25+ Exciting Things to Do in Ottawa in Summer

Ottawa truly comes alive in the summer months! As Canada’s capital shakes off the winter chill, the city transforms into a vibrant playground of outdoor festivals, scenic waterways, and cultural celebrations. Did you know that Ottawa enjoys an average of 2,084 hours of sunshine annually, with most of those golden rays blessing the summer months? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler looking to explore beyond the Parliament Buildings, this guide will unveil the perfect mix of iconic attractions and hidden gems to make your summer in Ottawa unforgettable. From paddling along the historic Rideau Canal to dancing at world-class music festivals, let’s dive into the best things to do in Ottawa during the sunny season!

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Outdoor Activities and Adventures

When summer arrives in Ottawa, the city transforms into a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from leisurely waterfront activities to adrenaline-fueled adventures. With long, sun-filled days, Canada’s capital becomes an ideal destination for exploring nature, water sports, cycling, and scenic hikes.

The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, isn’t just famous for its winter skating; in summer, it turns into a picturesque waterway for paddling. Rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard from local outfitters and enjoy a unique perspective of Ottawa’s skyline and lush green spaces. Early mornings offer the calmest waters and a peaceful escape before the midday heat sets in, making it the perfect time to paddle.

Cycling, Beaches, and Nature Escapes

Cyclists will find Ottawa’s 800-kilometer network of pathways a dream come true, with the Capital Pathway system providing scenic routes through the city’s most iconic landmarks. A popular ride follows the Ottawa River Pathway, offering breathtaking views of Parliament Hill and the distant Gatineau Hills. Visitors can rent bikes from Escape Bicycle Tours for a self-guided experience or join a guided tour to explore the city while learning about its history.

For a refreshing break, Ottawa’s urban beaches provide ideal swimming spots. Mooney’s Bay Beach along the Rideau River is a favorite, offering a mix of sunbathing, volleyball courts, and family-friendly picnic areas. The beach is staffed with lifeguards during peak hours, ensuring a safe and enjoyable swim.

For those seeking a nature escape, Gatineau Park, just a short drive across the river in Quebec, boasts over 165 kilometers of hiking trails through forests, lakes, and breathtaking lookouts. The King Mountain Trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Ottawa Valley, while the Pink Lake Trail circles a striking turquoise-hued meromictic lake—one of the most unique sights in the region.

Adventure seekers can take on whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River, one of North America’s top rafting destinations. Companies like OWL Rafting and Wilderness Tours offer excursions ranging from family-friendly floats to intense, high-adrenaline rapids. These guided tours ensure both safety and excitement while providing insights into the river’s rich history and natural ecosystem.

For a unique nature experience close to the city, the Mer Bleue Conservation Area offers a boardwalk trail through a 7,700-year-old bog ecosystem, resembling landscapes typically found in Canada’s Arctic. Birdwatchers can spot over 100 species during summer migrations, making this a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

Summer Festivals and Events

Summer in Ottawa is festival season, with events spanning music, food, culture, and performing arts, making it one of the best times to visit Canada’s capital. From late June to early September, the city buzzes with celebrations that showcase local talent, international acts, and diverse cultural traditions.

The TD Ottawa Jazz Festival kicks off the season in late June, attracting world-class musicians to venues across downtown. From intimate club performances to large outdoor concerts at Confederation Park, jazz lovers can enjoy a mix of classic and contemporary styles. Free performances at Marion Dewar Plaza provide an accessible way to experience global jazz under the summer sky.

No summer event compares to Canada Day in Ottawa on July 1st, a nationwide celebration centered around Parliament Hill. The day features live music, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities stretching from Major’s Hill Park to the Canadian Museum of History across the river. The night ends with a spectacular fireworks display over the Ottawa River, making it a bucket-list experience for any visitor.

Festivals for Every Taste and Interest

Food lovers should mark their calendars for the Ottawa Turkish Festival in August at Lansdowne Park, where visitors can indulge in authentic kebabs, baklava, and Turkish coffee while enjoying traditional music and dance performances. Artisans also showcase handcrafted ceramics and textiles, adding to the festival’s immersive experience.

Classical music fans won’t want to miss Ottawa Chamberfest, the world’s largest chamber music festival. Held in historic churches and cultural venues like the National Gallery of Canada, this festival offers intimate performances by top classical musicians. Pre-show talks provide insight into the music, making it an engaging experience for both newcomers and seasoned listeners.

For street performance lovers, the Ottawa International Busker Festival transforms Sparks Street into an open-air stage with fire breathers, magicians, acrobats, and comedians. Operating on a pay-what-you-can basis, this festival is family-friendly and free to enjoy, with nearby restaurants and patios providing the perfect place to relax between acts.

