Home to numerous attractions, magnificent architecture, impressive arts and the world's largest outdoor skating rink, Canada's capital is the ideal destination waiting to be explored. The fact that Ottawa is the best place to live in Canada and ranked the 14th best place to live in the world says a great deal about this dynamic city and all the more reason to visit.
Ottawa's first major settlement developed in 1826 after the construction of the Rideau Canal, a 125-mile-long canal that links the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario. The majority of the first population consisted mainly of stonemasons. Surprisingly, in just four years, the small lumber town hit 15,000 settlers and 50,000 in the surrounding areas, earning the title capital of Canada by Queen Victoria in 1857.
Although the Rideau Canal still remains one of the capital city's main attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the O-Town today is highly praised for a number of heritage sites and establishments, such as Parliament Hill, Byward Market, and the National Gallery of Canada.
In 1916, most of The Parliament Buildings (the heart of Canada's government) were destroyed by a fire, with the exception of the library, which was saved by an employee who prevented the fire from spreading by closing the library's huge iron doors.
When looking for a unique venue in an intriguing metropolis, Ottawa can provide. Your next event will be a memorable one, thanks to this incredible city!
Ottawa is home to many fun and educational attractions. Given that around 11 million tourists visit each year, it is safe to say that the Capital City has something great to offer. You'll also find many of the country's architectural gems right in downtown Ottawa, making attractions easily reachable on foot.
Canadian War Museum
Want to learn more about Canada and the conflicts over the years? The Canadian War Museum sits on the south bank of the Ottawa River and is a must for every history buff. Every year, the museum welcomes approximately 500,000 visitors, eager to learn about Canada's rich military history. Explore fascinating collections of photographs, artifacts, touching personal stories, and interactive exhibits, all combined in a 40,860-square-meter building boasting symbolic architecture.
Parliament Hill
Rising high above the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa is Parliament Hill, a heritage site and the heart of the government. Politics aside, this vibrant place is an attraction you don't want to miss. With striking Gothic-style architecture, manicured lawns, and picturesque landscapes, it is the perfect place to catch your breath and perhaps a sense of Canadian pride. Book a tour to explore inside the buildings or simply immerse yourself in the breathtaking nature by the riverbank.
Canadian Museum of Nature
While strolling around the downtown area, you will come across this magnificent building on McLeod Street and you will love everything you see inside. The Canadian Museum of Nature is one of the most popular attractions in Ottawa, and rightly so. It is home to fascinating natural history exhibits showcasing anything from life-size fossils and earth minerals to a butterfly garden and a real blue whale skeleton. The kids can take part in educational programs while you can hit the 3D movie theater and learn about history and science through HD documentaries. It is fun for the entire family, so best arrive prepared.
Rideau Canal
Rideau Canal is one of the top attractions in the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the pillar of the city of Ottawa. Built in the early 19th century, the Canal is 202km long and links the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario. In the warm months, the canal is a common gathering place for walkers, runners, and active people, and in the winter, it transforms into the largest naturally frozen ice rink in the world.
Byward Market
Apart from being a popular filming location, Byward Market is the oldest market in Ottawa, dating from 1826. Today, the vibrant and colorful market is home to more than 150 stands, selling anything from Canadian cheese and local crafts to fresh produce and baked goods. You will also find tons of gay bars, taverns, and eateries.
Though Byward Market is by far the most popular filming destination in Ottawa, the city offers a diverse selection of production locations. Whether you need a riverside background or a high floor overlooking the city skyline, it is easy to find the perfect unique location for your project.
Riverside Venues
The Ottawa River sets the perfect backdrop for a music video or a romantic movie scene. Riverside venues in Ottawa are in high demand not only for their natural light and picturesque and peaceful surroundings but also for the large open space that can accommodate groups of people and your entire production team.
