Summer weekend in Ottawa
How locals do summer in Ottawa — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Ottawa
Rideau Canal
FamilyCentretown
Pedal boats in summer, 7.8 km skate in winter.
Westboro Beach
FamilyWestboro
Sandy river beach with a great little café.
Winterlude BeaverTail crawl
FamilyCanal
Skate, ice sculptures, hot chocolate — repeat.
Commissioners Park Tulips
OutdoorsDows Lake
300,000 tulips peak mid-May.
Gatineau Park
OutdoorsGatineau
Lakes, 165 km of trails, peak fall colour.
ByWard Market
Food & DrinkByWard
BeaverTails, farmers stalls and late-night patios.
Where to eat
Atelier
$$$$Molecular tasting · Hintonburg
44 surprise courses — Ottawa's most experimental.
Beckta
$$$$Canadian tasting · Centretown
Wine country in a Victorian mansion.
El Camino
$$Mexican street · Elgin
Tacos and mezcal, basement vibes.
Riviera
$$$Modern Canadian · Downtown
Old bank turned glittery brasserie.
Live & on stage
Canada Day on the Hill
Parliament Hill · Jul 1 · Pop / Free
Escapade Music Festival
Lansdowne Park · Jun 21–22 · Electronic
RBC Bluesfest
LeBreton Flats · Jul 10–20 · Rock / Blues
Winterlude
Canal + Confederation Park · Feb 7 – 17 · Festival / Free
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: ByWard Market, Gatineau Park, Rideau Canal. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Ottawa and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.