I moved to Ottawa just over three months ago and since then, I’ve taken it upon myself to explore the sites. From food and drink to culture to fun, I give you the run down of Canada’s capital city and how to the make the most of a day in Ottawa.
Art Is In Bakery
Address: 250 City Centre Ave #112
Whether on a weekday or a weekend, the best way to start your day is with a good cup of coffee, fresh bread and pastries, and some delicious brunch and you’ll find all of these things in spades at Art Is In Bakery. Nestled in a warehouse in an industrial park seems like a strange place for a quaint little bistro, but on weekends the place is hopping and for good reason. Whether you go the sweet route with their raspberry buttermilk pancakes with vanilla whip and house made maple butter during their Sunday brunch specials or savory with their monthly rotation of Mac & Cheese topped with parmesan, panko and pesto you won’t be disappointed.
Fresh bread at Art Is In Bakery. Credit: Kim Shumsky
Parliament Hill
Address: Wellington Street
After filling up on brunch and grabbing some fresh bread, you might be in the mood to see some sights in one of Canada’s most historical cities. The first stop has to be the political heart of the country. The architecture of the building alone is a sight to behold, but with breaktaking views of the Ottawa River just over the hill, as well as other sites like The Supreme Court of Canada and the Rideau Canal, you really can’t go wrong heading downtown to traverse the sites.
The picturesque view of Parliament. Credit: Expedia
Byward Market
Address: George Street
After taking in the history of the Capital, head to the Byward Market to explore what local farmers have to offer. Being so close to the Quebec border has its benefits with fresh Quebec strawberries and pure maple syrup, plus the market is host to some other great eats like Canadian staple Beavertails and “Obama” cookies at Moulin de Provence commemorating the American president’s visit to the French bakery. I swear, I’m not trying to fatten you up with all this food.
Byward Market is the best place for fresh produce. Credit: jpatokal@iki.fi
Museums
Like any capital city, there’s no shortage of museums in Ottawa and there’s something for everyone. From the National Gallery for the artsy types, to the museums of Nature, Aviation and Space, and Science and Technology for the science types, to the War Museum for the history buffs. It’s easy to get lost in a museum for a few hours and learn more about what makes Canada so great. Check out Ottawa Tourism for these museums and more.
Louise Bourgeois’ “Maman” stands outside the National Gallery. Credit: Radagast, Wikipedia
Archery Games & Room Escape Ottawa
Address: 1860 Bank St., Unit #3
After taking in so much history, it might be time for a little fun and Archery Games & Room Escape Ottawa is just the place. Whether you’re a puzzle-lover who gets their kicks from breaking open locks or you’d rather dodge arrows flung by your friends, you’ll be able to do both at this spot that’s just a little further out from the downtown core. The venue’s two escape rooms (Boom Room and Serial Killer Charade) are some of the highest rated in the city and for good reason. I’ve played close to two dozen escape rooms and Boom Room ranked up there as one of my favorites. I’ve yet to try the archery, but watched another group play while I was there and plan to return in the near future to try it out.
Archery Games and Room Escape Ottawa is the perfect place for puzzles or those looking to get in touch with their inner Katniss. Credit: Room Escape Ottawa
* * * * *
It’s hard to limit myself to just a day’s worth of activities in this city. Every weekend I find myself wanting to explore something new and different, but with these sites you’ll get a taste of the tried and tested tourist stuff and a few things that are off the beaten path to really complete the Ottawa experience. Have you been to Ottawa or visit often? Check out Ottawa Tourism to book your trip to Canada’s capital today.
The Hudsucker 
Your pictures are stunning, well done! Absolutely dying to visit Canada, if only travel across the pond wasn’t so expensive :(
Thank you, but only the one at the very top is mine, all the others are ones credited to other people but the city is very photogenic! Hopefully you’ll get a chance to visit sometime!