Top Outdoor Activities In Ottawa, Canada
Step into the vibrant heart of Ottawa, where the Rideau Canal shimmers under the sun and Parliament Hill stands majestically against the skyline. Experience Canada's Capital like never before with our thrilling outdoor activities. From the bustling ByWard Market to hidden gems in Nepean, these adventures offer a unique way to explore and enjoy Ottawa's charm. Embrace the excitement and discover why outdoor activities are the ultimate way to experience this dynamic city.
Outdoor Experiences in Ottawa, Canada
Dive into our expertly curated list of outdoor activities that promise unmatched excitement and adventure in Ottawa. Each activity is designed to showcase the city's unique vibe while offering an exhilarating experience for both tourists and locals. Whether you are navigating through a scavenger hunt or enjoying a lively bar crawl, there is always something new and thrilling waiting for you.

Ottawa’s Iconic Sights Scavenger Hunt
Downtown ByWard Market, Ottawa
From Parliament Hill to ByWard Market, Ottawa is home to some of Canada's most iconic...

Westboro’s Charming History Scavenger Hunt
Nepean, Ottawa
On this Westboro scavenger hunt, youʼll see the city in a new light while exploring...

Onward Ottawa Bar Crawl
Downtown Bar Crawl, Ottawa
Spice up your night out with a crazy mix of challenges courtesy of the Ottawa Bar Crawl.

The Strathcona Circuit Scavenger Hunt
Downtown, Ottawa
From fountains to ruins, adventure awaits! Explore Strathcona Park’s hidden gems in our...
An epic Ottawa, Canada experience
Rally your crew for trivia quests, bold photo dares, and wild scavenger challenges that earn points through our sleek app—celebrate victories together!
How Our Ottawa, Canada Outdoor Activities Work
Our team has meticulously researched over 3,050 cities worldwide—including 50+ locations across Canada—to bring you exceptional outdoor experiences tailored uniquely per city. During each activity in Ottawa, participants embark on foot-based explorations filled with intriguing trivia questions at historical markers or engaging photo tasks near public art installations—all scored via our award-winning app.
Top Outdoor Attractions In Ottawa
Ottawa's top attractions offer more than just sightseeing; they provide a canvas for unforgettable outdoor adventures. Explore iconic landmarks such as Parliament Hill, take a leisurely stroll along the Rideau Canal, or immerse yourself in history at the Canadian Museum of History. Each location is a gateway to engaging outdoor activities that will leave lasting memories. Click on each location to see related activities.
Rideau Canal
Stroll along the Rideau Canal, a must-see in Canada's Capital. Discover the iconic locks and enjoy outdoor activities like skating during Winterlude. It is a unique Ottawa attraction.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Visit the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, an outdoor gem in Ottawa. It's limestone walls glow at sunset, perfect for sightseeing. This Gothic Revival hotel is a must-see for first-time visitors.
Major's Hill Park
Discover Major's Hill Park, where Ottawa's Canada Day festivities unfold. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill from this scenic spot.
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
Marvel at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica's silver spires, an outdoor marvel in Ottawa. This historic site offers unique things to do with it's impressive façade and gargoyles.
ByWard Market Square
Experience ByWard Market Square, a lively hub for outdoor activities in Ottawa. Hunt for local crafts and enjoy street performances—a recommended thing to do when visiting.
National Arts Centre
Explore the National Arts Centre during your visit to Ottawa. This cultural hub offers outdoor events and creative energy—perfect for art lovers exploring Canada's Capital.
The National War Memorial
Pause at The National War Memorial in Confederation Square—a moving tribute to Canadian sacrifices. This landmark is essential for understanding Ottawa's rich history.
Ottawa Art Gallery
Visit the Ottawa Art Gallery for an enriching cultural experience outdoors. Discover Canadian art collections and exhibitions—an essential stop on any art lover's tour of Canada's Capital.
Pub 101
Visit Pub 101 for an engaging outdoor experience in Ottawa. Known for it's vibrant energy, it is a great spot to enjoy live music and local culture.
Chateau Lafayette
Experience history at Chateau Lafayette, Ottawa's oldest bar. It's lively outdoor setting is perfect for soaking up local culture and enjoying a pint.
Aulde Dubliner & Pour House
Aulde Dubliner & Pour House offers an authentic Irish experience outdoors in Ottawa. Enjoy hearty eats and drinks while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Dominion Tavern
Dominion Tavern is an outdoor gem for live music lovers in Ottawa. Relax with a drink and enjoy the laid-back vibes of this cultural hotspot.
Rabbit Hole
Rabbit Hole invites you to explore it's intriguing outdoor spaces in Ottawa. Discover hidden gems and enjoy creative cocktails under the stars.
Old Nepean Town Hall
Explore the Old Nepean Town Hall's charming exterior, a must-see for history buffs. This outdoor spot offers a glimpse into Ottawa's past, perfect for sightseeing and uncovering local trivia.
All Saints Anglican Church Westboro
Visit All Saints Anglican Church Westboro, where timeless architecture meets Ottawa's history. This outdoor activity is ideal for those seeking unique things to do and exploring Canada's Capital.
Winston Square
Winston Square invites you to explore it's lively atmosphere and artistic chandelier. This outdoor hub is perfect for spotting neighborhood icons and enjoying Ottawa's vibrant culture.
Maplelawn Garden
Stroll through Maplelawn Garden, where history blooms alongside nature. This serene spot offers an escape into Ottawa's past with scenic paths and hidden gems to explore outdoors.
Westboro Cenotaph
Pause at the Westboro Cenotaph, where history is honored through stately flagpoles and markers. This poignant site offers insight into Ottawa's heritage, perfect for reflective outdoor visits.
Festival House
Festival House buzzes with creativity as an arts hub in Ottawa. Explore it's vibrant exterior while enjoying music echoes from within—an inspiring outdoor activity for art lovers.
Odyssey Theatre Stage
Explore the iconic Parliament Hill, where Canada's history unfolds. Stroll the grounds for a glimpse of Ottawa's political heart. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Lord Strathcona Fountain
Discover the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In winter, skate on the world's largest rink; in summer, enjoy a scenic walk or paddle along it's tranquil waters.
Rideau River Lookout
Wander through ByWard Market, Ottawa's bustling hub for fresh produce and local crafts. Enjoy outdoor cafes and vibrant street performances in this lively district.
Strathcona’s Folly (Ruins Play Structure)
Escape to Gatineau Park, just outside Ottawa. Hike trails that offer breathtaking views of the Ottawa River and beyond. Ideal for nature lovers seeking adventure close to the city.
See our Top Outdoor Activities By Neighborhood
Explore Ottawa's diverse neighborhoods through exciting outdoor activities that reveal their unique character and charm. From Downtown's urban energy to Nepean's local flavor, each area offers it's own set of adventures waiting to be discovered by you. Click on these neighborhoods to see the related activity.

