Ultimate Ottawa Weekend Road Trip – The Walking Tour

Stop 1: Supreme Court of Canada

Walk: 10 minutes (0.8 km) – Exploring Time: 10 minutes

• Striking architecture, two 2,000 pound bronze doors and underrated views of the Ottawa River.

Stop 2: Parliament Hill & Whispering Wall

Walk: 10 minutes (0.8 km) – Explore: 10 minutes

• Check out the seat of Canadian parliament and explore buildings and try the acoustic trick at the Whispering Wall behind the Centennial Flame – it allows sound to travel along its curve.

Stop 3: Rideau Canal Locks

Walk: 10 minutes (0.8 km) – Explore: 10 minutes

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the locks are still operated manually using 19th-century technology. Also, the Rideau Canal was built as a military precaution in case of war with the U.S.

Stop 4: Major’s Hill Park

Walk: 5 minutes (0.4 km) – Explore: 10 minutes

• Grab your photos.
• This is a park with the best views of Parliament Hill, the Chateau Laurier, the National Gallery of Canada, the Rideau Canal, and the Ottawa River.

Stop 5: York Street Steps 

On your way into ByWard Market

Walk: 5 minutes (0.4 km) – Explore: 5 minutes

• York Street Steps—gritty, urban, and photogenic. They are a favourite backdrop for local photographers and street artists.

Lunch Options in ByWard Market

Walk: 2 minutes (0.2 km) – Lunch: 45 minutes

• Sidedoor – Upscale tacos & dumplings.
• Zak’s Diner – Retro comfort food.
• Play Food & Wine – Small plates & wine pairings.
• Chez Lucien – Cozy pub with killer burgers.
• Ahora – Casual, colourful Mexican fare.

Stop 6: ByWard Market

Explore: 20 minutes

• Browse local shops, murals, and food stalls after grabbing some lunch. ByWard Market is one of Canada’s oldest public markets

Stop 7: Sparks Street & Tin House

Walk: 5 minutes (0.5 km) – Explore: 10 minutes

• Canada’s first pedestrian mall. Find the Tin House tucked into a courtyard at 136 Sparks. The Tin House was salvaged from a 19th-century building and reassembled in hidden courtyard. It’s constructed from prefabricated aluminum elements and was likely intended to showcase the tinsmith’s skills.

SNACK STOP: Piccolo Grande Artisan Gelateria
55 Murray Street (≈3-minute walk) –  piccolograndeonmurray.com

Walk: 3 minutes (0.3 km)

Authentic Italian gelato made with imported ingredients and is a local favourite for over 30 years. Pistachio, hazelnut, or seasonal fruit sorbets.

Stop 8 & 9: Maman Spider Sculpture & National Gallery

Walk: 5 minutes (0.4 km) – Explore: 15 minutes (longer if visiting the gallery)

• Snap a photo with the giant spider that contains 26 marble eggs in its abdomen… not weird at all.

This is where you could stop for a gallery visit and visit Canada’s national art gallery. If not, let’s keep on walking.

Stop 10: Notre-Dame Cathedral 

Walk: 1 minute (across the street) – Explore: 10 minutes

• Across the street.
• Stunning Gothic Revival cathedral

Stop 10: Ottawa Jail Hostel

Walk: 5 minutes (0.4 km) – Explore: 10 minutes

• Peek inside this former jail turned hostel—allegedly one of the most haunted buildings in Canada. Also… the last public hanging in Canada took place here in 1869.

Stop 11: SAW Gallery & Club SAW

Walk: 5 minutes (0.4 km) – Explore: 10 minutes

• This underground art space is one of Canada’s oldest artist-run centres, known for experimental and politically charged art.

Snack Stop: The Scone Witch (Snack or Tea)

Walk: 5 minutes (0.4 km)

• Grab a little snack while you explore Confederation Park.
• 5-minute walk back toward Elgin Street.
• End your tour with a freshly baked scone – you deserve it.

Stop 12: Confederation Park

Walk: 2 minutes (0.2 km)

• Directly across from the hotel.
• An urban park with sculptures, monuments and a large fountain in the centre of the park that was relocated from Trafalgar Square, London, where it had played from 1845 to 1948.

*header Photo by Chelsey Faucher on Unsplash