Summer in Ottawa is like flipping the city’s personality switch—suddenly, the capital gets loud, bright, and endlessly fun. As someone who’s spent every July and August soaking up the city’s sun (and sweating through a few ribfests), let me take you on a whirlwind tour of the best things to do in Ottawa this summer—whether you’re a tourist, a first-timer, or an “I’ve lived here forever” kind of local.

Start With the Obvious: Parliament Hill and Beyond

Yes, I know, everyone says to visit Parliament Hill. But trust me, there’s something magical about watching the Northern Lights Sound and Light Show in the warm night air with the Gothic towers glowing behind you. It's free, it’s beautiful, and it’s something every Canadian should see at least once.

Right nearby? Take a stroll down Sparks Street. It’s one of the oldest pedestrian streets in Canada and turns into a hub of festivals like Ribfest and Buskerfest all summer long.

Rideau Canal Isn’t Just for Winter

Forget the skates—you’re paddling this time. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Ottawa SUP or Dow’s Lake Marina and glide through the heart of the city. Or, if you’re more of a “drink wine while watching water” person, book a relaxing boat cruise with Rideau Canal Cruises.

Festival Season is Full Throttle

Ottawa summers mean festivals, and I mean a lot of festivals. Here are a few that deserve a spot on your calendar:

• Ottawa Bluesfest (July): Massive music festival with headliners that range from indie gems to global megastars.

• Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival (June): It’s free, family-friendly, and packed with food trucks and live music.

• Capital Pride (August): One of the most vibrant and inclusive events of the summer.

• Glowfair Festival: A neon street party meets music fest meets art installation. Trust me, it’s wild.

Eat Like a Local (Who Brunches and Snacks Religiously)

Start your day at Wilf & Ada’s for what I consider the best brunch in the city. Locally sourced, freshly made, and their eggs benny could win awards.

Midday snack? Head to ByWard Market. Yes, it’s touristy, but there’s a reason it’s a staple. Grab a BeaverTail, scope out the stalls, and duck into La Bottega for some unreal Italian sandwiches.

For dinner, check out Supply and Demand on Wellington West—it’s trendy, it’s got a raw bar, and it nails that casual-but-special vibe.

Outdoor Adventures You Didn’t Expect

Just because it’s the capital doesn’t mean it’s all concrete. Take a hike through Gatineau Park (yes, it’s technically Quebec, but close enough), rent bikes through Escape Bicycle Tours, or head to Britannia Beach for a dip and a dose of sunset.

Want something even more offbeat? Try urban foraging with Forager Bee or join a ghost tour with The Haunted Walk. Ottawa has a spooky side, and it’s surprisingly fun to explore after dark.

Family Fun, Too

Bringing the kids? Calypso Waterpark is less than 30 minutes away and is massive. Inside the city, the Canadian Museum of Nature and Canada Science and Technology Museum are interactive, air-conditioned, and genuinely cool.

My Personal Pro Tips:

• Grab sunset drinks on the rooftop at Copper Spirits & Sights—the view is unbeatable.

• Go early to Moo Shu Ice Cream before the line wraps around the block. Their rotating flavours are next-level.

• If you're here in late June or early July, hit up Ottawa Jazz Festival at Confederation Park. Even if jazz isn’t your thing, the vibe is unreal.

Ottawa isn’t just suits and politics—it’s patios, paddleboards, music, art, and late-night eats. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a whole month, this city knows how to do summer right. And if you’re lucky? You might just run into me, gelato in hand, waiting for fireworks to light up the Ottawa sky.