A Great View – Walking Distance from Downtown

Buy fresh bread, fresh coldcuts, cheese and vegetables from the farmers and stores in the ByWard Market, then have an impromptu picnic in Major’s Hill Park or at Nepean Point (located behind the National Gallery of Canada) for a spectacular view. The point is a beautiful spot to take pictures of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, Victoria Island, Jacques Cartier Park, and the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

Central Experimental Farm (1) or (2)

Ottawa is the only world capital with a working farm at its centre. The Central Experimental Farm’s Ornamental Gardens and Dominion Arboretum contain lilacs, roses, peonies, over 90 hedges, rose and rock gardens and the Macoun sunken garden, as well as magnolias, crab apples, hosta gardens and shrubs, both rare and familiar. The Canada Agriculture Museum explores Canada’s agricultural heritage and presents the sights and sounds of typical farm life.

Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is a superb nature reserve just 15 minutes from Parliament Hill. Endowed with 165 kilometres (102 miles) of trails, forests containing more than 60 species of trees, abundant wildlife and numerous crystal-clear lakes, visitors can participate in outdoor activities or simply take advantage of the tranquility of a protected natural environment.

Hedge Mazes at Saunders Farm

The 6 hedge and two puzzle mazes at Saunders Farm were planted, pruned and cultivated over the past dozen years and are the largest collection of mazes in North America.

Mer Bleue Bog

One of the largest bogs in southern Ontario and arguably the most important natural area in the Greenbelt, Mer Bleue is a valuable example of a northern ecosystem - more typical of the Arctic than the Ottawa Valley - and it has been designated an internationally significant wetland.

Wakefield Steam Train

Hop aboard one of Canada’s last remaining authentic steam-powered trains and climb the Gatineau hills as did the pioneers at the turn of the last century. Built in 1907, the country’s oldest excursion locomotive carries rail-fans, nature lovers and adventurers to the picturesque tourist village of Wakefield. Relax in climate-controlled cars and let the sounds of the steam whistle and the “clickety clack” of the wheels carry you back to a by-gone era.

More Recreation, Adventure and Outdoor ideas from Ottawa Tourism.