If you only have one day in Ottawa, this walking route connects the three areas that define the city: the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market, and Parliament Hill. You will cover roughly five kilometres on foot across a full day, with plenty of stops along the way. It is manageable at any pace and works in every season.
Start at the Canal: 9:00 AM
Begin your day at Dows Lake, the wide basin at the southern end of the Rideau Canal within the city. In spring, this area is surrounded by tulips during the Canadian Tulip Festival. In summer, you can rent a kayak or pedal boat from the Dows Lake Pavilion. In autumn, the trees lining the canal put on a spectacular colour show. And in winter, this is where the southern end of the world's longest skating rink begins.
From Dows Lake, walk north along the canal pathway. The route is flat and paved, following the water through some of Ottawa's prettiest green spaces. You pass through the Glebe neighbourhood, where Bank Street crosses the canal at a picturesque bridge. If you want a coffee break, duck into the Glebe for ten minutes. Otherwise, keep walking along the canal.
Through the Heart of the City: 10:30 AM
As you continue north, the canal passes the Queensway overpass and enters the downtown core. The buildings rise on either side, but the pathway stays green and peaceful. You pass Confederation Park on your left and the National Arts Centre on your right. The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walking this stretch, you can understand why. The combination of engineered waterway, mature trees, and urban parkland is unique.
At the northern end of the canal, you reach the Ottawa Locks. This is where the Rideau Canal drops to meet the Ottawa River through a series of eight hand-operated lock stations, the same ones Colonel By's workers built in the 1830s. Watch the lockkeepers work the massive gates by hand (in summer, boats still use this route), and take in the views of the Chateau Laurier and Parliament Hill from the lock bridges.
The ByWard Market: 11:30 AM
From the canal locks, cross over to the ByWard Market. This is Ottawa's oldest continuously operating market, dating back to 1826. The outdoor section features vendors selling produce, flowers, cheese, and maple products. The surrounding blocks are packed with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
This is the right time for lunch. The ByWard Market offers everything from fast-casual shawarma (an Ottawa staple) to French bistro fare. Find a patio if the weather is good. The streets around the market building are pedestrian-friendly and lively, especially on weekends.
After lunch, wander the market streets. Sussex Drive, at the edge of the market, leads past some of Ottawa's most important buildings, including the National Gallery of Canada. If you have time and interest, the gallery deserves at least an hour. The Canadian and Indigenous Galleries on the upper floors are exceptional, and the building itself, designed by Moshe Safdie, is a work of art.
Parliament Hill: 2:00 PM
Walk west from the market along Wellington Street to reach Parliament Hill. The Parliament buildings sit on a dramatic bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, and the setting is genuinely impressive. Even if you are not interested in politics, the architecture, the views, and the grounds themselves are worth your time.
Walk the perimeter of the grounds. The front lawn faces Wellington Street and is where most official ceremonies take place. The back lawn overlooks the river, with views stretching to the Gatineau Hills. On a clear day, this is one of the finest viewpoints in the city. The Centennial Flame, near the front gates, marks the entrance with an eternal flame surrounded by provincial and territorial shields.
Guided tours of the Parliament buildings are available (free, but book ahead in peak season). The temporary Centre Block, while renovations continue on the original, still offers tours that give you a sense of the working legislature. The Library of Parliament, a stunning circular room that survived the great fire of 1916, is a highlight if you can get inside.
Late Afternoon: Choosing Your End
By this point, you have walked through the three essential areas of Ottawa. How you spend the rest of your day depends on your energy and interests. Options include walking across the Alexandra Bridge to Gatineau for views back toward Parliament Hill, continuing along the Ottawa River pathway toward Nepean Point for one of the best panoramic views of the city, or heading back to the ByWard Market for an early dinner.
If you still have energy, the walk from Parliament Hill to Nepean Point takes about ten minutes and rewards you with a sweeping view of the Ottawa River, the Gatineau Hills, and the city skyline. It is a perfect spot for photos and a quiet place to rest your feet.
Tips for This Route
Wear comfortable shoes. The walking is easy but adds up over a full day. Bring water, especially in summer. The canal pathway has limited shade in some stretches. If you are visiting in winter, the canal pathway is maintained for walking even when the canal is frozen for skating, though you might want to skate part of the route instead.
This route works well in reverse, too, starting at Parliament Hill and ending at Dows Lake. And if one day is not enough, our 48 hours in Ottawa guide expands this into a full weekend itinerary.