If you are visiting Ottawa, Canada, as a tourist, the chances are that the city’s impressive Parliament Hill will be one of your first stops. And it should be since it’s an impressive complex with an intriguing history and stunning Gothic buildings. However, don’t rush to leave the area as soon as you finish the tour. Instead, check out some of these other tourist attractions nearby.
Bytown Museum
Housed in the oldest stone building in Ottawa, Bytown Museum covers the history of the city from its establishment as Bytown in 1826 to the present. It is cheap to visit and features objects, memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts from various periods of the city’s development.
Rideau Canal
Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, Rideau Canal is a place where you can spot old stone buildings, enjoy a relaxing walk, or take a boat ride. The site becomes even more impressive during winter as the canal gets turned into the world’s longest skating rink.
Major’s Hill Park
If you want to marvel at Parliament Hill from afar, then visit Major’s Hill Park. It offers a great view of the city’s most famous tourist attraction while also allowing you to enjoy green spaces and check out cultural events that frequently take place there.
National Gallery of Canada
Recognized as Canada’s national museum of art, the National Gallery of Canada is a must-visit tourist attraction. You’ll find 93,000 works from artists from around the world in its permanent collection, while the museum also organizes temporary exhibits. Some of its famous pieces include Gustav Klimt’s “Hope I,” Paul Cezanne’s “Forest” and Sandro Botticelli’s “The Triumph of Mordecai.”