Downtown ByWard Market
Downtown ByWard Market, Ottawa
Ottawa's Downtown ByWard Market is a top destination for unique things to do. Stroll through Major's Hill Park or visit the National Arts Centre. This lively area is...

Nepean
Nepean, Ottawa
Nepean is a top attraction in Ottawa. It's historic sites like Old Nepean Town Hall and vibrant spots such as Winston Square make it a unique destination for visitors...

Downtown
Downtown, Ottawa
Discover Downtown Ottawa's vibrant atmosphere, where must-see attractions like the Odyssey Theatre Stage await. This neighborhood is perfect for sightseeing and...
See what people say about our outdoor activities in Ottawa
Join countless happy adventurers who have experienced our outdoor activities in Ottawa! With glowing reviews and high star ratings, it is clear why people love exploring this vibrant city with us. Discover snippets of their stories as they rave about their unforgettable experiences.

What a wonderful way to discover the ByWard Market neighborhood! This scavenger hunt had us laughing and learning at every turn.
James W.

I absolutely loved using ScavengerHunt.com for this experience in Highland Park. It made exploring feel like an exciting adventure!
Sophia L.

This interactive tour around Stonegate Park was such a cool thing to do. I found places I never knew existed right in my own backyard.
Daniel H.

A fun way to see iconic landmarks like Millennium Landmark while enjoying some fresh air in Kanata. Highly recommend this outdoor activity!
Amanda M.

The walking tour around All Saints Anglican Church Westboro was an amazing experience. I discovered so many interesting facts about the area.
Chris G.

Exploring Downtown Ottawa on foot is a must-do! I loved seeing all the historical sites and unique spots along the way.
Jessica D.

This self-guided tour of the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command was perfect for our date night. We learned so much together!
David B.

Our family loved this scavenger hunt adventure. It was a great way to bond while discovering hidden gems around Winston Square.
Sarah W.

