Welcome to the Best of Ottawa
Attractions, Museums, Restaurants, Shopping, and things to do in Ottawa
Stay with us in Lord Elgin Hotel, one of the most centrally located luxury hotels in downtown Ottawa and you’ll discover the most alluring and captivating parts of Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital city. It’s just a few steps away from the Rideau Canal, with Confederation Park right at the doorstep and only a 5-minute walk to Parliament Hill. Immerse yourself in vibrant festivals, museums, galleries, eclectic dining and a world of shops and boutiques. Lord Elgin’s extraordinary location puts bountiful delights within easy walking distance.
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Welcome to the
Best of Ottawa
Attractions, Museums, Restaurants, Shopping, and Things to Do in Ottawa
Get driving directions from:
Ottawa Attractions
Museums
Dining
Shopping
Events and Things to Do in Ottawa
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Christmas Lights Across Canada
December 7 - January 7
Capital cities throughout the country are brought together by the annual celebration of Christmas Lights Across Canada.
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Winterlude
February 3-20, 2023
Unique to Ottawa and at the Lord Elgin's doorstep, these three Winterlude weekends are filled with activities and many venues are open daily.
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Winter Beerfest
February 2023 (winter edition)
This festival features three days of tastings: craft beers, spirits, gourmet food, local products and unique discoveries of all kinds!
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March Break in Canada's Capital
March 13-17, 2023
Ottawa provides more museums, attractions and stuff to do with the entire family than anywhere! You'll need a whole week to get it all in!
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Springtime in Ottawa
March - June
The weather is getting warmer and Ottawa is ready to showcase what the city has to offer in spring. There are many events highlighting the arrival of the new season, including the world-famous Tulip Festival
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Ottawa International Children’s Festival - Mini-festival of the Arts
May 11 - 14, 2023
Since 1985, the Ottawa Children’s Festival de la jeunesse (OCF) has hosted an annual celebration of the best in live performing arts for children. Held at LeBreton Flats (Canadian War Museum & Arts Court)
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CanadianTulip Festival
May 12 - 22, 2023
Ranked the world's largest tulip festival, the Canadian Tulip Festival offers you the opportunity to explore colorful tulips in full bloom
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Ottawa Cycling
April - September
Ottawa has embraced bicycles with bike lanes on city streets, and paths around the Rideau Canal and across the city. With many clubs, paths, rentals and tours biking is a unique way to see the city!
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Canada's Best Running Event
May 27-28, 2023
Starting right outside the front door of the Lord Elgin Hotel. Canada's largest running weekend. More than 50,000 people participate in six events over the weekend! Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend!
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Ottawa Fringe Festival
June 15 - 25, 2023
A Fringe Festival is a forum that unites artists and audiences in a fun, exploratory environment - where 100% of ticket sales go to the artists
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Ottawa Ribfest on Sparks Street
Summer 2023 dates TBA
Break out your bibs! Canada's biggest BBQ returns to Sparks Street in June! There'll be entertainment, music, celebrity judging and more! 11 patios are ready for you and your friends!
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Summer in Ottawa
June - September
As Canada's Capital, Ottawa is in full celebration mode all summer long. From our numerous festivals, to all the attractions at our museums and galleries, you will have to stay a week to get it all in!
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Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival
June 1 - 30, 2023
One of the few Aboriginal Arts Events that truly represents the cultural diversity of our urban Aboriginal community, with full participation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists
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Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
June 25-28, 2020
Recognized as North America's largest dragon boating festival the four day celebration offers free admission to multiple stages with world class programming.
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TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
June 23 - 30, 2023
Held across the street from the Lord Elgin Hotel in Confederation Park, this annual favorite includes the avant-garde to big band and swing, come enjoy musical stylings to suit any jazz aficionado!
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Changing of the Guard
End of June to end of August
Almost every summer morning, Canada's Ceremonial Guard marches by the Lord Elgin Hotel each day enroute to and returning from Parliament Hill.
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Canada Day
July 1, 2020
Don’t miss Canada’s 153rd birthday in the capital, when the region resonates with pageantry and the sounds of celebration!
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RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest - Lebreton Flats
July 9-19, 2020
Celebrating 25 years, Bluesfest is one of the largest international music events in the world, with over 220 musical acts on several outdoor stages, attracting more than 300,000 music fans each year.
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Music and Beyond
July 4-17, 2020
Music and Beyond is a classical music and arts festival that began in July 2010. Each year, the festival offers a variety of programming to highlight exciting connections between classical music and many other
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Chamberfest
July 25 to August 8, 2019
Ottawa Chamberfest brings together the boldest names in ensemble and solo performance for musical celebration in the nation’s capital, through its concert series, community engagement and education (CEE).
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HOPE Volleyball SummerFest
July 13, 2019
Each year, more than 25,000 players and spectators flock to Mooney’s Bay Beach in Ottawa for the greatest summer party in the region.
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Ottawa International Buskerfest
August 1-5, 2019
Visit the historic Sparks Street and watch Incredible Street Performers from around the world. Shows for the whole family including jugglers, escape artists, acrobats, fire eaters, and more!
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Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
August 31 to September 4, 2023
See hot air balloons fill the Gatineau sky, and enjoy the amusement park, fireworks, and a number of exciting shows!
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Ottawa International Animation Festival
September 20-24, 2023
Every September, the Ottawa International Animation Festival presents the world’s most cutting-edge, quirky and important animation — and transforms Ottawa into the centre of the animation universe.
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Remembrance Day Ceremonies in Ottawa
November 11th, 2023
On November 11th each year, Canadians gather at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, standing in collective Remembrance of all who have fallen in the military service of their country.
