The capital of Canada has so many extraordinary sights to see. While every tourist book will recommend the Parliament Buildings, ByWard Market, or the giant spider at the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa offers so much more to experience. There are so many hidden places in Ottawa that tourists, and even some locals, don't know about.
Even if you're visiting Ottawa for the first time or have lived here for years, there are plenty of hidden gems that you need to see. Even aside from the favourite spots to eat and drink, you can explore Ottawa's dune, hike along a gorgeous boardwalk trail over an ancient bog, or discover some of the local waterfalls. Plus, only a short stroll from Ottawa's famous attractions are the city's love lock bridge, stacked stone sculptures along a river, and even a cheerful red and white tent room.
If that wasn't enough, just outside of the city, you can go on many unique adventures too. There's a farm where you can walk llamas, old ruins in a garden, and a dreamy spot where you can skate through the forest.
So when you plan your next trip to Ottawa, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore outside of the typical tourist attractions. Here are 11 secret spots in Ottawa that tourists don't know about, but you'll want to add to your travel plans:
The Tent Room
Price: Free
Address: 1 Sussex Dr, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: You can go on a tour of Rideau Hall to see this Instagram-worthy red and white tent room.
Princess Louise Falls
Price: Free
Address: St Joseph Blvd, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: This stunning waterfall is located only a short walk from the road.
Remic Rapids
Price: Free
Address: Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: Along the Ottawa River, you can find beautiful sculptures made from stacked rocks.
Tavern On The Falls
Price: Depends on what you order
Address: 1 John St, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: At this peaceful patio, you can enjoy a cocktail near a waterful.
Jock River Alpaca & Llama Farm
Price: $35 per person
When: By appointment only
Address: 79 Fortune St., Richmond, Ontario
Why You Need To Go: Just outside of Ottawa, you can visit a farm where you can walk llamas and alpacas.
Place Aubry
Price: Free
Address: 3 Kent St, Gatineau, Quebec
Why You Need To Go: On this pedestrian street, you can find hundreds of whimsical pinwheels.
Patinage en Foret
Price: $14 per person
Address: 9 Montée Beausoleil, Lac-des-Loups, Quebec
Why You Need To Go: Just a short drive outside of Ottawa, you can skate through the forest.
Pinhey Forest
Price: Free
Address: Pinhey Forest, Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: You can visit Ottawa's sand dunes.
Mer Bleue Conservation Area
Price: Free
Address: Ridge Rd, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: You can go for a hike on the boardwalk trail over an ancient bog.
Japanese Zen Garden
Price: Free
Address: 100 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec
Why You Need To Go: At the Canadian Museum Of History, you can find a zen garden that will make you feel like you've travelled to Japan.
Mackenzie King Estate
Price: Free
Address: MacKenzie King Rd, Chelsea, Quebec
Why You Need To Go: Within the gardens at the Mackenzie King Estate, you can find several ruins.
*Editor's Note: A previous version of this article included Ottawa's Love Lock Bridge, also known as the Corktown Footbridge. The City of Ottawa has confirmed that the love lock bridge has been closed down.
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