The Ottawa Lebanese Festival, held at St. Elias Cathedral, showcases Middle Eastern culture through traditional dabke dancing, live music, and authentic Lebanese cuisine. Visitors can sample shawarma, falafel, and homemade baklava, while experiencing Ottawa’s rich multicultural character firsthand.

For a larger-scale music experience, Ottawa Bluesfest is the city’s biggest summer festival, drawing international superstars and diverse musical acts to LeBreton Flats. Past headliners have included Alanis Morissette, Foo Fighters, and The Killers. Spanning 10 days in July, the festival also features food trucks, artisan vendors, and interactive activities, making it one of Canada’s top music festivals.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

Summer is the perfect time to explore Ottawa’s rich cultural landscape and historical significance as Canada’s capital. With longer days and pleasant weather, visitors can fully appreciate the city’s impressive national museums, heritage sites, and vibrant cultural events.

Parliament Hill stands as the crown jewel of Ottawa’s historical attractions. In summer, the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place daily at 10 a.m. on the front lawn, featuring members of the Canadian Armed Forces in traditional scarlet uniforms and bearskin hats. This 30-minute spectacle offers excellent photo opportunities and a glimpse into Canadian traditions. After the ceremony, take a guided tour of the Parliament Buildings, but be sure to book free admission tickets online in advance due to high demand. The Peace Tower provides breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Ottawa and beyond, making it an essential stop for first-time visitors.

Just a short walk from Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada is instantly recognizable by the giant spider sculpture “Maman” at its entrance. Summer 2025 features special exhibitions highlighting contemporary Indigenous artists alongside its permanent collection, which houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Canadian art. The gallery’s glass architecture creates naturally lit spaces that are especially striking on summer afternoons. Don’t miss the Firestone Collection of Canadian Art, which showcases works by the Group of Seven, famous for their depictions of Canada’s landscapes.

Other Museums and Indigenous Heritage

Crossing the Ottawa River via the Alexandra Bridge, visitors reach the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau. This architectural marvel houses the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles in its Grand Hall, with massive windows framing a stunning view of Parliament Hill. The Canadian History Hall offers a chronological journey through Canada’s past, providing valuable context for exploring the rest of the city. The museum also features an IMAX theater showcasing documentary films that complement its exhibitions.

For an immersive cultural experience, plan your visit around the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in late June. Held at Vincent Massey Park, this vibrant celebration of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures features traditional performances, craft markets, and food vendors serving authentic Indigenous cuisine. The festival provides meaningful insights into Canada’s original inhabitants and their ongoing contributions to the nation’s identity.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the Canadian War Museum, located near LeBreton Flats. Its striking low-slung architecture symbolically rises from the earth, representing resilience. The museum explores Canadian history through the lens of conflict, from Indigenous warfare to modern peacekeeping missions. During summer, the LeBreton Gallery displays larger artifacts, including tanks, artillery, and aircraft. The Memorial Hall is particularly moving, designed so that on Remembrance Day (November 11) at 11 a.m., sunlight perfectly illuminates the tombstone of Canada’s Unknown Soldier.

A lesser-known but fascinating attraction is the guided walking tour of ByWard Market, Ottawa’s oldest continuously operating market. Established in 1826, this historic district features cobblestone streets lined with nearly 500 businesses, including boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. Summer tours offer insights into the market’s evolution alongside Ottawa’s development as the capital. For a spookier experience, evening ghost tours uncover the market’s hidden stories and eerie past.

Food and Culinary Experiences

Ottawa’s culinary scene flourishes in summer, with outdoor patios buzzing with diners and farm-fresh ingredients making their way into local menus. Exploring the capital’s diverse food landscape is one of the best things to do in Ottawa during warm weather, offering delicious insights into its multicultural identity.

The historic ByWard Market is the epicenter of Ottawa’s food culture, especially in summer when outdoor stalls overflow with fresh produce from local farms. Early mornings see top chefs selecting ingredients alongside locals. Visitors can sample fresh fruit, artisanal cheeses, and maple products, engaging with vendors who often represent multi-generational farming families. The market’s indoor sections feature year-round specialty food shops, perfect for assembling a picnic to enjoy in Major’s Hill Park, which offers stunning views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Buildings.

For a deeper dive into Ottawa’s food scene, culinary walking tours provide an excellent introduction. Companies like C’est Bon Cooking offer guided experiences through ByWard Market, Little Italy, and Wellington West, combining food tastings with local history. These three-hour tours highlight signature dishes and seasonal specialties, such as fresh strawberries from the Ottawa Valley or locally produced gelato.

