Tourism Ottawa

Activities for the non-gamer

As hard as it may be to imagine, not everyone loves gaming. But don’t worry! If you managed to drag your spouse/parents/kids/housemates to Ottawa with you, there are LOTS of things for them to do in Canada’s capital city. The downtown sights are easily accessible by bus, but if you came by car, give them the keys and let them go have fun.

Museums

Most museums in Ottawa should be open for the entire Victoria Day Weekend. Confirm at the Museum’s Website before you go.

Canadian War Museum—about 6 blocks Northwest from CanGames
Canadian Museum of Civilization — downtown Hull. Take the #8 bus from the transitway on Albert Street. About a 30-45 minute walk from CanGames
National Gallery of Canada — Byward Market downtown
ByTown Museum & Rideau Canal Locks — downtown
Bank of Canada Currency Museum — Bank Street at Sparks Street downtown
Canadian Museum of Nature — Elgin at the 417.
Laurier House — slightly east of downtown. Home to 2 Prime Ministers. Stay for tea time.
Billings Bridge Estate Museum — old Ottawa South near Billings Bridge
Museum of Contemporary Photography — Chateau Laurier downtown *temporarily in the National Gallery*
Museum of Science & Technology — East end
Aviation Museum—East end

Shopping Areas

Glebe — great little boutiques along Bank Street, from Glebe Ave. to Holmwood, and across the Canal Bridge to Billings Bridge.
Rideau Centre & the Byward Market

Movies

ByTowne Cinema— art house & foreign films
Empire World Exchange Centre 7 — downtown feature films
Empire Rideau Centre

Chinatown

Ottawa’s Chinatown district starts at Bronson, and heads west about 6 blocks. If you’re looking for a Hello Kitty toaster, Dim Sum or some bubble tea it’s the perfect place to visit.

Parks & Bike/Walking Paths

Bike Rentals are available under the bridge across from the Chateau Laurier.

The Rideau Canal
Gatineau Park– very hilly hiking & biking. If you are not athletic, drive up inside the park to Champlain Lookout.
MacKenzie King Estate – Gatineau Park
Parliament Hill & Major’s Hill Park
Mer Blue Bog — East end

Parliament Hill

Climb the peace tower and visit the historic Parliamentary Library, which is the only part of the original building that survived the great fire.