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<\/p>\nThis article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).<\/p>\n
In 2026, Ottawa is marking its bicentennial \u2014 or, more specifically, 200 years since the establishment of Bytown, a lumber camp from which the city later evolved. To celebrate, there\u2019s a year-long programme of events ranging from history-themed museum exhibitions to block parties. This mix of old and new underscores each visit to Canada\u2019s elegant, walkable capital. You can listen out for the echo of bagpipes during the changing of the guard on Parliament Hill, home to the gothic revival government buildings, all turrets and gargoyles. Then, walk 10 minutes to an industrial taproom in the downtown area, settling in with an innovative fruit-infused pint. Elsewhere, there are opportunities to learn about the Indigenous Algonquin people, on whose territory Ottawa sits, and take in the leafy cityscape, with some 1,300 parks and green spaces. New direct flights from London Gatwick with Air Transat make the city easier to access than ever before.<\/p>\n
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Ice skaters make their way towards Dow\u2019s Lake on the Rideau Canal.<\/p>\n
The Canadian Press; Alamy Stock Photo<\/p>\n
HeritageImmerse Yourself in Politics<\/p>\n
Usually open for visits, Ottawa\u2019s parliament buildings are under renovation until 2031. In the meantime, Parliament: The Immersive Experience<\/a>, located downtown, offers a virtual tour of the Centre Block, home to the House of Commons and Senate chambers. Learn about the influence of decisions made centuries ago, as well as how Canadians are shaping their future today.<\/p>\n Cruise a Canal<\/p>\n A Unesco World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal stretches 125 miles from Ottawa to Lake Ontario. It first opened in 1832 for military purposes but instead became used for trade, transport and, now, leisure. On an evening cruise<\/a> between downtown and Dow\u2019s Lake, you\u2019ll pass landmarks like the Canadian Museum of Nature, then dock by the castle-like Fairmont Ch\u00e2teau Laurier hotel as the sun sets behind it.<\/p>\n Visit the Museum of History<\/p>\n Glimpse views of the 200-year-old city as you head across the steel truss Alexandra Bridge over the Ottawa River and into Gatineau, Quebec. Watching over the water is the Canadian Museum of History<\/a>. Here, the Canadian History Hall traces the country\u2019s story from its first peoples to the present day, while temporary exhibitions explore everything from stamps to Canadian Impressionism.<\/p>\n The Indigenous hoop dance symbolises the circle of life.<\/p>\n Tracey Lynne<\/p>\n Discover Indigenous Culture<\/p>\n A 20-minute drive from the city, M\u0101dah\u00f2k\u00ec Farm<\/a> is a refuge for endangered Ojibwe Spirit horses, Canada\u2019s only indigenous equine breed, sacred to the Algonquin Anishinaabe people. A visit gives insight into their thousand-year culture. Meet the animals, learn about their significance from the elders and watch a mesmerising hoop dance, symbolising the connection between wildlife, nature and the circle of life.<\/p>\n ModernSee Contemporary Art<\/p>\n Head downtown to the Laurier Avenue Bridge underpass to discover Ottawa-based muralist Cassandra Dickie\u2019s frescoes, then to the nearby Glebe neighbourhood for a trail of murals that includes depictions of wildlife. Finish your self-guided tour at the National Gallery of Canada<\/a>, where a 30ft-high bronze spider by 20th-century French-American artist Louise Bourgeois guards the entrance. The glass-and-granite building houses a collection featuring work by artist and activist Ai Wei Wei.<\/p>\n Watch Live Sport<\/p>\n Join 24,000 fans and cheer on football team Atl\u00e9tico Ottawa warming up for the Canadian Premier League at TD Place Stadium<\/a>. The rugby ball-shaped ground is in the sleepy Lansdowne district. In the adjoining arena, catch the Ottawa BlackJacks shooting some hoops or the Ottawa 67\u2019s, the junior ice hockey team, charging their opponents.<\/p>\n There is a colourful mural on York Steps near ByWard Market.<\/p>\n JuliaDorian; Alamy Stock Photo<\/p>\n Sip Creative Pints<\/p>\n A zesty wheat beer from Beyond the Pale ByWard Taproom<\/a> is the perfect start to an evening exploring Ottawa\u2019s nightlife. Found in the heart of the beloved ByWard Market area, close to the Totem Pole of Canada landmark, the industrial-style brewery is known for innovative and regularly changing tap beers. Sit on the large outdoor patio, strung with fairy lights \u00ad\u2014 the perfect spot to try a grapefruit-infused Pink Fuzz or a peachy Aromatherapy, or settle in for a personalised tasting.<\/p>\n \u2018Fly\u2019 Over the City<\/p>\n![\"Indigenous](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ottowa1.jpg\")
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