There is something wonderful to experience and explore in Ottawa all year long. Check out some of the many events and seasonal celebrations below—and let us know if we can offer any tips or insider info as you plan your visit to our majestic city!
A prime location in the heart of Ottawa’s downtown
Our neighbourhood
Welcome to the Best of Ottawa
The Lord Elgin Hotel serves as the premier gateway to downtown Ottawa, offering unparalleled access to Canada’s most iconic landmarks. Located directly across from the lush greenery of Confederation Park, our historic hotel is a short, scenic walk from Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and the National Arts Centre. Whether you are visiting for the ByWard Market’s vibrant dining scene, world-class museums, or seasonal festivals like Winterlude and the Ottawa Jazz Festival, our central Elgin Street location provides a refined and walkable home base in the heart of the Capital.
neighbourhood map
Attractions, museums, restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Ottawa.
- 1
El Camino
- 2
North & Navy
- 3
Harmon’s Steakhouse
- 4
Citizen
- 5
Riviera Ottawa
- 6
Arlo Wine & Restaurant
- 7
Raphael Peruvian Cuisine
- 8
Browns Socialhouse Centretown
- 9
Corner Peach
- 10
The Grand Pizzeria & Bar
- 11
Zak’s Diner
- 12
Whalesbone Oyster House
- 13
Elgin Street Diner
- 14
Art is In Boulangerie
- 15
Mamma Teresa
- 16
Al’s Steak House
- 17
Johnny Farina
- 18
Blue Cactus
- 19
Tanger Outlet Mall
- 20
Bayshore Shopping Centre
- 21
Byward Market
- 22
St Laurent Shopping Centre
- 23
Rideau Centre
- 24
Bytown Museum
- 25
Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum
- 26
Royal Canadian Mint
- 27
Canada Science and Technology Museum
- 28
Canadian Museum of Nature
- 29
Canada Aviation Museum
- 30
National Gallery of Canada
- 31
Canadian War Museum
- 32
Centre Canadian Tire
- 33
Canadian Museum of History
- 34
Commissioners Park
- 35
Dows Lake
- 36
Ottawa International Airport
- 37
Via Rail Station
- 38
TD Place (Lansdowne Park)
- 39
Ottawa City Hall
- 40
University of Ottawa
- 41
Carleton University
- 42
Shaw Center
- 43
Major Hills Park
- 44
Laurier House
- 45
Gatineau Park
- 46
Parliament Hill
- 47
Rideau Canal
- 48
Rink of dreams
- 49
National Arts Centre
- 50
Metropolitan Brasserie
- 51
Gitanes
- 52
Beckta Dining & Wine
- 53
Pure Kitchen
- 54
Zak’s Cantina
- 55
1 Elgin Restaurant
Events & Things to Do in Ottawa
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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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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Bicycling in and around Ottawa
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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Spring Fever 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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Christmas Lights Across Canada
DECEMBER 2025 Capital cities throughout the country are brought together by the annual celebration of Christmas Lights Across Canada.
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Winterlude February
2025 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
2025 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 2025 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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Ottawa International Children’s Festival
MAY 10 - 14, 2024 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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