National Capital Region Travel Guide
A comprehensive tour guide for National Capital Region in Canada, highlighting the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to National Capital Region
- List of Places to Visit in National Capital Region
- Hiking/Biking Routes of National Capital Region
- Best Things to Do in National Capital Region: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for National Capital Region
- Food and Drink Scene of National Capital Region
- Where to Stay in National Capital Region: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in National Capital Region: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of National Capital Region
- Best Time to Visit National Capital Region
- Do’s and Don’ts of National Capital Region
- Safety and Health
- Getting to National Capital Region: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in National Capital Region
- Where to Go Next from National Capital Region: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to National Capital Region
Located in Canada, North America, National Capital Region is a vibrant and historic destination that offers travelers a blend of culture and scenic views. The region includes Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, and two neighboring cities - Gatineau in Quebec and Ontario’s charming city of Kanata. This area of Canada is known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene and abundance of outdoor activities. Planning a trip to National Capital Region guarantees an exciting and memorable experience.
List of Places to Visit in National Capital Region
There are countless attractions in National Capital Region that are worth exploring. Here are some of the must-visit places:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
The region’s rich history is reflected in an array of museums and historical places that offer a deep insight into Canadian culture and heritage.
- Canadian War Museum
- National Gallery of Canada
- Canadian Museum of History
- Parliament Hill
- Rideau Canal
- Canadian Museum of Nature
- Royal Canadian Mint
- Byward Market
Natural Attractions of National Capital Region: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Apart from the cultural attractions, National Capital Region is full of scenic beauty and outdoor activities that will give visitors an adrenaline rush.
- Gatineau Park
- Rideau Falls
- Major’s Hill Park
- Mackenzie King Estate
- Calypso Water Park
- Confederation Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of National Capital Region
National Capital Region offers various hiking and biking routes that allow visitors to fully experience the region’s beauty. The routes are well-marked and accessible for all levels of fitness.
- Gatineau Park Loop
- Rideau Canal Pathway
- Greenbelt Pathway West
- Ottawa River Pathway
- Champlain Lookout Trail
Best Things to Do in National Capital Region: Activities and Tours
There is no shortage of fun things to do in National Capital Region. Here are some of the activities that visitors should definitely consider:
- Take a food tour in Byward Market
- Explore Parliament Hill
- Go ice-skating on the Rideau Canal
- Take a bike tour of the city
- Go white-water rafting on Ottawa River
- Attend a live show at the National Arts Centre
- Visit the Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum
- Take a helicopter tour of the city
Week-Long Itinerary for National Capital Region
If you have a week to spend exploring National Capital Region, here’s a sample itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Ottawa and explore the city center.
Day 2: Visit Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada.
Day 3: Take a bike ride along the Rideau Canal Pathway followed by a visit to the Mackenzie King Estate in Gatineau Park.
Day 4: Take a road trip to Calypso Water Park.
Day 5: Drive to the Canadian War Museum in The West End, followed by a visit to the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum.
Day 6: Spend a day exploring the Canadian Museum of History across from Parliament Hill.
Day 7: Visit the Royal Canadian Mint and Byward Market before departing from Ottawa.
Food and Drink Scene of National Capital Region
National Capital Region is home to some of the best food and drink in the country. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Beaver tails (a type of pastry)
- Poutine (French fries, cheese curds, and gravy)
- Nanaimo bars (a dessert bar made with chocolate and custard)
- Butter tarts (a small pastry filled with butter, sugar, and eggs)
- Tourtière (a meat pie)
Local Beverages
- Steam Whistle Pilsner
- Beau’s Lug Tread Ale
- Sleeman’s Honey Brown Lager
- Kichesippi 1855
- Stalwart Black Moose
Where to Stay in National Capital Region: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
National Capital Region has an array of options when it comes to accommodation, from affordable hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some highly rated options:
- Hotel Chateau-Laurier
- Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello
- Brookstreet Hotel
- Andaz Ottawa Byward Market
- HI Ottawa Jail Hostel
What to Buy in National Capital Region: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Looking for something to take home from your trip to National Capital Region? Here are some local products that you should consider buying:
- Maple syrup
- Beaver tail hat
- Nanaimo bar mix
- Inukshuk carving
- Canadian whiskey
Local Culture and Customs of National Capital Region
National Capital Region is a diverse and welcoming community. It is important to respect the cultural diversity of the region and show appreciation for its rich history and heritage. Canadians are known for their friendliness and politeness, so be sure to say “please” and “thank you” and be mindful of your surroundings in public spaces.
Best Time to Visit National Capital Region
National Capital Region can be visited at any time of the year but the best time is from late May to early October when the weather is mild and the outdoor activities are available.
Do’s and Don’ts of National Capital Region
Do:
- Try the local cuisine
- Visit museums and landmarks to learn about the region’s history and culture
- Express gratitude and politeness when interacting with locals
- Respect local wildlife and nature reserves
Don’t:
- Litter in public spaces
- Be disrespectful towards local customs and cultures
- Disturb local wildlife
- Abide by noise and littering ordinances
Safety and Health
Safety in National Capital Region
National Capital Region is a relatively safe place to visit, but it’s always important to take precautions like not leaving valuables unattended and avoiding public parks at night.
Health in National Capital Region
Health care in National Capital Region is easily accessible and of high quality. It is recommended to have travel insurance in case of any unforeseen medical issues.
Getting to National Capital Region: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near National Capital Region
The closest airport to National Capital Region is Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), which is around 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa.
Bus Stations Near National Capital Region
Greyhound buses and other local buses operate from downtown Ottawa and Quebec’s Hull area.
Other Options
For those driving, National Capital Region is easily accessible by road. The region also has an efficient rail and bus system that makes travelling in and around the region quite comfortable.
How to Get Around in National Capital Region
National Capital Region is well connected with public transportation. The OC Transpo operates buses throughout the city and the downtown core is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle. Private taxi cabs and Uber services are also available.
Where to Go Next from National Capital Region: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
National Capital Region is the ideal base for exploring some of the most beautiful parts of Canada. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can consider:
- Montreal, Quebec (2 hours drive)
- Toronto, Ontario (4.5 hours drive)
- Thousand Islands (2-hour drive)
- Algonquin Provincial Park (4.5 hours drive)
Conclusion
National Capital Region is a hidden gem that visitors should definitely consider adding to their travel itinerary. Boasting a blend of diverse cultural experiences, natural beauty, and outdoor activities, National Capital Region is a fantastic destination in Canada. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can make the most of their trip to National Capital Region and discover everything that this region has to offer.