Coffee Shops and Cafes
Although the "Friends" Central Perk coffee shop was fictional, there's nothing stopping you from renting a quaint cafe in downtown Ottawa for your next romantic sitcom. Coffee shops and cafes in Ottawa are excellent hosts for unique event venues, whether you want to do a photoshoot, a commercial or a music video.
Lofts
Lofts are a popular choice for special events, but are also the perfect space for production because they can be adapted to suit a variety of shoots. A loft space typically offers plenty of natural light, and its unique design can be the backdrop for any private event or production.
Lounge Spaces
The majority of lounge spaces in Ottawa boast magnificent architecture that attracts many directors and producers. With various amenities and facilities, audio and visual equipment, and convenient locations across the city, expansive and exceptional lounges in Ottawa can be the perfect environment for your production project.
Studios
Studio space is a common choice for production in Ottawa, the ideal location for photo shoots, film shoots, and music videos. Typically, a studio is located indoors and comes fully equipped, often offering post-production services.
Whether you are looking to rent the perfect event space for your birthday party or an intimate gathering, Ottawa won't disappoint. Perhaps you want to book an event venue or are a professional event planner. With countless unique event spaces across the capital city, it's easy to find the perfect spot for your next corporate event, business meeting, or as pure entertainment.
Hotels
Some of the best event venues are hotels and rightly so. The majority of hotels nowadays offer unique venues for a variety of events and celebrations, including weddings, birthday parties, business meetings, and training sessions; you name it, they've got it! Hotels are also the perfect venue for an event as they can accommodate large groups of people, plus they offer rooms where everyone can relax after the event.
Historic Buildings and Sites
If you want to impress your guests, book your wedding or next event at a historic building. Apart from their historic significance, these unique venues are the ideal setting for all sorts of gatherings because of their grandeur and architecture. The majority boast charming outdoor gardens and features, which are the perfect event venues for holding a reception.
Restaurants
Restaurants may not be classified as unique venues for hosting events, but they are the obvious choice in Ottawa. They have everything you need for the event you've been planning for so long, from space, ambiance, great food, and equipment to a desired location. Ottawa offers a variety of restaurants for meetings, social events, gatherings, and celebrations of all kinds. Look at vintage breweries, rooftop decks with breathtaking views, waterfront restaurants, and many more as party venues, special occasion spaces, or corporate event locations.
Art Galleries
Art lovers will definitely appreciate hosting events in art galleries, and in Ottawa, many of them are at your disposal, including the one and only National Gallery of Canada. Whether you're planning an elegant wedding with hundreds of guests or a small-scale social event, art galleries in Ottawa provide the perfect event space for any event you may have in mind.
Conference Centers
Ideal for your business meetings, gatherings and conference needs, conference centers are undoubtedly one of the most convenient event spaces in Ottawa. The majority are conveniently located near public transport, attractions, and restaurants. Most provide amenities such as WiFi, snacks, and drinks, and some of them even offer on-site accommodation so guests can retreat to their rooms after the event and relax.
The Canadian capital is ranked the 8th most walkable city in Canada. With an easily reachable downtown, you can explore major attractions by bike or on foot and spend a nice morning or afternoon in one of the many parks.
If this is your first time in Ottawa, a visit to the Hintonburg neighborhood is a must. The vibrant neighborhood features a thriving arts and culture scene; it is no wonder they call it "A Thriving Haven." Hintonburg is highly walkable, and its convenient location between Wellington West and Westboro makes it a popular destination for partygoers, gourmands, and artsy people.
Stroll the art galleries, vegan cafes and eclectic boutiques in the day, then hit the clubs, pubs and The Great Canadian Theatre Company at night. Don't miss shopping at Wabi-Sabi or Hintonburg Market, where you are sure to find something to your liking. Dining in Hintonburg is a unique experience, offering a wide selection of restaurants, from local delis and gastropubs to pizzerias and oyster bars. The nearby Laroche Park often hosts various festivals, fairs and art events, so be sure to check that out.
