant risk that future presidents would be emboldened to commit crimes with abandon while they’re in office?” she asked.

Supreme Court arguments are usually dignified and staid, weighed down by impenetrable jargon and focused on subtle shifts in legal doctrine. Thursday’s argument was different.

It featured “some jaw-dropping moments,” said Melissa Murray , a law professor at New York University.

Michael Dorf , a law professor at Cornell, said that “the apparent lack of self-awareness on the part of some of the conservative justices was startling.” He noted that “Justice Alito worried about a hypothetical future president attempting to hold onto power in response to the risk of prosecution, while paying no attention to the actual former president who held onto power and now seeks to escape prosecution.”

In the real world, Professor Karlan said, “it’s really hard to imagine a ‘stable democratic society,’ to use Justice Alito’s word, where someone who did what Donald Trump is alleged to have done leading up to Jan. 6 faces no criminal consequences for his acts.”

Indeed, she said, “if Donald Trump is a harbinger of presidents to come, and from now on presidents refuse to leave office and engage in efforts to undermine the democratic process, we’ve lost our democracy regardless what the Supreme Court decides.”

The conservative justices did not seem concerned that Mr. Trump’s lawyer, D. John Sauer, said his client was free during his presidency to commit lawless acts, subject to prosecution only after impeachment by the House and conviction in the Senate. (There have been four presidential impeachments, two of Mr. Trump, and no convictions.)

Liberal justices asked whether he was serious, posing hypothetical questions.

“If the president decides that his rival is a corrupt person and he orders the military or orders someone to assassinate him,” Justice Jackson asked, “is that within his official acts for which he can get immunity?”

Mr. Sauer said “that could well be an official act” not subject to prosecution.

Justice Elena Kagan also gave it a go. “How about,” she said, “if a president orders the military to stage a coup?”

Mr. Sauer, after not a little back and forth, said that “it could well be” an official act. He allowed that “it certainly sounds very bad.”

Justice Clarence Thomas, who participated in the case despite his wife Virginia Thomas’s own vigorous efforts to overturn the election, was not so sure.

“In the not-so-distant past, the president or certain presidents have engaged in various activity, coups or operations like Operation Mongoose when I was a teenager, and yet there were no prosecutions,” he said, referring to the Kennedy administration’s efforts to remove Fidel Castro from power in Cuba.

Professor Murray said she was struck by that remark, apparently offered “as evidence that there was a longstanding history of executive involvement in attempted coups.”

Justice Alito also turned to history. “What about President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s decision to intern Japanese Americans during World War II?” he asked. Could that have been charged, he asked, as a conspiracy against civil rights?

Prompted by Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, Mr. Sauer added another requirement to holding a former president accountable. Not only must there first be impeachment and conviction in Congress, but the criminal statute in question must also clearly specify in so many words, as very few do, that it applies to the president.

That seemed a little much for Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the member of the court’s conservative wing who appeared most troubled by the sweep of Mr. Trump’s arguments.

Returning to “Justice Kagan’s example of a president who orders a coup,” Justice Barrett sketched out what she understood to be Mr. Sauer’s position.

“You’re saying that he couldn’t be prosecuted for that, even after a conviction and impeachment proceeding, if there was not a statute that expressly referenced the president and made it criminal for the president?”

Correct, Mr. Sauer said.

The court will issue its ruling sometime between now and early July. It seems likely to say that at least some of Mr. Trump’s conduct was part of his official duties and so subject to some form of immunity.

The court is unlikely to draw those lines itself, instead returning the case to Judge Tanya S. Chutkan, of the Federal District Court in Washington, for further proceedings.

“If that’s the case,” Professor Murray said, “that could further delay the prospect of a trial, which means that whatever is ultimately decided about the scope and substance of presidential immunity, the court will have effectively immunized Donald Trump from criminal liability in this case.”

There is a live prospect, Professor Karlan said, that “there won’t be a trial until sometime well into 2025, if then.”

Sending the case back to the trial judge, she said, “to distill out the official from the private acts in some kind of granular detail essentially gives Trump everything he wants, whether the court calls it immunity or not.”

Adam Liptak covers the Supreme Court and writes Sidebar, a column on legal developments. A graduate of Yale Law School, he practiced law for 14 years before joining The Times in 2002. More about Adam Liptak