Ottawa Sights

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There are many national museums and galleries in Ottawa and neighbouring Gatineau. All museums in Ottawa have free admission on Canada Day, July 1, although they are generally very crowded then.

• Parliament Hill www.parliamenthill.gc.ca —
  

  Parliament Hill, Canada's house of democracy
  the primary attraction for most visitors is Parliament Hill. Parliament Hill is in the middle of downtown Ottawa, overlooking the Ottawa River. Not only is the building a fine example of the Gothic revival style, it makes an excellent starting point to visit all other points of interest in the area. Tours of the building are available daily with multiple tours (in both official languages) available at staggered times throughout the day. If you have a group of greater than 10 people, you must make a reservation in advance by calling the reservations office.(613-996-0896) The centre block tour is the most popular as it includes inside views of the House of Commons, the Senate, and the newly renovated Library of Parliament. Same day tickets are free and available on a first come first served basis from 9:00 AM. Pick up your ticket as early as possible to have the best chance of securing a start time that works for you. Tours last from 20 to 60 minutes depending on building activity. Starting July 2nd until Labour Day (early September), tours of the East Block are also available: tour guides take you through the restored offices of some of the Fathers of Confederation (Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir George-Etienne Cartier, governor-general Lord Dufferin and the original Privy Council Office) explaining the beginnings of the Dominion of Canada while historical characters let you in on the daily lives of Canada's past politicians. Tours last about an hour and free same-day tickets can be picked up at the Info-tent on the Hill by West Block. If there are no more tickets available or you have to wait for your time, a fine self-guided walking tour around the grounds of Parliament Hill will keep you busy. Free booklets are available at the visitors' centre. One of the nicer, unexpected views, looking from the bottom up, can be accessed at the back of the Parliament Buildings -- that vantage point also provides a river view of the Canadian Museum of Civilization, across the river in Gatineau (formerly known as Hull). But the walk down from the west corner of the Centre Block allows visitors to visit the Hill cats, housed there. Behind the Parliament Buildings at sunset is a sight to remember. You can walk by the Rideau Canal locks (at the east corner) and visit the Bytowne Museum at river level. The locks divide Parliament Hill from the Chateau Laurier, a former railway hotel. The Chateau Laurier hotel once housed the offices of CBC radio in Ottawa as well as the studio of well-known photographer Yousuf Karsh (who recently passed away). Several framed Karsh photographs are hung in the hotel lounge. His (and his wife's) home suite is now available for guests and displays a small sampling of framed prints on the walls.
• Parliament Hill Sound & Light Show [17] — developed by the National Capital Commission, the Sound & Light Show is a 30 minute film about Canada projected on the centre block of the Parliament Buildings. Bleacher seating is available and no reservations or tickets required. There are two showings nightly during the summer months.

• Canadian War Museum www.warmuseum.ca — Moved to a new building west of downtown in 2005 but still within walking distance of the downtown attractions, the museum presents Canada's involvement in armed conflict beginning with battles between the French and British, through to the World Wars, Korea, and the country's current involvement in NATO and UN operations. Admission is $10/adult. A joint War Museum and Museum of Civilization ticket can be purchased for $15. Admission is free on Thursdays after 6PM.
• Museum of Civilization www.civilization.ca —
  

  Museum of Civilization, across the river in Hull
  

  Museum of Civilization - Atrium
  This museum presents the story of Canada's population beginning with Aboriginal migration across the Bering Strait through European settlement by the Vikings around 1000 CE, and the British and French in the 1500s. The museum is full of a variety of items ranging from full size Salish totem poles to the recreation of a small prairie town complete with grain elevator. The museum also includes an exhibit on Canada Post and a separate museum for children. Admission is $10/adult. A joint War Museum and Museum of Civilization ticket can be purchased for $15. Admission is free on Thursdays after 6PM.
• Science and Technology Museum www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca —
  

  Jacques Plante's Goalie Mask on display in the Science and Technology Museum
  The museum has several displays that are popular with children, including massive locomotives inside the building and electricity demonstrations.
• Canadian Museum of Nature www.nature.ca Currently under renovation, but several galleries (fossils, mammals, birds and Discovery Zone) are open to the public. The Grand Reopening will take place on May 22, 2010.
• National Gallery national.gallery.ca
  

  National Gallery of Canada
  380 Sussex Drive, tel (613) 990 1985. Admission is free on Thursdays after 5PM.
• Supreme Court of Canada www.scc-csc.gc.ca/visitcourt/booking/index_e.asp — Canada's highest court and the best example in Ottawa of Art Deco architecture. Its marble Grand Entrance Hall is particularly impressive. Admission is free, booking is required during low season (Sept. 1st - April 30th).
• Royal Canadian Mint www.mint.ca/store/mint/about-the-mint/visit-the-mint-1200026
• Canada Aviation Museum www.aviation.technomuses.ca
• Bank of Canada Currency Museum www.currencymuseum.ca/eng/explore/index.php — Free admission.
• Canada Agriculture Museum www.agriculture.technomuses.ca — A working animal farm in the city. You can visit animal barns, see various demonstrations and exhibitions, and ride on a horse-drawn wagon. The museum also has a playground and picnic area. It is very popular with young children and a welcome change of pace for kids who have seen enough history after visiting some of the other sights.
• Ottawa Bytown Museum is a small museum at the foot of Parliament Hill with a focus on Ottawa's early history. www.bytownmuseum.com
• Rideau Hall is the official residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her representive, the Governor General of Canada. The grounds and the residence are open to the public for tours. Admission is free, Reservations are recommanded during low season (Sept. 1st - April 30th).

For the sports fan, Ottawa has professional sports teams:

• Ottawa Senators www.ottawasenators.com -- National Hockey League (NHL)
• Ottawa 67's www.ottawa67s.com -- Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
• Ottawa Fury www.ottawafury.com -- USL Premier Development League
• Ottawa Harlequins rugbyottawa.com/harlequins -- Rugby Canada Super League