What a fantastic experience walking through Maplelawn Garden. The scenery was beautiful and it felt great to be outdoors in the city.
Michael S.

I had a blast exploring the Old Nepean Town Hall. It was such a fun way to learn about local history in the heart of Ottawa.
Emily J.

A delightful way to uncover hidden spots in Kanata! The self-guided tour let us explore at our own pace while enjoying local sights.
Brian L.

We had an unforgettable date night experience wandering around Festival House, soaking up the culture and history of Ottawa.
Samantha T.

A great family activity! We all enjoyed discovering Valour Bridge together on this fun tour through our beautiful city.
Daniel A.

I loved using ScavengerHunt.com to explore the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command. Such a unique experience in downtown Ottawa!
Laura W.

The walking tour through Highland Park was an amazing way to see iconic landmarks and appreciate local history. Highly recommend!
Chris M.

This was one of the best things to do in Ottawa. The interactive tour made learning about our city so enjoyable and engaging!
Jessica G.

Exploring the historic sites around Old Nepean Town Hall was a highlight of my day. A must-do for anyone visiting this charming neighborhood.
David B.

The outdoor experience at Winston Square was fantastic. Perfect for families looking for things to do in Ottawa while enjoying nature.
Sarah D.

What a fun date idea in the ByWard Market! We discovered hidden gems and enjoyed the local atmosphere while walking around.
Michael S.

I had a blast exploring Maplelawn Garden on this walking tour. It was a great way to see the beauty of Ottawa and learn some history.
Emily J.

Such a fun thing to do with friends! The experience around Festival House brought us closer as we uncovered local secrets and historical facts together.
Mia T.

This was an engaging walking tour that highlighted fascinating stories from Westboro. A perfect way to connect with the city and its rich history.
Ethan T.

A wonderful way to explore downtown! We discovered charming spots we never noticed before, making it one of the best things to do in Ottawa.
Isabella A.

I loved using the ScavengerHunt.com app for this experience in downtown Ottawa. It made finding historic locations like Old Nepean Town Hall super easy!
Mason W.

We had so much fun doing this scavenger hunt in ByWard Market. A unique way to see iconic Ottawa spots while enjoying some friendly competition!
Sophia G.

Exploring Highland Park on this self-guided tour was amazing. It’s a great outdoor activity that lets you enjoy nature and history at your own pace.
Ava M.

What a great family activity! The kids loved discovering Valour Bridge while we enjoyed the historical insights during our walking tour.
Noah D.

This was a fantastic date idea in downtown Ottawa. We got to explore together and learn about the Royal Canadian Legion, which was really interesting.
Olivia B.

The walking tour around Maplelawn Garden was such an enjoyable experience. I loved learning about the history while strolling through beautiful scenery.
Liam S.

I had a blast exploring the Winston Square area. It was a fun way to see local history and discover hidden gems in the heart of Ottawa.
Emma J.

This interactive experience in Highland Park was one of my favorite things to do in Ottawa. Can't wait to try another hunt soon!
Daniel W.

A great family activity! The kids loved exploring Stonegate Park while we learned about its historical significance—so much fun!
Sophia L.

Our walking tour around Valour Bridge offered stunning views and fascinating stories about Ottawa's past—a must-do experience!
James H.

This scavenger hunt through downtown Ottawa was a great way to see iconic landmarks and learn local history at the same time.
Laura M.

Exploring Youngs Pond Park was such a refreshing experience. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for outdoor things to do.
Chris G.

The walking tour around Winston Square was amazing. I discovered so many interesting historical spots that I never knew existed.
Jessica D.

This was an awesome date idea in downtown Ottawa. We enjoyed uncovering hidden gems together while learning about the area.
David B.

We loved our time at Festival House. It was an engaging outdoor activity perfect for families visiting the capital.
Sarah W.

What a fantastic experience discovering the Old Nepean Town Hall. This tour made history come alive in a fun way.
Michael S.

I had a blast exploring Maplelawn Garden on this walking tour. It was such a beautiful spot in the heart of Ottawa.
Emily J.
FAQs.
What are some fun Outdoor Activities in Ottawa?
Are scavenger hunts good for groups in Ottawa?
I am new to Ottawa what do you recommend?
I am an Ottawa local would this be fun for me?
What is the full list of all the scavenger hunts and activities that I can do in Ottawa
Fun Ottawa Facts and Hidden Gems
Another tidbit: The famous Rideau Canal becomes one of the world's largest skating rinks during winter! This historical waterway offers year-round fun.