I’ll admit it — I had low expectations for Ottawa. I thought, “It’s Canada’s capital… so it’s probably a little stiff, super political, and mostly just government buildings and tour groups, right?”

Wrong.

Ottawa is surprisingly chill, ridiculously scenic, and way cooler than it lets on. Between riverside patios, rooftop views, quirky markets, and more museums than I could fit into one weekend, I left wondering why no one told me Ottawa was this fun.

If you’ve been sleeping on the capital, here’s your sign to wake up and go. Here’s how I spent a weekend falling for Ottawa, one historic block (and butter tart) at a time.

Morning Bliss at the Rideau Canal

There’s no better place to start than the Rideau Canal — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and probably the most charming waterway in the country.

In summer, it’s full of canoes, kayaks, and cyclists cruising the trails on either side. In winter? It transforms into the world’s largest skating rink, and yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds. Picture skating past Parliament with snowflakes in your hair and a warm Beavertail in hand — which, by the way, is required eating in Ottawa.

I rented a bike from RentABike Ottawa and rode alongside the canal all the way to Dow’s Lake, stopping for iced coffee and selfies whenever I felt like it (which was often). It’s a peaceful, postcard-perfect ride — and an ideal intro to the city.

ByWard Market: Brunch, Browsing & Baked Goods

Next stop: ByWard Market — the oldest and most eclectic market in Ottawa. It’s not just one building, but a whole district of cafés, boutiques, bakeries, and farmers' stalls all blending together in the most chaotic, colorful way.

I grabbed brunch at Wilf & Ada’s — a small, much-hyped spot that absolutely delivered. Their eggs benedict with house-cured bacon made me emotional. Like, should-I-cry-into-my-latte emotional.

After that, I wandered through shops selling everything from handmade jewelry to maple-infused hot sauce, grabbed a fresh peach from a roadside vendor, and finished with a massive chocolate croissant from Aux Délices Bakery. It did not survive the block.

And yes, there’s a little touristy energy here — but it’s fun, and it works. Especially when there’s a busker playing violin in front of a flower stall and the whole street smells like cinnamon and sunscreen.

Parliament Hill: History with a View

Okay yes, you have to do Parliament Hill. Even if you're not a history buff, the architecture alone is worth the visit — it’s all gothic arches, copper roofs, and dramatic spires that rise up like something out of a royal daydream.

You can take a free guided tour of Centre Block (when it's open — check for construction updates), or just explore the grounds at your own pace. I recommend climbing to the Peace Tower for panoramic views of the city, especially at golden hour.

I caught the Changing of the Guard ceremony in the morning, then came back at night for the Northern Lights Sound & Light Show projected onto the building’s façade — it’s patriotic, theatrical, and actually kind of moving. Bring a blanket and watch it with a snack under the stars. 10/10 would recommend.

Museum Hopping, Capital-Style

Ottawa is museum central, and you honestly can’t go wrong — but here are my top two:

• Canadian Museum of History (technically across the river in Gatineau, but still part of the experience): stunning architecture, an incredible Grand Hall filled with towering totem poles, and exhibits that make you see Canada in a whole new light.

• National Gallery of Canada: even if you’re not into art, go for the building. It’s this massive glass and granite masterpiece filled with light, and the giant spider sculpture out front (her name is Maman) is now one of my favorite weird icons in Canada.

And if you have extra time? The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is fascinating and hands-on, and the Diefenbunker (a real Cold War-era underground bunker turned museum) is straight out of a spy movie.

Dinner with a View: Rooftops and Riverfronts

My favorite meal in Ottawa? Easy — dinner at Tavern on the Hill. It’s casual, open-air, and perched right on a bluff overlooking the Parliament buildings and the river. I sipped local cider, devoured a gourmet hot dog (don’t knock it till you try it), and watched the sun set behind the skyline.

If you’re looking for something more elevated, Atelier serves a 44-course tasting menu that’s full-on culinary theatre. It’s not cheap, but it’s unforgettable.

Ottawa has a surprisingly good cocktail scene too — The Moonroom and Charlotte are both worth a visit for late-night vibes and expertly made drinks.

Final Thoughts: Ottawa is Low-Key Amazing

So here’s the truth: Ottawa isn’t loud — but it’s layered. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it quietly earns your love with cobblestone streets, river walks, late-night art, and lattes by the canal.

It’s a place that blends elegance with everyday charm. One minute you’re learning about Confederation, the next you’re sipping a rosé slushie under string lights. And somehow, it all fits.

So if you’ve been overlooking Canada’s capital, it might be time to look again. Ottawa just might surprise you — the same way it surprised me.