List of tourist attractions in Ottawa facts for kids

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It's a super cool place with tons of exciting things to see and do, perfect for families and young explorers! From amazing museums to beautiful parks and lively festivals, Ottawa has something for everyone. It's a city where history, nature, and fun come together.

Awesome Places to Visit

Ottawa has many places you can visit all year round. These are called "permanent attractions" because they are always there for you to explore!

Cool Museums

Museums are places where you can learn about history, science, art, and more. They often have amazing exhibits that show you how things work or what life was like long ago.

• Billings Estate National Historic Site: This is one of Ottawa's oldest homes, built in 1827! You can explore the house and grounds to see what life was like for a pioneer family.
• Bytown Museum: Located right next to the Rideau Canal, this museum tells the story of Ottawa, from its early days as Bytown to the capital city it is today.
• Canada Agriculture Museum: Ever wondered about farming? This museum is on a real working farm! You can meet farm animals, learn about crops, and see how food gets from the farm to your table.
• Canada Aviation and Space Museum: Get ready to fly! This museum has an incredible collection of airplanes and spacecraft. You can learn about the history of flight and even see some real rockets.
• Canada Science and Technology Museum: This is a super interactive museum where you can do hands-on experiments and discover how science and technology shape our world. It's full of fun gadgets and inventions!
• Canadian Museum of History: Located just across the river in Gatineau, this huge museum explores Canada's rich history and diverse cultures. It also includes the amazing Canadian Children's Museum.
• Canadian Museum of Nature: Discover dinosaurs, explore the wonders of the natural world, and learn about animals from Canada and around the globe. It's like a journey through Earth's history!
• Canadian War Museum: This museum tells the stories of Canada's military history, from ancient times to modern conflicts. It helps us understand the sacrifices made for peace.
• Currency Museum: Found inside the Bank of Canada, this museum teaches you all about money! You can see old coins, learn how money is made, and understand its role in our lives.
• Diefenbunker: This is a real, underground Cold War bunker built to protect important government officials. It's like stepping back in time to a secret hideout!
• Laurier House: This historic house was once the home of two Canadian Prime Ministers, Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. You can explore their lives and times.
• National Gallery of Canada: If you love art, this is the place to be! It has a huge collection of art from Canada and around the world, from ancient masterpieces to modern works.
• Ottawa Art Gallery: This gallery focuses on art from the Ottawa region and Canada. It's a great place to see local talent and new artistic ideas.
• Pinhey's Point Historic Site: Located on the Ottawa River, this beautiful stone manor and grounds offer a glimpse into 19th-century life. It's a lovely spot for a picnic too!
• Watson's Mill: This historic grist mill, built in 1860, is still working! You can see how grain was turned into flour using water power.

Museums Just for Kids

• Canadian Children's Museum: Located inside the Canadian Museum of History, this museum is designed especially for kids! You can travel the world, explore different cultures, and play in interactive exhibits.

Other Fun Public Places

Ottawa has many public spaces where you can relax, play, and explore the city's beauty.

• Byward Market: This is one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets. It's a lively place with fresh food, unique shops, and street performers.
• Capital Pathway: A huge network of paths perfect for biking, walking, or rollerblading. It connects many of Ottawa's attractions and offers beautiful views.
• Dominion Arboretum: A large park with thousands of different trees and shrubs. It's a peaceful place to learn about plants and enjoy nature.
• Dow's Lake: A beautiful lake that's part of the Rideau Canal. You can go paddle boating, canoeing, or kayaking in the summer, and ice skate in the winter!
• Lansdowne Park: A big urban park with sports fields, shops, restaurants, and event spaces. It's home to the historic Aberdeen Pavilion and Frank Clair Stadium.
• National Arts Centre: This is a major performing arts venue where you can watch plays, concerts, and dance performances.
• National War Memorial: Also known as "The Response," this monument honors Canadians who served in wars. It's also home to the Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Parliament Hill: This is where Canada's government works! You can take a tour of the beautiful Parliament buildings, watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony in summer, and see the Peace Tower.
• Rideau Canal: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic canal is beautiful all year round. In summer, you can boat on it, and in winter, it becomes the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink!

Special Buildings and Areas

Some places are very important or private but sometimes allow visitors.

• Library and Archives Canada: This is where Canada keeps its most important books, documents, and historical records. It's like a giant memory bank for the country!
• Rideau Hall: This is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, who represents the King or Queen. You can sometimes tour the grounds and see the beautiful gardens.
• Royal Canadian Mint: Ever wondered how coins are made? You can take a tour here to see the fascinating process of minting Canadian and international coins.
• Supreme Court of Canada: This is Canada's highest court. The building is very grand, and sometimes you can visit to learn about how laws are interpreted.

Fun Festivals and Events

Ottawa is famous for its many festivals and events that happen throughout the year. They are a great way to experience the city's lively culture!

• Canada Dance Festival: A festival celebrating all kinds of dance performances.
• Canadian Tulip Festival: One of the world's largest tulip festivals! Every spring, millions of tulips bloom across the city, making it incredibly colorful.
• Capital Pride: A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with parades and events.
• Festival of India, Ottawa: A vibrant festival celebrating Indian culture, music, dance, and food.
• Latin Sparks Festival: A lively festival celebrating Latin American culture with music, dance, and food.
• Maple Sugar Festival: A sweet festival celebrating Canada's famous maple syrup! You can learn how maple syrup is made and enjoy delicious maple treats.
• Music and Beyond: A classical music and multi-arts festival.
• Ottawa Bluesfest: One of Canada's biggest music festivals, featuring many different genres of music.
• Ottawa Chamberfest: A festival dedicated to chamber music, often held in beautiful historic venues.
• Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival: Watch exciting dragon boat races on the water!
• Ottawa Folk Festival: A festival celebrating folk music and culture.
• Ottawa Fringe Festival: A festival showcasing independent theatre and performances.
• Ottawa International Animation Festival: A world-renowned festival for animated films and cartoons.
• Ottawa International Children's Festival: A festival specifically for kids, with performances, workshops, and activities.
• Ottawa International Film Festival: A festival showcasing new and exciting films.
• Ottawa International Jazz Festival: Enjoy amazing jazz music performances from artists around the world.
• Ottawa International Writers Festival: A festival where you can meet authors and hear them talk about their books.
• Ottawa Irish Festival: A celebration of Irish culture, music, and dance.
• Rideau Canal Festival: A festival celebrating the Rideau Canal with activities on and around the water.
• Westfest: A free music and arts festival in Ottawa's west end.
• Winterlude: A fantastic winter festival! The Rideau Canal becomes the world's largest skating rink, and there are ice sculptures, snow playgrounds, and fun activities for everyone.

Map of Major Buildings

Here's a map of downtown Ottawa, including parts of Lower Town, Sandy Hill, and downtown Hull. Click on the stars to read articles on individual buildings.

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