Ottawa · Gatineau · The Hills
Your weekend, minus the scrolling.
Honest local guides to the Ottawa region: the village day trips 30 minutes north, the museums worth a rainy afternoon, and the date nights that aren't just dinner.
Escape to the hills
Wakefield, Quebec
Covered bridge, riverside village, a mill with a waterfall and live music at the Black Sheep.
Half day · 20 minChelsea, Quebec
Nordik Spa, Gatineau Park lookouts and one of the region's best restaurants, all in one small village.
For the season
Indoor winter activities
Museums, a Cold War bunker, thermal baths and things to do when it's −25.
FamiliesRainy day with kids
Dinosaurs, trains, trampolines and the museum hours that cost nothing.
CouplesDate night ideas
Sunset lookouts, rooftop bars, ghost walks and the canal after dark.
VisitingOttawa in 2 days
A walkable two-day plan for first-timers, plus where to stay.
HolidaysChristmas in Ottawa
Drive-through lights, Alight at Night, markets and New Year's Eve.
WinterOttawa winter guide
The canal skateway, forest skating, sledding hills and ski hills.
FestivalWinterlude 2027
Dates, the main sites, skating and where to stay.
Day trips
Gatineau Park
Pink Lake, King Mountain, Lusk Cave and the beaches.
1 hourMontebello and Parc Omega
A drive-through wildlife park and the world's largest log hotel.
45 minAlmonte
Waterfalls downtown, mills and Mill Street.
1 hourMerrickville
Hand-operated Rideau Canal locks and the big blockhouse.
1 hourUpper Canada Village
An 1860s village with two of the region's best light festivals.
All tripsEvery day trip, by drive time
Perth, Calabogie, Manotick, the Diefenbunker, Bonnechere Caves and more.
Games, concerts and tickets
Canadian Tire Centre
Getting there, parking, food, Senators and Charge tickets.
Venue guideTD Place and Lansdowne
Free transit with your ticket, Redblacks game day and parking rules.
MusicOttawa concert venues
Every stage from the arena to the 700-seat rooms.
HockeyLive hockey in Ottawa
Senators, Charge or 67's: which game to pick.
Plan your visit
Where to stay in Ottawa
Neighbourhoods honestly compared, from the Market to Gatineau.
ToursThe best Ottawa tours
Rafting, cruises, food tours and ghost walks.
BudgetFree things to do
Free museum nights, Parliament tours, parks and festivals.
LocalNeighbourhood guides
The Glebe, Westboro, Hintonburg, Little Italy and more.
For youOttawa for everyone
Seniors, solo visitors, dog owners, accessibility and groups.
Through the year
Sugar shacks and tulips
Maple season, the Tulip Festival and cherry blossoms.
SummerBeaches and Canada Day
City beaches, lake swimming, splash pads and berry picking.
FallApples, pumpkins and colour
Orchards, corn mazes and the best fall drives.
The weekend, sorted
One short email on Thursdays: what's worth doing in Ottawa and the Gatineau Hills this weekend, and nothing you'll skip.