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More Things to do in Ottawa, including Tours, Layover, and Overnight Ideas


Stuff to do in Ottawa




Things To Do in Ottawa & Ottawa Airport Layover Ideas


Ottawa things to do

Things to do in Ottawa if you have a Ottawa Airport Layover or Extended Ottawa Airport Stopover


If you have an extended layover at the Ottawa Airport or staying in town, why not consider getting out with some fun activities? We list a few here and there are many more on Ottawa.LayoverIdeas.com.


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YOW Ottawa International Airport offers reliable public transport into the city centre leaving many options at different prices to get to your chosen layover activities. With a choice of culture, history, exercise and shopping there is something for everyone in Ottawa.



Canadian Museum of Civilization


With all sorts of exhibits and activities to choose from the Canadian Museum of Civilization is a great place to visit on a layover in Ottawa. You can visit the family, adult or children's programs, attend performances, or visit the IMAX. If you are hungry or thirsty there is a choice of three places to get something to eat or drink. Fancy a spot of shopping? Then pop into one of the boutiques to pick up some souvenirs of your transit city.



Rideau Canal


If you fancy some exercise and a bit of fresh air then why not take a walk along the Rideau Canal? One of Canada’s historic canals, the Rideau Canal stretches 202km from Lake Ontario to Ottawa. Now, if you are on a layover you probably won’t get to see the whole thing but there are plenty of walking, boating and skating activities to keep visitors busy. You also get to see working locks that have been well maintained to ensure the canal is navigable for boaters. In winter this canal becomes a 7.8km long ice skating rink right through the heart of Ottawa.



National Gallery of Canada


The National Gallery of Canada has many exceptional collections for you to browse through if you are looking for a bit of culture to help you pass the time. National Gallery of Canada is well known for its unique ability to engage audiences of all ages and all levels of artistic knowledge so there will undoubtedly be something to keep everyone entertained. Created in 1880, the National Gallery of Canada is among the oldest of Canada's national cultural institutions and well worth a visit if you are in transit through Ottawa.



Rideau Centre


Retail therapy is sometimes the only thing to do to pass the time on a layover, especially when you get to try out some of the biggest names in fashion while you are at it! If you are looking for great shopping in Ottawa then the Rideau Centre is the place to go. Right in the Heart of downtown Ottawa, this mall is packed with clothing, electrical gadgets, eateries and entertainment to keep even the most discerning shopper happy. Make sure you have space in your luggage for all your purchases.



As always, make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to YOW Ottawa International Airport in time for your connecting flight. Enjoy your transit city rather than passing the time leaning up against your luggage in the departures lounge.



 More Ottawa Airport Transfer & Airport Connection Options



Last Updated: 28 Feb 2025