Tulips were gifted from the Dutch for Canada’s role in the WWII liberation of the Netherlands. The Ottawa Tulip Festival has been around since 1953! Read on for tips from a local to visit the Canadian Tulip Festival.
Category: Ottawa
Exploring Ottawa: Hidden Gems, Local Guides & Weekend Adventures
As an Ottawa-based traveler, this city is my home base and one of my favorite places to explore. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or visiting for the first time, this category is packed with Ottawa travel guides, hidden gems, seasonal activities, and day trip ideas you won’t find in every tourism brochure.
I’m all about discovering what makes a place special from cozy cafés and vibrant festivals to scenic hikes and the best sunset views around the capital.
What You’ll Find in This Category:
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Local Guides: Food spots, walkable neighborhoods, and seasonal events
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Outdoor Adventures: Hiking trails, biking routes, and nature escapes
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Photography Spots: Where to get the best shots around the city
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Easy Day Trips: Scenic drives and weekend escapes from Ottawa
Whether You’re a Local or Just Visiting:
This city has way more to offer than Parliament Hill (though it’s worth a visit too). These guides are written from the lens of a local: with personal tips and real recommendations.
Ready to explore Ottawa beyond the guidebooks? Start here.
The best time to visit waterfalls is in the spring, after the snow melts or after a big rain storm. Even so, some of the waterfalls in and near Ottawa are great to visit year round. Without further ado, I introduce a few locations to chase waterfalls in Ottawa and Gatineau this year!
As the cold months fade away, the cherry blossoms, magnolias and apple blossoms bloom across the capital to say the warmer months are coming. Read on for when to look for the blooms and where to find them!
The four seasons in Ottawa are all beautiful and offer a unique visit to the city. Plan your staycation for one of Ottawa’s seasons now!
Parc Omega is an absolute gem less than an hour drive from Ottawa and just under 2 hours from Montreal and such a fun wildlife park
If you need some inspiration to visit Gatineau Park, look no further! Enjoy all that Gatineau Park has to offer, including some places to stop for food and drinks.
Ottawa and Gatineau Park have extensive trails for snowshoeing, which makes getting outdoors during winter so easy! Read on for your ultimate guide for snowshoeing in the National Capital Region.
Picking out pumpkins for decorations or for carving is a classic autumn activity. Find all the best pumpkin patches near Ottawa here.
If you’re looking for inspiration for where to head out with your camera, look no further! Here’s your ultimate list of places to photograph in Ottawa, with examples!
About 1.5 hours from Ottawa is this stunning hiking trail with a lookout over the Rideau Waterway.