Canal, Market, Parliament: One Day in Ottawa Done Right

If you only have one day in Ottawa, these are the three things you should see: the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market, and Parliament Hill. They are the backbone of the city, they sit within a 15-minute walk of each other, and together they give you a real feel for what Ottawa is about. This itinerary maps out a full day, from morning coffee to a late dinner, with enough flexibility to adjust based on the season and your energy level.

Morning: The ByWard Market (9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)

Start your day in the ByWard Market, bounded roughly by George Street to the south, St. Patrick Street to the north, Sussex Drive to the west, and King Edward Avenue to the east. The outdoor vendors start setting up around 8:00 a.m. in summer, and by 9:00 the stalls along William Street and George Street are fully open.

For breakfast, Zak's Diner at 14 Clarence Street is an institution. It has been serving oversized portions of eggs, bacon, and pancakes since 1986, and the retro diner atmosphere is part of the appeal. If you want something with a bit more finesse, Stofa on Dalhousie Street offers a small brunch menu that punches well above its weight. Expect to pay around $15 to $20 per person for brunch at either spot.

After eating, explore the market itself. The ByWard Market Building at 55 ByWard Market Square is the central indoor hall, where local vendors sell cheese, baked goods, and prepared foods. Outside, the stalls change with the season: flowers and berries in summer, squash and apples in fall, maple products and crafts year-round.

While you are in the area, walk one block west to Sussex Drive and peek into the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica at 385 Sussex. It is the oldest church in Ottawa, dating to 1841, and the interior is genuinely beautiful. Entry is free and a quick visit takes about 10 minutes.

Late Morning: Parliament Hill (11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

From the market, walk west along Rideau Street, cross the Rideau Canal bridge, and turn left onto Wellington Street. Parliament Hill is directly ahead, and the walk takes about 10 minutes at an easy pace.

The Parliament grounds are open year-round and free to visit. Walk up the hill past the Centennial Flame, take in the view of the Ottawa River from the back terrace, and read the historical plaques scattered around the lawn. The Peace Tower, standing 92.2 metres tall, is visible from across the city and is the most recognizable landmark in Ottawa.

While the Centre Block is under renovation until at least 2030, free guided tours of the Senate of Canada Building at 2 Rideau Street and the House of Commons in the West Block are available. Tours run roughly every 20 minutes and last about 45 minutes. Check the Parliament of Canada website for current schedules and to reserve spots.

Before you leave the hill, walk around the back of the East Block to the Cat Sanctuary site, then continue along the cliff edge path. The view here looks north across the Ottawa River to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau. On a clear day, you can see the Gatineau Hills in the distance.

Lunch: Elgin Street or Sparks Street (1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)

From Parliament Hill, you have two good options for lunch. Walk south on Metcalfe Street for about five minutes to reach Elgin Street, where you will find a solid row of restaurants and patios. The Manx at 370 Elgin is a local favourite for sandwiches and craft beer. Pure Kitchen at 340 Elgin does excellent plant-based bowls if you want something lighter.

Alternatively, walk west along Sparks Street, Ottawa's pedestrian mall. The street itself is quieter than it once was, but Metropolitain Brasserie at 700 Sussex Drive (a short detour north) is a strong option for French-inspired lunch with a view.

Afternoon: The Rideau Canal (2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

After lunch, head east to the Rideau Canal. Start at the locks, which sit directly below the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel at the junction of Wellington and Rideau Streets. The flight of eight locks drops the canal 24 metres down to the Ottawa River, and watching boats navigate through them in summer is surprisingly absorbing. A small Parks Canada exhibit at the top of the locks explains the canal's history as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 2007.

From the locks, walk south along the eastern bank of the canal. The paved pathway is flat and shaded in stretches, passing through Confederation Park and along the edge of the National Arts Centre. Continue past the Pretoria Bridge to Patterson Creek, a pretty residential stretch where the canal widens into a small lagoon surrounded by old trees and Victorian homes. This walk is about 2 kilometres and takes 25 minutes without stopping.

If you want to extend the walk, continue another 1.5 kilometres to Dow's Lake, where you can rent a kayak or paddleboat in summer, or simply sit on the dock and watch the water. In winter, this same stretch becomes the Rideau Canal Skateway, and Dow's Lake is one of the main access points for skaters.

For those who would rather not walk the full distance, the area around the canal locks is plenty on its own. Sit on the steps beside the Chateau Laurier, watch the boats, and enjoy the view of the bridges and the river.

Evening: Dinner and a Walk (5:00 p.m. Onward)

For dinner, you have earned something good. Riviera at 62 Sparks Street is one of Ottawa's top restaurants, with a menu that changes seasonally and a wine list that goes deep. Reservations are essential. For something more casual, Supply and Demand at 1335 Wellington Street West in Hintonburg serves excellent seafood and pasta in a lively room. It is about a 15-minute Uber ride from downtown, or a short LRT trip to Tunney's Pasture station followed by a 10-minute walk.

If you are staying downtown, end the evening with a walk along the canal after dark. The pathway is lit and safe, and seeing Parliament Hill illuminated against the night sky is a fitting end to a day in the capital.

Making It Work

This itinerary covers about 6 to 8 kilometres of walking over the course of the day. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring a water bottle. If you are visiting in fall, the canal pathway is at its most beautiful when the leaves change, usually in the first two weeks of October.

If you have a second day, our 48-hour itinerary picks up where this one leaves off, adding museums, more neighbourhoods, and a trip across the river. For visitors exploring without a car, our walkable weekend guide maps out routes that connect all of these areas on foot and by LRT.

One day is not enough to see everything Ottawa has to offer. But if you hit the canal, the market, and Parliament, you will leave with a genuine sense of the city. And you will probably want to come back. For more neighbourhood-specific recommendations, see our ByWard Market guide and our overview of Elgin Street and the canal area.