Free and Cheap Things to Do in Ottawa in 2026

Start with the city’s most celebrated sights and most of them cost nothing. Parliament Hill offers free 40-minute guided tours of the House of Commons when Parliament is not in session (book online in advance) or the Senate of Canada  and their historic interiors. Stroll the lawns, see the Centennial Flame, and take in the views over the Ottawa River.

Nearby, the striking Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica is free to enter, as is the National War Memorial — watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 10am on summer mornings, led by a procession of bagpipers. Just steps away, the iconic Maman bronze spider sculpture stands in front of the National Gallery — one of Ottawa’s most photographed spots, and free to see any time.

Don’t miss Majors Hill Park,a green oasis in the heart of the city with sweeping views of the Parliament Buildings and the Rideau Canal. It’s a perfect picnic spot and one of the best free things to do in Ottawa on a sunny day.

Ottawa is home to seven national museums, and you don’t need to pay full admission to enjoy them. Every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm, the following museums offer free admission:
• National Gallery of Canada
• The Canadian Museum of Nature
• The Canadian War Museum,
• The Canadian Museum of History,(across the river in Gatineau)

Prefer a different day? Arrive in the last hour before closing at  The Canada Aviation and Space Museum,, The Canadian Science and Technology, or the The Agriculture and Food Museum for complimentary entry. And the Bank of Canada Museum is free every single day, all year round, a genuinely hidden gem. Check the hours of operation for latest info. 

The ByWard Marke is Ottawa’s most lively neighbourhood — part open-air farmers market, part street food hub, part nightlife district. Browse local produce, find hidden murals, snap a photo with the big Ottawa sign, and try a BeaverTail (a Canadian fried-dough classic) for just a few dollars.

A few blocks away, Sparks Street — North America’s first outdoor pedestrian mall lined with public art, boutique shops, and great café patios. It’s also home to Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals, where you can rent a bike and explore the whole city at your own pace.

For a more local feel, venture into Little Italy and The Glebe, and Wellington West — three of Ottawa’s most charming neighbourhoods, filled with independent restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. Great for a low-key afternoon of wandering without spending much at all.

The Ottawa Gatineau area is a playground to outdoor lovers and home to some of the best hiking in Canada!

The Rideau Canal — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is free to walk or cycle along in every season. In summer, the pathways on both banks are perfect for a bike ride or a peaceful stroll. In winter, it transforms into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink (skate rentals available for a small fee).

Across the river in Gatineau Park, the Pink Lake Trail is a crowd favourite, a short, easy loop around a stunning meromictic lake that takes under an hour. More adventurous hikers should check out Luskville Falls or the Lusk Caves. All trails are free to hike.

Ottawa’s festival calendar is packed all year long and many of its biggest events are completely free to attend.

• Ottawa Tulip Festival (May) — Commissioners Park bursts into colour. Free to walk; optional paid tours available.
• National Poutine Festival on Sparks Street (late April/May) — free entry, food for purchase.
• Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, (June) — free to spectate, with live music and food vendors.
• Canada Day on Parliament Hill (July 1) — the country’s biggest Canada Day celebration, free fireworks and live concerts.
• Sound & Light Show on Parliament Hill (summer evenings) — a free nightly show projected onto the Parliament Buildings.

Check Ottawa Tourism’s events calendar closer to your visit for exact 2026 dates and any new additions.

• Parliament Hill tours are free — book your spot online ahead of time as they fill up quickly.
• Pack a picnic and head to Majors Hill Park or Commissioner’s Park for lunch with a view.
• Visit museums on Thursday evenings to skip the admission cost entirely.
• Grab a BeaverTail from ByWard Market instead of a sit-down restaurant for a cheap and iconic Ottawa snack.
• Rent a bike on Sparks Street — it’s the fastest and cheapest way to see what Ottawa has to offer in a day.

The best way to see Ottawa on a budget is on two wheels. Our guided bike tours pass by Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, ByWard Market, and more — giving you the full story behind the city’s history and neighbourhoods without the price tag of a bus tour. Prefer to go at your own pace? Rent a bike or e-bike  from our shop on Sparks Street and follow one of our free self-guided route maps.