Ottawa’s restaurant patios shine in summer, particularly along Elgin Street and ByWard Market, where pedestrian-friendly spaces make for ideal people-watching spots. Notable dining options include Riviera on Sparks Street, which serves upscale Canadian cuisine with seasonal menus, and Métropolitain Brasserie, offering French-inspired dishes with views of historic Wellington Street. Many restaurants feature summer menus showcasing locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms.

Breweries and Hands-On Experiences

For a hands-on experience, culinary workshops offer visitors a chance to learn about Ottawa’s food culture. C’est Bon Cooking Studios hosts classes that focus on seasonal themes, guiding participants in preparing dishes with peak-summer ingredients. These interactive sessions often begin with a guided market tour to select fresh ingredients, followed by a cooking class and communal meal paired with local wines. Classes range from Canadian classics to international cuisines, reflecting Ottawa’s diverse population.

No visit to Ottawa is complete without trying a BeaverTail, the iconic deep-fried pastry that originated in ByWard Market in 1978. The original stand still serves these hand-stretched treats, available year-round but especially enjoyable during a summer stroll along the Rideau Canal. Whether topped with cinnamon sugar, chocolate hazelnut, or maple butter, this uniquely Canadian dessert is a must-try.

Ottawa’s craft brewery scene thrives in summer, with many breweries offering seasonal beers and outdoor tasting spaces. Popular spots include Tooth and Nail Brewing Company, Flora Hall Brewing, and Beyond the Pale Brewing Company, each known for their innovative brews and welcoming taprooms. Brewery tours in Hintonburg and Centretown provide a chance to sample distinctive local beers while learning about the brewing process. Many breweries host weekend events with live music and food trucks, making them vibrant community gathering spaces.

Beyond ByWard Market, Ottawa’s farmers’ markets showcase regional flavors. The Lansdowne Farmers’ Market, operating Sundays in Aberdeen Pavilion, features over 100 vendors selling everything from organic vegetables to artisan bread and gourmet prepared foods. The Parkdale Market in Hintonburg and the Westboro Market offer more intimate shopping experiences, where visitors can connect with local producers. These markets frequently host chef demonstrations, offering inspiration for seasonal home cooking.

Family-Friendly Activities

Ottawa is an ideal summer destination for families, offering a mix of interactive museums, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences designed to entertain all ages. Whether you’re looking for water parks, wildlife encounters, or hands-on exhibits, the capital of Canada provides countless ways to create lasting memories.

Cool Off at Calypso Theme Waterpark

When summer temperatures soar, Calypso Theme Waterpark is a top spot for family-friendly fun. Located about 30 minutes east of downtown Ottawa, it’s Canada’s largest water park, featuring over 35 waterslides, Canada’s biggest wave pool, and a lazy river. Thrill-seekers will love the Summit Tower, which stands 10 stories high, while younger children can enjoy the Pirate’s Cove splash area. To make the most of your visit, arrive early, bring plenty of sunscreen, and take advantage of shaded picnic areas to recharge between rides.

Wildlife Encounters at Parc Omega & Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Animal lovers have several opportunities to connect with wildlife in and around Ottawa. Parc Omega, located in Montebello, Quebec, offers a Canadian safari experience, where families can drive through natural habitats to see moose, elk, bison, wolves, and more. Many animals approach cars for carrots (sold at the entrance), creating unforgettable close encounters.

For a more hands-on experience, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum provides a unique opportunity to explore a working farm in the heart of the city. Kids can participate in interactive farm demonstrations, such as milking cows, collecting eggs, and learning about sustainable agriculture. Summer programs highlight seasonal farming activities, making it a fun and educational stop.

Interactive Fun at the Canada Science and Technology Museum

The Canada Science and Technology Museum is one of Ottawa’s most exciting indoor attractions for curious young minds. Completely redesigned and reopened after major renovations, the museum features cutting-edge interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. Highlights include:

• “Sound by Design” – Experiment with acoustic principles.
• “Technology in Our Lives” – Discover the evolution of household inventions.

The museum’s impressive collection of historic locomotives, including the massive Steam Locomotive 6400, makes it a must-visit for transportation enthusiasts.

Set Sail on a Pirate Adventure

For a uniquely Ottawa experience, families can embark on a swashbuckling adventure with Pirate Adventures, a themed cruise on the Rideau River. Young pirates get transformed with face painting and costumes before setting sail on a 75-minute interactive voyage that includes water cannon battles, treasure hunting, and pirate storytelling. Cruises depart from Mooney’s Bay Marina multiple times daily in summer—advance booking is recommended due to high demand.

