Tales from the Road: Ottawa

Which country and region did you visit?

I visited Ottawa, the capital of Canada. Having always been curious about what makes this city tick, I was excited to finally experience its blend of history, culture, and friendly atmosphere for myself. Nestled on the banks of the Ottawa River, the city is not only the political heart of the country but also boasts beautiful parks, impressive architecture, and a lively arts scene. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by how clean and welcoming Ottawa felt—there’s a calm energy here that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in.

How did you get there?

I flew directly from London Heathrow to Ottawa with Air Canada on their new non-stop route—and it couldn’t have been easier. The flight time was just 7 hours heading out, which made for a smooth and efficient journey.

I travelled in Premium Economy, which I highly recommend. The seats were spacious with plenty of legroom, making the experience really comfortable from take-off to landing. Meal service was excellent too—I enjoyed a tasty butter chicken with a fresh salad and a Biscoff tart for dessert.

There was also a great selection of films and TV shows onboard, so the time passed quickly. Overall, it was a fantastic start to my Ottawa adventure.

Where did you go in Ottawa?

We based ourselves in Ottawa for five days and honestly, I feel like we only scratched the surface. There’s so much to see and do within the city itself—from cultural landmarks and waterfront walks to incredible restaurants and local markets. We also took a day trip out to the Thousand Islands region, about 90 minutes east of Kingston. It’s a stunning area dotted with charming river communities, and the drive alone—through lush countryside—was worth the journey.

When did you go and how long for?

I visited in May for five days, which turned out to be an absolutely delightful time of year to experience Ottawa. The city was in the midst of its famous tulip season, so colourful blooms could be seen throughout parks and public gardens, adding a cheerful vibrancy to every stroll. The weather was wonderfully mild—warm enough for comfortable sightseeing without the intensity of summer heat—making it perfect for exploring both outdoor attractions and city streets on foot. There was a pleasant buzz in the air, as locals and visitors alike were out enjoying the cafés, patios, and markets, but it never felt crowded or overwhelming. This meant I could take my time at popular spots like Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market without long queues or too much hustle. Overall, May offered the ideal mix of natural beauty, comfortable temperatures, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere for discovering everything Ottawa has to offer.

Have you visited Ottawa before?

This was my very first time in Ottawa—and in Eastern Canada more broadly—and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m already plotting my return! Next time I’d love to travel the east coast by train and take in more cities along the way, comparing their different personalities, architecture, and food scenes.

Which was your favourite…?

Place:

Major’s Hill Park – This park is a peaceful gem right in the heart of the city. It’s perched between Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market, offering sweeping views over the Ottawa River. I loved walking through its open green spaces and gardens, and it’s an ideal spot to relax with a coffee or picnic after sightseeing.

Excursion:

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Ottawa’s museums—especially the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian Museum of Nature. The Museum of History, located just across the river in Gatineau, gives brilliant insight into Canada’s past, with a powerful focus on Indigenous history and storytelling—it’s deeply moving and beautifully curated. The Museum of Nature, housed in a castle-like building, is equally captivating, especially for its dinosaur exhibits and Arctic galleries. It’s engaging, informative and fun for all ages.

Hotel:

We stayed at the Lord Elgin Hotel, and it couldn’t have been better located—right in downtown Ottawa, close to all the major sights. Despite being in the city centre, it had a really relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. My room was spacious and quiet, and the hotel had excellent amenities including a 24-hour gym, a swimming pool, hot tub and sauna—perfect for unwinding after a full day of walking. There’s also a restaurant and bar on-site, ideal for a nightcap.

What was your most memorable moment?

Without a doubt, flying over the Thousand Islands in a helicopter. I was a bit nervous beforehand, but once we lifted off and I saw the view—dozens of tree-covered islands scattered across the shimmering St. Lawrence River—I completely forgot my nerves. It was breathtaking. Afterwards, we enjoyed a peaceful cruise on the river, dipping between Canadian and American waters. Seeing the landscape from both the sky and the water was unforgettable.

Were there any surprises along the way?

Yes—how green the city is! Ottawa is full of parks, riverside paths and urban wilderness. I wasn’t expecting such easy access to nature during a city break. Gatineau Park, just across the river, is perfect for hiking and cycling, and places like Rideau Canal Pathway and Dow’s Lake offer scenic walks and picnic spots right in the city.

What tips do you have for travellers planning to visit Ottawa?

Comfortable shoes are a must—Ottawa is a wonderfully walkable city, and there’s so much to explore on foot. Be sure to visit ByWard Market with its stalls, boutiques and food vendors—it’s a great place to meet locals and pick up handmade souvenirs. If you’re curious like me, book a walking tour; there are so many options, whether you’re into history, architecture, or even ghost stories!

Is there anything indispensable to pack or prepare for?

If you’re visiting in the shoulder seasons like May or September, pack layers. During our stay, temperatures swung from cool and cloudy at 15°C to sunny and warm at 20°C. Layers meant I could stay comfortable and enjoy full days out without needing to head back to the hotel.

Any local snacks, dishes or drink that should be sampled?

You can’t go to Canada and not try poutine! I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about chips, gravy and cheese curds—but it’s incredibly comforting and genuinely tasty. My favourite was from The Chelsea Pub in Old Chelsea (a short drive from Ottawa). Their version uses beer-infused gravy, which gave it a rich depth of flavour. I paired it with a Bella Ciao! Spritz, made with their house-distilled Aperitivo—so refreshing! You also must try an “Obama Cookie” from Le Moulin de Provence. These delicious shortbread cookies in the shape of a maple leaf were made famous by Barack Obama who stopped by for one on his presidential visit in 2009. No trip to Ottawa is complete without a visit to the BeaverTails stand in the ByWard Market – have fun selecting toppings for your sweet treat or go classic and enjoy a simple coating of sugar and squeeze of lemon.

Any restaurant or bar recommendations?

Yes! Play Food and Wine in ByWard Market was a standout. On Sundays, they offer a three-course set menu for $50, which is amazing value. I had the scallops, falafel and lamb—all beautifully prepared and presented. We shared a few desserts and a couple of bottles of wine between us. The atmosphere was relaxed but lively, and the service was excellent. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Sum up your trip in a sentence?

A vibrant, walkable city break with culture, nature, history and seriously good food all in one place—I loved every minute of it.