Ottawa and the Rideau Canal

3 Day Ottawa City Stay

  • Independent travel
  • 3 days
  • Ottawa to Ottawa
  • Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
  • Tour code 3OCS

Highlights of Ottawa

Canada’s capital, Ottawa, is home to the country’s most impressive line-up of national museums, amazing foodie scene and full of history.

Trip highlights

  • Explore the city of Ottawa
  • Haunted walking tour
  • Museum of Nature
  • National Gallery of Canada
  • Byward Market food tour
  • Bike tour of Ottawa
  • Museum of History
  • Canadian War Museum

Day by day

  1. Day 1 Arrive in Ottawa

    Arrive in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. Rich with history, culture and prestigious educational institutions, Ottawa's centrepiece is Parliament Hill, the home of Canada's federal government and the heartbeat of Canadian politics. Ottawa is also home to seven of the nine national museums of Canada. This evening join a local guide for a haunted walk of Ottawa. Learn about dark history and paranormal activities for a night of ghost stories from the area as you explore by foot.

    Overnight: Ottawa
  2. Day 2 Ottawa sightseeing

    Today admission to the Canadian Museum of Nature is included. Explore the fascinating science related to fossils, mammals, minerals, birds, plate tectonics and Arctic discovery. Next visit the National Art Gallery to see the extensive collection of Canadian art, revealing the past, celebrating the present and looking towards the future. The National Art Gallery has a variety of exhibitions and galleries including Indigenous Art, political pieces and even the critically acclaimed Forty-Part Motet that showcases 40 individual voices recorded and played back through 30 speakers positioned around the Rideau Chapel in the Canadian and Indigenous Galleries section. Join a local foodie expert for a guided walking tour of the Byward Market, known for its local artisans and speciality food shops, producers and restaurants. Sample foods, savoury bites and beverages as you hear stories from your local guide. The very first Beavertail kiosk, a famous Canadian pastry served with a variety of toppings, and a true Canadian tradition that originated in Ontario stands at Byward Market.

    Overnight: Ottawa
  3. Day 3 Ottawa sightseeing, depart Ottawa

    Join a leisurely bike ride tour and explore downtown Ottawa this morning, this mode of exploration lets you cover a lot more than on foot and closer to attractions and viewpoints than if you were to drive the city. Cycle the Rideau Canal and explore around parliament hill or Ridea Hall. This afternoon visit the Canadian Museum of History, Canada's most-visited museum, which presents the events, people and objects that have shaped the nation. Finally visit the Canadian War Museum and discover Canada's rich military history through artifacts, personal accounts, works or art, photographs and interactive exhibits.

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Map of 3 Day Ottawa City Stay route

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What's included

  • 2 nights of accommodation
  • Attractions and sightseeing as above

What's not included

  • Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
  • Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
  • Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
  • Taxes as applicable
  • Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
  • Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
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