Explore the Canadian Children’s Museum

Located inside the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, the Canadian Children’s Museum offers an immersive, hands-on exploration of world cultures. Kids can:

• Shop in a Turkish market
• Board a Pakistani bus
• Explore a Japanese home
• Load cargo onto an Egyptian sailboat

Summer 2025 highlights: Special craft workshops featuring global artisan techniques. Families can also enjoy the museum’s IMAX theater, showing family-friendly films throughout the day.

Splash Pads & Playgrounds for Free Family Fun

Ottawa boasts numerous splash pads and playgrounds, perfect for free outdoor fun on hot summer days. Notable spots include:

• Brewer Park – A modern splash pad and adventure playground along the Rideau River.
• Mooney’s Bay Park – One of Canada’s largest playgrounds, themed around the country’s provinces and territories.
• Lansdowne Park – A creative playground featuring musical elements and obstacle courses.

These well-maintained public spaces offer fantastic recreation options without requiring reservations or admission fees.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Beyond Ottawa’s iconic landmarks are charming hidden gems that showcase the city’s natural beauty, creative spirit, and rich history. These lesser-known spots offer relaxing retreats and off-the-beaten-path experiences for summer visitors.

Tranquility at the Ornamental Gardens & Arboretum

Just minutes from downtown, the Ornamental Gardens at the Central Experimental Farm provide a peaceful escape, featuring:

• Over 100 varieties of roses
• Perennial and annual flower displays
• Fragrant pathways perfect for a sunset stroll

Nearby, the Dominion Arboretum spans 64 acres along Dow’s Lake, offering shaded walking paths and secluded picnic spots. The Arboretum is particularly stunning in summer when magnolias, lilacs, and cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Outdoor Movie Nights at Lansdowne Park

On warm summer evenings, Lansdowne Park hosts outdoor movie nights on the Great Lawn, where locals spread blankets and enjoy films under the stars. The historic Aberdeen Pavilion provides a unique backdrop, and food vendors offer snacks and drinks before the screening. Movie schedules vary, so check online for dates and showtimes.

Explore Ottawa’s Vibrant Street Art Scene

Ottawa’s street art scene has transformed neighborhoods like Hintonburg, the Glebe, and downtown Ottawa into open-air galleries. Using self-guided walking tour maps, visitors can explore:

• Large-scale murals reflecting Ottawa’s history and culture
• Annual House of PainT Festival (August) – Featuring live mural painting, hip-hop performances, and dance battles under the Dunbar Bridge

This grassroots festival highlights Ottawa’s creative communities, often overlooked in traditional tourism guides.

Sunday Bikedays: Car-Free Scenic Cycling Routes

A beloved Ottawa tradition, Sunday Bikedays allow cyclists, runners, and walkers to enjoy over 50 kilometers of car-free roads from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Closed routes include:

• Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway (Ottawa River views)
• Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway (scenic Parliament Hill route)
• Gatineau Park pathways

For visitors without bikes, rental shops offer hourly or daily rates, making it an easy and eco-friendly way to explore the city.

Step into History at the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum

History buffs shouldn’t miss the Diefenbunker, a Cold War-era nuclear fallout shelter in Carp, 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa. This four-story, underground bunker, once built for top government officials, now offers:

• Guided tours through war rooms, a CBC studio, and the Prime Minister’s suite
• Escape room experiences in a real Cold War bunker
• Special summer events, including outdoor concerts

The naturally cool underground environment also makes it a refreshing escape from Ottawa’s summer heat.

Discover Urban Wilderness on Ottawa’s Hiking Trails

Ottawa’s Greenbelt and urban hiking trails offer unexpected wilderness experiences within city limits. Notable trails include:

• Pine Grove Trail – A forest escape with towering trees and shaded paths
• Stony Swamp Conservation Area – Over 40 km of trails, home to beavers, deer, and rare bird species

Trail maps are available on the National Capital Commission website, with details on difficulty levels and accessibility.

Conclusion

Summer in Ottawa offers an incredible mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and foodie delights that cater to every type of traveler! From paddling along the iconic Rideau Canal to dancing at vibrant festivals or savoring local cuisine on sun-drenched patios, Canada’s capital delivers unforgettable summer memories. As you plan your 2025 Ottawa summer getaway, use this guide to create the perfect itinerary that balances must-see attractions with off-the-beaten-path discoveries. Don’t forget your sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and camera – Ottawa’s summer beauty deserves to be captured! Have you experienced any of these Ottawa summer highlights before? Share your adventures with us in the comments below!