Free museums
- National Gallery of Canada: free on Thursday nights, 5 to 8 pm. Book a free ticket online or pick one up at the box office.
- Other national museums: several, including the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum, have free Thursday evening windows. The times differ by museum, so check before you go.
- Always free: the Bank of Canada Museum, the Ottawa Art Gallery, and the two galleries at Ottawa City Hall.
Parliament and Rideau Hall
Guided tours of the House of Commons in West Block and the Senate are free; book ahead, especially in summer. Rideau Hall, the Governor General's residence, offers free tours, and its grounds are open to walk. From late June to late August, the Changing of the Guard takes place daily on Parliament Hill.
Parks and pathways
- Walk or cycle the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River pathways.
- The Central Experimental Farm and Dominion Arboretum, free to wander.
- Major's Hill Park, by the Château Laurier, for the best views of the Hill.
- The Mer Bleue Bog boardwalk in the east end.
- Gatineau Park's trails, free except for summer parking fees at the beaches. See the Gatineau Park guide.
Free things to do in winter
Skate the Rideau Canal Skateway (bring your own skates), go sledding on the city's toboggan hills, and visit Winterlude's ice sculptures and Snowflake Kingdom. In December, the Christmas lights on Parliament Hill and the Lansdowne Christmas Market are free. See the winter guide.
Free things to do with kids
Splash pads and city beaches in summer, the Experimental Farm's fields and gardens, Petrie Island's nature trails, and Thursday museum nights.
Free things to do in Gatineau
Jacques-Cartier Park and the riverfront paths, Leamy Lake Park, and Gatineau Park's trails. See Old Hull and Gatineau.
Cheap things to do in Ottawa
- A 67's game at TD Place, with free transit included in your ticket. 67's tickets
- Watson's Mill in Manotick, open by donation in season.
- A BeaverTail and a wander through the ByWard Market.
- Second-run films at the Mayfair Theatre in Old Ottawa South.
Free things to do this weekend
Our Thursday newsletter lists the best free events each weekend. Sign up below.
FAQ
When is the National Gallery of Canada free?
Every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 pm. A free ticket is required, online or at the box office.
Which Ottawa museums are always free?
The Bank of Canada Museum and the Ottawa Art Gallery are free year-round, as are the galleries at Ottawa City Hall.
Are Parliament tours free?
Yes. Guided tours of the House of Commons in West Block and of the Senate are free. Book ahead in busy seasons.
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.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, hours and seasons change, so confirm with the venue before you go.