How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Ottawa, Canada

All Topics about Ottawa All Cities in Canada

1. ByWard Market

Busy market with souvenir shops and restaurants. Overpriced and crowded. Avoid during peak hours.

Authentic Food Finds: Discover local eateries away from the market's main streets.
Off-Peak Visits: Plan your visit during late morning or early evening to avoid the crowds.
Local Shops Bargaining: Negotiate prices at souvenir shops for better deals.

Iconic waterway with boat tours offering overpriced rides. Explore the canal on foot or by bike instead.

Canal Biking: Rent a bike and explore the Rideau Canal's picturesque pathways.
Lockside Walking Tour: Join a free walking tour to learn about Ottawa's history.
Canal Boat Rentals: Rent an affordable canoe or kayak and navigate the canal yourself.

Famous landmark with guided tours that often charge extra for the best views. Check out surrounding parks and monuments instead.

Gatineau Park Exploration: Discover breathtaking landscapes just a short drive away.
Peace Tower Climb: Climb the Peace Tower for free during the summer months.
Museum of Nature Visit: Learn about Canadian wildlife and geology at this affordable attraction.

Expensive light show event with overpriced food and drink options. Attend free festivals instead.

Canadian Tulip Festival: Celebrate spring with millions of tulips blooming throughout Ottawa.
Ottawa Folk Music Festival: Enjoy live music performances by local and international artists.
Winterlude Festival: Experience ice sculptures, snow playgrounds, and other winter activities during this three-week celebration.

High-end restaurants offering tourist menus. Seek out local neighborhood dining spots.

Chinatown Restaurants: Savor delicious and authentic Asian cuisine in Ottawa's Chinatown.
Little Italy Eateries: Indulge in Italian food at affordable prices in Little Italy.
ByWard Market Food Stalls: Sample diverse street foods from various cultures at the market's food stalls.

Expensive admission fee for the art museum. Visit on free days or explore lesser-known galleries.

Ottawa Art Gallery: Experience contemporary and Indigenous Canadian art at this smaller, free gallery.
Free Days at NAG: Check the National Art Gallery's schedule for free admission days.
Glenn Herald Contemporary Art: Discover a unique collection of modern and contemporary art in a converted fire station.

Touristy gift shop with overpriced items. Skip the tour and explore nearby attractions.

Canadian Museum of History: Learn about Canada's history, culture, and Indigenous heritage.
National War Memorial: Honor Canada's fallen soldiers at this poignant monument.
Rideau Hall Visit: Tour the official residence of the Governor General and explore its beautiful gardens.

Sports events with high ticket prices. Attend free festivals or sports games at community centers.

Community Centre Leagues: Join local sports leagues for a more authentic Ottawa experience.
Ottawa Festivals: Participate in cultural festivals celebrating various communities and traditions.
Park Workout Classes: Join free workout classes offered at city parks during the summer months.

Overcrowded pedestrian street with overpriced dining options. Explore nearby neighborhoods for a more authentic experience.

Little Italy Nightlife: Experience lively bars, pubs, and nightlife in Little Italy.
Hintonburg Breweries: Sample local craft beers at breweries in the Hintonburg neighborhood.
ByWard Market Nightlife: Enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene with live music and late-night eats at the ByWard Market.

Expensive boat tours offering generic commentary. Rent a kayak or canoe for a unique perspective.

Kayak or Canoe Rental: Explore the Ottawa River at your own pace with a rented kayak or canoe.
Bike and Boat Combo: Combine a bike ride along the river with a boat tour for a more affordable experience.
Ottawa River Beaches: Relax at one of Ottawa's beautiful riverside beaches during the summer months.

Touristy area with overpriced shopping and dining. Visit nearby neighborhoods for local experiences.

Chinatown Shopping: Find unique Asian gifts, ingredients, and clothing in Ottawa's Chinatown.
Little Italy Shopping: Discover independent boutiques selling fashionable clothing and accessories.
ByWard Market Shops: Explore a diverse range of shops, from antique stores to craft markets.

Overpriced admission fee with long lines. Visit smaller wildlife sanctuaries or animal rescues.

Wildlife Sanctuary: Support local wildlife conservation efforts by visiting a sanctuary.
Animal Rescue Center: Learn about animal rehabilitation and adoption at a rescue center.
Educational Programs: Engage in educational programs focused on wildlife conservation and education.

Expensive brewery tours with tastings. Self-guided beer tastings at local breweries.

Self-Guided Brewery Tour: Visit multiple breweries on your own schedule and at your own pace.
Brewery Tasting Passes: Purchase a pass that allows for tastings at several breweries.
Craft Beer Festivals: Sample local and international beers at festivals featuring food trucks, live music, and more.

Overpriced hop-on-hop-off tours with generic commentary. Explore Ottawa by bike or public transportation.

Bike Rentals: Rent a bike to explore the city at your own pace.
Public Transit Pass: Purchase an affordable transit pass for unlimited travel on Ottawa's buses and trains.
Walking Tours: Join free walking tours to learn about Ottawa's history, architecture, and culture.

Expensive ghost tours with long wait times. Research local hauntings and create your own self-guided tour.

Self-Guided Ghost Tour: Visit Ottawa's most haunted locations on your own terms.
Ghost Story Research: Learn about Ottawa's ghost stories and legends through books or online resources.
Free Ghost Tours: Attend free ghost tours offered during certain events and festivals.