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Top 10 Summer Activities to do in Ottawa


Blog by Geoff Walker - RE/MAX Absolute Walker Realty | August 3rd, 2023


The final month of summer is upon us and if you feel that you haven’t done much during your time off we have provided a list for you to enjoy these fun and different activities that range for all types of people. Those who enjoy the outdoors, others interested in history, and some who are adrenaline junkies looking for a new activity to try. If you live in the Ottawa area there are so many different fun things to try with friends and family that we don’t want you to miss out.


1 - The Ottawa River Zipline Adventure is $45.98 per person. You get to enjoy a 120 feet overview of the Ottawa river straight into Gatineau. Grab a bite to eat afterwards and talk about the adventure you just endured. This zipline is the only interprovincial zipline in the world. There are safety instructors and harnesses so you will have a blast and have it done safely.


2 - National Gallery of Canada is $20 a person, you get to visit different sculptures, paintings, and drawings. This gallery has over 75,000 works of art. You get to understand and educate yourself on each piece along with the artists themselves. They even hold different activities for families to attend.


3 - The haunted walk in Ottawa is $25 for adults and $20 for youth, an outdoor tour to visit haunted locations, hear ghost stories and dark history. This tour has different locations ranging from the original haunted walk of Ottawa, haunted Ottawa jail tour, Ghosts of upper Canada village and Ghosts of the Mackenzie King Estate. If you want to learn about the history of Ottawa and learn some spooky stories this tour is for you!


4 - Hiking in Gatineau Park is a free way to get some exercise and witness the beautiful view of nature. Gatineau Park is not far from Ottawa, and has some great trails for adventure. Get outside this last month of summer for some fresh air and the hot sun!


5 - The Ottawa Boat Cruise company provides entertaining commentary in both English and French on a must-do river cruise to experience the Ottawa river. This activity costs about $45 per person. You get to experience Ottawa’s history and learn entertaining facts. This cruise goes for an hour and a half.


6 - Canada’s best white water rafting is on the Ottawa river with Wilderness Tours. The tours range from gentle family rafting to high adventure. A family rafting trip lasts about 4-5 hours, the minimum age is 5 years old, and lunch is included in this trip.


7 - Top karting is a fun activity that anyone can do. It costs around 40$ for a ten minute race. It is an indoor track and is a competitive game. It is perfect for those who have the need for speed and want to challenge their friends.


8 - The Byward farmers market is an outdoor market that has a variety of goodies. Enjoy Canadian cheese and maple infused chocolates. There are many different stalls that sell clothes, jewelry, and art. It is a great way to explore the heart of Ottawa, with family and friends  enjoying great tasting foods and the summer weather.


9 - Have tea at the Chateau Laurier! Afternoon tea is available to try delicious tasting foods, and experience the rich history of Ottawa. It is open from 11 am - 3:30 pm every day. It is 73$ per person and you get to experience luxury so close to home.


10  - The drive-in experience is the only place that plays outdoor movies in Ottawa. They have two different locations one in the West by the RBC festival fields and one in the East at the RGCT parking lot. They play a variety of movies that you get to experience in the comfort of your own car!




Now that you have all these different activities to try, don't waste the rest of your summer! Get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Bring family and friends to create new memories and have a blast in the heart of Ottawa for the last summer months.