Kick off your summer with one of the most unforgettable family experiences in Canada: a weekend in Ottawa for Canada Day 🇨🇦 From fireworks over Parliament Hill to boat rides along the canal and hands-on museums, Ottawa is packed with family-friendly things to do! And it’s surprisingly easy to navigate with kids thanks to our Ottawa itinerary.
If you’re looking for a done-for-you summer weekend plan, this Ottawa itinerary has everything you need.
Weekend Snapshot
- Drive Time: ~5–6 hours from Halton/Hamilton/Niagara
- Best for Ages: All ages
- Ideal Stay: 2 nights
- Budget: $$–$$$
- Rain Backup: Yes (see below)
Where to Stay (Family-Friendly Hotels)
🏨 Cartier Place Suite Hotel
Right in the heart of downtown, this hotel is perfect for families who want to be close to everything.
Why families love it:
- Indoor pool (huge win with kids), plus a garden patio, playground and shuffleboard court
- Children’s playroom and games room
- Walking distance to major attractions
- Spacious rooms + great city views
🏨 Fairmont Château Laurier
If you want to make the weekend feel extra special, this iconic castle-like hotel delivers.
Why it’s worth it:
- Indoor pool
- Steps from Parliament Hill and the canal
- A memorable “wow” experience for kids
🇨🇦 Things to Do in Ottawa with Kids
Here are the must-do Ottawa itinerary experiences to build your weekend around:
1. Canada Day at Parliament Hill
There’s no better place in the country to celebrate Canada Day than Parliament Hill!
Expect:
- Live music and entertainment
- Face painting and family zones
- A high-energy, patriotic atmosphere
- Top it off with the country’s best fireworks show!
👉 Arrive early — it gets busy!
2. Rideau Canal Boat Cruise
Hop on a family-friendly cruise along the Rideau Canal. Kids love being on the water, and it’s a relaxing way to see the city. This is one of the top recommended activities for the Ottawa area.
👉 Book your canal cruise in advance
3. Explore ByWard Market
Wander through ByWard Market for a mix of street performers, shops, and snacks. You can get coffee, pastries, lunch and dinner all in one spot.
Don’t miss:
- Giant pastries from BeaverTails ByWard Market – an Ottawa essential
- Local vendors and live entertainment
4. Tour Parliament Hill and Its Buildings
The grounds are open to the public for guided tours, featuring monuments, the Centennial Flame, and the Peace Tower
Top pick:
- Tour the Peace Tower, which pays tribute to Canadians who died in conflict
- East Block, West Block, and the Centre Block. The West Block serves as the temporary home of the House of Commons during the long-term restoration of the Centre Block.
- Have a picnic on the vast front lawn
🍽️ Where to Eat in Ottawa (Local & Family-Friendly)
Skip the chains — these local spots are worth the stop.
🍽️ Zak’s Diner
Ottawa’s Diner since 1986, serving all day breakfast, burgers, shakes, poutine and classic Canadian fare.
What makes it good:
- Classic 50s diner vibes.
- Great menu that everyone will like.
- Mile-high milkshakes are always a winner.
🍽️ The King Eddy
Bright venue serving burgers, fried chicken, shakes & all-day breakfast, plus craft beer & wine.
Why go:
- Burgers, pizza, handhelds and classic family foods made well.
- Casual but elevated, so everyone will enjoy their visit.
- Diner far with a pizza parlour located right beside. Locals recommend it.
🍽️ St-Hubert
An essential stop when you’re in the Ottawa-Gatineau area
What to expect:
- Famous for their chicken and ribs.
- Kid-friendly meals served in a cardboard car.
- Some liken it to a Swiss Chalet, but better!
☔ Rainy Day Backup Plan
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ve still got an amazing option in this Ottawa itinerary:
☔ Canadian Museum of History
This is not your average museum — it’s interactive, engaging, and perfect for all ages. Inside you’ll find one of Canada’s best and biggest children’s museums will have your whole family engaged. Fun fact, I got engaged on the front lawn of this museum!
Why it works:
- Massive Children’s Museum section
- Hands-on – and stunning – exhibits
- Easy to spend 2–3 hours here without getting bored
- Free admission for all on Canada Day July 1.
✨ Make This Your Ottawa Weekend Itinerary
This trip is the perfect way to kick off summer:
✔️ Celebrate Canada Day in the capital
✔️ Explore one of Canada’s most walkable cities
✔️ Mix outdoor fun with kid-friendly attractions
✔️ Enjoy great food and unforgettable views
Whether you follow this Ottawa itinerary exactly or use it as a starting point, Ottawa delivers a weekend your kids will remember. Please let us know if you visit any of these stops.
👉 Planning Tip
Canada Day weekend books up fast — especially hotels within walking distance of downtown.
More Summer Weekend Adventures
Planning more family trips this summer? Don’t miss the next stop in The Great Ontario Family Road Trip — 11 Summer Weekend Adventures Done-For-You!
Spend Canada Day in Ottawa, Ontario